Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-SEQ Pops into Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 28 November, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Moranbah Airport from Archerfield.

File photo

While the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ departed Mackay Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE departed Rockhampton Airport for Dubbo and Canberra.  As mentioned below, it had flown up from these places on Tuesday 26 November to Emerald Airport before flying across to Rocky yesterday.

Sunshine Coast-based Cessna 172 VH-HAX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caloundra and then departed to Townsville. 

Flylink Aviation College Diamond DA 40 VH-EUU visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH visited the Oaky Creek Mine site from Brisbane. 

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Conoco Phillips (USA) Gulfstream G550 (G-V-SP) Bizjet N797CP Calls into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

During the late afternoon on Thursday 7 November, a nice corporate bizjet in the form of Conoco Phillips (USA) Gulfstream G550 (G-V-SP) bizjet N797CP arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Brisbane.  It had arrived from overseas earlier in the week.

UPDATE!  During the late afternoon on Saturday 9 November, N797CP departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for Brisbane and then back overseas.

While Victorian-based but American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then later down to Archerfield. 

And GCH Jet Operations (New Zealand) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet ZK-JCJ arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It had earlier flown across from Christchurch in New Zealand.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 November, ZK-JCJ departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast and back to Christchurch and Taupo in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 7 November, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Keeroongooloo and this afternoon flew East to Bundaberg Airport and then back up to Tierawoomba. 

Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV flew down from its Denison Downs (Emerald) base to Dalby. 

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and later departed to Bundaberg Airport. 

Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up from Gold Coast to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before it later flew down to Archerfield. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and then Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.  Of interest, on Wednesday 6 November, VH-VEJ was noted departing Oaky Creek (after arriving at the start of the week) and flying to Emerald Airport and then Rolleston Aerodrome before flying down to Brisbane.

And 1959-built Cessna 180B Skywagon VH-AUE was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Kilcoy.

Photos taken by James Hackett  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 29 August, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then headed out to Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Archerfield - the opposite flight to yesterday!

File photo

While Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then Oaky Creek before then heading back to Brisbane. 

Auslink Aviation / Aircrew Training and Support Diamond DA-40 VH-END visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield. 

Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-TAZ visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield.

And the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 29 August, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Guardian 10" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield. It is assumed that it will position into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and provide support for the upcoming Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24) which will kick off next week.

UPDATE!  Indeed on Friday 30 August, VH-XIA "Guardian 10" departed Rockhampton Airport for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

And LifeFlight Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport and then departed to Archerfield.  

VH-XIU arrives into Clermont Hospital  (File photo)

It has been operating at Mackay Airport for the locally-based Central Queensland Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) helicopter service.

Finally, during the afternoon, also on Thursday 29 August, at least eleven helicopters departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour (Airlie Beach) on a Safari flight.  They were captured by local plane spotter Garth C as they rested after arriving into Hervey Bay Airport the previous day.

There were some familiar and new helicopters to CQ including Robinson R66s - Queensland based VH-CSG and VH-YSE, New South Wales based VH-VVY and VH-ESJ and Victoria based VH-PFF.  Plus Robinson R44s - South Australia based VH-CNT, Victoria based VH-RZC and VH-NIK and NewSouth Wales based VH-OLR, VH-KNK and VH-JGO. 

Photos taken by Garth Coad  ©️

New Caledonia Based Diamond DA42 NG Twin Star F-OPIL Arrives into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 10 August, New Caledonia based Diamond DA42 NG Twin Star F-OPIL was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from Nouméa (La Tontouta International Airport) and the Sunshine Coast.

https://ata-by-pelletier.aero/

The Diamond looks to be flown by Pilotes Maritimes Nouvelle-Caledonie (Maritime Pilots of New Caledonia - A Public service delegated by the Government of New Caledonia).

At the time of writing, F-OPIL seems to be spending the night at Longreach Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 11 August, D42 F-OPIL departed Longreach to Mount Isa and Darwin.  It then spent the rest of August making its way via all stops to Dinan - Trélivan Airport (LFEB) in Brittany, France.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 10 August, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Warwick. 

Indara Holdings / Wettenhall Air Service Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 VH-8RT flew down from Cairns to Charleville Airport and then Melbourne (Essendon) and Deniliquin.  It looks to have flown North the previous day.

And Sky Mountain Aviation (NSW) Beech E55 Baron VH-ANR flew into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then departed to Caloundra. 

Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB Passes Through CQ Airports on way to PNG - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 August, Orange Helicopters (NSW) Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-VCB was noted passing through some Central Queensland Airports while reportedly heading up to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

It arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Southport and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before finishing the day at Townsville.

VH-VCB is due to depart further to Carins and Far North Queensland before heading up to PNG on Sunday 4 August.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 3 August, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 41" landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa then departed to Roma Airport and RAAF Base Amberley.

And six Victoria based and two Queensland based helicopters landed at Agnes Water, flying up via Orchid Beach.  Locally-based AS350 Squirrel VH-WMW and Eurocopter EC130 VH-EHY were joined by Victoria-based Robinson R44s VH-LLZ and VH-CMS, Robinson R66 VH-VVU, AMT OH-58A Kiowa VH-DJW, Bell 505 VH-ZVJ and Bell 206B VH-NXZ.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 August, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew up to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then departing for Cairns.

While Regional Express (REX) Airlines SAAB 340+ VH-ZLA visited Moranbah Airport from Cairns as RXA9472/3.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ landed at Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane and then departed to complete airwork East of there. 

Aero Express Investments (Brisbane) Diamond DA62 VH-8R8 flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. 

And Piper PA-34-200 Seneca VH-IAJ arrived into Springsure Aerodrome from Tamworth. 

Photo taken by Arthur Scharf  ©

New S. Kidman & Co. Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-SKW at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 1 August, Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-SKW was noted departing Longreach Airport for Archerfield.  It had arrived the previous day from Fossil Downs Station, Kununurra and Mount Isa.

Felix Kälin / https://www.flickr.com/

The brand-new production aircraft was registered to well-known cattle producers S. Kidman & Co. in Brisbane during May and was delivered into Adelaide via Darwin from overseas in early June.

As shown above, the PC-12 was built in Switzerland and wore the test registration marking of HB-FRT (sn 2366) before being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 1 August, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport and then departed to Brisbane and then the Sunshine Coast.  It appears to have flown North from the Sunny Coast the previous day.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew down from Townsville to Rockhampton Airport and then Brisbane.  It then flew up Mackay Airport and then to Cairns and then back to Townsville.

Finally, also on Thursday 1 August, Auslink Aviation / Aircrew Training and Support Diamond DA-20-C1 VH-HUU visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield via Gayndah Aerodrome.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Brisbane.

Victoria based Textron (Cessna) 182T VH-ZJB landed at Longreach Airport from Porepunkah, Victoria and Bourke.

UPDATE!  Over the next 10 days, VH-ZJB continued up to Far North Queensland before returning to Porepunkah from Charleville Airport on Sunday 11 August.

New Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 26 July, the 'new' Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport but on the way were re-tasked to Nebo Aerodrome.  This was changed again and they were re-tasked to Moranbah Airport but while heading there, they were re-tasked yet again back to Mackay Airport. This afternoon VH-8TT flew out of Mackay Airport to complete airwork at Emerald and before then heading back to Mackay Airport. 

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Friday 26 July, Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Bankstown. 

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Longreach Airport and then Brisbane.

Finally, also on Friday 26 July, Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Oaky Creek Mine Site and then down to Rolleston Aerodrome.  It then flew from there to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then back then to Brisbane. 

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 121" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

And five Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star aircraft all flew up to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from RAAF Base Amberley.  They were identified as VH-UEX 'Astra 215', VH-UEZ 'Astra 230', VH-YNG, VH-UEM and VH-UEL.

It seems they are planning a big weekend of local flights around the area with the local Air Force Cadets.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 14 June, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from and later departed back to its Archerfield base.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield and then departed to Charleville and Birdsville Airports.  It then reversed the flight and returned to Archerfield.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" was in the region again, this time visiting Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" was back in the region again, flying out from Brisbane to Longreach Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before then flying up to Townsville.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 June, the new Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD flew down from Cairns and Townsville to Rockhampton Airport before later returning direct to Cairns.

Diamond DA-62 VH-8R8, departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and returned to Archerfield.  It had flown up to there from Archerfield via Rockhampton Airport last week.

Recently re-registered LifeFlight Australia (Cronin Aviation Services) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-EPH as "Guardian 20" landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield, Dalby and Roma Airports.  It then departed to Mount Isa.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ completed its usual Friday pick-up from my local Clermont Aerodrome, arriving from and departing back to Brisbane.  I don't think we will report on this common movement moving forward.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Manx Jet Management (UK) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet M-LJCR Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 3 February, the visiting Manx Jet Management (UK) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet M-LJCR departed Hamiton Island Airport for Darwin and then Bangkok, Thailand. 

M-LJCR arrives into Darwin Airport

It had arrived from Melbourne (Essendon) on Tuesday 30 January.

While over on the mainland, Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns. It had flown into Far North Queensland the previous day.

At the time of writing it appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Monday 5 February, VH-VSZ departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Sydney.

Also still parked at Proserpine Airport was McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 17" which arrived on Friday 2 February - see Blog post below!

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 February, VH-PIY "Machflight 17" departed Prosie for the Sunshine Coast.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B200 King Air VH-EWG passed through Emerald Airport twice while flying up and down between Toowoomba (and Brisbane on the return leg) and Kidston.

Air Link Piper PA-31-350 VH-MZF flew into Blackall Airport from Bankstown and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 4 February, VH-MZF returned to Archerfield.  It is due to return to Bankstown on Monday 5 February.

Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche B VH-SEX looked to visit Middlemount Aerodrome from Inverell (New South Wales) and Dalby.

And Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTI, VH-EQO, VH-PQE and VH-YTZ all arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp via Archerfield before departing back to Wellcamp.

Finally, also on Saturday 3 February, there were several helicopters noted flying around the region.

Radford Harvesting (Tasmania) / Utility Helicopters (Sunshine Coast) Agusta 119 Koala helicopter VH-X6I (N803CF) was noted flying around the Mackay Hinterland area.

Frontier Helicopters (WA) Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel VH-ZBQ passed through at least Dalby and Charleville Airports while flying from Redcliffe to Alice Springs.

Omni Executive (Canberra) / M.I. Helicopters (Roma) Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III VH-NPI was seen flying out of and back to its Roma Airport base.

And Australian Army marked Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Warhorse 207" was noted completing airwork and eventually landing at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Photos taken by Mary Marshall and James Kirk  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q402 VH-8QA Calls into Emerald and Moranbah Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 9 January, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 VH-8QA arrived into Emerald Airport from Brisbane as JTE388D.  This is its first visit in Emerald Airport and the first time in a number of weeks that a National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 has touched down at Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  After spending the night, on Wednesday 10 January, VH-8QA was spotted soon before departing Emerald Airport for Moranbah Airport before it then flew down to Brisbane all as JTE381D.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 9 January, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Nebo Aerodrome from Bundaberg Airport - this time flying there and back direct.

Finally, also on Tuesday 9 January, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before it then departed to Brisbane.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ also flew down from Cairns to Townsville but then into Mackay Airport before then also continuing to Brisbane.

Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.  As posted below, VH-8MT was also in the Whitsundays late last week.

UPDATE!  On Monday 15 January, VH-8MT departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.

And the visiting Emerald Air Surveys P/L (Western Australia) Diamond DA42NG Twin Star VH-PXT looked to depart the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Birdsville and Coober Pedy.  It is due to continue to Forest and Jandakot in Western Australia the next day.

It had arrived into Shute on Saturday 30 December after a two-day flight across the country.  It appears to have completed some local flights while it has been in the Whitsundays.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-CCD Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 6 January, Crown Melbourne (Crown Hotels) Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-CCD was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

The smart looking Global Express arrived from Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Melbourne (Avalon) and later looked to depart to Brisbane before returning to Tulla.

Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-PAC landed at Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast before it then departed to Oakey and then back to the Sunny Coast.

While LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then onwards to Carins.  It then flew to Townsville before then calling into Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns landed at Longreach Airport via airwork near Georgetown.  It then departed back to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 6 January, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It then departed to the Sunshine Coast and back to Wellcamp.

Sisterships VH-YTI and VH-YTU were also noted in the region, flying up towards Maryborough Airport from and back to Wellcamp.

A pair of Victoria-based visitors in the form of New Day Aviation Services Piper PA-31 VH-MWC and Piper PA-23-250 VH-CUW flew out of Gladstone Airport together heading for Coffs Harbour and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  They both had arrived into the Port City from Victoria on Boxing Day.

Cessna 182 VH-PNA flew from Gladstone Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Emerald Airport before returning to Gladstone Airport.

Fellow Cessna 182 VH-SGN flew down from Ayr to Emerald Airport and then Roma Airport before continuing to Coonamble.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 14 January, VH-SGN flew into Charleville Airport from Parkes and Walgett.  On Monday 15 January, VH-SGN continued to Emerald Airport and then Bowen Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Jet Aviation Flight Services (USA) Gulfstream Aerospace GVI (G650ER) Bizjet N650HA Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 30 December, the sleek looking Jet Aviation Flight Services (USA) Gulfstream Aerospace GVI (G650ER) bizjet N650HA was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport.

It flew up from Sydney and the Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport, and was heard to be using the flight number and callsign of 'JS91'.

N560HA had arrived into Sydney from overseas a couple of days earlier - as pictured above.

UPDATE!  On Monday 1 January, N650HA departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney but as 'JS72'.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 30 December, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU also flew into Hamilton Island Airport but from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon). It then departed back to Moorabbin.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X diverted into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport after flying up from Bankstown and being unable to land at the Sunshine Coast. It then departed Hervey Bay Airport for Melbourne (Avalon).

Finally, also on Saturday 30 December, Cirrus SR22 VH-8MK departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gatton Airpark. It had arrived the previous day.

Emerald Air Surveys P/L (Western Australia) Diamond DA42NG Twin Star VH-PXT arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour after flying all the way across from Jandakot, Kalgoorlie, Ceduna and Broken Hill.

And Cessna 182s VH-RYZ and VH-COF were noted operating the parachuting flights out of Lakeside Airpark around the Laguna Quays Resort.

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share this great photo!

Do check out more of Grahame's fantastic images on his well-known Sydney Airport based website http://www.16right.com/

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 16 December, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane and Warwick.

File photo

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" visited Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  It then departed to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 17 December, VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" was back in the region, flying up from Brisbane to Gladstone Airport and then Townsville.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 16 December, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW departed Charleville Airport for Toowoomba.

And Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-EQO, VH-PQE, VH-PQS and VH-YTR were all noted visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from their Toowoomba-Wellcamp base.

Finally, On Sunday 17 December, LifeFlight Australia (Eagle Copters Leasing) Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-XGB has taken up service out of the Sunshine Coast as "Rescue 511" and appeared to complete a flight from the Sunny Coast into the region and back.  This is the first time we have noted this new helicopter for LifeFlight in CQ!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-SUY "Machflight 41" Also Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 October, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" flew into Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. 

https://www.facebook.com/machjetinternational

It later returned directly to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 October, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports before it then departed to Middlemount Aerodrome.  VH-LYI then returned to Hervey Bay Airport.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba. 

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Miles Airport. 

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE flew up from Canberra to land at Emerald Airport.  It then flew across to Rockhampton Airport.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Innisfail and then departed to Bundaberg Airport. 

Gold Coast-based Diamond DA 40 NG VH-FZI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 October, VH-FZI departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

The two Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopters VH-JIW and VH-JUF that flew down from Cairns to Southport together late last week, returned back up Cairns from there, again flying via Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville Airports.

Finally, also on Monday 30 October, yet more bushfires in the region saw Bundaberg Airport come alive again with aerial firefighting aircraft and helicopters including:  

Agair Logistics P/L Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-YRY as "Bomber 350" and VH-SQS as "Bomber 356".

Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAV as "Bomber 266".

Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR as "Helitack 516".

Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC as "Birddog 125".

Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141" flew South and operated out of Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Forest Air Helicopters (NSW) Bell 212 helicopter VH-JWV as "Helitak 365"

Stirling Helicopters Aerospatiale AS 350 B2 Squirrel VH-LBT as "Firebird 421".

And Avalon Aviation (Executive Helicopters) Eurocopter EC130B4 VH-EHY as "Firebird 404".

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 31 October, a second Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft VH-XAJ "Bomber 455" joined in.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 November, McDermott Aviation Bell 214B Big-lifter Helicopter N1601L as "Helitak 339" joined in.

American Registered Cirrus SR22 N512CA Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 23 October, what appears to be new American registered Cirrus SR22 -G6 N512CA popped into Longreach Airport while heading North to ferry overseas.

https://www.aircraft.com/

It arrived into Longreach Airport from Archerfield and departed to Mount Isa.  It is due to continue to Darwin and overseas in the coming days.  N512CA had flown into Archerfield over this previous weekend from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 October, Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Redcliffe and later departed to Caloundra.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 24 October, VH-EQD visited Rockhampton Airport once again but this time from Toowoomba.

New South Wales-based Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-YGO popped into Bundaberg Airport while flying up from Northern New South Wales and then towards Mount Isa.

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour once again from Melbourne (Moorabbin).

And Brisbane-based Aeroprakt-32 VH-YVQ landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports. 

It seemed to be joined by Diamond DA-40 VH-EUU which also landed at Longreach Airport from the same route.

Microflite (Melbourne) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour Once Again! - Plus More!

On Sunday 8 October, Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF arrived into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Melbourne (Moorabbin). It then departed to the Gold Coast and then back to Moorabbin.

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Airborne Research South Australia Ltd. Diamond Aircraft Industries HK-36 TTC-ECO VH-OBS was noted departing Emerald Airport for the South.

Re-registered Wrightsair (Victoria) Cessna 208B Caravan VH-DJG departed Rockhampton Airport for the South.

Sydney-based Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC ferried up to the Lakeside Airpark for parachuting operations at Laguna Quays. It arrived from Caloundra.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" flew into Longreach Airport from Townsville.  It then departed to Brisbane.  

Finally, also calling into Longreach Airport, but on Saturday 7 October was Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEH which touched down from Goulburn.  It then continued up to Horn Island where it has been operating aerial survey flights.

Potential Serious Bushfires Flare-up around Rockhampton and Bundaberg Sending Aerial Firefighting Aircraft and Helicopters into the Air - Plus More!

On Saturday 23 September, there were a couple of potentially dangerous bushfires that blew up around both the Rockhampton and Bundaberg areas.

Around Rocky, R-Mach Aviation Cessna 185A Skywagon VH-YME as "Firespotter 404" joined Stirling Helicopters Eurocopter AS.350BA Squirrel helicopters VH-WHW "Firebird 421" and VH-LGG "Firebird 465" in fighting a fire between Alton Downs and Mt Lyon, to the West of Rocky.

While down at Ashfield, Bundaberg, Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE as "Bomber 141" and Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR "Helitack 516" were both seen operating with Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC as "Birddog 125" .

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 23 September, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) / Qantas Group Pilot Academy Diamond DA-40 Star training aircraft VH-YTZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Towoomba-Wellcamp and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Wellcamp.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Australian Country Choice Properties (Brisbane) Textron (Cessna) 680A Citation Latitude Bizjet VH-ACC Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 22 September, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Textron (Cessna) 680A Citation Latitude bizjet VH-ACC was photographed at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after it flew up from Archerfield via Warwick.  

During the afternoon, it returned to these places.

UPDATE!  This was the last time we would see the sleek Citation Latitude bizjet in Central Queensland with it cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register in February 2024 and it being placed on the American Aircraft Register as N680LF.

While Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns before later departing to Brisbane.  It had earlier flown up to Cairns from the capital.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then flew down to Brisbane before returning to the Sunny Coast.

And Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet wearing the American registration marking of N616TS was spotted again visiting Gladstone Airport as it returned from Hamilton Island Airport.  It then continued down to Coffs Harbour.

N616TS also passed through Gladstone Airport heading up to Hamo last Thursday 14 September - see Blog post below!

Meanwhile, also on Friday 22 September, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 121" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site before then departing to Cairns.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 206 VH-KQM departed Emerald to Ingham and then Vanrook Station.  It looks to have flown down from Far North Queensland the previous day.

Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF departed the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for the Sunshine Coast and Mildura before then flying back up to Shute Harbour.  It had arrived at the start of the week form Melbourne (Moorabbin), Tooradin and the Gold Coast.

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from Keeroongooloo to Bundaberg Airport and then Mackay Airport. 

Aerometrex (South Australia) Cessna 421B Golden Eagle VH-ECF flew out of Rockhampton Airport to the West and back on a survey flight.

Airborne Research Australia Diamond HK-36 TTC-ECO Motor Glider VH-EOS looked to depart Middlemount Aerodrome and complete aerial survey work near Moranbah.  VH-EOS looked to originally arrive in the area from Adelaide at the start of the month.

Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane. Later it arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then continuing to Townsville and back to Cairns. 

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Toowoomba and then back to Archerfield. 

While Stirling Helicopters Eurocopter AS.350BA Squirrel VH-WHW "Firebird 421" operated water bombing on a fire in the Berserkers. 

Later, VH-WHW "Firebird 421", was joined by locally-based both R-Mach Aviation Cessna 185A Skywagon VH-YME as "Firespotter 404" and Ayres S2R Turbine Thrush VH-NFF as "Bomber 407", all fighting a bushfire in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

Victorian-based Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream American Corporation 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 VH-HPY as "Birddog 370" flew up from Toowoomba to the fire in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area but halfway up, was re-tasked to the Blackdown Tableland and Carnarvon area before later returning to Toowoomba. 

And Hinterland Aviation completed a swap of aircraft operating Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights out of Rockhampton Airport with Cessna 208 Caravan VH-CVN departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND3350 and then Townsville as HND2251.  While fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK flew down to Labona from Townsville as HND2250 and then across to Rockhampton Airport as HND3351.

Finally, also on Friday 22 September, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWR as UTY550 arrived into Longreach Airport from Brisbane.  It was pictured at Rockhampton Airport earlier on the Friday and has been adorned with a sticker promoting this weekend's Longreach Horse Races.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 24 September, VH-XWR returned to Brisbane from Longreach Airport as UTY551.

Photo taken by 'AC', Jamie C, John Lee and Steve Vit  ©

Private American Registered IAI Gulfstream G280 Bizjet N308KB Arrived into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 9 September, private American Registered IAI Gulfstream G280 bizjet N308KB arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

File photo

It's exact movements are not fully known, but it is assumed it arrived from overseas earlier in the day.

UPDATE!  On Friday 15 September, N308KB departed Hamilton Island airport for Darwin and Singapore (Seletar).

Also arriving into Hamilton Island Airport, also on Saturday 9 September, was Multiquip Poultry / Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-MQX.  It arrived from Bankstown as "Navair 188".

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 September, VH-MQX "Navair 187" departed Hamo for Bankstown.

And Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Sydney before then departing back to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 9 September, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA departed Rockhampton Airport for Mareeba before returning later in the day.  It then departed to the Sunshine Coast.  It had arrived the previous day from the Gold Coast.

Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU, which has been flying out of Rockhampton Airport in recent days and weeks, departed to Theodore, Roma and Archerfield Airports before later flying back up to Bundaberg Airport.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV departed Longreach Airport for Roma Airport and then Archerfield.  It looked to be completing an outback adventure flight which started from Archerfield on Monday 4 September.

While three Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star aircraft VH-UEL, VH-UEM and VH-UEZ all operated out of and back to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport through the day with 'Astra' callsigns.  They had arrived from RAAF Base Amberley via Redcliffe on Friday 8 September.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 10 September, VH-UEM "Astra 205" departed to the Fraser Coast Wings and Wheels at Maryborough Airport.  VH-UEZ "Astra 202" departed back to Amberley.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 14 September, VH-UEL "Astra 230" finally departed to Redcliffe and Amberley.

And joining the three Diamonds was Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk VH-UAL of the Australian Air Force Cadets (Air Cadets School of Aviation) which also arrived into Hervey Bay Airport on Friday and also completed flights over the weekend.

Photo taken by Garth Coad  ©

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX Bizjet VH-WIO arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 19 August, Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO flew up to Hamilton Island from Bankstown.

File photo

UPDATE!  After a week-long stay, on Sunday 27 August, VH-WIO finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Bankstown.  

While a pair of Airflite / Commonwealth of Australia (Cadets Branch - Air Force) Diamond DA 40 NG Star aircraft VH-UEZ and VH-UEM flew several local flights out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Astra 201/226" and "Astra 205".  They had arrived from RAAF Base Amberely and Archerfield late on Friday 18 August.

Also on Saturday 19 August, a third Diamond DA 40 NG Star VH-UEX as "Astra 202" also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Amberley.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 20 August, today the three Diamonds flew several flights in the Rockhampton area before departing to Amberley during the afternoon - VH-UEZ as "Astra 211", VH-UEM as "Astra 205" and VH-UEX as "Astra 202".

Stirling Helicopters Aerospatiale AS 350 B2 Squirrel VH-LBT arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South then completed a couple of flights as "Firebird 421" to a fire South-West of Rocky.

After arriving during the week, McDermott Aviation Bell 214B Big-lifter Helicopter N1601L as "Helitak 339" looked to complete some aerial firefighting out of Bundaberg Airport.

Victoria based Hawker Beechcraft G58 VH-FKI popped into Winton Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Thargomindah.

Whitney Pastoral Co Cessna 206 VH-WPC flew up from Bankstown and Coombing Park to Roma Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

And Southern Airlines Rockwell 690A Turbo Commander VH-SOU continues aerial survey operations out of Bundaberg Airport after arriving last weekend.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©