Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 "Wedgetail 12" Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 27 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 12" was noted completing airwork, including a missed approach, at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

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It looked to flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown via a missed approach at Coffs Harbour before then flying back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 27 February, the two Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters A38-007 and A38-008 that flew North a week or-so prior, returned to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville again as "Marlin 11". They then departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

And Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF was spotted at Rockhampton Airport while ferrying South from Townsville to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

It was heard to be flying as "Warhorse 1".

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Steve Vit  ©

Pair of The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopters Return South from Townsville via Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 13 February, the two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters that have been based at Townsville assisting with flood relief efforts, returned South to their home base at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.  Again, they popped into Rockhampton Airport for fuel during their journey South.

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They were again identified as '88168' flying as "Celtic" and '88166' flying as "Cyclops".

During the afternoon they departed to Oakey together as "Celtic-Combined".

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 13 February, Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG as "Wombat 11" also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then also departed to Oakey.  It too has been assisting with the flood relief efforts in North Queensland.

Later, fellow Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF was noted flying around Bowen Aerodrome as "Warhorse 1" while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Finally, also on Thursday 13 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 as "Wallaby 06" was noted at Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to fly up from and then return to RAAF Base Amberley.  Later A34-008, now as "Wallaby 50" was again noted flying around Bundaberg Airport, as well as Taroom, while on another flight out of and back to Amberley.

Photo taken by Clint Ryan  ©

Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopters VH-YBF & VH-YBG Both Call Into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 3 February, a pair of Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

They were identified as VH-YBF, flying as "Finch 85" and VH-YBG as "Finch 23".

Both helicopters arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and then later departed to Mackay Airport where they looked to stay for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 4 February, VH-YBG "Finch 23" then VH-YBF "Finch 85" both departed Mackay Airport for Townsville. Later, VH-YBG returned South to Mackay Airport as "Warhorse 203" and then flew back to Townsville again.  While VH-YBF operated North of Townsville as "Warhorse 85". 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 3 February, Harris Aviation Charters / Aero-Star Aviation (SA) Beech B300 Super King Air 350 VH-8HA flew up from Toowoomba to Mount Isa and later flew down to Rockhampton Airport.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to Clermont Aerodrome. During the afternoon it departed for Collinsville Aerodrome but could not land due to weather and diverted to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 February, VH-VEW departed Mackay Airport bound for Oaky Creek Coal Mine site but again due to weather had to divert, this time to Emerald Airport.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Karumba.  

And Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew from Mackay Airport as "Rescue 402" to Proserpine Hospital and then Townsville.

Finally, on a quiet Sunday 2 February, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" visited Hamilton Island from Archerfield.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopters VH-YQJ & VH-YBG Both Call Into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 20 January, a pair of Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopters were noted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

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They were identified as VH-YQJ, flying as "Warhorse 203" and VH-YBG as "Wombat".

Both helicopters arrived from Townsville and then later departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 20 January, Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up from Orange to the Sunshine Coast and then Bundaberg Airport. Later, it flew across to Emerald Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 22 January, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin). It later departed to Melbourne (Essendon). VH-XCU also visited Hamo last Monday 13 January.

While re-registered Gippsland GA-8 Airvan VH-88N arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Latrobe Valley via Dubbo and Saint George.  We presume it has arrived for local tourist operations.

Vee H Aviation (Link Airways) Beech B200GT Super King Air 250 VH-VEW flew up from Brisbane to the Oaky Creek Mine site and the Clermont Aerodrome before returning to Brisbane.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, Maryborough Airport and Rockhampton Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew back to Rockhampton Airport and then Hervey Bay Airport.

And late last week, Perri Air / South Burnett Air Services Quest Kodiak 100 VH-8FV looked to fly up from its Dalby base to land at the Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) facility just North of Emerald.  It then looked to spend the weekend flying from there to places like Barcaldine, Longreach and Blackall Airports before returning to Dalby on Monday 20 January.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopter A15-302 "Crow 369" Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 December, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-302 was spotted visiting Longreach Airport. It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Crow 369" and flew down from Townsville before returning back there a couple of hours later.

Reports suggest that the pilot of the Chinook was on his last flight before retirement the next day. We wish him well!

Meanwhile, later on Wednesday 4 December, Helicorp (Australian Army operated) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ as "Wombat 239" was noted visiting Bowen Aerodrome from Townsville.

And finally, also on Wednesday 4 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 10" was noted completing airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. It looked to fly up from and then return to its RAAF Base Williamtown home.

All photos taken by Drew Mackay  ©

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into the Labona Airstrip at the Carmichael Mine - Plus More!

On Tuesday 27 August, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from the Sunshine Coast.

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Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE landed at Planet Downs from Archerfield and later returned back to there. 

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and then departed to Brisbane.

And Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC as "Rescue 902" flew out from The Glen Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome. It then departed to Townsville.

UPDATE!  Over the next couple of days, VH-YQC "Rescue 902" continued from Townsville to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

It was believed that there was an Australian Army training exercise on within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area so VH-YQC "Rescue 902" was no doubt on site to provide aero-medical support.

Finally, also on Tuesday 27 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-671 as "Beaufort 15" landed at Longreach Airport from the North and then departed to Sydney and RAAF Base East Sale.  It had flown up to Cape York from East Sale the previous day.

New Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQJ Ferries North via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Sunday 25 February, recently registered (on Tuesday 13 February) Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.  It arrived from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and later departed to Townsville.

It looked to have flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Oakey via Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Toowoomba-Wellcamp the previous day.

VH-YQJ is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and we believe is the fourth and final AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

VH-YQJ joins VH-YBG and VH-YQC at Townsville with these two still operating flights out and back with Australian Army flight numbers and callsigns.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 25 February, Elite Helicopters (Archerfield) Eurocopter  AS 350 B3 Squirrel helicopter VH-YQK departed Roma Airport for Archerfield. 

Western Australia based Cirrus SR22 VH-SRY landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. It had come from Bendigo, Tyabb and Broken Hill yesterday.

UPDATE!  On Monday 26 February, VH-SRY departed Longreach Airport back to Bourke and Tyabb. 

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ looked to return to Bundaberg Airport from North Keppel Island.  It flew into there from Archerfield and Bundy on Friday.

And the Redcliffe Aero Club Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-VMV completed aerial survey work over Blackwater mine sites while on a flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Finally, also on Sunday 25 February, a few bizjets noted around the region included AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ which flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at Bundaberg Airport.  It then departed to Bankstown.

UPDATE!  In the wee small hours of Monday 26 February, VH-CCJ returned to Bundaberg Airport from Bankstown before then returning to the Sunny Coast.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT called into Hamilton Island Airport from Kangaroo Island and Adelaide.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 28 February, VH-VLT departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and then Melbourne (Essendon).

While S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast.  It had arrived from there on Friday 23 February.

And Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ was noted departing Archerfield for Charleville Airport.  It later returned to Archerfield.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Scott Harris  ©

And Australian Army Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF Ferries South via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 February, Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF was noted ferrying South from Townsville to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.  It looked to fly South via airwork including missed approaches at Mackay and Bundaberg Airports, plus a fuel stop at Rockhampton Airport.

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VH-YBF was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Finch 22".

This ferry flight comes a day after recently registered (November 2023) now Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC was noted ferrying North from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Townsville also via some CQ Airports.  It also flew as "Finch 22".

Of interest, VH-YBF joins three other nice helicopters seemingly at Oakey - Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP "Rescue 421", Helicorp (Toll Helicopters) Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-LWI "Rescue 901" and NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) BO 105 S CBS - 4 helicopter VH-JYS.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 8 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 26" was noted completing airwork around Kingaroy while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

A34-004 returned to the sky after dark but as "Wallaby 40" and again completed more airwork at both Miles and Kingaroy.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

New Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQC "Finch 22" Ferries North via CQ Airports - Plus More!

An interesting visitor through some Central Queensland Airports on Wednesday 7 February was recently registered (November 2023) Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC which noted ferrying North from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Townsville via airwork at Bundaberg Airport and a landing at Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to have originally flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bankstown at the end of January.

VH-YQC was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Finch 22".

VH-YQC is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and is the third and final AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 February, a fourth AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ ferried North into Townsville - see Blog post above!

The Australian Army's MRH-90 helicopters have suffered years of poor serviceability due to various technical issues so AW139 helicopters are a 'stop gap' measure.

There are reports though that the AW139 could ultimately be used by the Australian Army as a general utility helicopter.

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-YQC started flying for the Australian Army at Townsville the next day and on Saturday 10 February it was photographed above visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) airport on a flight from and back to Townsville as "Warhorse 207".

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 February, fellow Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Finch 22" ferried South to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre from Townsville also via a stop at Rockhampton Airport and airwork at Mackay and Bundaberg Airports - see Blog post above!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 7 February, fellow Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG has been noted flying around Charters Towers Aerodrome as "Warhorse 203" at the start of the week and remains in Townsville.

Finally, also on Wednesday 7 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 34" looked to complete airwork at Kingaroy Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Bert Van Drunick  ©️

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  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-003 "Wedgetail 44" Completes Late Airwork at CQ Airports - Plus More!

Late on Wednesday 29 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Wedgetail 44" flew down from Townsville to complete airwork including a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport before returning to Townsville via more airwork at Cairns.

A30-003 approaches Townsville recently

Earlier a flight of three Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft as "Charger" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville and then back to Amberley - including some low level flying around Finch Hatton and the Mackay Hinterland. They were identified as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-211 and United States Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III's 05-5147 and 05-5149.

While Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG as "Warhorse 207" was noted flying around the Whitsunday Islands while on a flight out of back to Townsville.

And later still, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-006 as "Kaos 18" completed airwork at Wondai while on a flight out of and back to Amberley.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign VH-MMC Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

Late on Tuesday 28 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFB "Ambulance 624" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and Emerald Airports and then departed back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 29 November, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 30 November, VH-MMC flew down from Mackay Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then back to the Sunshine Coast.

While Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba via Archerfield.

Air Link (Dubbo) Beech B200 King Air VH-ISS and AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  They had flown North earlier in the day.

Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ visited Theodore Aerodrome from Toowoomba. 

And Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG as "Warhorse 207" was noted flying around the Whitsunday Islands while on a flight out of back to Townsville.

Brisbane-based Adome P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 Bizjet VH-YWS Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 6 November, Brisbane-based Adome P/L Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-YWS was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield, Brisbane and Dalby.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 7 November, VH-YWS departed Bundaberg Airport for Townsville.

Of interest, VH-YWS visited Roma Airport last Thursday 2 November from Archerfield (we missed it!).

UPDATE!  As of Thursday 9 November, VH-YWS was re-registered with Air Link (Dubbo) now the registered operator of the aircraft.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-100 VH-QQF flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85 before then continuing to Rockhampton Airport as SKP524 where it will operate the flights to Labona and back.

Finally, after dark on Monday 6 November, Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Warhorse 236" was noted visiting Proserine Airport, the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and then Mackay Airport, while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s Around Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 12 September, there were at least three different Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 turboprop aircraft completing a variety of different flights at a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

VH-QQG at Rockhampton Airport last week

After operating between Rockhampton Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site for the last couple of weeks, VH-QQG flew from Rockhampton Airport to Cairns as SKP545 after making mid-flight return to Rocky seemingly with a technical problem.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 September, VH-QQC seemed to be the 'replacement' aircraft, arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Labona as SKP525/778.

Down at Gladstone Airport, high-level industry meetings brought VH-QQF which arrived from Brisbane and then departed to Townsville as SKP522, as well as VH-QQB which also arrived from Brisbane but then departed to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then back to Brisbane as SKP741/2/3.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 12 September, there was the 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter movements including DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome via Mackay Airport and then back to Bundy direct.

Southern Airlines Beech B200 King Air VH-AMF completed the weekly FIFO charter flight up to Moranbah Airport. It flew up from Latrobe Valley and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before then heading back South to those places and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

While Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane. It later returned to Townsville and Cairns. 

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC55' / "Machflight 55" flew down from Cairns and Aurukun to Charters Towers Aerodrome.  

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 September, VH-ZPY departed to Ingham.

Longreach-based Beech A36 Bonanza VH-PRI also called into Charters Towers Aerodrome before later returning home to Longreach Airport.

WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR departed Charters Towers Aerodrome for Kidston and Emerald Airport.  It had arrived from its Chinchilla Aerodrome base the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 13 September, VH-EZR departed Emerald Airport for Archerfield and Chinchilla.

And after being noted flying through Longreach Airport last week, the various New South Wales-based light aircraft were again noted flying through the region, this time all departing the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and landing at Bundaberg Airport.

Cessna 182 VH-SHN, Beech 76 Duchess VH-BFP and Piper PA-28R-201 Cherokee VH-AIZ all flew down from Shute Harbour to Bundaberg Airport direct, while Cessna 172 VH-MCJ called into St Lawrence and Gladstone Airports while enroute to Bundy, and Cessna 172 VH-WYZ stopped at Gladstone Airport on the way to Bundy as well. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 12 September, after supporting recent Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployments of helicopters and aircraft for various joint military exercises Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU completed a ferry flight from Mount Isa to Redcliffe via Longreach and Roma Airports.  It flown across from Darwin to Mount Isa the previous day.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ "Navair 173" Calls into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 6 September, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ as "Navair 173" flew into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Townsville before it then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and then Archerfield. It had flown North from Archerfield the previous day.

File photo

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

And Helicorp (of Essendon in Victoria) Bell 412EP VH-LWF landed at Charleville Airport after flying up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.  It then continued to Winton and points to the North-West.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 September, VH-LWF was noted arriving into RAAF Base Tindal at Katherine and then Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 6 September, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited Labona from the Sunshine Coast.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ made a late arrival into Rockhampton Airport from Dalby.  It then looked to fly down to Sydney and then to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Wednesday 6 September, through the morning and early afternoon a lot of Western Australia based lighties landed at Longreach Airport from Birdsville. These included Bonanza VH-LRP, Baron VH-OVP, Trinidad VH-LQC, Jabiru 19-4046, Vans RV14s VH-FNE and VH-IFC, Vans RV7s VH-VTL, VH-OCH, VH-UWF and VH-MRV, Cessna 172 VH-ZDR, Saratoga VH-LPW, Vans RV8 VH-TZK and Vans RV6 VH-DUO. 

Also noted arriving into Longreach Airport were New South Wales based Beech Duchess VH-BFP, Cessna 182 VH-SHN and Cessna 172 VH-WYZ which all arrived from Roma Airport, plus Saratoga VH-LTC which arrived from the Gold Coast. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 7 September, the NSW aircraft at Longreach Airport departed there to Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Friday 8 September, the WA aircraft at Longreach Airport departed there to Boulia. Another one in that group was Cessna 182 VH-UCV for a total of 15.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

RAAF British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 Jets Depart Rockhampton Airport for Longreach Airport and Further West at the end of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) - Plus More!

On Saturday 5 August, the four Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 lead-in fighter jet aircraft that had deployed to Rockhampton Airport for joint military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) made a spectacular early morning departure from Rockhampton Airport to Longreach Airport on the first leg of their journey back to Western Australia.

At Longreach Airport, flight crews were quite accommodating as curious locals turned out by the dozens for a closer look at the Hawk jets.

After taking on fuel, the four Hawks then departed Longreach Airport for Alice Springs.

As previously mentioned, the four that deployed were A27-19, A27-02, A27-20, A27-15 and are flown by the RAAF's Number 79 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce near Perth in Western Australia.  They were heard to use the one formation callsign of "Raptor".

Meanwhile, later on Saturday 5 August, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYV as "Choppa 42" was also spotted at Longreach Airport, soon after arriving from RAAF Base Tindal via Tennant Creek and Mount Isa, also following a deployment in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

It is scheduled to depart Longreach Airport to Roma Airport and then RAAF Base Amberley early on Sunday 6 August.

Finally, also on Saturday 5 August, Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU "Rescue 902" took to the air from Camp Growl / The Glen Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) for Townsville, also following is deployment also in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

UPDATE!  Across Thursday 10 August and Friday 11 August, VH-XIU "Rescue 902" flew from Townsville back to Darwin via Mount Isa and Tennant Creek, along with the deployed Australian Army Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters, which also returned to the Army's Robertson Barracks in Darwin from Townsville.

Photos taken by Steve Vit, Dan Oakey and Allan Abbott  ©

(Re-Built?) SIL Aviation (PNG) Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III P2-SIL Calls into CQ Airports Heading North - Plus More!

On Sunday 23 July, it appears that Papua New Guinea registered Summer Institute of Linguistics Aviation (SIL Aviation) Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III P2-SIL passed through some Central Queensland Airports while flying from Redcliffe to PNG.

http://www.silaviation.org/

It looked to fly up from Redcliffe to Gladstone Airport and then Mackay Airport before continuing to Townsville and Cairns.

UPDATE!  P2-SIL continued North from Cairns on Wednesday 26 July.

Of interest, P2-SIL crashed in PNG in October 2022 and it is assumed that the helicopter has been re-built Redcliffe and was returning home.

While on Monday 24 July, another helicopter in the form of Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU "Rescue 902" flew in from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and landed at the Rockhampton Base Hospital.  It then returned to Camp Growl within the Training Area.

Also on Monday 24 July, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport.  It then flew out to Middlemount Aerodrome before returning to Rockhampton Airport.  VH-TQI then departed to Lady Elliot Island.

Great Western Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield via the Sunshine Coast.

Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC, which flew out from Hedlow Airfield to the West near Winton yesterday, flew back to Longreach Airport and then Emerald Airport.  It is due to returned to Hedlow Airfield on Tuesday 25 July.

New Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12//47E NGX VH-8HP departed Mackay Airport for Miranda Downs.

Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT departed Mackay Airport for Atherton.  It had arrived from Toowoomba, Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Horizon Airways Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-WZS flew 'home' to Mackay Airport from Innisfail, Cairns and Palm Island after operating in FNQ for some time.

And a couple of flying 'groups' in the form of Victoria based Cirrus SR20s VH-TPS and VH-VJH along with Van's RV7 VH-ZGO landed at Longreach Airport from Charleville Airport.  Tasmania based Tecnam P-2006T VH-OWW also flew up to Longreach Airport from Charleville Airport. 

And Cirrus SR22s VH-ZGA, VH-LTH and VH-INW all flew south from Hamilton Island Airport.

Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-XIU Takes to the air from Rockhampton Airport as "Rescue 902"

Late on Sunday 16 July, Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU "Rescue 902" took to the air from Rockhampton Airport to complete a flight to Camp Growl within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back to Rockhampton Airport.

It then flew back to Camp Growl and stayed there.

The Agusta has been deployed there in support of the upcoming joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©️

RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Agusta AW139 Helicopter VH-SYV "Choppa 42" Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 5 July, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYV was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

File photo

The normally Northern Territory-based rescue helicopter arrived as "Choppa 42" and has been in Townsville since mid-June operating in a support role for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Exercise High Sierra 23-1 which has wrapped up this week.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 6 July, VH-SYV "Choppa 42" continued from Rockhampton Airport to RAAF Base Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 5 July, the visiting Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU was noted completing a flight from Rockhampton Airport to Townsend Island as "Rescue 903" (due to a clerical error!) and then back via a circuit of the Rockhampton Base Hospital as "Rescue 902" (as it should be!).

Photo taken by Sid Mitchell  ©

Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-XIU Arrives into Rockhampton Airport as "Rescue 902"

Seemingly on a deployment to Rockhampton Airport for upcoming joint military exercises, on Monday 3 July, Helicorp (Toll) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU was spotted arriving from Townsville as "Rescue 902".

VH-XIU "Rescue 902" looks to be currently supporting Australian Army helicopter operations as it usually operates from the Army's Robertson Barracks in Darwin which is the home of 1st Aviation Regiment which operates Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters.

Indeed over the weekend, VH-XIU "Rescue 902" flew over from Darwin to Townsville with as many as five Australian Army Eurocopter Tiger (ARH) Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters which all ferried across via RAAF Base Tindal and Mount Isa.

The Tigers remain at Mount Isa and in Townsville but are reportedly due to fly into Rockhampton Airport prior to the start of the upcoming joint military exercises.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©️