Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-HQK Spotted at Rockhampton Airport Again! - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 November, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-HQK was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo.  The (becoming) frequent visitor looked to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-HQK departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Dubbo.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew into Clermont Aerodrome from Natal Downs.  It then continued down to Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

And MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew up from the Sunshine Coast and landed at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then flew down to Emerald Airport before later returning to Labona and back to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 November, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-8HP flew South-West from Mackay Airport to Tumbar Station and then East back to Archerfield. 

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN was noted departing their private airstrip North of Emerald township for Redcliffe.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-FYN flew back to its private airstrip near Emerald from Redcliffe.

Brisbane-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DEP visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield returning via Emerald Airport.

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE landed at Emerald Airport from Canberra and Dubbo. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-STE departed Emerald Airport to near Consuelo then to a place near Rockhampton.  Late in the afternoon it hopped to Rockhampton Airport.  It is planned to return to Dubbo and Canberra on Thursday 28 November.

While the Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield. 

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) SAAB 340B+ turboprop VH-VEC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 November, VH-VEC was photographed as it departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and then Horn Island.  It then flew back to Brisbane.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI was photographed as it operated their Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights between Rockhampton Airport and the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

We can only assume one of the bigger Dash-8-300s is in for maintenance.

Finally, also on Tuesday 26 November, the resident Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE departed Bundaberg Airport for good following its fifth deployment to Queensland where it was contracted to be the State's own heavy water bomber for the recently completed bushfire season.

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It looked to fly down as "Fireguard 541" to Melbourne (Avalon) Airport in Victoria.  It is to be reportedly based at Avalon Airport now for the Victorian bushfire season which coincides with the Queensland wet season.  It will take up a new radio callsign of "Bomber 390".

The Dash-8-Q402MR, C-FFQE (msn 4325), arrived into Bundaberg Airport at the start of September from Avalon after being stored there since February. 

UPDATE!  It's worth noting that on Wednesday 27 November, fellow Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQF as "Fireguard 391" arrived into Brisbane and then Avalon after ferrying all the way over from Abbotsford in Canada.   It looks to be joining C-FFQE at Avalon for the Victorian bushfire season as "Bomber 391".

Also of interest, on Monday 25 November, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (Aero Commander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" departed Bundaberg Airport also for Avalon. 

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Busy!

Photos taken by Steve Vit, John Lee, Lloyd Fox and Graham Aspinall  ©

Plus Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300(F) VH-ONU - And More Charter Flights - Also Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Saturday 16 November, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300(F) VH-ONU was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

The possible Australian Defence Force (ADF) charter looked to arrive from Brisbane and then depart to Darwin as RON500/1.

Another possible ADF charter into Rockhampton Airport, also on Saturday 16 November, was operated by Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-VUK which also arrived from Brisbane and departed to Darwin but as VOZ9901/9001.

Finally, also on Saturday 16 November, Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208 Caravan VH-UZC visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as SKP680/1. It looked to complete low level airwork just North of Rocky before climbing to flight levels heading back to Cairns.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 4 October, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield,

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UPDATE!  On Sunday 6 October, VH-VTF departed Hamo and returned to Archerfield.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to land at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to the Sunny Coast.  Of interest, we have seen that VH-ZIY is currently 'for sale'!

Meanwhile, also on Friday 4 October, a surprise visitor in the form of Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-FWX which called into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as 'SKP853'.  It then continued to the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 October, VH-FWX continued from the Gold Coast to Norfolk Island and then further in the South Pacific.

Another nice Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in the form of Aero Facilities / Pay's Aviation VH-8TL was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 October, VH-8TL continued South.

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

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 Jet VH-KBX Departs Rockhampton Airport For Good - Heading Back to the Netherlands - Plus More!

On Friday 19 July, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 jet VH-KBX departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as 'SXI2451' / "Southern Cross 2451" on the first leg of a reported ferry flight out of Australia and back to the Netherlands.

https://www.facebook.com/southerncrossinternational

UPDATE!  On Saturday 20 July, VH-KBX departed Brisbane for Darwin and overseas.  It arrived into Woensdrecht Air Base in the Netherlands on Monday 22 July (local).

https://www.facebook.com/southerncrossinternational

UPDATE!  VH-KBX was struck off the Australian Aircraft register at the end of the July and was reportedly re-registered as 2-OKBX.

VH-KBX arrived into Rockhampton Airport as 'UTY9812' from Brisbane in August 2023 and was placed in storage.   

As we've mentioned previously, VH-KBX previously flew with the Royal Netherlands Air Force / Government of the Netherlands as a VIP transport aircraft and carried the Dutch registration marking of PH-KBX. It arrived into Brisbane in August 2017 and entered the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-KBX soon after. VH-KBX looked to finally enter service in May 2019. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as 'Machflight 55' visited Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

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

At the time of writing, fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" is visiting Emerald Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 20 July, VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Gladstone Airport also from Brisbane.

And Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield.  Plus late on Thursday 18 July, VH-SEQ visited Rockhampton Airport also from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 19 July, Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV was noted arriving into Longreach Airport from Winton.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN visited Hamilton Island Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY landed at Glen Prairie, North-East of Marlborough, from Hughenden.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Textron Aviation B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed back to those places. 

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL as "Skytrans 765" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then flew to Labona and back as "Skytrans 777/778".  It then departed back to Townsville as "Skytrans 766".  Of interest, fellow Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQM is currently parked at Rockhampton Airport.

Bayswater Road / Australian Aerial Mapping (AAM) Cessna 404 Titan VH-LAD landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield.

And locally-based Cessna TR182 Skylane RG VH-BAE flew from Clermont Aerodrome to Mackay Airport.  It is due to return on Saturday 20 July.

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 July, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX visited Gladstone Airport from Brisbane.

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While Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Biloela / Thangool Airport.  It had flown up to Thangool Airport from Archerfield the previous day. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 July, VH-TEY departed Rockhampton Airport for Archerfield.

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

And Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Moura Aerodrome to Emerald Airport.  It had flown up to Moura Aerodrome from Archerfield and Toowoomba the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 July, VH-VTF departed Emerald Airport for Saint George, Narrabri and Toowoomba.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 17 July, Austrek Aviation Beech B200 Super King Air VH-ZGD visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba. 

AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as 'Navair 173' landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Rockhampton Airport and back to Archerfield. 

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH, which had flown up to the North-West during the morning from Archerfield and via Longreach Airport, landed at Emerald Airport from Elrose Airport and then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE landed at Planet Downs from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 18 July, VH-PDE departed Planet Downs and returned to Archerfield.

And Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB departed Labona for Middlemount Aerodrome before flying across to Rockhampton Airport then Maryborough Airport. It had arrived there over the weekend.

Plus Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI also departed Labona but for the Gold Coast. It too had arrived on the weekend.

Finally, late on Tuesday 16 July, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as 'SKP980' flew into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Cairns.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Asia Pacific Airlines (PNG) (Cobham Aviation) Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ Passes Through Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 7 July, Papua New Guinea based Asia Pacific Airlines Dash-8-100 P2-NAZ was noted passing through Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Cairns and later departed to Adelaide.

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Asia Pacific Airlines is based in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea.  It is a subsidiary of Cobham Aviation and the Dash-8's arrival into Adelaide is presumably to undergo maintenance. 

Asia Pacific Airlines operates a fleet of three Dash-8-100 aircraft on domestic services, as well as flights to Cairns on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited of which P2-NAZ wears the colours and titles.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 7 July, Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM passed through Longreach Airport while flying up from Tamworth to Vanrook Station near Normanton.

Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and then flew down to Sydney.  It then returned to Brisbane.

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon). 

Finally, on Saturday 6 July, Yulgibar Pastoral Company (Victoria) Cessna 560 Citation Encore bizjet VH-YUL was noted visiting Emerald Airport.  It arrived from Baryulgil and departed to Cairns.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL as Skytrans 965 departed Rockhampton Airport to Cairns before later in the night, returning to Rocky from Cairns but as Skytrans 966.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL at CQ Airports on Rugby League Charter - Plus More!

On Saturday 29 June, Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-300 VH-QQL as SKP963 departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport and then Cairns.  It looked to carry the local Mackay Cutters Rugby League team up to Cairns to play the local Northern Pride in the Queensland Rugby League Competition.

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After the game, VH-QQL then departed Cairns and returned to Mackay Airport and then back to Rockhampton Airport but as SKP964.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 29 June, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back to Maryborough and Hervey Bay Airports.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC73' / "Machflight 73" landed at Longreach Airport from Sunshine Coast and then departed to Mount Isa. 

Kirkhope Aviation newish Textron (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TKA flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Bourke to Charleville Airport and then onwards to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 June, and then over the next couple of days, VH-TKA returned to Longreach Airport on what looked to be a closed tourist charter.  On Tuesday 2 June, VH-TKA departed Longreach Airport for Birdsville and Alice Springs.

Tillair Services / ACTAS P/L Cessna 208B Caravan VH-POV flew from Longreach Airport to Archerfield.  It looked to also have completed a closed tourist flight but out of Archerfield Airport at the start of the week to Birdsville and other parts around the region including Longreach Airport over the last couple of days.

Cairns-based Air Tours Australia Beech B200 King Air VH-LOA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

UPDATE!  VH-LOA did another flight from Cairns to Hamo and back on Monday 1 June.

And Nautilus Aviation Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JIW arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Bundaberg Airports.  It then departed to Mackay Airport.  VH-JIW has been operating around the state (including sometimes within CQ) operating what is believed to be aerial survey flights. 

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 June, VH-JIW departed Mackay Airport for Townsville and Cairns. 

Finally, also on Saturday 29 June, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Dalby.  It then hopped across to Alpha Aerodrome for the local races.  It then departed back to Dalby and Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then hopped to Rockhampton Airport and then departed to Longreach Airport.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Rugby League Football Charters Begin - Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC and Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVR Both Call into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 24 February, North Queensland Junior Rugby League games in Gladstone saw the arrival of a couple of nice turboprop passenger charter flights from Cairns as the local Central Queensland Capras took on the Northern Pride across several age divisions.

First to touch down at Gladstone Airport was Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP959 from Cairns.  During the afternoon, it departed back there as SKP960. 

Soon after, Aerlink (formerly Hevilift) ATR 72-500 VH-FVR as HT805 also landed at Gladstone Airport from Cairns and looked to return to there as HT806.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 24 February, Burbank Homes / Business Aviation Solutions Raytheon Hawker 850XP bizjet VH-BMW departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and Melbourne (Tullamarine).  It looked to have arrived into Hamo from those places on Wednesday 21 February.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Moura, Emerald, Roma, Mackay and then Rockhampton Airports before then returning to Archerfield.

UPDATES!  On Sunday 25 February, VH-JSZ again flew out from Archerfield and visited Rockhampton and Mackay Airports before finishing the day at Moura Aerodrome.  On Monday 26 February, VH-JSZ departed Moura Aerodrome for Rockhampton Airport before it then headed out to Julia Creek and Alice Springs before then flying back to Archerfield.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" arrived Emerald Airport from Brisbane before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew out to Longreach Airport and back to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Saturday 24 February, Emerald Coaches (Emerald) Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-ZMM flew from Emerald Airport to Gympie.

Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF departed Rockhampton Airport for the North.

South Australia owned Robinson R44 helicopter VH-8CE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then departing to Bundaberg Airport.

And Melbourne-based GE Aero P/L Cirrus SR22T VH-VH-8GE departed he Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for the Ballina Byron Bay Gateway Airport in Northern New South Wales.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Jaymee C for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a couple of beaut visitors to Gladstone Airport.

All photos taken by Jaymee C  ©

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

On Tuesday 13 February, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ passed through Rockhampton Airport while flying up from Archerfield and onwards to Mount Isa. It then returned to Rockhampton Airport and then departed back to Archerfield.

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And 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.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 February, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down to Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane. It then flew back up to Townsville and Cairns.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ flew up from Brisbane to Biloela / Thangool Airport before then departing to Kingaroy and then back to Brisbane.

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 55" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Labona before then departing back to there.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

And Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-MYM visited Mackay Airport from its Gayndah Aerodrome base.

Finally, also on Tuesday 13 February, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300s VH-QQM and VH-QQL swapped over Rockhampton Airport out at Labona.  Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQL as SKP778/523 flew into Rockhampton Airport from Labona before it departed to Townsville.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©️

Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) (formerly Capital Jet Charter) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE Back at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 31 January, Rural Funds Management (A.C.T.) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-STE arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Canberra.

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UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 February, VH-STE departed Bundaberg Airport for Rolleston Aerodrome before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport and back to Bundy.

UPDATE!  On Friday 2 February, VH-STE departed Bundaberg Airport for Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 31 January, AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" landed at Theodore Aerodrome from Archerfield.  It then departed to Miles Airport and then back to Archerfield. 

Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour) / Eastern Air Link (Port Macquarie) Cessna 337G VH-AEV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Coffs Harbour and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport. 

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Lady Eliot Island and then departed to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports. 

Mackay-based Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-DWX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mackay Airport.  

UPDATE!  On Thursday 1 February, VH-DWX departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport and then flew back to Mackay Airport.

Finally, late on Tuesday 30 January, it was noted that Skytrans Airlines Dahs-8-300s VH-QQL and VH-QQM did a 'swap' out at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site with VH-QQL flying out there from Rockhampton Airport and VH-QQM flying back into Rockhampton Airport from Labona.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC VH-SIF Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 19 January, something a little different with Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QC (Quick Change) VH-SIF operating the early morning freight flight up to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports from and back to Brisbane as QFA7424.

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UPDATE!  VH-SIF in fact operated from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then Cairns as QFA7424/7298.  There was no flight into Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) BAe 146-200(QT) VH-SFW had been operating the flights into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports during the rest of this past week.

It seems that the 'regular' airframe operating the run - Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV - could be in for some planned maintenance after flying into Pionair's Bankstown base earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.  It then flew back to Townsville and Cairns.

Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as Machflight 55 landed at Bundaberg Airport from Cairns and then departed to Lizard Island.

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

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL flew a maintenance flight as SKP543 out from Rockhampton Airport to around the Keppels and back.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

A Couple of Nice Cessna Citation Bizjets - VH-MMC & VH-CMK - Both Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 January, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC flew into Emerald Airport from the Sunshine Coast. It then departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.

During the afternoon, VH-MMC returned to Emerald Airport from Labona before heading back to the Sunshine Coast.

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK landed at Emerald from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 January, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast. It is due to continue to Bathurst on Thursday 18 January.

While Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" flew into Mackay Airport from Bankstown.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 17 January, VH-HQK as "Navair 141" departed Mackay Airport and returned to Bankstown before then continuing to Dubbo.

And the beaut ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN as Bair 721 which had landed at Hamilton Island last Friday flew down from there to the Gold Coast and then Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 January, Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) SOCATA TBM 700 VH-FYN (ex N700RU) seemed to complete a local flight from and back to the company's landing strip near Emerald.

Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield before then departing to Roma Airport.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP745 landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and a bit later departed back to those places.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 12 January, the best movement into the region so far this year touched down at Hamilton Island Airport in the form of ABS Jets (Czech Republic) Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 Bizjet OK-SUN.  The smart looking bizjet flew up from Melbourne (Tullamarine) after arriving there from overseas just over a week earlier.

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At the time of writing, if appears that OK-SUN is staying on Hamo for at least the night.

Of interest, ABS Jets is a business jet operator based in Prague, Czech Republic, and Bratislava, Slovak Republic.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 January, OK-SUN departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Gold Coast and then Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 12 January, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Sydney and back to Archerfield.

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA flew up from Shellharbour at Woolongong to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Melbourne (Essendon). 

And Henadeck (New South Wales) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-YNE departed Hamilton Island Airport for Bankstown.  It appears to have flown North from Bankstown late last year (we missed it!)

Finally, also on Friday 12 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before it then departed to Brisbane. During the afternoon, it returned to Townsville and Cairns.

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE flew from Mackay Airport to Townsville.  It has been parked at Mackay Airport since late last year.

Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-AYL visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP81 flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before then continuing to Brisbane as SKP542.  Fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew up from Brisbane to Townsville and Cairns as SKP541.  An aircraft swap in Brisbane meaning that next Tuesday we will likely see VH-QQC into Emerald Airport!

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  ©

Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-RIU Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 December, Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.  It looks to be staying.

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UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 December, VH-RIU departed Hamilton Island Airport and flew down to the Gold Coast.  It later returned to Hamo.

UPDATE!  On Friday 29 December, VH-RIU finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 26 December, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ visited North Keppel Island from Bundaberg Airport.

Sydney-based Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FYC ferried down from the Lakeside Airpark to Caloundra.

AERgO Asset Management Beech B200 King Air VH-XGV as "Navair 173" visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield.

And an interesting, possibly first visitor to the region, in the form of Skytrans Airlines Cessna 208B Caravan VH-XDU which visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns as SKP951/2.

The Caravan previously was operated by West Wing Aviation.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Flys into Bowen Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Friday 22 December, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ flew up from Bankstown to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Bowen Aerodrome.

https://www.facebook.com/navairjets

UPDATE!  On Saturday 23 December, VH-IEQ now as "Navair 131" departed Bowen Aerodrome for Townsville.

And Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew into Mackay Airport from Cairns via low level airwork off the Whitsunday Coast.  It then returned to Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 22 December, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 121" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville then departed to Brisbane. 

JV Regional P/L Cessna 421B VH-DEG flew into Charleville Airport from Shepparton.  It then continued up to Ingham.

While National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP visited Charleville Airport from Brisbane as JET398/9.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB flew from Brisbane to Emerald Airport and back as SKP745/6.

And Philippines registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 RP-C1728, which had landed at Toowoomba around seven months ago, flew out and to the North-West from there.

Finally, also on Friday 22 December, Qantas Freight / Pionair Australia BAe 146-300(QT) VH-SQR making a surprise visit to Mackay Airport, arriving from Brisbane as QFA7425.  It later departed to Cairns as QFA7298.  

Airlines and Aviation Companies Prepare for Tropical Cyclone Jasper by Positioning Aircraft Away from Cairns to Charters Towers Aerodrome and Further - UPDATED WITH PHOTOS!

Also on Tuesday 12 December, a number of aircraft were noted and spotted flying away from parts of Far North Queensland as Tropical Cyclone Jasper tracks towards the region, with strong winds and rain expected to begin today.

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav

Two Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s positioned down to Rockhampton Airport. VH-QQC as SKP503 arrived from Cairns. VH-QQG as SKP702 arrived from Kidston. They joined Skytrans Dash-8-300 VH-QQL at Rockhampton Airport which has been operating FIFO flights to Labona and back.  they were all spotted parked at Rockhampton Airport early on Wednesday 13 December.

Of interest, another Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP745/6 completed the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Emerald Airport and back.

Slightly larger, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQN as UTY9823 also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.

Several Hinterland Aviaton Cessna 208 Caravans hopped down from Cairns to Charters Towers Aerodrome - as shown below - as well as being hangered at their Carins facility - as shown above.

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav

https://www.facebook.com/flyhav

While also arriving into Charters Towers Aerodrome - as posted below - was McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 242", Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY as "Machflight 11", Beech B200 King Air VH-SUW as "Machflight 121" and Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY.

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

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 21 November, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

It looked to arrive from Brisbane via the Gold Coast and later depart back directly to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 21 November, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP745 landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and Toowoomba-Wellcamp and a bit later departed back to those places but as SKP1746.

And late on Monday 20 November, Skytrans Airlines swapped their Dash-8-300s over at the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  VH-QQM flew out and VH-QQL flew back to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Careflight (NSW) Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Gulfstream G150 VH-OVG "Careflight 51" Spotted at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 17 November, a surprise visitor to the region with Careflight (NSW) Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Gulfstream G150 VH-OVG as "Careflight 51" calling into Bundaberg Airport from Darwin.  It later departed back to there. 

We believe that this is the first time this aircraft has visited Central Queensland!

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and Bundaberg Airport before then returning back to Brisbane. 

Meanwhile, also on Friday 17 November, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns.  It then departed to Archerfield.

It appears that VH-EQU has flown North via other CQ Airports this week after starting the week at Grafton.  It appears to have visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Bundaberg and Mackay Airports.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane. 

Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC landed at Emerald Airport from Avon Downs and then departed to Brisbane Airport.

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.  It also looked to visit Biloela / Thangool Airport from Archerfield on Thursday 16 November.

Finally, also on Thursday 16 November, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-300 VH-QQL flew into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Townsville as SKP765.  It then flew from Labona to Longreach Airport as SKP770. 

On Friday 17 November, VH-QQL departed Longreach Airport for Labona and then Townsville as SKP769/766.

Also on Friday, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP522.  It then did a return trip to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP777/8 before returning to Brisbane as SKP523.

It also appears that after flying there on Wednesday 15 November, Skytrans Dash-8-300 VH-QQM is stuck at Labona with a technical problem.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 18 November, VH-QQM returned to Rockhampton Airport from Labona as SKP529.

Photo taken by Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF Calls Back into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 13 November, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then continued to the Sunshine Coast. It had flown North late last week.

Curley Equipment P/L Textron (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-CUY was also noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - it seems to have arrived over the weekend from its Cloncurry base.

And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ as "Navair 187" visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown and Cessnock.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 13 November, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports.  It then departed to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying back down to Hervey Bay Airport. 

Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Piper PA-31-350 VH-BYG arrived into Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

While classic Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer VH-PCR was spotted at Gladstone Airport.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF flew down from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85 before it then flew down to Rockhampton Airport as SKP524 for the Labona flights.

UPDATE!  NO!!  On Tuesday 13 November, VH-QQF departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville as SKP584.

Finally, late on Sunday 12 November, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" departed Brisbane and visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Mackay and Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Swavek Topolski  ©