Heavy metal make an appearance at Rockhampton

In preparation for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) "Exercise Wallaby 2015", there has been some very exciting heavy metal movements at Rockhampton Airport in recent days.

 

Beginning the wave of chartered aircraft, Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100 UR-82029 made an early morning arrival at Rockhampton Airport from Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore on Saturday, September 26.

 

After offloading a pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47SD Chinook helicopters, the Antonov departed back to Singapore in the very early hours of Sunday, September 27.  

 

Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-300 9V-SSH was next to follow with the twin-engined airliner operating Changi Airport, Singapore to Rockhampton and return as SIA8931 / 8932 on Sunday, September 27 and again Monday, September 28.

 

Adding to the excitement for planespotters and aviation enthusiasts alike, Air New Zealand Boeing 767-300ER ZK-NCI ferried from Auckland to Singapore as ANZ6001 on Tuesday, September 29, before operating a charter service to Rockhampton as ANZ1940. 

 

On the ramp for only a relatively short time, ZK-NCI continued onwards to Auckland as ANZ6002.  

 

Finishing the first wave of heavy metal expected to make an appearance at Rockhampton Airport in support of Exercise Wallaby 2015 over the next two months, Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100 UR-82029 returned to Rockhampton from Paya Lebar Air Base on Wednesday, September 30.

 

Touching down during the very early hours of the day, the Antonov will offload a number of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters before returning to Singapore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photo's by Phil Munsel Photography and depict Antonov Airlines AN-124-100 UR-82008 at Rockhampton Airport in October 2014.   

Jetgo Australia - North Queensland to South Queensland via Rockhampton

After failing to ignite sustainable interest on the Sydney - Gladstone route and subsequently withdrawing the direct flights in January 2015 after only serving the sector for 2 months, Jetgo Australia is to be commended for their brave return to Central Queensland with the airline expected to commence a three times weekly Townsville - Rockhampton - Gold Coast and return flights on Monday, September 28.

Services from North Queensland to South Queensland via Rockhampton will be operated by 36-seat Embraer ERJ-135 (LR) regional jets each Sunday, Monday and Thursday.

Flights are scheduled to depart Townsville at 7:30am arriving Rockhampton at 8:30am before departing at 8:50am and arriving Gold Coast at 9:50am. The return flight will depart Gold Coast at 3:10pm arriving Rockhampton at 4:10pm before departing at 4:30pm and arriving back in Townsville at 5:30pm.

Other RPT flights provided by Jetgo Australia include four times per week Brisbane - Dubbo and Brisbane - Tamworth services. Towards the end of October 2015, Jetgo Australia is also expected to commence three times per week Dubbo - Melbourne / Essendon and return flights.

Of interest, Jetgo Australia provides regular FIFO services from Brisbane and Townsville to Osborne Mine near Mt Isa. An Embraer ERJ-135 (LR) is permanently based at Townsville Airport for this contract and no-doubt will now be further utilised to provide the Townsville - Rockhampton - Gold Coast service.

Established in 2012 to provide ad hoc and contract charter work, particularly Fly-in / Fly-out (FIFO) in support of the mining and resource sector, the airline has since gained regulatory approval to provide RPT services on selected routes ... a great success story indeed.

To learn more about Jetgo Australia, their official website can be located by clicking onto the following link : http://www.jetgo.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agnes Water Airfield and Wyndham Aviation - Discovery Coast, Queensland

Agnes Water Airfield services the popular twin-township of Agnes Water / 1770 on the Discovery Coast, Queensland. Aligned in the 14 / 32 direction, a grass-strip measuring approximately 3600ft (1100m) in length is the sole runway.

 

Pilots wishing to visit Agnes Water / 1770 should be aware a $50 landing fee applies for General Aviation (GA) aircraft and $20 for RA-Aus registered lighties. Alternatively, Gladstone Airport is located approximately 42nm (78km) to the WNW and Bundaberg Airport 48nm (89km) to the SSW. Fuel is available for emergency use only.

 

To make an enquiry about Agnes Water Airfield including parking of aircraft while either on a business trip or holiday at Agnes Water / 1770, feel free to contact Les Woodall aka “Woody” on 0428 661 434 or by forwarding an email to : hwoody2@bigpond.com 

 

For holiday makers and day trippers who enjoy adventure, locally based air charter company – Wyndham Aviation – provides a selection of scenic flights that not only take in the local area (Agnes Water / 1770 and Bustard Head Lighthouse) but nearby reefs, coral cays and islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

 

Some of these beautiful attractions include Lady Musgrave Island, Heron Island, Llwellyn Reef, Wistari Reef and Fitzroy Reef to name a few.

 

To learn more about general charter flights, scenic flights and adventures offered by Wyndham Aviation, contact Bruce on 0401 770 572 or by forwarding an email to : berhoades@msn.com

 

Alternatively, visit 1770 Castaway at : www.facebook.com/1770castaway  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RACQ / Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service - Rockhampton Airport operations

Incorporated in December 1995 and commencing operations a short time later in January 1996, the RACQ / Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) provides a 24 hours a day / 365 days a year aeromedical and rapid rescue response service free of charge and operates under a five year rolling contract agreement with the Queensland Government (Queensland Health Department).

Whether in the bush, at sea or a distant mine site - the RACQ / Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) is able to despatch medical or rescue teams to those in need of rapid assistance as well as provide an airborne intensive care unit to transfer critically injured or ill patients to a more appropiate medical facility or conduct a search and rescue mission.

To operate the RACQ / Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS), 40% of required funding comes from the Queensland Government while the remaining 60% is funded through donations and proceeds from the public. Needless to say, the aeromedical and rescue service (CHRS) deeply appreciates all fundraising efforts and extremely appreciative of the donations from the Creed family after holding the annual (most years) Old Station Fly-In at Raglan.

Since 2013, Australian Helicopters has been the provider of three Bell 412 helicopters in support of  Mackay Airport based Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQRS) and Rockhampton Airport based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS).

Of interest, each chopper can be configured to accommodate five people and a single stretcher or three people and two stretchers in the cabin as well as a passenger or additional crew member up front next to the pilot (co-pilot seat).

Role equipment aboard include a variable speed rescue winch with a 250ft long cable capable of supporting a two person operation (or up to 270kg), a cargo hook with fire fighting bucket capability, night search light & night vision device and a beacon homer.

Flightdeck technology include an aircraft tracking device, autopilot, weather radar / storm scope, IFR GPS, communication and navigation radios to enable IFR flight including HF radio, cockpit voice recorder, flight data recorder, helicopter terrain and warning system, airframe health and usage monitoring system, engine monitoring systems and an airframe / engine vibration monitoring system.

Installed Emergency Services Communication Equipment (ESCE) include marine VHF high band radio, QAS / QFRS VHF low band radio, QPS / CB / Rural Fire UHF band radio and digital mobile phone.

Medical equipment include an QAS trauma kit, medical oxygen (2 x “D” size cylinders), vital signs monitor with defibrillator (Lifepak 12), ventilation (Oxylog 1000), syringe driver (Braun Compact) & mounting for second syringe driver, mounting for IVAC, electric powered medical suction inlets / outlets, intravenous equipment, 2 x patient stretcher systems, the ability to transport a neonatal intensive care cot, 12 volt power outlets, high intensity adjustable field of work medical lighting suitable to night flying and purpose built medical storage areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photo's captured at Emu Park near Yeppoon by Phil Munsel Photography.