RACQ / Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service Community Day at Gladstone

The RACQ / Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) held a successful Community Day event at Gladstone PCYC on Saturday, October 29, providing an opportunity for the general public to not only meet and have a chat with the flight crew, but climb onboard and take a look at the visiting rescue helicopter.

While Rockhampton Airport based Bell 412EP VH-EPR proved very popular for hundreds of locals, other attractions at the event included a small number of immaculately presented show cars, two Fire Tenders from Queensland Fire and Rescue, a Fire Truck from Mount Maurice Rural Fire Brigade, and performances from a local band.

A jumping castle and face painting also provided entertainment for the kids, while a free sausage sizzle and refreshments from a coffee van didn't go astray.

Of interest, it is worth mentioning the RACQ / CHRS recently 'signed-off' on a sponsorship agreement with Australia Pacific LNG and Conoco Phillips, and expected to release further detail about this shortly. It was also reported RACQ will remain as the major sponsor.

To learn more about the RACQ / Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service, feel free to click onto the link : http://airqueensland.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/racq-capricorn-helicopter-rescue-service.html      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAAF Boeing 737-700 (BBJ) A36-002 visits Central Queensland

What appears to be a crew training flight, and using radio callsign 'Envoy 28', Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 737-700 (BBJ) A36-002 visited Rockhampton and Bundaberg on Wednesday, October 26, after flying from and back to Brisbane.

It is understood A36-002 had earlier flown to Brisbane from Sydney via Canberra.

While visiting Central Queensland, A36-002 first touched down at Rockhampton, and completed a crew change while both engines remained running before departing to Bundaberg. 

At Bundaberg, local planespotter Micah S grasped an opportunity to capture photo's of the aircraft while being refuelled, and apparently took onboard a little over 5000 litres of Jet A1.

Micah also reports A36-002 touched down at the rum city on RWY32, but departed off RWY14.

Also on Wednesday, October 26, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Birdsville and Winton in Western Queensland, and finished the day with an evening arrival at Rockhampton aboard Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 A37-002.

Of interest, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce made an early morning flight to Rockhampton aboard RAAF Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 A37-001 on Thursday, October 27, meaning both aircraft were on the ground together at the beef capital while the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister satisfied their engagements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photo's kindly submitted by Micah S.

Rockhampton Aero Club - Cessna 172 VH-XUI and VH-ZDX

The Rockhampton Aero Club is located on the General Aviation (GA) side of Rockhampton Airport with the aero club building situated on the General Aviation access road, off Canoona Road.

 

The Rockhampton Aero Club was first formed in 1930 as Rockhampton Aerial Services, and started flight training with a de Havilland Gypsy Moth. Following a period of inactivity during the Second World War, the club was reformed in 1947 and purchased surplus Tiger Moths in 1951. 

 

Operating from of a number of buildings since it's inception, the aero club moved into the current premises in 2003, and is worth noting for enthusiasts that on the first Friday of each month commencing between 5pm - 6pm, the club holds a BBQ giving people the chance to chat with the local pilots, instructors and committee members. 

 

At present, the club operates a fleet of single and twin-engine aircraft in a variety of roles which include flying training, general air charter, scenic flights, search and rescue and aerial advertising.

 

In this post, we take a walk-around look at two of those aircraft, Cessna 172P VH-XUI and Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP VH-ZDX.

 

Of interest, Cessna 172P VH-XUI was manufactured in 1981, is powered by a Textron-Lycoming O-320-D2J, 4-cylinder piston engine, configured to seat four-people (one pilot, three passengers) and capable of cruising at approximately 105 knots.

 

Cessna 172S VH-ZDX is a much newer aircraft with a build date of 2003, and also configured to seat four people. This neatly presented Cessna is powered by a Textron-Lycoming IO-360, 4-cylinder piston engine, providing ample power to propel the aircraft to a cruise speed of approximately 125 knots.

 

For further information about flying training, charter flights and scenic tours - the Rockhampton Aero Club can be contacted on (07) 4922 4596 / 0427 224 596 or by visiting their website at : http://rockhamptonaeroclub.org.au/aeroclub/