Rockhampton Movements 2011

[damian f]

I hope the MODs don't mind a fresh thread considering Talisman Sabre is around the corner - perhaps there will be a TS11 thread soon for all movements??

Anyway, Rockhampton has had some interesting Australian Mil movements through over the last couple of weeks - I believe there is a couple of smaller training exercises in the area before TS11 begins in mid-July.

Here's a summary...

RAAF Boeing C-17A A41-206 popped in 5-6 times at the start of June delivering eight Eurocopter Tiger (ARH) Helicopters - the serials of the Tigers were A38-006, -007, -008, -012, -013, -015, -018, -020.

On Monday 13/6, six Sikorsky S-70A Blackhawk helicopters arrived at Rocky - the serials of the blackhawks were A25-106, -112, -202, -205, -211, -224.

All these helicopters departed Rocky on Tuesday 14/6 for points North.

On Friday 17/6 United States Navy (USN) Lockheed C-130T Hercules with registration/serial number 165348 (tail code JW5348) arrived at Rocky Airport and overnighted.

On Saturday 18/6 four RAAF BAe Hawk 127 aircraft arrived at Rocky and then departed later in the day. I am told that these could be back this week and be based at the airport to fly sorties during the week. The serials of the Hawks were A27-14, -22, -29, -31.

If you are interested, there are plenty of photos on my CQ Plane Spotting Blog - courtesy of Ben O in Rocky! (http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/)

Enjoy! Cheers!
Damian

[damian f]

Evening all,

A couple of interesting days at Rockhampton Airport with 6 Kiowa, 8 Eurocopter Tiger, and 8 Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters all parked around the airport. I believe that there has been a small ADF exercise in Shoalwater Bay prior to Talisman Sabre so suspect these helicopters have been participating in that during this last week.

Friday 24/6 saw RAAF C-17 A41-209 pop in for about 15 minutes - callsign "Stallion 34".

Saturday 25/6 saw RAAF C-130H A97-009 on the ground for a couple of hours before departing to Darwin as "Trojan 52".

Sunday 26/6 should see another C-17 and 2 C-130s, as well as an Air New Zealand B747-400 pay Rocky a visit, with more transports on Monday.

There are some photos from the past few days on the Blog: http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Update from Rocky...

Sunday 26/6
RAAF C-17 A41-207 operated Amberley-Rocky-Townsville as "Stallion 74"
RAAF C-130H A97-009 operated Darwin-Rocky-Darwin as "Trojan 52"
Air New Zealand B747-400 ZK-NBW arrived as ANZ1964 from Adelaide and departed as ANZ6064 to Brisbane and Auckland
6 of the 8 blackhawks departed South
5 of the 6 Kiowas departed South
All 8 Eurocopter Tigers still on the ground
Commercials - Alliance F-100 VH-XWT, Virgin E-Jets VH-ZPG, VH-ZHF, Qlink Q300 VH-SBW, Q400 VH-QOW

Monday 27/6
RAAF C-17 A41-207 operated Townsville-Rocky-Richmond as "Stallion 74"
RAAF C-130H A97-009 operated Darwin-Rocky-Darwin as "Trojan 52"
Commercials - Alliance F-100 VH-XWM, Virgin E-Jets VH-ZPE, VH-ZPH, QLink Q400 VH-QOM, VH-QOE.
Others - Qld Gvt B1900 VH-PSK, Singapore Flying College VH-SQY ("Raffles 22"), GAM Aerocommander VH-UJS, Pel Air SAAB 340 Freighter VH-EKT.

Photos (as always) on the Blog! http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[Dave Dale]

While out on my walk today, I noticed a Qantas 737-800 taking off from Rockhampton airport. After some investigation, I managed to work out the flight information:

QF1355 Darwin - Rockhampton 15:25 15:25 Landed

QF6155 Rockhampton - Sydney 16:05 16:05

Dave

[Michael P]

The USS ESSEX will be docking in Townsville next week. Here is a link to the story. http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2011/06/30/243911_news.html

[damian f]

While out on my walk today, I noticed a Qantas 737-800 taking off from Rockhampton airport. After some investigation, I managed to work out the flight information:

QF1355 Darwin - Rockhampton 15:25 15:25 Landed

QF6155 Rockhampton - Sydney 16:05 16:05

Dave

VH-VXP apparently.

[damian f]

Three movements TS11 related at Rockhampton Wednesday 6/7...

RAAF C-17 Globemaster A41-208 arrived and later departed to Nowra as "Stallion 13"
RAAF C-130H Hercules A97-006 arrived and departed five minutes later as "Trojan 08"
US Navy C-130T Hercules 165349 (RU349) (VR-55) arrived and departed as "Convoy 7901"

More to come this week...

Lastly, Careflight Bell 412 VH-XCO arrived at Rocky 'Med 1' from Williamson Airfied which is in Shoalwater Bay as "Careflight 911". Locals suggested this could be a permanent Medi-vac chopper for the duration of the exercise.

Pictures from today's action are on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog now! (http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/)

Cheers
Damian

[Mick F]

MD-11, N277WA visited Rocky today. Not quite sure what time it came and went, it landed before I did and I'd gone home before it'd left.

Cheers

Mick

[damian f]

To update Mick's post - the MD11 hasn't gone yet - as at 9.30pm it was still parked on the apron all closed up for the night. On another note though Mick, you should have come and said Gday to us spotters - we park and watch the action from right next door to the RFDS hangar at Rocky!

Other movements at Rocky today included...

As mentioned... World Airways MD-11(ER) N277WA arrived as WOA8511 from Hickam.

US Navy C-40A (B737-7AF) - which is a Combi model - with serial 166694 (tail code 694) of the VR-59 Unit - it used Callsign "Convoy 7922" and departed North.

Australian Army Sikorsky Blackhawk A25-105 departed to the North (there are also 2 Blackhawks parked on the ground at Rocky too).

Australian Army Eurocopter Tiger A38-015 did a local flight with callsign "Marline 91" - made a very spectacular pitch and landing!

Late this evening 2 RAAF C-130 Hercs popped in - C-130H A97-009 was in again as "Trojan 08", while C-130J A97-441 was in as "Mambo 33". Both departed to the North.

There is a Talisman Sabre open day this Saturday as well...

As always, there are some pics on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Report from Friday 8 July at Rocky Airport...

World Airways MD-11(ER) N277WA departed to HNL as WOA9612
USMC Gulfstream C-20G (Gulfstream IV) 165153 arrived as "Ghost 53"
RAAF C-130H Hercules A97-009 passed through as "Trojan 06"
Army Eurocopter EC665 Tiger Helicopters A38-007 and A38-008 departed together as "Marlin 11" (another left as well as "Marlin 13" but its id cant be confirmed)
RAN Westland Sea King Mk.50A N16-125 arrived as "Shark 10"

Lastly, throughout the afternoon around a dozen Australian Army Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters arrived at Rockhampton Airport, with most staying for night, and some departing after taking on fuel. Serials I noted were...
A25-218 "Tester 04"
A25-213 "Blackhawk 213"
A25-206 "Warhorse 206"
A25-224 "Warhorse 224"
A25-203 "Blackhawk 203"
A25-212 "Blackhawk 212"
A25-205 "Blackhawk 205"
A25-112 "Blackhawk 112"
A25-114 "Warhorse 114"
A25-107 "Warhorse 107"

Some pictures as always are on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Presume the following a/c arriving at Richmond over the last 3 days are related to this exercise:

On Thursday MC-130H 83-1212 arr as BIRD11
On Friday MC-130H 84-0476 arr as BIRD12
We also had C-17A 98-0056 arr and depart as TREK107
Today 2 MP-130's arr, 69-5826 as JAKAL99 and not long ago 69-5832 as KOJAK11.

Love these callsigns:)

[damian f]

Excellent Peter - I hope we see them up in Queensland like last Exercise!

Another forum has info suggesting one of the main attractions for Central Qld (Rocky) the USS Essex may not come at all - it is stuck in Japan for 'operational reasons'... USAF Hercs may make up for this!

Anyway a report from Saturday 9/7

Hundreds of locals turned out for the Talisman Sabre 2011 Open Day at the Showgrounds. There was no US equipment, but a vast range of ADF military equipment was on show including Recovery Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, a Kalmar Container Handler, an Abrams Tank, an Armoured Personel Carrier, a Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo Vehicle. Airborne assets included Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk helicopter (A25-224), Eurocopter EC665 Tiger (ARH) Helicopter (A38-008), and Westland Sea King Mk.50A "Shark 10" (N16-125).

At Rockhampton Airport, military movements were limited with a couple of Army Eurcopter EC665 Tiger helicopters and Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters flying sorties to Shoalwater Bay.

Other movements included...
- Another Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Westland Sea King Mk.50A arriving as "Shark 07" making it N16-118.
- Three Australian Army Commonwealth CA-32 (Bell 206B/OH-58A) Kiowa helicopters arrived from the South as "Redback 38". These were A17-038, A17-051, A17-014. These Kiowas joined A17-027 which went for a test flight late in the afternoon after being stuck in Rockhampton with maintenance issues.
- Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules returned and left again as "Trojan 06".
- United States Navy (USN) Lockheed C-130T Hercules 165349 (Tail Code RU5349) of the VR-55 Unit, which returned to Rockhampton briefly, arriving and departing as "Convoy 7901".

Reports may dry up for a bit now as I head back home tomorrow, but I should be back next weekend!

Photos as always are on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[Craig Murray]

Fantastic update Peter, your eyes on Richmond are appreciated from an excitement starved Queensland!


MC-130H 83-1212 (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=83-1212&distinct_entry=true) arr as BIRD11
MC-130H 84-0476 (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=84-0476&distinct_entry=true) arr as BIRD12


These MC-130H Combat Talon II Herc's are operated by the 15th Special Operations Squadron out of Hurlbert Field in Florida.

15th SOS Factsheet (http://www2.hurlburt.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3497)

Their mission is:

The 15th Special Operations Squadron (15th SOS), located at Hurlburt Field, Fla., is one of nine flying squadrons within the 1st Special Operations Wing. The squadron flies the MC-130H Combat Talon II. Specially modified to support unconventional warfare and special operations forces worldwide, the Combat Talon II is capable of penetrating a hostile environment at low altitudes and in inclement weather.

The Combat Talon II is a derivative of the C-130H Hercules modified for special operations. The mission of the aircraft involves a global, day and night, adverse weather capability to insert, extract and resupply special operations forces by low or high altitude airdrop or airland operations.


MC-130P 69-5826 (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=69-5826&distinct_entry=true) as JAKAL99
MC-130P 69-5832 (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=69-5832&distinct_entry=true) as KOJAK11

These arrivals were MC-130P Combat Shadow's operated by the 67th Special Operations Squadron based at RAF Mildenhall in the UK.

352nd Special Operations Group (to which the 67th SOS belongs) (http://www.mildenhall.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12951)

Here is a little info on what the 67th SOS does:

67th Special Operations Squadron (67th SOS) operates the MC-130P Combat Shadow using night vision goggles to provide long-range, low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in hostile or denied territory. The squadron also enables combat search and rescue, medical evacuations, and assists with humanitarian operations. The squadron's and crew's aircraft are uniquely capable of providing clandestine air refueling support to special operations helicopters and tilt rotor aircraft.

Given the USS Essex has returned to Japan (http://www.stripes.com/news/maintenance-issue-forces-uss-essex-back-to-port-en-route-to-exercise-1.148650) and allegedly transferred its "507 Marines, 23 Helicopters and 6 Jets" back to shore (allegedly!) I am hoping the 67th SOS find something else to offer "clandestine air refueling support" to!

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Cheers Craig, very interesting sqn profile.

Remember Mildenhall well, lots of C-130's logged there.

I did log 69-5827 at RAF/USAF Woodbridge in 1971 but it would have been a std C-130H in those days (fairly new).

[Mark M]

Hey Damian, Craig and Peter, very interesting thread am intrigued about how come about getting the destinations of the RAAF herc's and C-17's do they show up on a plane tracker or did they get clearance you heard locally ?? Would love to know if it is a plane plotter especially during Antartic flying season over here in NZ so I could watch out for the Globemaster moving back and forth. Cheers Mark

[damian f]

Mark I hear the clearances but do not post too much info...

Meanwhile, it's been a relatively quiet start to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 at Rockhampton Airport this week.

Monday 11/7, most of the action was confined to the Australian Army helicopters that have been parked at Rockhampton Airport.

Eurocopter EC665 (ARH) Tiger and Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters were noted flying sorties out of the Airport. One Blackhawk, A25-212, was photographed receiving some attention - one engineer wore a full protective suit, while A25-203 was noted operating circuits around the airport from a temporary landing site on the other side of Rockhampton Airport. Also arriving into Rockhampton Airport during the afternoon was more Australian Army Kiowa helicopters, A17-028 and A17-032.

On Tuesday 12/7 there was yet again a lot of helicopter movements, but there was a couple interesting fixed wing movements during the day.

Australian Army Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk A25-203 was again doing circuits around the Airport. This was later joined by Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Westland Sea King Mk.50A - serial N16-118 - also operating cicuits as "Shark 07". There was also some winching practice performed by Blackhawk A25-112.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Beech B350 Super King Air A32-670 from 38 Squadron popped into Rockhampton Airport as "Dingo 30".

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J, 167983 (Tail Code QD-983) of the VMGR-152 Unit arrived from and departed back to the North.

Photos as always on the Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Damian

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Another C-130 arrived at Richmond yesterday, C-130H 74-2070 as TREK111.

3 of the Herc's have been operating at low level and found that 84-0476 is using MANGE11 and not BIRD12.

[Dave Dale]

There is a 737 AWACS on the ground at Rockhampton right now.

[damian f]

A couple of more quiet days in Rockhampton over the last couple of days - well that has been spotted anyway!

Wednesday 13/7
United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J, 167983 (Tail Code QD-983) of the VMGR-152 Unit paid another quick visit.
Also Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES (BBJ) AWACS "Wedgetail" aircraft performing a missed-approach onto Runway 15. The aircraft was noted using the callsign "Wedgetail 05" making the serial of the aircraft A30-005. Not sure if one was actually on the ground Dave??

Thursday 14/7
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Westland Sea King Mk.50A - serial N16-239 - "Shark 21" was noted alongside sisterships N16-125 ("Shark 10") and N16-118 ("Shark 07").
RAN Sikorsky S-70B/SH-60 Seahawk N24-009 arrived and departed as "Tiger 78".

Plenty of helicopter sorties both days as well - Kiowa, Blackhawk, and Tiger.

Photos as always on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[Dave Dale]

Damian,

I must confess I didn't see it on the ground although did see it on approach and then take off from the airfield. I assumed it to be on the ground. I will make certain next time...

Dave

[Jaryd stock]

Two MC-130,s were down in Hobart today I didn't know that they went down that far anyone know why...

[damian f]

Back in Rocky for a couple of days so expect a few more posts here!

Summary for Saturday 16/7...

Our Airline (Air Nauru) Boeing B737-3YO VH-INU arrived and departed as RON901/900.
Qantas Boeing B767-338(ER) VH-OGN arrived from and later departed to Melbourne as QFA1358/6159.
Also on the ground is a broken down Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-XWM. This caused problems for parking as the usual heavy jet gate was unavailable so the Qantas B767 had to unload on a taxiway!

Of the military movements...

There was a spectacular departure of a formation of five Australian Army Commonwealth CA-32 (Bell 206B/OH-58A) Kiowa helicopters to Shoalwater Bay as "Redback Black". A decent crowd of onlookers gathered to watch A17-028, A17-031, A17-051, A17-038, A17-014 depart. There are a further two Kiowa tucked away in a hangar.
Later in the day, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-671 (38 Squadron) arrived as "Dingo 29".
And Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Westland Sea King Mk.50A N16-239 arrived as "Shark 21".

Word is the action with step up a notch tomorrow - here's hoping! There is also word - unfortunately - the mass C-17 para drop - if successful - could see all the C-17s bypass Rocky for Amberley - hope the weather over Shoalwater Bay is crappy!!!! Ha ha!!

Photos from today and this last week on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Evening all,

A reasonable day at Rockhampton Sunday 17/7 - even managed to meet up with Craig M and Dave K who are up from Brisbane for the week and Mick F who was also out and about.

Anyway, today was the day for the United States Air Force (USAF) mass parachute drop over Central Queensland. It occured West of Rockhampton this morning. Unfortunately, the drop went perfectly and the four USAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft that were involved bypassed Rockhampton and landed at Amberley. However, one of the C-17s involved ended up making an appearance at Rockhampton Airport late in the afternoon.

USAF C-17 05-5148 (Hickam AFB tail stripe) arrived from Amberley and later departed to Guam as "Slew 99"
USAF Lockheed MC-130P Hercules 69-5832 was believed to have visited Williamson Airfield - which is with the Shoalwater Bay Training Area - this afternoon. The Hercules was using the callsign "Warrior 10" and arrived from and departed to Richmond Air Force Base, West of Sydney.
USMC Lockheed KC-130J, 168066 (Tail Code QD-066) of the VMGR-152 Unit popped into Rockhampton as "Sumo 86".

Of the Aussies...
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky S-70B/SH-60 Seahawk N24-016 arrived from and departed to Bundaberg as "Tiger 85". (there are a total of three Seahawks at Bundy)
There was also 2 formations of Townsville-based Australian Army Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters. "Warhorse Black" consisted of A25-107 and A25-203. "Warhorse Blue" consisted of A25-222, A25-206, A25-224.
There was also two RAN Sea King movements with "Shark 10" and "Shark 21" flying to Shoalwater Bay.

Photos as always on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Monday 18/7 (been a bit slack - sorry)

There were as many as six various model Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in the air over Shoalwater Bay during the afternoon. They were various Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) models. They were heard flying in from Richmond using various callsigns such as "Warrior 20" (which was a formation of two RAAF C-130H Hercules), "Trojan 11", "Trojan 12", "Trojan 45", and "Trojan 55".

Most of the "Trojan" aircraft were believed to be USAF Hercules aircraft, with at least Lockheed MC-130H Hercules 84-0476 and 83-1212, and Lockheed MC-130P Hercules 69-5826 all noted in the air (courtesy of Balus!).

Most of the aircraft later returned directly to Richmond AFB, but three eventually landed at Rockhampton. RAAF C-130Hs, A97-006 arriving as "Warrior 22", and A97-007 arriving as "Warrior 20". These aircraft flew up to Shaolwater Bay in formation.

Just after the sun went down USAF Lockheed MC-130P Hercules 69-5826 arrived as "Trojan 55". It left around 7pm for Richmond.

By far the highlight of the day and night though was the arrival and departure of three USAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft. These three Globemasters were all involved in the mass parachute drop the previous day, but this time picked up a load of soldiers each and departed to the North-East.

03-3124 used the callsign "Reach 775"
02-1111 used the callsign "Reach 526"
00-0180 used the callsign "Reach 146"

A small crowd gathered to watch the action, which was also being watched over by several military police officers and police dogs. The last C-17 took-off around 10.30pm making the night one to remember.

Earlier in the day, more helicopter sorties to and from Rockhampton Airport were highlighted by the arrival of two more Australian Army Commonwealth CA-32 (Bell 206B/OH-58A) Kiowa helicopters. The Kiowas - A17-054 and A17-040 - arrived from and later departed to the South as “Knights Red”.

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky S-70B/SH-60 Seahawk N24-005 also popped in for a visit. The Seahawk also arrived from and later departed to the South as "Tiger 74".

RAN Westland Mk.50A Sea Kings N16-125 "Shark 10" and N16-239 "Shark 21" also operated out of Rockhampton Airport, flying sorties to the North of the Airport.

That was Monday - pics somewhere on the Blog - about three posts down now - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Damian

[damian f]

Tuesday 19/7 at Rockhampton Airport..

Local news reported that there was a mass amphibious landing in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area early, and to support this there were several Eurocopter EC665 (ARH) Tiger and Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk helicopter sorties from Rockhampoton Airport to the training area.

Eurocopter Tigers A38-020 and A38-012 flew as "Grumpy 11", while A38-008 and A38-007 flew as "Mohawk".

Also noted flying to the training area were Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Westland Mk.50A Sea Kings N16-239 "Shark 21" and N16-118 "Shark 07", while RAN Sikorsky S-70B/SH-60 Seahawk N24-005 arrived again today from the South as “Tiger 74”.

Later in the day, a formation of four Blackhawks was set to fly out at "Warhorse Blue" however on departure, one of the choppers, A25-215, was seen to be puffing out a lot of smoke from one engine. It immediately landed safely and was later photographed being towed to the temporary Australian Army helicopter maintenance area. The other three Blackhawks departed as planned.

There were some interesting United States Navy (USN) helicopter movements as well. Arriving late in the morning, and parking at Rockhampton Airport for most of the day were USN Sikorsky SH-60F Oceanhawk 164446 of the HSL-51 VIP 7th Fleet, which arrived as "Blackbeard 02" , while USN Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk 163240 of the HSL-51 Unit arrived as "Warlord 710". This Seahawk was also noted popping into the airport on two other occasions during the day.

Of the fixed-wing movements, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 popped into Rockhampton from Amberley as “Stallion 24”.

RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-339 from 38 Squadron popped into Rockhampton Airport as "Dingo 11".

Lastly, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J, 167983 (Tail Code QD-983) of the VMGR-152 Unit paid a quick visit before departing to the North as "Sumo 82".

Pics are as always on the Blog - just updated! - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[andrew evans]

awesome thanks for the up dates.

[damian f]

I should also mention that there are numerous overflys of aircraft to and from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area - both Australian and American - various callsigns...

I know there are three RAN Seahawks based at Bundaberg that fly from there over the water, and as mentioned popping into Rocky at times - "Tiger 74", "Tiger 78", and "Tiger 85".

Also heard on the scanner - type unknown - any info would be great...
"Striker 12"
"Raven 12" - flew Bundaberg to Townsville - could be a PC-9
"Marlin 00" or "Merlin 00" - flew to Amberley - could be an Orion?

Great listening!

Damian

[AdamC]

Damien

Striker12 most likely an orion also.

[damian f]

Evening all,

Don't have much to report from Wednesday, but Thursday started with an incident... A well-known Peace Activist managed to cut a padlock on a Gate at Rockhampton Airport, rode a tri-cycle to a Eurocopter Tiger helicopter, and took to it with an axe...

More details here - http://tinyurl.com/3wwqlcr

More details on movements to come...

Damian

[damian f]

Evening all,

A report from Wednesday and Thursday at Rockhampton Airport.

Wednesday 20 July turned out to be a relatively quiet day, with the majority of movements again being from Australian Army Eurocopter EC665 (ARH) Tiger and Sikorsky S70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters, as well as Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Westland Mk.50A Sea King sorties to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Of the American forces, United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk - 163240 - of the HSL-51 Unit visited Rockhampton again as "Warlord 710".

And United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J, 167983 (Tail Code QD-983) of the VMGR-152 Unit, popped in once again from the North.

Thursday 21 July.. Local spotters report that the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter that was allegedly damaged by the idiot could be A38-006.

Notable movements on Thursday included United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky SH-60F Oceanhawk - 164081 - of the HSL-51 VIP 7th Fleet was noted flying as "Blackbeard 01". This is the sister-helicopter to USN Sikorsky Oceanhawk 164446 which flew into Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday as "Blackbeard 02". Both choppers are from the USN ship "USS Blue Ridge".

Another USN visitor was Lockheed C-130T Hercules 165158 (tail code CW-158) of the VR-54 Unit, arrived as "Convoy 7142".

Also paying another visit - almost a daily routine now - was United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J, 167983 (Tail Code QD-983) of the VMGR-152 Unit, this time as "Sumo 81".

Lastly, as Virgin Australia B737-700, possibly VH-VBF, arrived in the late afternoon from Brisbane, the Rockhampton Airport Tower Controller noticed a large amount of smoke coming from the left main landing gear during its landing roll-out. The B737 was just beginning to exit the runway when the controller instructed it to hold position. Two fire tenders were dispatched and it was some minutes before the B737 was cleared to taxi to the apron, with the fire tenders following closely behind.

Pictures as always on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Not much happening at Rocky recently...

Sun 24/7 - Gulfstream IV N810LP popped in and out twice.

Mon 25/7 - Lockheed C-130H A97-007 noted departing.

There was also a nasty incident today with an ADF member seriously burned in a port-a-loo explosion.

Damian

[Jayden Laing]

Media release here Damian.

http://defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=12154

[Dave Dale]

A Qantas 767-300 visited Rockhampton Thursday (28/07/2011) afternoon. I saw it depart around 5.45PM as QF1351 to Adelaide.

Dave

[damian f]

Evening all,

Yes Dave, the exodus of personnel and equipment is well underway...

Qantas B767-300 VH-OGE was in twice Thursday 28/7 - it flew SYD-ROK-DRW-ROK-ADL

On Friday 29/7 Rockhampton had another Qantas charter - this time A330-300 VH-QPA flew ???-ROK-MEL. Later Air Nauru B737-300 VH-INU also popped into Rockhampton to take troops home.

A World Airways MD-11 is expected this week to take to US personnel home.

On the military side, Sea Kings N16-125 ("Shark 10") and N16-239 ("Shark 21") departed to South - and home.

There are also five Kiowas still at Rocky, and two Blackhawks.

RAAF C-17s are expected this week to transport the Eurocopter EC665 Tiger helicopters out.

Some photos from the last couple of days are on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Oh and PS - the Air Force officer who was badly injured in the portaloo explosion earlier in the week is still seriously ill in a Brisbane hospital. Investigations are continuing, but it is believed he may have been involved in a fuel spill earlier in the day, and then lit a cigarette in the portaloo. Speculation only.

Hope he make a speedy and full recovery.

Damian

[Mick F]

Any clue as to which day the MD-11 will be in Damian?

Cheers

Mick

[damian f]

Hello all,

Alliance Fokker F-100 VH-FWH operated UTY621 ROK-DRW this morning (Sat 30/7) - another troop charter.

I am told the World Airways MD11 should arrive Monday 1/8 at 3am, stay all day, and depart Tuesday 2/8 at 4am.

That's all I know.. Possibly subject to change..

Damian

[damian f]

Sunday 31/7 at Rockhampton...

Local spotters report that ALL the Army Tiger, Blackhawk, and Kiowa choppers have returned today from Shoalwater Bay, with the Tigers having their rotar blades removed for uplift back to Darwin this week by RAAF C-17s.

RAAF C-17 A41-206 "Stallion 30" arrived about lunch time but broke down - apparently a replacement (with spare parts) was flown in Monday.

Monday 1/8 at Rockhampton...

World Airways MD-11 N272WA arrived before dawn and will depart early tomorrow. Aircraft carries their new red, blue and white colours - very nice!

Also RAAF C-17 A41-209 flew in from Amberley as "Stallion 73". It then flew to Darwin with 2 EC665 Tiger choppers as "Stallion 30". A41-206 flew to Amberley as "Stallion 73".

One of the Tigers uplifted was A38-006 which is still damaged - there is a patch on the forward port fuselage where the idiot punched a hole in it with his axe.. Ben O in Rocky got some great shots over the last couple of days, and these are on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Been a great time in Rocky - pity there weren't more USA stuff... until the Singaporeans in a couple of months!

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Military Exercise Wallaby 2011 - involving mostly the Singapore Army and Air Force around Shoalwater Bay - has begun and will last for around 2 months.

We are only expecting helicopter and C-130 Herc sorties from Rockhampton Airport this year.

Recent movements have included...
- RSAF Lockheed C-130H '734' noted two weeks ago.
- Antonov 124 of Polet (new for Rocky I believe!) arrived last Tuesday night and departed the next day - Rego RA-82075 - flew as POT4762/4763. Dropped off some helicopters and other equipment.
- The first two of around 20 odd B777 Singapore Airlines charters between Singapore and Rockhampton have started tonight (Sunday) with SQ8931 ops by 9V-SQB and SQ8933 is 9V-SQE.

Also, I have some photos on the Blog of the Antonov 124, as well as the 4 AH-64D Apache and 6 EC335 Super Puma helicopters that are parked at Rockhampton Airport - with thanks to the local spotters at Rocky!

Cheers
Damian
http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

[damian f]

Monday night (26/9) Singapore Airlines B777 charters to Rockhampton Airport are...
9V-SQG (SIA8931/8932) and 9V-SQA (SIA8933/8934).

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Not much has been happening at Rocky Airport recently, but Ben O popped into the airport Friday and managed to catch a couple of RSAF movements...

Lockheed C-130H '733' arrived, while two AH-64D Apaches - 067 and 065 - departed to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

A couple of photos on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog... http://tinyurl.com/3ruer8a

Cheers
Damian

[Mick F]

Damian, do you know why there was a QF 737-400 in Rocky yesterday morning?

Mick

[Max C]

Storms in Bris early yesterday.

QF660 VH-TJX diverted to ROK.

[Mick F]

Thanks Anthony,
I was just pulling up at work when I saw it getting airborne off Runway 33.

Cheers

Mick

[Dave Dale]

Damian

Thought this may be of interest. The charter flights to Rockhampton showed up on the monitors at Changi while I was on my way to Hong Kong!

[damian f]

Yes Dave - I note on the Changi Airport website when the inbound and outbound flights are - great resource!

Forgot to post the charter info from last weekend... so here goes... only a week late!

On Saturday 15 October 9V-SQF flew as SIA8931/8932 and 9V-SQH flew as SIA8933/8934.

On Sunday 16 October 9V-SQE flew as SIA8931/8932 and 9V-SQC flew as SIA8933/8934

On Monday 17 October 9V-SQH flew as SIA8931/8932 and 9V-SQF flew as SIA8933/8934

There was also supposed to be one on the Friday night but a broken down SAAB 340 (VH-KDB) which was parked on the usual heavy jet gate caused it to be cancelled.

I also managed a few more snaps of some of the RSAF choppers and herc (which flew a sortie as "Condor").

Some pics on the blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Hi

I should have added the serials of the RSAF choppers...

There were five Eurocopter AS332M Super Puma helicopters present. Their serials are believed to be 292, 276, 296, 293, and 281.

Also noted were four Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters with serials 065, 066, 063, and 067. Apache 067 was noted wearing a red crest on its tail.

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Quick update about the RSAF Exercise Wallaby - which seems to be dragging on without much excitement.

Ben O popped into Rocky Airport a little while ago and managed to capture some Apache and Super Puma action - pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/79avzg5

Meanwhile, earlier this month Singapore Airlines B777s 9V-SQF and 9V-SQH operated six more charters to Rocky Airport. Rocky is expecting the last 'wave' of Singapore Airlines B777 charters this week, with arrivals planned Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Friday night it is expected that an Antonov 124 will be arriving. Departure expected Saturday some time.

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Ben O popped into Rocky Airport again and captured a few more images of the RSAF choppers - the packing up has started at the Exercise draws to a close.

Suspect 2 RSAF C-130H Hercules were at Rocky Airport Monday 21/11.

Singapore Airlines B777 9V-SQE operated SIA8931/8932 Tuesday 22/11 - more this week.

Antonov pushed back to Sunday I am told.

Photos and more on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://tinyurl.com/csgarr8

Cheers
Damian

[Dave Dale]

Damian

was at Rockhampton airport this morning and was speaking with one of the baggage handlers and was reliably informed that the last Singapore Airlines flight is tonight at 9.10PM.

Dave

[Grahame Hutchison]

B772 9V-SQF (http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/1/6/1860613.jpg) SQ9831 is overhead Darwin at FL410 heading 117 at 468kts. Looks to be heading Rockhampton way.

[Tim Bowrey]

There are 2 SQ flights into ROK tonight both of which will be turning around with arrival times back into Changi of 3:55am(SQ8932) and 6:55am(SQ8936).

Info from the Changi Airport site.

[damian f]

Tues 22/11 9V-SQE ops SIA8931/8932

Wed 23/11 9V-SQF ops SIA8931/8932 and 9V-SQC ops SIA 8935/8936

Looks to be only flight tonight (Thursday).

Damian

[Shayne G]

The AN124 is RA-82077, Polet machine.

[damian f]

Polet Aviakompania (Polet Airlines) Antonov 124-100 RA-82077 arrived at Rockhampton Airport on Sunday 27 November, as "POT4765" from Perth, touching down around 10am in the morning.

It loaded its cargo of helicopters and will depart in the wee small hours of Monday morning.

I've posted some images that Ben O took on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Damian

[damian f]

Virgin Australia / Skywest ATR 72-500 VH-FVM arrived at Rockhampton on Wednesday 21 Deccember for what looked like ground crew training.

I thought perhaps for Emerald ground crew who are employed by a ROK based company, although the word from the airport yesterday was that the ATRs will be operating to ROK from February 2012 on all weekend services from Brisbane, except for the Sunday afternoon service.

A picture from Rocky yesterday is on the Blog (http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/).

Cheers
Damian

[Radi K]

The ATR will be doing the odd weekend BNE-ROK service from early Feb. The E190 and B737 will still do the majority of flights.