Pearl Aviation Australia formed AeroPearl in partnership with Aerodata GmBH, (manufacturers of the flight inspection equipment) to operate two King Airs under contract to Airservices Australia on flight inspection operations. Updated 7 Jan 2020.
Air Affairs Australia was founded in 1995, based at Nowra, NSW. It provides specialised aviation services including aerial target towing, defence contract services, target drone services, medivac/air ambulance, bushfire reconnaissance and other special missions. Only aircraft likely to visit WA are listed here. Updated 12 Jan 2020.
Air Australia International is based at Jandakot Airport, offering flight training, aircraft hire and charter services. The company was formed by Chuck McElwee, a former US Navy F-4 Phantom pilot with squadron VF-151. Updated 7 Jan 2020.
VH-AOH
Cessna 152
15285532
VH-IGX
Cessna 152
15283287
VH-TFR
Cessna 152
15281207
VH-JXY
Robin R-2160 Sport
C181
VH-XXY
Robin R-2160 Sport
C198
VH-BEZ
Cessna 172N Skyhawk II
17268583
VH-IGY
Cessna 172N Skyhawk II
17269697
VH-REJ
Cessna 177RG Cardinal
177RG1125
VH-COU
Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II
34-7870273
VH-CYY
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo B
31-7401241
Air Phoenix International – trading as Formula Aviation – see under that entry
Airservices Australia conducts flight inspections using Beech King Air aircraft operated by AeroPearl (see separate entry). AeroPearl is a subsidiary of Pearl Aviation Australia.
Albany Aviation was established at Albany Airport in the late 1990s, and provides air charter services and scenic flights and tours throughout Australia. Updated 7 Jan 2020.
VH-PJK
Cessna P210N Pressurised Centurion
P21000010
Leased from Bradley J Gooding
VH-MSS
Beech Baron 58
TH-1000
Leased from Amvad Pty Ltd
Albany Flying Schools – see separate entries for Great Southern Aviation and Rainbow Coast Flying School
All North Helicopters was formed by Helidoc Pty Ltd, and operates the following helicopter services: helicopter charter flights and passenger transport, helicopter mining survey and sampling, sling loads, fire fighting, aerial photography and filming, and feral animal control. Bases are at Fitzroy Crossing Airport and Derby Airport, and the company mainly services the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Helidoc Pty Ltd commenced operations at Fitzroy Crossing in 1994 as BB Helicopters, using R22 helicopters in mustering and Government aerial charter work. In 1996, they purchased Fitzroy Helicopters, a long established Kimberley helicopter company. Updated 7 January 2020.
Alliance Airlines is based in Brisbane, Queensland, but has a hub at Perth Airport. Other hubs are Townsville and Adelaide. Alliance provides FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out) services to the resources industry, aircraft charter services (long-term or ad-hoc) and aircraft leasing.
The airline is owned by Queensland Airline Holdings, being formed in August 2002 from the assets of Flight West Airlines, which had been formed on 25 May 1987 and ceased operations in 2001. Alliance mainly operates Fokker 70s and 100s in WA, with the occasional visit by the odd Fokker 50. The Fokker 70 and 100 aircraft are used on resources flights from Brisbane to Telfer (for Byrnecut Mining at Newcrest’s Telfer gold mine); Perth to Leonora for Minara Resources (for Murrin Murrin nickel and cobalt mining and refining project); Perth to Mount Keith and Perth to Leinster for BHP Billiton Nickel West; Perth to Coondewanna (for BHP Billiton iron ore mine at Area C); Perth to Barimunya (for BHP Billiton mine at Yandi); Perth to Argyle (for Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine). Alliance also flies from Perth to Karratha three times per week and Perth to Kalgoorlie once per week.
Fleet: (Only Fokker 70s and Fokker 100s are listed, as these are the main types operated by Alliance in WA). Updated 7 Jan 2020.
VH-JFB
Fokker 70
11521
VH-JFE
Fokker 70
11545
VH-KBX
Fokker 70
11547
VH-NKQ
Fokker 70
11572
VH-NKU
Fokker 70
11555
First visit 31 August 2015
VH-NKZ
Fokker 70
11573
VH-NUO
Fokker 70
11529
VH-NUU
Fokker 70
11532
Pink lady – Breast Cancer Network Australia livery
VH-NUV
Fokker 70
11554
VH-NUY
Fokker 70
11560
VH-NUZ
Fokker 70
11568
VH-QQR
Fokker 70
11564
VH-QQV
Fokker 70
11565
VH-QQW
Fokker 70
11569
100 Years: First aerial flight from England livery
VH-QQX
Fokker 70
11571
VH-QQY
Fokker 70
11575
VH-FGB
Fokker 100
11446
Smithy’s 90th anniversary first ever trans-Pacific flight livery
Ashburton Air Services is based in Denmark, WA but also operates to and from Perth Airport and Jandakot. The company was originally established in 1992 in Onslow, but has now moved to Denmark, conducting charter operations, scenic flights, surveys and aerial work. Updated 7 Jan 2020.
Aspen Medical was founded in 2003 to provide healthcare, including aero-medical evacuation in Australia and overseas. Aspen owns two aircraft, mainly operated in the northwest of Western Australia and flown by Corporate Aircraft Charter. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Aviair, formerly known as Slingair, was founded by Kerry Slingsby in Kununurra in 1976 with a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and he formed Heliwork in 1984 with a fleet of helicopters. The two companies are still run separately as Aviair and HeliSpirit. Under local Kununurra ownership since April 2016, Aviair is owned by Michael McConachy (Managing Director) and Geoff Hamilton.
Headquartered in Kununurra, with bases at Broome and Karratha, Aviair provides airline services, air charters, scenic air tours, mining FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out), air freight, RFDS clinic flights, remote area mail run, search and rescue, aerial geophysical work, photography and scenic flights.
AVWest began operations in the 1980s as the private flight department (for Multiplex Construction?) but was formed as a separate company in 2005. AVWest is an executive aircraft and helicopter charter operator based at Perth Airport, and operates a number of aircraft on behalf of their owners. AVWest owns Perth Jet Centre, providing ground handling and FBO (Fixed Base Operator) services for business aircraft. Other facilities are at Rous Head Heliport (Fremantle) and Broome Airport. As AVWest is also an aircraft sales and leasing company, it frequently buys and sells new and used aircraft and it is difficult to confirm fleet details. Updated 7 Jan 2020.
VH-IWV
Bell 429
57218
VH-FMG
Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express
9015
Owned by FMG Air Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group. Operated by AVWest.
Beverley Soaring Society is a gliding club based at Beverley, providing trial flights and pilot training from ab initio through to cross-country flying and racing. Updated 7 Jan 2020.
Bristow Helicopters Australia is part of the Bristow Group based in Houston, Texas, USA. The company was founded in the UK in 1953 and was the first civil helicopter company to work in the oil and gas industry. It now has over 500 helicopters worldwide, making it one of the largest providers of helicopter services. Bristow now operates 34 helicopters in Australia and more are on order.
Bristow started operations in Australia 40 years ago as Bristow Helicopters Australia. For a time during the 1980s it became part of the Mayne Group, being renamed Mayne-Bristow Helicopters, but Mayne later sold their interest and the company reverted to Bristow Helicopters Australia.
Bristow initially had their main base at Jandakot, but their head office is now at Perth Airport. Its other operating bases in WA are Barrow Island, Broome, Dongara, Learmonth, Karratha, Truscott, and Varanus Island. Other Australian bases are at Darwin, NT; Essendon and Tooradin in Victoria; and Oakey in Queensland (where Bristow provides engineering support to Super Pumas of the Republic of Singapore Air Force).
Full fleet listed below, but some are not WA-based. Updated 7 Jan 2020.
Broome Aviation was formed in 1983, and is based at Broome, WA, operating scenic flights and air tours. It is a sister company to Northwest Regional Airlines, but all Northwest Regional Airlines aircraft are registered under Broome Aviation. Aircraft based at Halls Creek and Wyndham are assigned to Northwest Regional Airlines. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
Bunbury Aero Club was established in 1963, and is the largest WA aero club outside the metropolitan area, based at Bunbury Airport. It provides scenic flights, aircraft charter and hire, and flight training.
Some aircraft are not owned by the club and are leased as required from their owners. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
24-7027
Tecnam P92 Eaglet
Available for cross hire from private owner
VH-BRS
Cessna 152
15280749
VH-LQW
Cessna 152
15285956
VH-BNU
Piper PA-28-161 Warrior II
28-8016227
VH-EEF
Cessna 172R Skyhawk
17280171
VH-JZF
Cessna 182T Skylane
18281172
VH-TQP
Piper PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian
4697344
Available for cross hire from Peter Heyworth
VH-UCI
Cessna 402C
402C0474
Available for cross hire from Back Nominees Pty Ltd
Bunbury Flying School also operates under the name of Southern Aviation, and all aircraft are registered under the Southern Aviation name (see separate entry).
Busselton Aero Club is based at Busselton Airport and provides aircraft charter, aircraft hire and recreational flight training including abinitio, GA conversions, and endorsements in the recreational aircraft category. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
Busselton Air Service is based at Busselton Airport, and provides scenic flights, aircraft charter, aircraft hire, and flight training. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
C.A. Helicopters Pty Ltd was established by Clint Archer and Anastasia Archer, with services including search and rescue, survey, sling loads, filming and photography, feral animal control, powerline inspections and aerial stock mustering. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Casair (Complete Aviation Services) was formed in 1992 and is based at Perth Airport. It conducts FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) operations for resources companies, freight and charter flights. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
Central Air was formed in 1985 and is based at Perth Airport. It conducts aircraft charter, FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) operations for resources companies, and freight flights. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
CGG (Compagnie Générale de Géophysique) is a global geoscience company, formed in 1931 and headquartered in Paris, France. The company provides geological survey, geotechnical, and geoscience services to oil, gas, mining and other industries.
In Australia, CGG Aviation (Australia) Pty Ltd was formed on 3 September 2013 when the airborne activities of Dutch multi-national geoscience company Fugro were transferred to CGG. Fugro Airborne Survey itself had been formed in early 2000 through global mergers of several airborne geophysical survey companies, including WA-based companies World Geoscience Corporation, Aerodata, Geoterrex and Kevron Geophysics.
Its highly-modified aircraft detect minerals and oil/gas below the surface of the Earth. The systems on the aircraft are used to measure the following:
electromagnetic fields, using aircraft fitted with large electromagnetic wire loops to measure conductivity caused by variations in the Earth’s minerals, water content or salinity. These aircraft have wires strung around the outer parts of aircraft to generate an electical pulse into the ground. Another device is then towed on a cable behind the tail to detect the return signal fom the generated pulse.
magnetic fields, using aircraft with tail- or nose-mounted magnetometer booms to measure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field due to changes in the magnetite content of the rock.
gravity fields, using aircraft fitted with gravity gradiometers to detect variations in the density within the Earth;
radiation (radiometry), using aircraft fitted with Airborne Gamma ray Spectrometers – AGS. to detect radiation from potassium, uranium, or thorium, or a man-made radioactive element.
Updated 10 Jan 2020.
VH-FAY
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Supervan 900
208B0884
Converted to Texas Turbines Supervan 900. Long tail-mounted magnetometer boom, electromagnetic loop around, nose/wing/tail booms, towed receiver.
VH-FHY
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Supervan 900
208B0764
Converted to Texas Turbines Supervan 900. Tail magnetometer.
CHC Helicopter Corporation is one of the world’s largest helicopter companies. It is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, with operations in 35 countries. The company provides helicopter services to oil and gas companies, emergency medical services (EMS), infrastructure maintenance, utilities, forestry, mining, and construction services. In Australia, CHC purchased Adelaide-based Lloyd Helicopters, established in 1969, and its fleet are registered in the name of Lloyd Helicopters.
It is now the largest EMS provider in Australia, provide the Bell 412EP RAC rescue helicopters to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) from Jandakot and Bunbury, conducting air ambulance, SAR and emergency services duties. Since 1989 CHC has provided SAR (Search and Rescue) services to the RAAF, operating AW139 helicopters from RAAF bases, including RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia. Since June 2011, CHC provides offshore support to Woodside Energy, serving the North-West Shelf oil and gas platforms, using Leonardo AW139s and AW189s from Karratha. Listed below are CHC helicopters likely to be seen in WA. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
VH-EPH
Bell 412EP
36419
DFES SAR/EMS duties. Based at Bunbury. RAC RESCUE logos. Callsign ‘RESCUE 652’
VH-EPK
Bell 412EP
36100
DFES SAR/EMS duties. Based at Bunbury. RAC RESCUE logos. Callsign ‘RESCUE 652’
VH-EWA
Bell 412EP
36312
DFES SAR/EMS duties. Based at Jandakot. RAC RESCUE logos. Callsign ‘RESCUE 651’
VH-VAA
Bell 412EP
36274
Sometimes operates from WA as RESCUE 651 or 652.
VH-PXE
AgustaWestland AW139
41311
VH-RQZ
AgustaWestland AW139
31209
RAAF SAR – based at RAAF Base Pearce. Callsign CHOPPER 61.
Based at Jandakot, China Southern West Australian Flying College Pty Ltd was established in 1993. The college also owns and operates the Merredin aerodrome, which it has significantly upgraded. The college trains pilots for China Southern Airlines – China’s largest airline, taking recruits with no flying experience and training them to multi-engine instrument-rated jet First Officers. The fleet includes Grob G115C2 and G115D single engine trainers, and a pair of Cessna 550 Citation II jets. They sold their fleet of five Piper PA-34-220T Seneca V twin-engine aircraft to Gulf Golden International Flying Academy (GGIFA) International Aviation College, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia in 2008, and now lease Piper PA-44-180 Seminoles as twin engine trainers. Updated 8 January 2020.
VH-AWX
Grob G-115C2
82023/C2
VH-AYX
Grob G-115D
82007/D
VH-AZP
Grob G-115C2
82024/C2
VH-BAW
Grob G-115C2
82025/C2
VH-BBJ
Grob G-115C2
82026/C2
VH-BBX
Grob G-115C2
82027/C2
VH-BCB
Grob G-115C2
82028/C2
VH-BCL
Grob G-115C2
82029/C2
VH-BDO
Grob G-115C2
82030/C2
VH-BDP
Grob G-115C2
82031/C2
VH-BDZ
Grob G-115C2
82032/C2
VH-BFW
Grob G-115C2
82042/C2
Substantially damaged 4 Feb 2014 at Merredin – crashed near runway – ATSB Report
Cobham Aviation Services Australia (formerly National Jet Systems), is headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, but has a major hub and maintenance facility at Perth Airport, and other hubs at Cairns in Queensland and Darwin, NT. Cobham provides wide variety of services, including scheduled airline services, charter flights, FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out) operations for resources companies, freight services and wet leasing. The company is owned by Cobham PLC, a British based global group. The Australian arm was formed as National Jet Systems in 1989, and began services in July 1990.
National Jet operated BAe 146 aircraft on contract to Australian Airlines under the Airlink brand with Australian Airlines colours, continuing this after Australian Airlines merged into Qantas in 1993 – the aircraft were painted in Qantas colours with Airlink titles. A subsidiary, National Jet Express, operated scheduled night freight services for Australian air Express, using BAe 146 freighters from Sydney.
In 2005, National Jet was awarded the contract to operate former Impulse Airlines and Jetstar Airways Boeing 717 aircraft under the QantasLink brand (see separate entry for QantasLink fleet). The BAe 146s were repainted in National Jet colours as they came off Airlink operations.
National Jet was rebranded Cobham Aviation Services Australia in early 2009. The legal identity National Jet Express still remains, but the company operates its aircraft under the Cobham brand.
On 19 October 2009, Cobham began operating public scheduled passenger services between Perth and Kambalda using Dash 8-300 aircraft under contract to Gold Fields St Ives Gold Mine, Avoca Resources Limited, Lanfranchi Nickel Mine and Norseman Gold Pty Ltd. This later ended and the Dash 8-300s were sold.
On 8 December 2009, Cobham announced that it had won the air services contract for Chevron Australia’s Gorgon Project on Barrow Island.
In 2019, two Dash 8-Q400 aircraft were acquired.
Another subsidiary, Surveillance Australia, operates a maritime surveillance “Coastwatch” contract on behalf of the Border Protection / Customs. See separate entry.
List does not include Cobham’s 146-300QT aircraft and VH-NJE, which do not visit WA. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
Established in 2000, Corporate Aircraft Charter is based at Adelaide, operating in South Australia and Western Australia. Only aircraft known to regularly operate in WA are listed below. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Corsaire Aviation is based at Jandakot Airport, providing small aircraft and helicopter charter from Perth to many destinations throughout WA and mainland Australia. Services include mining, survey, aerial photography, filming, tourism, corporate and private charter. Some of the aircraft charter packages from Perth include Margaret River Winery tours, helicopter golf and lunching, heli fishing, free diving and eco tours to North-West destinations such as the Abrolhos islands, Dirk Hartog Island, Coral Coast and the Kimberley region. Updated 14 Jan 2020.
Curtin Flying Club commenced flying operations in mid 1975 with a leased Cessna 150. It now operates its own aircraft, with bookings through Minovation at Jandakot Airport. The Club is a non-profit incorporated body providing aircraft hire and flight training. Membership of the club is open to students and graduates of any educational institution, or any other person approved by the committee. Updated 9 Jan 2020.
The Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service is managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and funded by the State Government, with sponsorship from the RAC. The helicopter has been operating since 16 August 2003 under lease from CHC Helicopters Australia and is named “RAC Rescue”. Between 2003 and 2009, the helicopter had undertaken more than 1,500 missions and saved hundreds of lives. RAC Rescue flies critical care specialists direct to an incident and then takes the injured directly to the hospital that can provide the best care. Its secondary role is hospital transfers for critically ill patients.
In 2016, a second Bell 412EP was contracted, to be based at Bunbury and cover the southwest of Western Australia. The Perth-based helicopter uses callsign RESCUE 651 and the Bunbury helicopter is RESCUE 652. Other Bell 412EP helicopters are temporarily used when the main ones are undergoing maintenance. See CHC Helicopters listed for fleet details.
DFES also contracts in firebombing helicopters for the fire season, which can change yearly – see separate articles on AviationWA website.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (previoex Department of Parks and Wildlife, and prior to that Department of Environment and Conservation, uses a fleet of American Champion 8GCBC Scout aircraft as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA. They are based at Bunbury, Dwellingup and Manjimup, and fly across areas set each day according to the forecast fire weather conditions. The aircraft fly more hours during the hotter months (around 3,500 hours) due to the increased fire risk. They also supervise waterbombing operations in the south-west, relaying information to fire controllers regarding the fire’s behaviour to assist in firefighting and ensuring the safety of fire crews.
In January 1972, The Conservator of Forests conducted the first fire spotter trials at Pemberton using a Cessna 150. The trial was so successful that the operation became permanent after only two weeks.
A fleet of eight Piper PA-18-150 Super Cubs was introduced from October 1978 – September 1980, the aircraft registered VH-FPF to FPK, VH-FPM & FPN – the “FP” in the registration standing for Forest Patrol. In 1987, the agency was renamed the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). In the late 1980s, a local aircraft distributor tried to convince CALM to acquire the Taylorcraft F-21B as a replacement for the Super Cubs, but this was not taken up.
In 1994, the Eagle XTS was just starting production in WA, but had not yet found customers. The WA Government trialled the aircraft in the forest patrol role, with CALM using two aircraft – VH-FPO (cn 0002) from January 1994, and VH-FPW (cn 005) from December 1994. The trial was not successful and the aircraft were not adopted, but stayed registered to CALM for a number of years afterwards.
In 1997, the Department began replacing the Super Cubs with American Champion 8GCBC Scouts. These were faster, had longer endurance, were more effective and cost-efficient. The first two aircraft were VH-FPL and VH-FPR in October 1997, and these were later joined by VH-CFH and VH-CFP in November 1998, VH-CFZ in December 1999, VH-CFX in January 2001, VH-CFD in July 2002, then VH-FMN and VH-FMR in November 2003. Most of these aircraft were sold off from October 2004 to August 2009, and replaced with newer Scouts. In August 2005, VH-VMS an American Champion 7GCBC Explorer was acquired, and stayed in the fleet until sold in July 2008. VH-CFD was written off in a landing accident at Albany on 5 March 2009, and later cancelled from the register.
In June 2002, the last Super Cub (VH-FPF) was finally withdrawn from service – this was also the longest serving, being their first Super Cub delivered in October 1978. Beside firespotting, the Super Cubs had also been used in search and rescue and scientific research. The Department calculated that the Super Cub fleet flew more than 120,000 hours and covered around 20 million kilometres – equal to 25 return trips to the Moon.
From 1 July 2013, the former Department of Environment and Conservation was split into the Department of Environmental Regulation and Department of Parks and Wildlife, with the latter taking responsibility for fire management of forests. On 1 July 2017, the Department of Parks and Wildlife became part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Each aircraft uses the callsign “SPOTTER” followed by their individual number, e.g. VH-DXM is “SPOTTER 643”. Updated 9 Jan 2020.
Dunn Aviation Australia is owned and operated by Neville Dunn, based at Ballidu, as was formed in 1963. The company provides aerial agricultural services and providing aircraft, pilots and support equipment for crop management, protection and improvement in agriculture, the mining industry and forestry, including emergency response service capability for a maritime oil spill, bushfire or wildfire disaster.
Aerial Firebombing & Water bombing includes use of the Air Tractor AT-802F and AT-602 for water and fire retardant dropping. Dunn Aviation aircraft have been contracted by the WA Government to provide firebombing aircraft for several years, deploying Jandakot, Bunbury and Albany during the summer months. When used for firefighting, the aircraft use the callsign “BOMBER”, followed by the individual aircraft number – e.g. VH-NIA uses callsign “BOMBER 606”. Its aircraft are also contracted out to other states to perform firebombing and agricultural duties. Updated 9 Jan 2020.
VH-DJZ
Cessna A185F Skywagon
18504277
VH-ELW
Cessna 182T Skylane
18281328
VH-NYN
Cessna T188C Ag Husky
T18803776
VH-MBK
Air Tractor AT-502B
502B-2759
VH-FEC / BOMBER 614
Air Tractor AT-504
504-4023
2-seat trainer
VH-DUA / BOMBER 608
Air Tractor AT-802
802-0366
‘Magic’
VH-DUJ / BOMBER 607
Air Tractor AT-802
802-0237
VH-DUN / BOMBER 604
Air Tractor AT-802A
802A-0382
‘Ian Leslie’
VH-DUQ / BOMBER 601
Air Tractor AT-802
802-0241
‘Ballidu’
VH-DUW / BOMBER 609
Air Tractor AT-802A
802A-0328
‘Max’
VH-FCO / BOMBER 606
Air Tractor AT-802A
802A-0775
VH-FED / BOMBER 605
Air Tractor AT-802
802-0454
‘Big Block’
VH-FGO / BOMBER 602
Air Tractor AT-802A
802A-0705
‘Milana’
VH-JID / BOMBER 610
Air Tractor AT-802
802-0341
‘Chop’
VH-NID / BOMBER 612
Air Tractor AT-802AF
802A-0523
‘The Boss’
VH-NIN / BOMBER 603
Air Tractor AT-802A
802A-0211
‘Vader’
E
Esperance Air Service
Esperance Air Service (Chartwell Nominees Pty Ltd trading as) is based at Esperance in the south of WA. It operates aircraft charter, scenic flights, aircraft hire, flight training, aerial photography, aerial inspections and other aerial work, including farm cropping, search and rescue, stock mustering, parachute drops, vermin counting, wild dog and feral cat control, fire spotting and aerial co-ordination. Updated 9 Jan 2020.
The Australian arm of the international ExecuJet Aviation Group, ExecuJet Australia has bases in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Services include aircraft management, aircraft charter, Fixed Base Operations (FBO), SimplyFly, aircraft maintenance, aircraft completions consulting, aircraft spare parts and aircraft brokerage. Updated 9 Jan 2020.
Formula Aviation was formed in 2001, based at Jandakot. It provides aircraft hire,leasing and maintenance services.
In 2010, Formula Air Services / Aus West Airlines was established to provide air charter operations.
In 2013, Medical Air was established as a subsidiary company, providing aeromedical air ambulance services on behalf of insurance companies, beginning with the purchase of their first Learjet, VH-LJG.
Fortescue Helicopters was founded in 2014 through the acquisition of two existing helicopter businesses and is based at Newman Airport. Services include aerial cattle mustyering, charter, scenic flights, mining support, feral animal control.
Frontier Helicopters operates Australia-wide, with bases located at Derby Airport, Newman Airport, and Fitzroy Crossing. The company provides helicopter services including helicopter charter, scenic flights, aerial surveys, helicopter tours, helicopter transfer, aerial filming and photography, fire management, sling load operations, and aerial shooting (feral animal control).
Geotech Limited is a Canadian geophysical survey company operating internationally and formed in 1981. In 2012, Geotech acquired Western Australian company UTS Geophysics, as well as their aviation arm, UTS Aviation. UTS Aviation was founded in 1991, based at Jandakot Airport. Geotech uses aircraft registered in Canada and South Africa for their Australian operations, plus one aircraft registered in Australia. Updated 14 Jan 2020.
Geraldton Air Charter is based at Geraldton Airport and started operations in March 1997. In 2002, Abrolhos Air Services was absorbed into the company and on 17 May 2009, Batavia Coast Air Charter was also acquired. Geraldton Air Charter operates air charter, aerial work, aerial photography, scenic flights and air tours. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Gliding Club of Western Australia is based at Cunderdin Aerodrome and provides glider joyflights, glider flight training, and glider hire. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Goldfields Air Services (Texrio Pty Ltd) was formed in 1982 and is based at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport. The company provides charter flights, aerial survey and photography, and flight training. Most of its flights operate to remote outback locations. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Great Southern Aviation is based at Albany Airport, and is Albany’s longest established flying school, providing CASA-approved flight training. It is affiliated with Rainbow Coast Flying School (see separate entry), which provides RAAus flight training. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Helicopter Logistics is based at Jandakot Airport, operating throughout Australia. The company provides helicopter services to the airborne geophysics industry, passenger charter, and aerial work operations including mineral exploration support, aerial filming, emergency services (bushfire, floods), construction and government support. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
HeliSpirit (Helicopter Film Services Pty Ltd) was formed from Heliwork, which was established in 1984 by Kerry Slingsby, the founder of fixed-wing company Slingair (now Aviair). The two companies are run separately as Aviair and HeliSpirit.
HeliSpirit has bases in Kununurra, Karratha, Warmun, Mitchell Falls, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle), El Questro, Emma Gorge, Home Valley Station, Bullo River Station, Katherine and Lake Argyle Resort. The company provides helicopter services including passenger charter, search and rescue, aerial geophysical work, photography, scenic flights and tailor-made itineraries. Updated 8 Jan 2020.
Heliwest (Heliwest Leasing Pty Ltd/Helibits Pty Ltd/Rotorwest Pty Ltd) has its head office and main maintenance facility at Jandakot, and has bases at Albany (Whaleworld), Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Newman and Port Hedland. A joint venture with Helifix in Papua New Guinea has Bell 212 helicopters providing helicopter services. Heliwest also opened operating bases at Toowoomba and Mt Isa in Queensland, and is bidding for another contract in the Northern Territory.
The company conducts a wide range of activities including helicopter charter & scenic flights; helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) / air ambulance; search and rescue; powerline/pipeline/property inspection; geological/environmental survey; mining support; offshore support; surf life saving patrols; fire surveillance and mapping; news, film and photography work; sling loads; medical evacuation (Medevac); helicopter flight training; engineering services; Robinson helicopter sales. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures is based in Broome and Derby, and operates scenic tours in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The company also operates services for Swan River Seaplanes – see separate entry. Updated 10 Jan 2020.
Jandakot Flight Centre was formed in 1996 at Jandakot. Kookaburra Air is a subsidiary company which conducts air tours and scenic flights. Updated 11 Jan 2020.
Jayrow Helicopters Pty Ltd was formed in 1965 and provides helicopter services including offshore support for the oil and gas industry, marine pilot transfers, EMS – Emergency Medical Services and SAR (Search and Rescue), mining and telecommunication support. Headquartered in Mentone, Victoria, bases are at West Sale (Vic), Darwin (NT) and Mackay (Qld).
The company previously had WA bases at Karratha and Port Hedland, which mainly provided crew transfers to offshore installations, pilot transfers for the shipping industry, geological survey operations, medivac and SAR operations. In the late 1990s, the Karratha base started Jayrow’s offshore helicopter support operations with BK117 helicopters under contract to Apache and grew to include a number of S-76s, JetRangers and Squirrels. The Karratha base closed later.
The Port Hedland base performs marine pilot transfers for Port Hedland Port Authority with an EC120 and JetRanger III, so only this part of their fleet is listed. Updated 11 Jan 2020.
Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd is a low-cost airline subsidiary of the Qantas Group, based in Melbourne.
Qantas acquired Impulse Airlines in 2001 and operated it under the QantasLink brand. With the demise of Ansett and growth of low-cost Virgin Blue Airlines, Qantas decided to create its own low-cost carrier, and re-launched Impulse Airlines under the Jetstar brand. Domestic passenger services started on 25 May 2004 using former Impulse Airlines (QantasLink) Boeing 717s on East coast routes. The first international flights started on 1 December 2005. The first service to Perth was on 28 March 2006 by VH-VQJ.
Jetstar standardised its domestic fleet on the Airbus A320 during 2006, and the 717s were withdrawn from service during early 2006. During 2006-7, the airline introduced ex-Qantas Airbus A330-200 aircraft and started long haul international operations from Eastern states airports. From 2008, the airline introduced the Airbus A321. There are other Jetstar affiliate airlines in New Zealand (Jetstar Airways Ltd), Singapore (Jetstar Asia), Vietnam (Jetstar Pacific). Note: Fleet list below excludes Jetstar’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, as these do not currently visit WA. Updated 11 Jan 2020.
VH-JQG
Airbus A320-232
2169
VH-JQX
Airbus A320-232
2197
Hertz livery
VH-VFD
Airbus A320-232
4922
First visit 2 Feb 2012
VH-VFF
Airbus A320-232
5039
First visit 30 Mar 2012
VH-VFH
Airbus A320-232
5211
First visit 16 Sep 2012
VH-VFI
Airbus A320-232
5270
VH-VFJ
Airbus A320-232
5311
VH-VFK
Airbus A320-232
5334
VH-VFL
Airbus A320-232
5334
VH-VFN
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5566
VH-VFO
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5631
VH-VFP
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5775
VH-VFQ
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5780
VH-VFT
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5532
VH-VFU
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5814
VH-VFV
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5858
VH-VFX
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
5871
VH-VFY
Airbus A320-232 (sharklets)
6362
VH-VGA
Airbus A320-232
4899
First visit 25 Dec 2011
VH-VGD
Airbus A320-232
4527
VH-VGF
Airbus A320-232
4497
Orange livery
VH-VGH
Airbus A320-232
4495
VH-VGI
Airbus A320-232
4466
VH-VGJ
Airbus A320-232
4460
VH-VGN
Airbus A320-232
4434
VH-VGO
Airbus A320-232
4356
VH-VGP
Airbus A320-232
4343
VH-VGQ
Airbus A320-232
4303
VH-VGR
Airbus A320-232
4257
VH-VGT
Airbus A320-232
4178
VH-VGU
Airbus A320-232
4245
VH-VGV
Airbus A320-232
4229
VH-VGY
Airbus A320-232
4177
VH-VGZ
Airbus A320-232
3917
VH-VQA
Airbus A320-232
3783
VH-VQC
Airbus A320-232
3668
VH-VQE
Airbus A320-232
3495
VH-VQF
Airbus A320-232
3474
VH-VQG
Airbus A320-232
2787
VH-VQH
Airbus A320-232
2766
VH-VQJ
Airbus A320-232
2703
VH-VQK
Airbus A320-232
2651
VH-VQL
Airbus A320-232
2642
VH-VQM
Airbus A320-232
2608
VH-VQP
Airbus A320-232
2573
VH-VQQ
Airbus A320-232
2537
VH-VQR
Airbus A320-232
2526
VH-VQW
Airbus A320-232
2329
VH-VQZ
Airbus A320-232
2292
VH-XJE
Airbus A320-232
2423
VH-XSJ
Airbus A320-232
5482
VH-VWN
Airbus A321-231 sharklets
7438
VH-VWQ
Airbus A321-231 sharklets
7384
VH-VWT
Airbus A321-231
3717
VH-VWU
Airbus A321-231
3948
VH-VWW
Airbus A321-231
3916
VH-VWX
Airbus A321-231
3899
VH-VWY
Airbus A321-231
1408
VH-VWZ
Airbus A321-231
1195
Joyce Air
Joyce Air (Magnate Pty Ltd) is based at Albany Airport and provides aerial agricultural spraying services. Updated 11 Jan 2020.
Kimberley Air Supply, also known as KAS Helicopters (Ballina Corporation Pty Ltd), was formed at Derby Airport, WA in 2007 to offer a specialist helicopter services in the Kimberley region of WA. Helicopters services include: scenic, charter and VIP flights, aerial filming and photography, sling load operations, mining support, oil and gas support and marine support. Updated 11 Jan 2020.
Aviation was first introduced into the school curriculum at Kent Street Senior High School in 1979. In August 1982, the school purchased its first aircraft – a Cessna 152, VH-WIF. This was the first aircraft bought and operated by a high school in Australia, and was used for student flying and familiarization flights. Flight was introduced to the school curriculum in 1988. The school bought its second aircraft – Cessna 152 VH-LBI in March 1989.
In July 1990, Kent Street Senior High School students began construction of a Hughes Lightwing aircraft. This project was the first of its kind in Australia, and took nearly 4000 student hours to build. It was r unveiled in July 1992 and first flew in September of that year, registered VH-REB. The Lightwing was later sold to help off-set the purchase price of the school’s second student built aircraft – a Vans RV-6A aircraft. During 1994, a large aircraft hangar at Jandakot was donated to the school by Albany business woman, Ms Joan Terry, widow of the late Paul Terry.
In May 1999, the Aviation Department purchased a Cessna 172P Skyhawk, VH-HQL. Enabling extended air experience and navigation assessment flights, and providing senior aviation students the opportunity to undertake formal navigational training.
On 4 September 2003, Kent Street Senior High School celebrated the first flight of its second student-built aircraft, Vans RV-6A VH-SHS (the registration stood for Senior High School). Taking some 8,500 student hours and 11,000 rivets to construct, this project provided 150 students with valuable experience in aircraft construction.
During 2004 and 2005, aviation students from Kent Street Senior High School worked collaboratively with third year engineering students from the University of Western Australia to construct another Vans RV-6A. The inaugural flight of this aircraft occurred during September of 2006. Since late 2006, students have been constructing the school’s fourth student-built aircraft – a Vans RV-10. Updated 11 Jan 2020.
VH-LBI
Cessna 152
15280659
Owned by Department of Education and Training (WA)
VH-ECU
Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP
172S10831
Owned by Department of Education and Training (WA)
Kimberley Air Supply – also known as KAS Helicopters (see separate entry).
Based in Kununurra, Kimberley Air Tours was formed in 2010, providing floatplane air tours and sightseeing flights in the eastern Kimberley region. Updated 11 Jan 2020.
King Leopold Air is headquartered at Broome, with other bases at Derby and Cape Leveque. It started operations in 1992 based on a pastoral station near the King Leopold Ranges. The company provides scenic flights and aircraft charter – including photography, air tours, freight flights, mining and pearl farm support, flights to Aboriginal communities, etc. Updated 28 August 2013.
Hi David,
Vh-fwh and Vh-fwi are now owned and operated by Virgin Australia regional airlines. They have been for some time now and are both painted in the virgin colours.
Cheers.
Thanks Simon – have not had time to update the fleet lists on the website, but have updated the main operators, including Virgin Australia and Virgin Australia Regional.
Hi Pramod,
Thanks for contacting us. It seems that only the Cessna 441 Conquests in Hardy Aviation’s fleet visit Western Australia, mainly to Kununurra and Truscott.
We will list the Conquests in the directory.
Hi Edi,
Sorry, but a directory of maintenance organisations would take a significant amount of time to compile and keep updated, and would be of limited interest to most of our website users.
We are unable to assist on this occasion.
Regards,
David Eyre
Hi Edi,
Thank you for your enquiry.
The focus of the AviationWA website is Western Australia, and we do not advertise on our website.
Regards,
David Eyre
VH-VQU and VH-VQS now belong to QantasLink from Jetstar 🙂
Hi David,
Vh-fwh and Vh-fwi are now owned and operated by Virgin Australia regional airlines. They have been for some time now and are both painted in the virgin colours.
Cheers.
Thanks Simon – have not had time to update the fleet lists on the website, but have updated the main operators, including Virgin Australia and Virgin Australia Regional.
Hardy Aviation in NT Darwin is missing from the list. It got more than 30 aircraft in its fleet.
Hi Pramod,
Thanks for contacting us. It seems that only the Cessna 441 Conquests in Hardy Aviation’s fleet visit Western Australia, mainly to Kununurra and Truscott.
We will list the Conquests in the directory.
dear
are you able to provide a-z aircraft maintenance company ar australia
thanks
edi
Hi Edi,
Sorry, but a directory of maintenance organisations would take a significant amount of time to compile and keep updated, and would be of limited interest to most of our website users.
We are unable to assist on this occasion.
Regards,
David Eyre
dear
would you addvertise on web site ..including aircraft maintenance all australia. region,.
Hi Edi,
Thank you for your enquiry.
The focus of the AviationWA website is Western Australia, and we do not advertise on our website.
Regards,
David Eyre
Hello,
Are you able to provide the Aviation List A-Z in PDF for word document format?
Many thanks,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
The list is copyrighted to me, and also requires updating.
I am unable to update it until August/September.
May I ask what you need a copy for?
Regards,
David