S 19 36.1 E 146 50.5
The Stuart VFR route offers a useful route inbound from Charters Towers. With prominent roads and landmarks along its length, the route is easy to navigate. ATC find it useful as well, as it keeps VFR aircraft clear of R768, a very active restricted zone which the military use for live firing.
Inbound from the south, be aware that Mt Elliott and the adjacent range present high terrain, parts of which pierce the 3500ft control step above it. The Clevedon and Stuart VFR routes are designed to keep you clear of this limiting high terrain.
The Stuart VFR Route starts at the Donnington Airpark at the small town of Woodstock on the Flinders Highway.
S 19 26.0 E 146 50.0
The route then follows the disused railway line (not the highway) past a location named Antill Plains on the VTC (standalone house with helipad near the disused railway line) up to a town called Stuart.
R768A extends up to 2000ft and R768B extends up to 3000ft. Mt Stuart takes up a large proportion of this airspace so it is unlikely that VFR aircraft would choose to be flying through this area, but pilots must be aware of its location and boundaries. Remaining east of the Flinders Highway as you track towards Stuart will keep you clear of this restricted airspace, R768.
ATC may hold traffic at the township of Stuart because it gives them the separation needed with ILS finals.
A common clearance is then to track from Stuart directly onto a right base for RWY 01. The racetrack north of Stuart provides an excellent ground feature to help your navigation.
No taxi clearance required. Monitor Ground on 121.8MHz.
Taxi clearance from Ground required before entering this area.
Specific clearance required from ATC before entering this area.
An area on the aerodrome intend to accommodate aircraft for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers, cargo, fueling, parking or maintenance.
That part of the aerodrome to be used for take-off, landing and taxiing aircraft, <strong>excluding</strong> aprons.
That part of the aerodrome to be used for take-off, landing and taxiing aircraft, consisting of the manoeuvring area and the apron.