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Boston Virtual ARTCC is excited to announce our list of prizes for this year's Tea Party Poker event! We're excited to work with several great developers from the community to offer prizes to participants of Tea Party Poker. The first-place participant will have the choice of all available prizes while each subsequent winner will be able to choose from the remaining items. • Thrustmaster: TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition • Tobii: Tobii Eye Tracker 5 • Octavi: Octavi IFR-1 Controller • Fenix: Fenix Simulations A320 Base Pack • Orbx: YBBN Brisbane International Airport V2 (MSFS 2020 or 2024) • Orbx: Volanta Premium - 6 month subscription The prizes will be available to pilot winners of Tea Party Poker and the air traffic controllers that participate in the event. Please join us in thanking the sponsors who have donated these amazing prizes to the community to help make the event a memorable experience!

This posting is still open; applications are still being accepted.

It is Summer in New England, and you know what that means…. Boston Virtual ARTCC's Tea Party Poker is BACK! We invite all pilots to participate and win some of the great prizes we have to offer! Are you new to Boston Virtual ARTCC or VATSIM? Find out more about getting started with online ATC. What is Tea Party Poker? Tea Party Poker is a fun game that gives pilots another reason to participate in the event, see more of our airspace, and the chance to win some terrific prizes! While there is absolutely no requirement to participate in Poker, it's become an annual tradition that many pilots take part in. If you choose to participate in Tea Party Poker: Each time you land at a Class B, C, or D airport inside ZBW, send BOS_PK_CTR a private message and you'll get a reply with your virtual poker card(s). You must fly to airports that are at least 50nm apart (straight-line distance). Once you obtain 5 cards, you can keep flying, discarding, and picking up new cards to help better your hand. The pilot(s) with the best hand at the end of the event will win and pick their choice of available prizes. The full set of rules is listed below. Rules All pilots who choose to participate in this competition agree to abide by the rules below. The competition rules may be modified for clarity or other reasons without prior notification to participants. Please refer to this page for any updates. These rules are current as of July 4, 2024. The Events Coordinator shall have final say on all questions or disputes regarding this competition, and will be responsible for determining the winners. The full rules governing the contest are: 1. Event Duration: The poker game starts at 11:00am ET on Saturday, August 9 and ends promptly at 5:00pm ET (1500z to 2100z). 2. How To Play: A pilot is eligible to draw virtual poker cards by completing any Eligible Flight during the event. At the conclusion of a flight, a pilot may contact the designated event official (BOS_PK_CTR) via private message (PM) to obtain the poker card(s). The event official will respond via private message advising the pilot of the cards they have received. • When contacting BOS_PK_CTR to obtain a card, your PM must include: Flight origin and destination. VATSIM CID Email Address (first message only). • Pilots will receive: First drawing: two poker cards. Subsequent drawings: - Two poker cards, if the landing is at an airport other than KBOS that is staffed by a Tower controller. Pilots have the option pick up only one card, if desired. - One poker card, if the landing is at a towered airport staffed "top down" by an Approach or Center controller only, or if the landing is at KBOS. • Pilots may contact BOS_PK_CTR to obtain a card after landing at the intended destination and once at a safe/appropriate location. Once the 'card request' message has been sent, pilots do not need to wait for a reply or card assignment; the next flight may begin immediately. 3. Notification of Winners, Prize Priority: By entering the contest and providing your email address to BOS_PK_CTR, you consent to Boston Virtual ARTCC emailing should you be a winner. (If you are not a winner, we won't contact you, nor will we retain your contact information beyond the conclusion of the event.) Winners will be notified at the email address provided within 14 days of the end of the competition and will be able to choose from the list of prizes available in order of their poker hand. Winners must respond to their prize notification email within 48 hours to confirm their priority and select a prize. Winners who do not respond within 48 hours will lose their priority to select a prize but may still be eligible for any remaining prizes at the time they reply to the email. 4. How To Win: The pilots with the strongest poker hands at the conclusion of the event will be the winners. The number of possible winners will be equal to the number of pilot prizes available. Pilots must hold a full hand (5 cards) to win; therefore, pilots must complete, at a minimum, 3 eligible flights to qualify. Winning pilots will be allowed to select from a variety of prizes in order based on the strength of their respective poker hands: 5. Eligible Flights: An Eligible Flight is any flight that terminates in a full-stop landing at a towered airport (controlled by Tower, Approach, or Center) within Boston ARTCC (ZBW) during the scheduled event times and complies with the restrictions outlined. Flights that originate outside ZBW airspace, and flights that originate before the start of the event, may be considered eligible provided they comply with the restrictions below. If a pilot is not certain whether a flight will be eligible, they should contact the designated event official (BOS_PK_CTR) via private message prior to departure. The flight must be between airports that are at least 50nm apart (by straight-line distance). The destination must be a towered airport (surrounded by Class B, C, or D airspace). The pilot must remain connected to the VATSIM network for the duration of the flight. VFR pilots must file a Flight Plan prior to departure that includes, at a minimum, their aircraft type, origin, and destination. The event ends promptly at 5:00pm ET (2100z) and any flights that conclude after this time will not receive a card. 6. Discarding: Pilots who hold a full hand (5 cards) may try to better their hands throughout the event time by completing additional flights. Pilots wishing to do this should advise the designated event official (BOS_PK_CTR) of the card or cards they would like to discard at any point, before receiving new cards. At no point shall a pilot hold more than 5 cards in their hand. 7. Designated Event Official (BOS_PK_CTR): Issuing and tracking of pilot cards will be conducted by a designated event official. Cards that each pilot has in their "possession" will remain unknown to all other pilots until the event is complete. A pilot may verify their card holdings with the designated event official via private message. All replies to card verification requests will be returned via private message. 8. Number of Decks: The competition will use a minimum of one deck of cards (52 cards) to start with, and the cards will be issued at random. Once this deck has been exhausted, a new deck will be added. Cards that are discarded will be placed back into the pool of available cards. 9. Duplicate Cards: It is possible that a pilot may mistakenly receive a duplicate card during the event. If this happens, it is the pilot's responsibility to notify the designated event official (BOS_PK_CTR) as soon as possible and receive a new card. Hands containing duplicate cards are considered "illegal" poker hands and will not be eligible to win. 10. Tracking of Poker Hands: Poker hands will be tied to a pilot's VATSIM CID, not their name or callsign. 11. Exchanging of Cards: Trading, exchanging, or transferring of cards between or among pilots will not be allowed at any time during the event. 12. Withdrawal: A pilot wishing to withdraw from the game must notify the designated event official (BOS_PK_CTR) by private message, or if unavailable, one of the BVA controllers staffing a position. The pilot's cards will be returned to the deck(s) and made available to other competitors to collect. Once a pilot has withdrawn, they may not attempt to re-enter the competition. 13. Shared Cockpit Flights: Cards are issued to flights, not pilots. Participants who choose to fly together in the same aircraft (i.e., shared cockpit flying) will be considered a single flight and receive one set of cards. For the purposes of the competition, the name and CID of the pilot who messaged BOS_PK_CTR will be considered the pilot who is participating in the competition. 14. Disqualification: Pilots who are disqualified will not be allowed to re-enter the competition. The Events Coordinator will have the final say in any disputes regarding pilot disqualification. A pilot may be disqualified from the competition for: Failure to comply with VATSIM COC. Refusal to comply with ATC instructions. Attempting to cheat or circumvent the competition rules. Providing false/misleading information to the event official. Disclaimer In no way should this competition be seen as a promotion or simulation of gambling. There is no purchase necessary to play or win. Gambling is not endorsed by Boston Virtual ARTCC or any of its affiliates, including VATUSA, VATSIM, and the event sponsors.

Reminder! This takes place on Saturday at 8pm ET. We hope to see you there.

Big Update: Terrain-Based Ranging is Coming to VATSIM! VATSIM is rolling out an exciting 24-hour test of their upgraded voice system, featuring Terrain-Based Ranging, starting: 🗓 Tuesday, July 15th at 0000z - 2359z What’s New? They are adding a new level of realism by simulating how terrain affects radio coverage – just like in real-world aviation. Flying through valleys? Skimming low on approach? You might notice weaker or lost voice contact with ATC or other pilots in those situations. Can’t Hear a Controller? No worries – just switch to text communication during the test. We will be staffing several positions throughout the day to test our radio coverage. We invite all pilots to fly as we support making VATSIM more realistic and immersive.

Read more about FlightSimExpo in our July Logan Informer.

The BVA Administration Team cordially invites all BVA members to a community meeting to review and outline the upcoming changes and enhancements planned for the community. This year's meeting will take place on Saturday, July 19th from 8:00pm to 10:00pm ET in the BVA Members TeamSpeak. After the meeting, the A-Team will hang out and invites controller members to join us for a staff-up and also encourages pilot members to fly in the airspace.  The meeting is open to all members of the community and will offer a dedicated time for Q&A with the A-Team staff. A full list of agenda topics will be announced soon. We look forward to talking and meeting with all of you.

The Boston Virtual ARTCC proudly invites you to one of VATSIM’s longest-standing and most beloved traditions: the 26th Annual Boston Tea Party Live Event, coming to you Saturday, August 9th from 11:00am to 5:00pm ET (1500z–2100z). For over two decades, this event has brought together controllers and pilots from across the world for a day of high-flying fun, full regional ATC coverage, and a celebration of the ZBW VATSIM community — both virtually and in-person. This year, we're honoring our roots and the revolutionary spirit of Paul Revere and the historic Boston Tea Party with wall-to-wall staffing across the Northeast. Expect full ATC coverage of: • Boston Logan (BOS) • Bradley (BDL) • Providence (PVD) • Portland (PWM) • Cape Cod & Islands (HYA, MVY, ACK, and more) But that’s not all — join the Pilot Poker Run! Fly to multiple ZBW destinations, pick up virtual playing cards, and try your luck for the best hand. The top poker hands will be eligible for awesome giveaways courtesy of our generous flight simulation sponsors. (Prizes and partners to be announced soon!) Whether you’re a veteran of many Tea Parties or this is your first, this is your chance to experience the Boston Virtual ARTCC at its best — with dozens of controllers operating side-by-side in person, live from our Tea Party headquarters in Nashua, NH. Don’t miss one of VATSIM’s most iconic summer traditions. Set your route, spin up the sim, and get ready to party — Boston style.

In the Regional Circuit, we staff up multiple of our airports to provide pilots with an opportunity to receive 'gate-to-gate' ATC service for the duration of the event. Pilots are encouraged to fly between the airports and make the return flight if time allows; however, traffic from other airports is welcome as well. The Regional Circuit always creates an immersive atmosphere with busy frequencies and congested airways between the host airports. This Regional Circuit features Bradley (KBDL) and Portland (KPWM) airports. July 23, 2025 1900-2200 ET {23 July 2025 2300-0200z} It’s also a great time to try out one of our WINGS flights. Remember, many of the flights have published Alternate Airports, allowing you to earn your BVA pilot ratings at event airports!

We share more details on our planned participation at the show, plus the announcement of our new FE, in the June Logan Informer.

Date: Friday, June 27, 2025  Time: 1900-2300 ET (2300-0300z)  Airspace: Boston (ZBW), New York (ZNY), and Washington (ZDC) ARTCCs and Montreal (ZUL) and Moncton (ZQM) FIRs Live from the FlightSimExpo 2025 event floor!Get ready for one of the most thrilling Friday Night Operations (FNO) events of the year as VATSIM and VATUSA take the spotlight at FlightSimExpo 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island! For one night only, the bustling airspace of the Boston, New York, and Washington ARTCCs, as well as the Montreal and Moncton FIRs will come alive with LIVE staffing directly from the event floor! Live Atmosphere: Experience the unique energy of controllers working side-by-side at FSExpo, combining their expertise and the excitement of a live audience.Iconic Airspace: Fly into some of the busiest and most famous airspace in the world, including hubs like Boston (KBOS), New York JFK (KJFK), Newark (KEWR), and Washington Dulles (KIAD). Additional support staffing will feature Providence (KPVD), Washington National (KDCA), and New York LaGuardia (KLGA). International neighbors will feature Montreal (CYUL) and Moncton (CYQM) airports!FlightSimExpo Magic: Be part of the global flight simulation community as FlightSimExpo showcases cutting-edge technology, top-tier exhibitors, and the vibrant culture of aviation enthusiasts.Whether you're flying a regional hop, a transcontinental route, or just stopping by to enjoy the fun, this event promises incredible ATC coverage, heavy traffic, and the unmistakable camaraderie of the VATSIM, VATUSA and FlightSimExpo communities. Pilots: Plan your routes, brush up on your procedures, and bring your A-game to handle the high traffic volume and professional-grade ATC coverage. Departure and enroute delays are expected for capacity constrained airports, so plan accordingly. Not at FlightSimExpo? No problem! Connect with the action from home and tune into the buzz through live streams and updates from the expo floor. More information can be found at https://flightsimexpo.com/register. Don’t miss this epic convergence of simulation and community. Mark your calendars, load up your favorite aircraft, and let’s make FNO into FlightSimExpo a night to remember! See you in the skies!

It is my privilege to announce the appointment of Jonathan Halverson to the position of Facility Engineer. Jon has been a controller at BVA since 2017 and has been thoroughly integrated in our community ever since. He has deep roots in the flight sim world, serving the community through his work at Flight Simulation Association. Most recently, he has worked for ZID as the Facilities Team Specialist, gaining valuable experience which will help him in the Facility Engineer role here at BVA. He also serves on BVA's Special Operations team as Civilian Mission Coordinator. I am excited to see what the future holds for BVA with Jonathan in this new role. Congrats HS!

Position Posting – Content Creator Purpose BVA is seeking candidates for content creator position(s) to assist in graphic design, image editing, and more. This is an introductory-level position (non-Administrative) and does not require air traffic control experience. Key Accountabilities Reports to Community Manager Designs graphics (event banners, logos, etc.) and marketing materials for distribution Constructs content for Boston Virtual ARTCC social media platforms, including Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube Aids in promoting events, the ARTCC, and the community Maintains a regular presence online and responds promptly to messages and requests Performs other duties as assigned the Administration Team Functions as a staff member and attends periodic meetings, as necessary Requirements Excellent creative skills with emphasis on attention to detail Self-motivated and able to work independently to follow assigned deadlines with no delay Active BVA member on the network in good standing with a clean history Capable of working well in a team-oriented environment Excellent written and oral communication skills Access to and strong ability with Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint and Word Preferred Skills Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience Prior social media management experience Experience with graphic design and programs such as Adobe Photoshop Experience with copyright and Creative Commons licensing How to Apply The applicant should send an email containing: Name VATSIM CID Age A letter of application The letter of application should include the applicant's general availability, a summary of the applicant's reasons for their interest in this position, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the functions will thrive under the applicant's leadership. If applicable, applicants should also detail any prior experience with Photoshop/Illustrator/etc. and include a portfolio or samples of previous graphic design work. Applications should be submitted to Camden Bruno, Community Manager ([email protected]). This is an ongoing posting with no immediate closing date. Successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

We cover 2024 Member Survey Results, CTP, FlightSim Survey Results, FSExpo news, and more in the May Logan Informer.

Position Posting – Facility Engineer Purpose Boston Virtual ARTCC (BVA) is currently seeking a Facility Engineer to provide effective management and leadership of the BVA Air Traffic Control facility file development program. Key Accountabilities Reports to BVA Air Traffic Manager Develops, maintains, and manages ARTCC facility infrastructure, including sector files, alias files, and position files within CRC, vATIS, tranceivers, and other related components of the vNAS database. Assists Training Administrator with maintenance of training files Coordinates facility updates with other members of the Administration Team, such as procedure changes or event splits which may require modification of sector files or other changes in the vNAS database. Reviews and implements feedback on facility files and infrastructure from BVA members Liaises with other members of the Administration Team to coordinate file releases with other required changes (e.g., SOP or document changes) Maintains a high online presence Requirements VATSIM S3 rating or higher Active member of the network in good standing with a clean history Capable of working well in team-oriented environment Familiar with sector file design methodologies and utilities Familiar with tools such as CRC and vATIS, and the tools used to create the files for these software platforms (training is provided) Excellent written and oral communication skills Preferred Skills VATSIM C1 rating or higher Demonstrated experience developing and/or maintaining facilities/sector files Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience Familiar with ZBW airspace and procedures Experience working with the vNAS database Demonstrated experience in website design and/or maintenance Prior experience serving BVA or another VATSIM community in a volunteer role How to Apply Applicants must provide a letter of application, including a resume to include examples of previous work, if applicable. Letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to join BVA Staff, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the function will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Applications should be submitted to Josh Nunn, Air Traffic Manager ([email protected]). Application deadline is May 14, 2025. ARTCC leadership may choose to close the position opening early should an eminently qualified candidate apply and be selected.

It is with pleasure that I announce the appointment of Braden Kearney to the position of ZBW Training Administrator. Braden has been a part of our community since 2020 and has been serving as our Facility Engineer. Braden replaces Justin Blakey as TA; we thank Justin for his service and leadership over the past year and a half. This promotion leaves a vacancy in the position of Facility Engineer (FE) which will be posted soon.

The application window for the Training Administrator position has closed. The ARTCC has nominated an internal candidate to VATUSA, and there will be a formal announcement once the candidate has been approved. Another vacancy on the Administration Team will be posted soon. I have already been in touch with anyone who applied for the TA job and offered them the opportunity to have their application automatically submitted for the new position. If you were considering applying for the TA job or were in the process of working on your application, I enourage you to apply for the new position once it is posted. Thank you, and I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Position Posting – Training Administrator Boston Virtual ARTCC Purpose ZBW is currently seeking a Training Administrator who will manage and lead the ZBW ATC training program. Key Accountabilities ● Report to Air Traffic Manager and VATUSA Division Training Manager ● Manage and lead the training program to make it effective and efficient for all ARTCC controllers ● Maintain an adequate staff of instructors and mentors to meet ARTCC training needs ● Update and maintain training website material and certification system ● Develop and implement training policies, SOPs, and more ● Oversee and manage student assignments to training staff ● Perform duties as a staff Instructor ● Maintain a high online presence ● Other duties as assigned by ATM/DATM/VATUSA Division Training Manager ● Function as an ARTCC Administrator and attend bi-monthly meetings Requirements ● C1 rating or higher ● Active member on the network in good standing without recent disciplinary history ● Capable of working well in team-oriented environment ● Strong knowledge of VATSIM/US ATC system ● Strong knowledge of FAA Order 7110.65 ● Strong knowledge of Consolidated Radar Client (CRC) ● Experience as a Training Staff Member in a VATSIM facility ● Excellent written and oral communication skills ● Able to work with students in a calm and respectful manner ● Access to and strong ability with Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint and Word Highly Preferred Skills ● Current ATC Mentor/Instructor ● Teaching/Education experience (on or off VATSIM) ● Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience ● Real world aviation/pilot experience ● Experience with video creation/screen recording ● Familiarity with the Boston Virtual ARTCC training program/system How to Apply Interested candidates should be aware that this is a senior level administrative position and not for the inexperienced. The workload is considerable and should not be taken lightly. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview. Applicants must provide a letter of application and a “virtual” resume. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to lead the ZBW training department, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the organization will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Please also include your name, active email address, CID, current ARTCC, current rating, and any prior experience. Your virtual resume should consist of all prior experience related to ZBW/VATSIM along with any real-world experience you feel is applicable. External candidates should emphasize their knowledge of ZBW’s operations, and how their experience from other ARTCCs will benefit our pilot and ATC organizations. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications should be submitted to Josh Nunn, Air Traffic Manager ([email protected]). Position closed 4/27/25

Read more about the new ATC policy in our April Logan Informer.

Get your ballots, it's time for airport voting! From now until the end of Friday, 14 March 2025, tell us where you want to fly for the next CTP at ctp.vatsim.net/voting. More details are available here: https://forum.vatsim.net/t/26th-april-2025-cross-the-pond-westbound-discussion-thread/8090

VATSIM is pleased to announce the return of Cross the Pond, this time for a westbound journey, taking off on April 26th, 2025.   Cross The Pond is the largest and longest-running event on VATSIM (over 20 years). The event is biannual flying between the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean - Westbound in the spring and Eastbound in the autumn. Hundreds of pilots light up the virtual skies, and dozens of controllers burn both ends of the candle to provide professional ATC service over the Ocean and the Continents.   To keep in touch with news regarding the event, you can follow their social media and look for the hashtag #CTP25W Twitter: https://twitter.com/vatsimctp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vatsimctp/   They also have a dedicated discord server, which is going to get busier as we approach show-day. To join, head over to https://ctp.vatsim.net and follow the instructions on your screen.

Read about April's CTP, HOCKE Night in VATUSA, updates from Spec Ops and Cape Air Virtual, and more in the March Logan Informer.

BVA's Facility Showcase gives pilots the opportunity to experience one of our minor airports. Local and overlying air traffic controllers will be providing service for those looking to explore the area, practice instrument approaches, arrive from afar, or just remain in the pattern. With a single focus-airport, this is the perfect opportunity to experience being sequenced at a busier airport with both IFR and VFR arrivals. This week's event features Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (KBTV). May 7, 2025 1900-2200ET {7 May 2025 2300-0200Z} It’s also a great time to try out one of our WINGS flights. Remember, many of the flights have published Alternate Airports, allowing you to earn your BVA pilot ratings at event airports!

Mark your calendars for a truly enchanting experience as we invite you to join us for the highly anticipated unofficial kickoff to summer event, Escape to the Cape. This year's fly-in promises to be an aviation adventure over the Cape, featuring the iconic airports of Nantucket (ACK), Martha's Vineyard (MVY), Cape Cod Gateway/Hyannis (HYA), and Cape Cod CGAS (FMH). Picture yourself taking flight as the weekend dusk of Memorial Day sets in, casting a golden glow over the landscape, creating a magical ambiance for this special occasion. The allure of the Cape Cod's stunning coastline combined with the professionalism of the Boston Virtual ARTCC controllers makes this a cherished tradition and a favorite among virtual aviators in the Northeast. This event, part of BVA's renowned Fly-in series, has become a cornerstone in the General Aviation community, offering a unique opportunity for pilots to immerse themselves in the rich and challenging airspace of the Cape sector. The dynamic air traffic control services provided by the Boston Approach team ensure a realistic and engaging flying experience, making this event suitable for both seasoned pilots and those just beginning their virtual aviation journey. As you take to the virtual skies, connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts and share the thrill of navigating this picturesque airspace. Depart or arrive at Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod Gateway/Hyannis, or Cape Cod CGAS to be part of the action, and experience firsthand why Escape to the Cape has become synonymous with the best of GA flying in the Northeast on VATSIM. Clear skies, the beauty of the Cape, and the camaraderie of the virtual skies await you. Don't miss the chance to be part of this legendary aviation experience during the weekend dusk of Memorial Day. Join us for Escape to the Cape, and let the adventure begin! May 29, 2025 1800-2200ET {29 May 2025 2200-0200z} Featuring: KACK, KMVY, KHYA, KFMH It’s also a great time to try out one of our WINGS flights. Remember, many of the flights have published Alternate Airports, allowing you to earn your BVA pilot ratings at event airports!

In the Regional Circuit, we staff up multiple of our airports to provide pilots with an opportunity to receive 'gate-to-gate' ATC service for the duration of the event. Pilots are encouraged to fly between the airports and make the return flight if time allows; however, traffic from other airports is welcome as well. The Regional Circuit always creates an immersive atmosphere with busy frequencies and congested airways between the host airports. This Regional Circuit features Boston (KBOS) and Bangor (KBGR) airports. April 10, 2025 1900-2200 ET {10 April 2025 2300-0200z} It’s also a great time to try out one of our WINGS flights. Remember, many of the flights have published Alternate Airports, allowing you to earn your BVA pilot ratings at event airports!