(For those who haven't participated before, WINGS is BVA's free pilot training program, designed to teach the safe operation of virtual aircraft within the online ATC environment that VATSIM provides. You can learn more about how to get involved here.)

Over the past several months, we've been working with airline pilots, CFIs, and experienced VATSIM pilots to review and update each flight in the program. In some cases, we made only editorial changes like adding headers, updating language, and fixing links. In other cases, we've moved content, introduced new concepts, and removed material so the program better reflects modern equipment navigation and techniques while removing dependencies on outdated approaches.

There's also an all-new IFR 17 that introduces some of the lesser-known airliner operations elements to the WINGS program, including maintenance test flights, CAT II/III approaches, sidestep procedures, and more. 

Over the next few weeks, we'll look forward to hearing your feedback, input, and suggestions regarding these new flights. From there, we'll plan a bigger launch event in the coming weeks. At that time, we also anticipate that VATSIM will recognize WINGS completion with network-wide Achievement Badges alongside those we offer in our own TeamSpeak and Discord. 

Check out the new program here.

Have you already started the WINGS program?

The new Wings Over New England program went live on July 6, 2026. If you were in the process of flying the WINGS program at the time, please see below for our recommendations:  

• All previous WINGS ratings have been retained. If you wish to re-do one or more flights, you're welcome to do so. 
• If you are a WINGS graduate, we invite you to fly the new WINGS IFR 17. This new flight introduces concepts you won't have seen in the previous edition of the program. 
• If you're partway through the VFR portion of the WINGS program, continue on. Changes made to the VFR portion are mostly editorial in nature.
• If you're partway through the IFR portion of the WINGS program, we recommend re-starting at WINGS IFR 1, as the procedures and structure of the flights have changed. You'll get the most by completing the flights in order, starting with IFR 1.

Read more about Boston Tea Party, BVA's SpecOps Training Session, FlightSimExpo, and see our Pilot Tip of the Month in the June Logan Informer.

Read more about CTP, FSExpo, closure of KPVD's Runway 5-23, and more in the May Logan Informer.

Read more about our Iron Mic success in the April Logan Informer. Other articles include:

• Trouble Sleeping? Try BVA's Clinically-Proven Sleep System
• Introducing the Community Recognition Program
• Pilot Tip of the Month: STARs and Approaching Airports

VATSIM is pleased to announce the return of another Cross the Pond, this time following the fun eastbound on April 25th, 2026.

Cross The Pond is the largest and longest-running event on VATSIM (over 20 years). The event takes place annually, flying between the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean - alternating between Westbound and Eastbound every year. 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.

Pilot Expression of Interest is currently open for those who wish to attempt to acquire a slot for this years event. Confirm your expression here!

Additionally, airport voting is open.  We here at ZBW would appreciate your "1st Americas Airport" vote to help us be selected to participate! A full list of Americas and Europe/Africa airports can be found here.

More details about the event are available at Cross The Pond 2026 - Eastbound - Community / Events - VATSIM Forum!

Read more about our Iron Mic success in the March Logan Informer. Other articles include:

• Upcoming March Events
• Refreshing our Wings Over New England Training 
• Pilot Tip of the Month: Hold Short!

Read more about our Iron Mic success in the February Logan Informer. Other articles include:

• Upcoming February Events
• Web Services to be Run by AI
• BVA Wins VATUSA's Golden Mic Award for Boston Ground
• Pilot Tip of the Month: Missed Approach Points

Read more about BVA's 2025 in the January Logan Informer. Other articles include: 

• Upcoming Events
• 60 Hours of ATC
• FlightSimExpo 2026
• Pilot Tip of the Month: Listen Before Speaking

Purpose

Boston Virtual ARTCC is currently seeking a Webmaster who will provide effective management and leadership of the ARTCC’s website and data services. 
 

Key Accountabilities

• Reports to BVA Air Traffic Manager and Community Director

• Maintains and develops web services for both the controller and pilot community, including:

  • BVA website and ATC Hub

  • Discord and TeamSpeak

  • BVA email accounts

• Maintains core infrastructure for Cape Air Virtual website

• Works alongside the DevOps Manager to maintain and ensure the healthy state of BVA’s servers including backups and updates

• Responds quickly to website and data system outages and other problems

• Conducts projects to continuously improve BVA's web services

• Functions as an ARTCC Administrator 

• Attends bi-monthly Administration Team meetings

Requirements

• Active member of the VATSIM network, in good standing, with a clean history and no prior incidents involving misuse of technology

• S3 rating or higher 

• 18 years of age or older 

• Proficient with modern web programming languages and web technologies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Highly Preferred Skills

• Degree in Computer Science or similar

• Experience working in a computer science related field

• Prior experience in a leadership role within BVA

• Experience with the following:

  • HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP 7.1+, SQL, Git

  • Laravel, CodeIgniter, Handlebars.js, Bootstrap

  • Invision Community forum engine

  • jQuery, Composer, Node.JS, NPM, Webpack, Discord.js

  • Linux (Debian), Nginx, MySQL, Redis, Cron, Bash

  • REST APIs, VATSIM SSO, VATUSA APIs,

  • Cloudflare, G Suite, Adobe Photoshop, GitHub

• Ability to fully manage a VPS

Additional Information

The Webmaster has significant access to BVA's infrastructure, and therefore a great deal of trust is bestowed upon them by Boston Virtual ARTCC, Inc. It is possible that the selected candidate will be put on a probationary period, during which they will be under close supervision before being given full Administrator permissions. Examples of such candidates include:

• A candidate who does not have the necessary technical experience but shows promise and is willing to learn.

• A candidate who has technical experience, but has less experience serving or interacting in the BVA community.

How to Apply

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 submit a resume, as well as a letter of application explaining why they believe they would be a good fit for this position. The letter of application should summarize the applicant’s reasons for wanting to join the BVA Administration Team, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the ARTCC will thrive under the applicant’s leadership. Please also include your name, CID, current ARTCC, current rating, and any prior experience.

Applications should be submitted to Josh Nunn, Air Traffic Manager (atm@bvartcc.com). Application deadline is December 31, 2025. ARTCC leadership may choose to close the position opening early should an eminently qualified candidate apply and be selected.

Read more about 60 Hours of ATC, our Cold Start FNO, the End of Year Member Meeting, and more in the December Logan Informer.

Read about the upcoming WAFFLE event, 60 Hours of ATC, our Winter Merch Line, and a whole lot more in the November Logan Informer.

Read more about 60 Hours, our revised ABG, CTP, and more in the October Logan Informer.

Read more about last month's event and Tea Party Poker winners in the September Logan Informer.

Purpose

Boston Virtual ARTCC (BVA) is seeking an Assistant Facility Engineer to participate in the BVA Air Traffic Control facility file program.  

Key Accountabilities

• Reports to the BVA Facility Engineer 
• Assists in maintaining ARTCC facility infrastructure, including sector files, alias files, and position files within CRC, vATIS, transceivers, and other related components of the vNAS database as directed
• Assists in other projects as assigned
• Maintains a high online presence

Requirements

• VATSIM S2 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 controlling programs such as CRC and vATIS
• Willing to learn facility file development/maintenance and the programs involved
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Skills

• VATSIM S3 rating or higher
• Demonstrated experience developing and/or maintaining facilities/sector files
• Familiar with ZBW airspace and procedures
• Experience working with vNAS Data Admin
• Knowledge of common data structures (JSON, geoJSON)
• 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 facility will benefit from the applicant.

Applications should be submitted to Jonathan Halverson, Facility Engineer (fe@bvartcc.com). This position is open until filled. 

Find more details, contest info for Tea Party, and more in the August Logan Informer.

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 (cm@bvartcc.com). This is an ongoing posting with no immediate closing date. Successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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.

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

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!

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

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 (atm@bvartcc.com). 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.

This promotion leaves a vacancy in the position of Facility Engineer (FE) which will be posted soon. 

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!