Don Desfosse

My very strong suggestion is that if you cannot do the entire flight online, in attendance, DO NOT sign up for a slot and preclude someone who can actually meet the requirements of the event (which is indeed to be in attendance throughout, with allowances for short, say 5-15 minute breaks, IF approved by ATC, in the middle of the flight). All that said, it really depends on what you mean by break. If it means getting up, walking around within a few feet of your chair, keeping audio volume up (or wearing a wireless headset) so you can hear, run back to your chair, and respond to ATC, etc., that's in the spirit of attending your connection. If it means going upstairs and taking a nap, or going across the house to your favorite couch or armchair, that doesn't work.... In the event that your breaks are more significant than stretching your legs within a few feet, into the next room, etc., but you can still monitor audio and run (or jog) back to respond, I offer the following additional thoughts. If you're trying to get ATC at both the beginning and the end of your flight, my next suggestion would be to try to take of very early, perhaps 10-30 minutes before the first slot time, or very late, perhaps 2-2.5 hours after the last slot time, when your reconnection will not make such a huge negative impact on the controllers trying to work the swarm of aircraft. You're not guaranteed ATC outside of the "normal" event times, but I can tell you that just reconnecting "blind" in the middle of a swarm of traffic could easily get you removed from the network, and possibly even given a 24 hour suspension if you push the point with repetitive reconnects. Otherwise, if you are only really interested in a takeoff during the swarm, fly with the swarm for a bit, and then a disconnect, you could participate as a non-slot aircraft. Though we don't usually have extra delays for non-slot aircraft at Boston, VATSIM always warns non-slot aircraft to expect significant delays. Some facilities enforce the slot times for slotted aircraft rigidly, to the exclusion (read delay) of non-slot aircraft. Boston is much more capable and forgiving than most....

Never Dispute the excellence of our students and training programs (and puns). Congrats, ND!

As is the norm for Boston, a great, great event by great, great controllers that did a fantastic job. Really impressive that with 3 airports in play, Boston still had 60-65% of the overall event traffic. That's really telling!

I just have to thank Perrone for having the OIs PN. As I get older, my ears would have a wicked hard time trying to separate BN and PN.... :) Congrats, PS.

Congrats, NU! Now it's time to get really smart in preparation for becoming an Instructor. NUthing teaches you more than when you are teaching!

Congrats, thanks for stepping up, and all the best for luck and success!

Congrats, PI!

DEEWI? I hope not! Don't You know that if he gets a DEEWI, he'll likely lose all of his licenses, including ATC! Seriously, DY, congrats! I know you'll continue to Do Your best!

Congratulations! I'm sure the OTS was a Proud Display of Excellence! And at Paaahhtland, not just some ole' PoDunk airport. That's Pretty Darned good. I'll stop now, before the team deems my puns Punishable by Death... Welcome to the scopes!

Congrats, NU! NUthin' better! Well, until you become an Instructor, that is. Then you can help NUbies become as proficient and accomplished as you are. :) Seriously, congrats!

Nice! NU blood in the TRACON! I think you'll agree, NUthin' beats A90! :) Congrats!

I forgot to mention earlier... As many instructors (ATC, flight, etc.) will often mention.... Remember that this is a license to learn, practice your craft, and get REALLY good at it. Unless your passion is enroute controlling, where I can understand a zeal to jump up and start your enroute training right away, there is a LOT of value in taking some time, several weeks, and really get excellent at working major TRACON, particularly during events. :)

Congrats, GD! Remember, as cushy as your training may have been with RT, these are VATSIM pilots, thus highly unpredictable... Never let your Guard Down! Else, like the rest of us old hacks, just when you think you're safe, you'll be suddenly yelling, "Gosh Darn!"

Don't be so GLum, Chum! ;) (I said with a GLint in my eye) We have full faith and confidence you'll figure it out in a bright blaze of GLory! ;D

The puns have risen to a new level.... And that would be WAY above AGL.... Congrats, GL!

Honestly, my thoughts and words echo those already said exactly. You three have all done a phenomenal job with this community over the years. Phil, you'll certainly be missed. Evan and Krikor, best wishes as you settle into your new roles. As always, let me know if/how I can help. Great to see the tradition of excellence in leadership continuing!

Congrats, Clif. I have full faith and confidence that you'll do a phenomenal job. Ian, thank you for stepping forward and for your work to improve the facility. You have my best wishes going forward!

Congrats, DY!

Congrats, HS! Welcome to the dark room!

I see what you did there.... ;) But as much as I like cookies and as much as HI likes chocolate cake, I have a feeling he'll be bringing PI(e)....

I caught a lot of people on voice to express my thanks, but wanted to make sure I wrote it so I could catch everyone. I can't thank everyone enough for the event, especially Team Boston for putting it together, the fantastic turnout, and the kind words and notes I got throughout. I really appreciate it. It was a fantastic event. I was greatly humbled and honored by this event, and psyched to see how much traffic and ATC there was. And it was great, after I parked, to get back up into the tower cab and work some traffic for a couple of hours. Again, I was truly honored and humbled by this event, and by all the kind words and thoughts from so many folks. I look forward to seeing you all around!

I got it on the Down Low you did a great job! Congrats!

Some eye candy.... our FNO....

Well.... last written before the I1 written.... :) I see some 'giving back to the community' :)

Congrats, guys! Keep it up! And sign up for 60 hours!