Evan Reiter

Non-U.S. airports won't have approach plates (or charts) published on the standard sources like SkyVector or AirNav. Sources for international charts vary in quality and comprehensiveness as few other governments are as good as the U.S. about making their charts freely available to the public. For TNCM, you can find the chart on BVA's application: www.bostonvirtualatc.com/charts.

Not a pain at all! We had fun trying to coordinate the go around and guessing at which parts of our transmissions got through!

Good question! When you set up sharing, there is an option to declare your intentions. Just type the "JOIN ME" in there (use a normal callsign).

We have looked at the cause of the technical issues during last night’s event. Unfortunately, resolving connectivity/networking problems is very complex, particularly without physical access to routing equipment. At this time there is no indication of any server security issues. The server was online throughout the event and did not “crash” or shut down at any time. FlightDesk and FSX server applications were running for the duration of the event. Several members (approximately 13 pilots, 30+ observers, and most users of TeamSpeak) remained connected throughout the event while approximately 20 were disconnected in a short period of time about halfway through the event. This means the most likely case is that a router in the “pipe” between our server and most of our members’ connections was the root cause of the issue. Every computer takes a different “path” to connect to the server but at various points those paths converge. It’s likely at one of those convergence points that the router (part of the “internet backbone” and external to BVA) caused the issues for all the computers following that path. Of course we’re as sorry and frustrated as you are to see the busy event disrupted by technical issues beyond the control of any of us. However, we’re happy to announce that we’ll be hosting the same KCLE & KDTW event next week. As a bonus, we’ve updated the scenery update for KCLE to 1.1 to reflect the latest changes to the airport (part of ongoing construction) and flight checked all ILS approaches to ensure that localizers and glideslopes are functioning properly. The latest version of the scenery download is accessible on the Regional Circuit Page.

We will repeat this event (KCLE & KDTW) in next week's Regional Circuit.

Tonight's Regional Circuit was interrupted by technical issues. Over 30 pilots were connected at the time; most pilots and controllers lost connection to the server for a brief period. At this time, we are investigating the situation and will provide additional details as they become available. The server is currently online and appears to be stable. More to come.

Yes, as well as the magnetic variation correction (that will impact even those aircraft updated by Navigraph as I understand things).

This post has been updated with a new freeware source for default GPS aircraft and the FSX radar. I strongly recommend all users, even those who only fly payware aircraft, use these links to update their fixes, navaids, and magnetic variation data. It is great stuff -- so great that it even removes the now-decommissioned BDL VOR!

Please join us for an interactive discussion on FSX as well as the future of flight simulation within our community on Saturday, May 25 at 4pm ET. We'll discuss your opinions on the best possible FSX configuration and discuss some of the other platforms that are available. If you have experience with X-Plane or other Microsoft platforms, we hope you will share it! We will use a voice platform called TeamSpeak 3 to host the session. The software is available for free http://www.teamspeak.com. Once the program is installed, connect to the server using the information below. Make sure to set your microphone input and transmit key in the Lobby of the server. Please do not use voice activation. Use the Following Login Credentials: Nickname: BVA Username - First Name (e.g., Tofutwitch11 - Tom) Server Address: teamspeak.bostonvirtualatc.com:9989 Server Password: OfficeHours!

Wow...almost looks like we wouldn't have to restart the server tonight as the real-world forecast for Boston and Nantucket shows exactly what I was planning for the event! That being said, the server restarts will go ahead as planned. You can expect the weather to mimic what is shown in the forecasts below. KACK 191124Z 1912/2012 18014KT 1/4SM FG VV001 FM191700 19018KT 1SM BR OVC150 FM200200 19026KT 1/2SM FG OVC003 WS020/21060KT FM200500 20029KT 1/2SM SHRA FG OVC008 WS020/21065KT FM200900 21024KT 2SM SHRA BR OVC008 KBOS 191124Z 1912/2018 20011KT P6SM BKN020 FM191400 20012KT P6SM BKN250 FM192300 20016KT P6SM OVC015 FM200000 20016KT P6SM OVC010 WS020/35045KT FM200300 20018KT 3SM -SHRA BR OVC008 WS020/20050KT FM200800 27013KT 3SM -SHRA BR OVC008 FM200900 30010KT P6SM OVC015 FM201300 27009KT P6SM BKN040

In order to set custom weather for our KACK & KBOS Bad Weather Regional Circuit Challenge (8-11pm ET on Friday, April 19), the FSX server will be restarted on Friday at 7:00pm ET and 11:45pm ET. FlightDesk, Live ATIS, and FSX will be temporarily unavailable during the restart; the website and forums will not be affected. Please time your activity on the server so as not to lose your flight when the server is restarted. We'll see just how nasty the weather ends up being. Plan for a typical Cape Cod evening...plenty of mist and fog, some light rain, and reasonable winds. The visibility will be the biggest factor.

KRDD sounds like a lot of fun! While we provide preferred routes and airports we encourage pilots and controllers to explore other airports throughout the Getaway. Hope to see a few controllers online in that region.

This NOTAM details procedures for operating in an uncontrolled/untowered airport environment in the United States. For BVA’s purposes, an untowered airport is any airport which would normally be untowered as well as any controlled airport that is uncontrolled due to ATC availability. At untowered airports, aircraft use standardized flight patterns and radio communications to operate safely without the coordination and traffic advisory assistance of a controller. Untowered airport procedures include communications and entries to and exits from the traffic pattern. Untowered airport procedures are designed to give pilots maximum awareness of other aircraft operating in the area. If all pilots follow the recommended procedures, aircraft will be able to safely merge into and out of the traffic flow without posing a threat to each other. The attached document was last updated on September 6, 2020. Untowered Airport Operations.pdf

Glad the flight went well! That Expressway Visual is a fun one that I do recommend (maybe not late at night). I do suggest that you give it a try when you have a bit of time (and maybe in free flight first) as I expect you'll enjoy it. We've written a bit of instructional material to help orient you to the flight here: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=3703. See you online again soon!

Special Use Airspace is designed to keep certain flight activities in one area and to keep unrelated operations away. This airspace can be temporary in nature (i.e. a temporary restriction of airspace due to a special activity), intermittent (i.e. an area reserved for military operations at specific times), or permanently restricted (i.e. airspace surrounding the White House and other Capitol buildings). The attached pilot reference document, updated on May 4, 2020, provides additional information about the types of special use airspace and the related implications for aircraft operations. Special Use Airspace.pdf

Sounds like an interesting idea to me (without having looked at the area in any detail). I think our next Getaway is already planned but we can definitely look into this one for the future. Any others find this airspace and airport combination interesting?

Sounds like a fun time! Sorry I can't be around this weekend (will be out of town without FS stuff). Friendly reminder that if you are flying gliders, please do not use the FSX towplanes. Motorized gliders, winch-launching, or using the Map to get yourself airborne are all fine.

I wanted to let our forum regulars know that our next Challenge event features Helena (KHLN) from 8-10pm ET on Thursday, February 28. The event is all about flying IFR procedures correctly. In a "Pack The Pattern" format, pilots will fly the Helena Three (or Divide 1) departure procedures (pull the chart and you'll see why), and then are encouraged to try some of the more unique approaches into the airport (how does a nice LOC/DME BC-C approach sound?) or even a few laps in a holding pattern. We'll be doing the event in real-world weather but it's a great opportunity to practice instrument flying in a busy environment with full ATC coverage. http://www.bostonvirtualatc.com/Events/Challenge.aspx In what is clearly a failed attempt at keeping the content on the page short, you'll notice we've summarized flying the departure procedure correctly but haven't gone into much detail about tracking VOR radials (required to fly the DP) or flying non-precision approaches. Instead, we're hoping pilots with questions about flying the procedure or using non-GPS navigation will check out the Pilot Ratings Program flights applicable to those subjects or post their questions here. If you've ever been afraid of filing a complicated SID, don't like NY airports because you don't know when to make that turn to join the CRI VOR radial, or just want some extra practice in a more relaxed environment, controllers during the Challenge will be on hand to help you with any questions you have and can give you feedback on your performance flying the departure procedure. It's a great opportunity for new members who aren't familiar with IFR flying or regulars who just want a little more practice without the help of an FMC or GPS. Looking forward to another fun event! PS/EDIT: If you can think of any fun/complex departure procedures or instrument approaches that you'd like featured during a similar event, feel free to post those here as well. I think this concept will be one of the regular Challenge features, like our Bad Weather Regional Circuit, VFR events, or the SFRA Challenge.

Welcome, welcome! Glad to see that you had a positive first experience. Things can be a little strange when a maiden BVA flight happens outside of our preferred airspace but it doesn't sound like that was the case for you. Thanks a lot for the post. I think our community prides itself on is its openness to feedback and welcoming of new members of all skill levels. If your future experiences don't meet your expectations, we absolutely encourage you to speak up and let us know why so we can get better. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Hopefully the next experience doesn't involve a traffic call for a NORDO aircraft (turned out he had accidentally switched off SFO_T's frequency but quickly tuned back to the right place).

The FAA's Preferred Routes Database is back online: http://www.fly.faa.gov/rmt/nfdc_preferr ... tabase.jsp Other NFDC products are also available at: http://www.fly.faa.gov/rmt/coded_departure_routes.jsp

I've been busy with real-world stuff and finally got around to reading this thread... A couple of thoughts. They're just that -- not stating a new policy or speaking on behalf of the A-Team. First, enforcing the 95' restriction would mean prohibiting the Boeing 737 from the field. The 6/7/8 variants are all above 100'. Every year someone decides to bring a 747, 767, A380, or something equally ridiculous into the airport. I've been one of them once so it's hard to me to say they shouldn't do that. Some folks love to fly a specific set of payware aircraft and that really makes the sim an enjoyable experience for them. Stripping that away would, for some people, detract from the experience. As much as it might be a little more reasonable to fly a B738 rather than an A380 into KASE, both are equally illegal. What should the restriction be in BVA? In my opinion, that sort of depends on the reasoning behind it. If it has to do with aircraft size/weight, that's not really a consideration for us. If it has to do with space on the ramp, that's also not really an issue. However, if the spacing between the runway and taxiway "A" won't allow a wingspan above 95', that's something we would need to consider. All that being said, I'd bet (but of course am not sure) that with enough money and convincing, someone having a good reason to fly a B738 into KASE IRL would probably be given a waiver. A380 might be a different story. Second (with respect to the approaches question)...I have heard the SKW jet that arrives at 10:30pm request and be given a visual approach. The airport's website does say that approaches after nightfall are to be "execute[d] with air traffic control clearance". Given that there are no published approaches authorized at night, this would imply that if you don't have the requisite training you would need to fly a visual approach but could do so. The restriction for VFR aircraft at night is "VFR Operations: aircraft equipped as required under FAR 91.205 (D) for instrument flight-pilot is instrument rated; VFR pilot in command has completed at least one takeoff or landing in the preceding 12 months at ASE." (http://www.aspenairport.com/procedures.asp?type=3). Given our 3h server delay and the fact that we have until 30 minutes after sunset, we theoretically shouldn't have too much night-flying time during the event. Based on the current sunset time (5:14pm local), we have until about 10:45pm ET until it's night for aviation purposes during our events. Note that in our previous event, we did not have the 3h restriction and that definitely affected matters. In the 15 or so minutes of event night flying, we could restrict inbound aircraft to visual approaches only. Does that seem like a reasonable and realistic compromise? Third, we were normally radar contacting aircraft around 10,000'. Aircraft were given a heading by Tower and then sent to Approach for the duration of the event.

Actually not the case (that's what I thought too originally). Aspen is open and attended from 0700 - 2300 local time (LT). The Tower and TRACON close at 2000 LT, and then the airport is covered by a Denver Center frequency. The last commercial flight I could find inbound is a SKW from KDEN which lands around 2230 LT. As mentioned here there are a separate set of procedures which are unpublished and require special FAA authorization to fly. Crews and aircraft must be specially certified in order to fly the approaches. These unpublished approaches are not restricted to day-only operations and its how the commercial guys make it in after sunset. For other operators intending to land at night, a visual approach (not the Roaring Fork) would be the only option. All of the public use instrument approaches + the Roaring Fork Visual are indeed restricted to day operations only.

Please note that the event time has changed again. It is now 3-5pm ET on Sunday, January 13 and the new time is now reflected in the message above, as well as on the website.

The time of our next Pack The Pattern event (KGJT) has been changed to 3-5pm ET to help out Chuck and our friends testing access to the server from the FS Sim Con conference location. This should enable them to conduct their testing live with ATC. Should be quite interesting to see and I for one am hoping for a live stream again! The event page has been updated with the relevant details: http://www.bostonvirtualatc.com/Events/ ... ttern.aspx

We apologize for the unplanned outage of the forums today. We are also glad to report that our ISP was able to restore service to the forums as well as to two other site applications (www.bostonvirtualatc.com/charts and www.bostonvirtualatc.com/gettingstarted) this evening. If you are experiencing trouble accessing any of those locations, please advise Phil ([email protected]).