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    01 December 2018 05:00 PM      02 December 2018 01:00 PM

    Breakfast in Tahiti, Supper in Australia, and all the South Pacific in between...
    VATNZ and VATPAC are proud to present the 15th Cross the Ditch!
     
      Check out the official Cross the Ditch website
    Apply to provide ATC
    Book your Flights now!
    View the Event Schedule
    Check out the Virtual Airline Leaderboard
    Grab the recommended add-on scenery for each of the event airports
     
    What's it all about?
    For twenty hours this December, the skies of the South Pacific will be filled with aircraft all on a mission to Cross the Ditch.
    To celebrate the 15th running of the event, this year's Cross the Ditch will stretch from one side of the South Pacific to the other, involving seven different airports in six different countries. The flight routes all range from two-and-a-half up to five hours flight time, so there is something for everyone.
    Throughout the event, the Oceania region's two divisions – VATNZ and VATPAC – will be providing full ATC coverage, in the Southern Hemisphere's premiere oceanic event.
    This is a great opportunity to experience Oceanic flying without the need to commit to an eight-hour flight!
    If you're new to Oceanic Flying, our reporting tool makes taking part a breeze.
     
    Event Times
    This twenty hour event is timed to allow pilots from all over the world join the fun:
    UTC: Saturday 1st December 2018 17:00 - Sunday 2nd December 2018 13:00 AEDT: Sunday 2nd December 2018 04:00 - Monday 3rd December 2018 00:00 NZDT: Sunday 2nd December 2018 06:00 - Monday 3rd December 2018 02:00  
    Waves
    This season's event is organised in waves. Each airport will typically have a three-to-five hour departure window, during which time flights will be able to leave for the next destination. As the window closes, the departure window will open at the next destination.
    Given each of the flights is 2.5 - 5hrs in length, the previous wave's flights will be arriving at the same airport as the next wave departs, maximising the amount of traffic at each airport.
    NOTE: in order to ensure that you have ATC coverage throughout your flight, you MUST fly the wave route that is active at the time of your departure.
    The individual routes are designed to ensure as much opposing traffic enroute as possible.
    Most flights pass from one Oceania division to the other, and the result is six mini-flyins over the course of twenty hours!
     
     

     
    The Waves for Cross the Ditch 15 - Summer 2018 are:
    Wave Flight Departure Window UTC AEDT NZDT 1A Tahiti, French Polynesia (NTAA) to
    Nadi, Fiji (NFFN)
    (5hr flight) 1700-1800 0400-0500 0600-0700 1B Tahiti, French Polynesia (NTAA) to
    Apia, Samoa (NSFA)
    (3.5hr flight) 1700-1900 0400-0600 0600-0800 2A Nadi, Fiji (NFFN) to
    Wellington, New Zealand (NZWN) 2030-2300 0730-1000 0930-1200 2B Apia, Samoa (NSFA) to
    Wellington, New Zealand (NZWN) 1900-2230 0600-0930 0800-1130 3 Wellington, New Zealand (NZWN) to
    Noumea, New Caledonia (NWWW) 2300-0330 1000-1430 1200-1630 4 Noumea, New Caledonia (NWWW) to
    Auckland, New Zealand (NZAA) 0300-0700 1400-1800 1600-2000 5 Auckland, New Zealand (NZAA) to
    Brisbane (YBBN) 0530-0930 1630-2030 1830-2230
     
     

     
    Calling all Pilots and Controllers
    Flight plans are available from the Flight Plans section.
    Book your flights now from the Flight Bookings page. Bookings made on this site help us plan for the event, and will also show up in vroute.
    Controllers wanting to get in on the action can also apply now at the event's ATC Applications page.
     
    Hope to see you all there
     
     
    Cross the Ditch is brought to you by VATPAC and VATNZ


    Event details


    Events Calendar 9 Comments
  • Upcoming Events

    • 21 April 2024 09:00 AM Until 10:15 AM
      0  
      Simulation Date/Time: Current date set to daylight.
      Weather: Real World / Fair weather if real world is unsuitable for VFR operations.
      If not using live weather, please be mindful of others who are using live weather and will be taking off and landing into the wind.
      Distance: 114 nm
      Est Flight Time: approx 75 min
      Aircraft: Cessna 172 or similar aircraft capable of 100 kias.
      Altitude: Remain in Class G airspace outside Cairns CTR. See waypoint notes below.
      Flight plan

      File as: YCGO YSMT YHTN ATH YATH LMGE GOV PFRM EDT EARV KOPP MARQ BRIN REDL CBLT SMIF YKS YBCS
      GPS flight plan is available for FSX/P3D .pln, MFS2020 .pln, X-Plane .fms and Little Navmap.
      Navigation: Pilots are encouraged to navigate visually. For those less familiar the GPS flight plan is the recommended method of navigation.
      Communications
      Australia uses CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) for radio comms at uncontrolled airfields. During an event, Pilots are requested to broadcast intentions on the published CTAF. Pilots should also be aware that it is a VATSIM CoC (Code of Conduct) requirement that all pilots at uncontrolled airfields should monitor UNICOM on 122.800. Pilots should ensure that at least one of their radios (COM 2 being the most likely) is tuned to receive UNICOM transmissions in addition to transmitting and receiving on the published CTAF.
      Pilots also should read this post regarding the implications of using VATSIM UNICOM for CTAF. It provides some insight into potential pitfalls for the unwary when monitoring 122.80 in a CTAF environment.
       
      Scenery
      Due to the plethora of simulation platforms now being used, scenery is left to the discretion of each pilot.
       
      Flight details
      CHILLAGOE [YCGO] Takeoff
      elev: 1123
      rwy: 17/35 asphalt
      CTAF: 126.7

      Tune DME to Cairns VOR/DME (CS 113.0)

      Not above 8500 ft to 36 DME CS
        ALMADEN overfly - visual along the Burke Development Road
        SUNNYMOUNT [YSMT] T&G - visual along the Burke Development Road
      elev: 1961
      rwy: 11/29 grass
      CTAF: 126.7
        IRVINEBANK overfly - visual along Herberton-Petford Road
        HERBERTON [YHTN] T&G - visual along Herberton-Petford Road
      elev: 2715
      rwy: 16/34 grass
      CTAF: 126.7

      Not above 6500 ft within 36 DME CS
        ATHERTON [ATH] overfly - visual along Atherton-Herberton Road
        ATHERTON [YATH] T&G - adjacent VFR waypoint
      elev: 2460
      rwy: 15/33 grass
      CTAF: 126.7
        LAKE BARRINE overfly not above 6500 ft - visual along the Gillies Highway

      Not above 4500 ft within 22 DME CS
        LITTLE MULGRAVE RIVER [LMGE] overfly not above 6500 ft - visual along the Gillies Highway
        GORDONVALE [GOV] overfly not above 2500 ft - visual along the Gillies Highway
      *** Inbound reporting point ***

      Note: Cairns may be controlled top down by Brisbane Centre.

      If ATC is active, follow the Western VFR Corridor until instructed to turn base. Remain west of the Bruce Highway/Cairns Western Arterial Road/Captain Cook Highway.

      Not above 3500 ft within 12 DME CS
        PALM FARM [PFRM] overfly - visual west of the Bruce Highway

      Not above 1000 ft within 7 DME CS or as instructed by ATC.
        EDMONTON [EDT] overfly - visual west of the Bruce Highway

      If ATC is active, do not proceed until given circuit instructions.

      If Runway 33 is in use, expect left base after Edmonton.
        EARLVILLE [EARV] overfly - visual west of the Bruce Highway
        KOPPEN PARK [KOPP] overfly - visual west of the Cairns Western Arterial Road
        MARONI'S QUARRY [MARQ] overfly - visual west of the Cairns Western Arterial Road
        BRINSMEAD [BRIN] overfly - visual west of the Cairns Western Arterial Road
        REDLYNCH [REDL] overfly - visual west of the Cairns Western Arterial Road
        CABLEWAY TERMINAL [CBLT] overfly - visual west of the Cairns Western Arterial Road

      If Runway 15 is in use, expect right base after Cableway Terminal. Remain west of the Captain Cook Highway until given instructions to turn base.
        SMITHFIELD [SMIF] overfly - visual west of the Captain Cook Highway
        YORKEYS KNOB [YKS] overfly - visual towards the coast or as directed by ATC
        CAIRNS [YBCS] Land - visual along the coast or as directed by ATC
      elev: 10
      rwy: 15/33 asphalt
      TWR: 124.9
      VOR/DME: CS 113.0
      NDB: CS 364 Charts


       
    • 24 April 2024 09:30 AM Until 11:00 AM
      0  
      This Weeks Flight for Wednesday 24th April 2024 finds us in the USA flying from Grand Canyon National Park (KGCN) and will follow the might Colorado River and the Grand Canyon to Boulder City (KBVU). There are a number of T&G's along the route at pilot's discretion.Flight created by YMA555
      Aircraft: Capable of 150 kias
      Comms: Tune Radio to 122.80MHz - Unless Advised by ATC or further detailed hereunder
      .Flight Plan: Link
      Suggested Altitude: Follow flight plan or just follow the Colorado River
      Distance: 199nm
      Weather: Real time weather, fair weather if conditions are not suitable for VFR Flying.
      Flight Plan:(KGCN-KBVU)< Just click on this link for Flight Plan for .fms and .pln
      BELOW: MAP OF ROUTE


       

       
      THANKS FOR FLYING VATPAC WORLD DISCOVERY FLIGHTS
    • 26 April 2024 09:00 AM Until 10:15 AM
      0  
      Simulation Date/Time: Current date set to daylight.
      Weather: Real World / Fair weather if real world is unsuitable for VFR operations.
      If not using live weather, please be mindful of others who are using live weather and will be taking off and landing into the wind.
      Distance: 140 nm
      Est Flight Time: approx 75 min
      Aircraft: Cessna 172 or similar aircraft capable of 120 kias.
      Altitude: Not above 8500 ft. Suggested 2500 ft.
      Flight plan

      File as: YWBL CAU YCWO YARA YMBU YBDG
      GPS flight plan is available for FSX/P3D .pln, MFS2020 .pln, X-Plane .fms and Little Navmap.
      Navigation: Pilots are encouraged to navigate visually. For those less familiar the GPS flight plan is the recommended method of navigation.
      Communications
      Australia uses CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) for radio comms at uncontrolled airfields. During an event, Pilots are requested to broadcast intentions on the published CTAF. Pilots should also be aware that it is a VATSIM CoC (Code of Conduct) requirement that all pilots at uncontrolled airfields should monitor UNICOM on 122.800. Pilots should ensure that at least one of their radios (COM 2 being the most likely) is tuned to receive UNICOM transmissions in addition to transmitting and receiving on the published CTAF.
      Pilots also should read this post regarding the implications of using VATSIM UNICOM for CTAF. It provides some insight into potential pitfalls for the unwary when monitoring 122.80 in a CTAF environment.
       
      Scenery
      Due to the plethora of simulation platforms now being used, scenery is left to the discretion of each pilot.
       
      Flight details
      WARRAMBOOL [YWBL] Takeoff
      elev: 242
      rwy: 04/22 13/31 asphalt
      CTAF: 126.0
        CARAMUT [CAU] overfly - visual along Warrnambool-Caramut Road
        CHATSWORTH [YCWO] T&G - visual along the Caramut-Chatsworth Road
      elev: 628
      rwy: 02/20 10/28 grass
      CTAF: 126.7
        ARARAT [YARA] T&G - visual along Chatsworth-Wickliffe Road and Mortlake-Ararat Road
      elev: 1008
      rwy: 12/30 asphalt
      rwy: 04/22 grass
      CTAF: 126.7
        MARYBOROUGH [YMBU] T&G - visual along the Pyrenees Highway
      elev: 766
      rwy: 17/35 asphalt [RH circuit RWY 17]
      rwy: 06/24 grass [RH circuit RWY 24]
      CTAF: 119.1
        LAANECOORIE RESERVOIE overfly - visual along Bendigo-Maryborough Road
        BENDIGO [YBDG] Land - visual along Bendigo-Maryborough Road
      elev: 710
      rwy: 05/23 17/35 asphalt [RH circuit RWY 05 and 35]
      CTAF: 119.3 Chart

    • 28 April 2024 09:00 AM Until 10:15 AM
      0  
      Simulation Date/Time: Current date set to daylight.
      Weather: Real World / Fair weather if real world is unsuitable for VFR operations.
      If not using live weather, please be mindful of others who are using live weather and will be taking off and landing into the wind.
      Distance: 145 nm
      Est Flight Time: approx 75 min
      Aircraft: Cessna 172 or similar aircraft capable of 120 kias.
      Altitude: Not above 8500 ft. Suggested 3500 ft.
      Flight plan

      File as: YBDG YCAL DFD CWK YBLT SKP YDER YWBL
      GPS flight plan is available for FSX/P3D .pln, MFS2020 .pln, X-Plane .fms and Little Navmap.
      Navigation: Pilots are encouraged to navigate visually. For those less familiar the GPS flight plan is the recommended method of navigation.
      Communications
      Australia uses CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) for radio comms at uncontrolled airfields. During an event, Pilots are requested to broadcast intentions on the published CTAF. Pilots should also be aware that it is a VATSIM CoC (Code of Conduct) requirement that all pilots at uncontrolled airfields should monitor UNICOM on 122.800. Pilots should ensure that at least one of their radios (COM 2 being the most likely) is tuned to receive UNICOM transmissions in addition to transmitting and receiving on the published CTAF.
      Pilots also should read this post regarding the implications of using VATSIM UNICOM for CTAF. It provides some insight into potential pitfalls for the unwary when monitoring 122.80 in a CTAF environment.
       
      Scenery
      Due to the plethora of simulation platforms now being used, scenery is left to the discretion of each pilot.
       
      Flight details
      BENDIGO [YBDG] Takeoff
      elev: 710
      rwy: 05/23 17/35 asphalt [RH circuit RWY 05 and 35]
      CTAF: 119.3
        CASTLEMAINE [YCAL] T&G - visual along the Calder Freeway and Midland Highway
      elev: 963
      rwy: 01/19 10/28 dirt
      CTAF: 126.7
        DAYLESFORD [DFD] overfly -  visual along the Midland Highway
        CRESWICK [CWK] overfly - visual along the Midland Highway
        BALLARAT [YBLT] T&G - visual along the Pyrenees Highway
      elev: 1433
      rwy: 05/23 18/36 asphalt [RH circuit RWY 18]
      rwy: 13/31 grass [RH circuit RWY 13]
      CTAF: 127.75
        SKIPTON [SKP] overfly - visual along the Glenelg Highway
        LISMORE overfly - visual along Lismore-Skipton Road
        DERRINALLUM [YDER] T&G - visual along the Hamilton Highway
      elev: 600
      rwy: 17/35 grass
      CTAF: 126.7
        MORTLAKE overfly - visual along the Hamilton Highway
        WARRAMBOOL [YWBL] Land - visual along the Hopkins Highway
      elev: 242
      rwy: 04/22 13/31 asphalt
      CTAF: 126.0 Chart

    • 29 April 2024 06:00 AM Until 12:00 PM
      0  
      It’s the end of the month and Spilled Milk Run Monday is back on the calendar. This week we are taking you from New Zealand, to Australia as we commemorate those who shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old.
      Fly from Wellington (NZWN) to Canberra (YSCB) and Sydney (YSSY) with full expectations of ATC Services throughout your flight!
      Please Note: Depart NZWN between 06-09z. Arrival ATC will be online from 08-12z in Australia!
       
      Routes:
      We recommend the following routes between Wellington, Canberra and Sydney.
      NZWN - YSCB: TANEN M636 SASRO M636 PLUGA DCT RAZZI
      NZWN - YSSY: TANEN M636 PLUGA RIKNI N774 MARLN
       
      Flying in Oceanic Airspace:
      Normal ATC throughout Australia (Brisbane Centre, Melbourne Centre, Sydney Approach, etc.) rely on radar to determine where an aircraft is in the air. Over the ocean, there is no radar. This non-radar airspace is controlled by Oceanic ATC.
      All Oceanic Controlled Airspace in Australia is controlled from Brisbane, so all oceanic controllers in Australia are called "Brisbane Radio"
      One of the significant differences between radar and oceanic flying is the need for position reports. 
      Position reports are how ATC can determine where you are. Position reports contain estimates for waypoints, speeds, altitudes and any other information. Because there is no radar over the ocean, ATC relies on time-based separation and reports from the pilots. ATC has no way of determining where you are unless you specifically tell them.
      The standard format is:
      Current/Previous waypoint name and the time you crossed that point. Current Flight Level Mach number if assigned by ATC. Your next waypoint and estimate for that point. The waypoint after that. For example: "Qantas 123 is position PLUGA at time 0523, Flight Level 380, estimating VELKU at 0750, SASRO next."
      You can use the Oceanic Reporting Tool to help construct oceanic position reports.
      Find more information regarding Oceanic Procedures here.
       
      Controllers:
      Controllers who wish to control a position during this event are encouraged to apply here. Positions that do not have a controller online (i.e. no controller controlling the position) will remain free for all controllers available on the day to control.
      BN-TSN_FSS BN-ARL_CTR ML-BIK_CTR SY_APP SY_TWR SY_GND CB_APP CB_TWR CB_GND  
      Scenery:
      YSSY - Sydney:
      Payware - FlyTampa v2 (FSX/P3D)
      Payware – FlyTampa (MSFS)
      Payware - TaiModels (X-Plane 11)
      Freeware - AVSIM (FSX/P3D)
      YSCB - Canberra:
      Payware - Impulse Simulations (MSFS)
      Payware - ORBX (FSX/P3D)
      Freeware - FlyAwaySimulations (FSX/P3D)
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