Events happening today
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0
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14 December 2019 06:00 PM 15 December 2019 01:00 PM
Cross the Ditch 17: Summer 2019
Celebrating ten years of Crossing the Ditch!
All eyes are on Wellington, as VATSIM's pilots connect New Zealand's capital to three great Australian airports. December is the time for all pilots to taste the Southern Summer and 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 over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand will be filled with aircraft all on a mission to Cross the Ditch.
An example of that typical down-under understatement, this "ditch" is over 1100nm wide. The flight routes all range from three to four hours flight time.
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 14th December 2019 17:00 - Sunday 15th December 2019 13:00 AEDT: Sunday 15th December 2019 04:00 - Monday 16th December 2019 00:00 NZDT: Sunday 15th December 2019 06:00 - Monday 16th December 2019 02:00 Waves
This season's event is organised in waves. Each airport will have a set 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 3 - 4hrs 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.
Each flight passes 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 17 - Summer 2019 are:
Wave Flight Departure Window UTC AEDT NZDT 1 Wellington (NZWN) to Brisbane (YBBN) 1700-1930 0400-0630 0600-0830 2 Brisbane (YBBN) to Wellington (NZWN) 1930-2330 0630-1030 0830-1230 3 Wellington (NZWN) to Avalon (YMAV) 2230-0300 0930-1400 1130-1600 4 Avalon (YMAV) to Wellington (NZWN) 0200-0630 1300-1730 1500-1930 5 Wellington (NZWN) to Canberra (YSCB) 0500-0930 1600-2030 1800-2230
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.
Events Calendar 1 Comment -
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15 December 2019 09:30 AM 11:15 AM
Event Details
Simulation Date/Time : Current date set to daylight.
Weather : Real World / Fair weather if real world is unsuitable for VFR operations.
Distance : 190 nm
Est Flight Time : approx 90 mins
Aircraft : Single or twin engine aircraft such as Beechcraft Baron, Mooney Bravo or similar capable of 145 to 175 kias.
Altitude : Up to FL125.
Flightplan
File as : YHOO YINW YLIM YMSF YHBR YAAL YVRD
GPS Flightplan is available for FSX and X-Plane FMS and also provided is the original Plan-G flightplan for those that find this useful all enclosed within a Zip archive.
Navigation : Pilots familiar with the area can navigate visually, for those less familiar the accompanying GPS Flightplan is the recommended method of navigating the flight plan.
Communications
Australia uses CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) for radio comms at uncontrolled airfields. Now that VATSIM has introduced AFV (Audio For VATSIM) CTAF can now be used across all VATSIM approved pilot clients. Pilots are requested to tune to the published frequency as detailed in the flight details for an event when operating in or around an aerodome to make and monitor CTAF broadcasts. Pilots should also be aware that it is a VATSIM COC (Code of Conduct) requirement that all pilots at uncontrolled airfields should monitor Unicom (Australia 122.80). It is highly recommended that pilots ensure that at least one of their "on board" COM radios (COM 2 being the most likely) is tuned to receive unicom transmissions in addition to transmitting and receiving on the published CTAF frequency. Please Note. All pilots should also be vigilant regarding the receipt of text on both unicom and CTAF. If it is discovered there is a pilot participating that is unable to receive voice transmissions, pilots should arrange to also broadcast via text to ensure those pilots without the benefit of voice is able to receive appropriate broadcasts. VATSIM provides an update guide for getting AFV working on each of the approved pilot clients.
Recommended Scenery
FSX / P3D
ORBX Australia ANTS AUSSIE AIRPORTS OZX 3.5 AU Scenery X-Plane 10/11
Bazz's Australian and PNG Scenery for X-Plane Flight Details
HOOKER CREEK [YHOO] Takeoff
elev : 1050
rwy : 10/28 gravel
CTAF : 126.70
NDB : HOO HOOKER CREEK 398.0
INVERWAY [YINW] T&G - H-293° D-64
(Scenery not depicted in P3D)
elev : 1342
rwy : 13/31 dirt
CTAF : 126.70
LIMBUNYA STN [YLIM] T&G - H-017° D-39
(Scenery not depicted in P3D)
elev : 1218
rwy : 10/28 dirt
CTAF : 122.80
MOUNT SANFORD STATION [YMSF] T&G - H-065° D-42
(Scenery not depicted in P3D)
elev : 755
rwy : 12/30 dirt
CTAF : 126.70
HUMBERT RIVER [YHBR] T&G - H-005° D-30
(Scenery not depicted in P3D)
elev : 396
rwy : 9/27 dirt
CTAF : 122.80
YARRALIN [YAAL] T&G - H-075° D-15
(Scenery not depicted in P3D)
elev : 321
rwy : 8/26 dirt
CTAF : 122.80
VICTORIA RIVER DOWNS [YVRD] Land - H-068° D-8
elev : 291
rwy : 09/27 dirt
CTAF : 126.70
Chart
VFR Operations 0 Comments
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Upcoming Events
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21 April 2024 09:00 AM Until 10:15 AM
0Simulation 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
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24 April 2024 09:30 AM Until 11:00 AM
0This 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
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26 April 2024 09:00 AM Until 10:15 AM
0Simulation 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
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28 April 2024 09:00 AM Until 10:15 AM
0Simulation 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
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29 April 2024 06:00 AM Until 12:00 PM
0It’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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