Cross the Lake: Tahoe

2025-02-17 00:00 UTC - 04:00 UTC

Airports: RNO/TVL/TRK
Date/Time: February 16, 2025, 4-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): Feburary 17, 0000z-0400z

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and its surrounding regional airports offer pilots an exhilarating and dynamic flying experience. With high-altitude terrain, stunning visuals, and diverse weather conditions, every approach and departure is both thrilling and rewarding. Whether navigating the Sierra Nevada’s mountainous terrain or perfecting high-density altitude landings, pilots will find a challenging yet satisfying environment that sharpens their skills.

The region’s variety of airports caters to all types of aviators. Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) provides a controlled, exciting, busy environment, while general aviation airports like Carson City (KCXP), Truckee-Tahoe (KTRK), and Minden-Tahoe (KMEV) offer unique approaches, high-altitude runways, and breathtaking scenic descents. Whether you prefer busy airspace or quiet mountain strips, Reno-Tahoe has an airport to match your flying style.

From crisp morning departures over Lake Tahoe’s blue waters to thrilling crosswind landings in the high desert, flying in and out of Reno-Tahoe is as rewarding as it is beautiful. With ever-changing weather patterns, varied elevations, and stunning natural backdrops, every flight here is a new adventure—making it a must-visit destination for pilots seeking both challenge and enjoyment in the skies.

Can't wait to see you there!!!

Signup Form: https://forms.gle/CAUpWFJi3YAJUZPe6

TRACON Tuesdays: Monterey Madness

2025-02-12 01:00 UTC - 04:00 UTC

Airports: MRY,SNS
Date/Time: February 11, 5pm-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): February 12, 0100z-0400

Shift 1: 0100z-0200z
Shift 2: 0200z-0300z
Shift 3: 0300z-0400z

Come fly out with ZOA at our TRACON Tuesday for the month of February, Monterey Madness!! Monterey, California, is a premier flying destination for pilots, offering a diverse range of experiences set against the backdrop of stunning coastal and mountainous landscapes. The region’s primary hub, Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), provides smooth approaches and easy access to the picturesque Monterey Bay. From here, pilots can enjoy scenic flights along the coast or head inland to explore the rolling hills and valleys. With its controlled airspace and favorable weather, MRY is a perfect base for both casual and cross-country flights.

Just to the east, Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) offers a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for pilots seeking a quieter, less congested airport. From there, pilots can take in panoramic views of the Salinas Valley or navigate the rugged terrain of the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains. The proximity of SNS to MRY also allows for quick, scenic flights up and down the coast.

For those seeking more of an adventure, pilots can head over to the small but challenging airports of Carmel Valley (KCVS) and King City (3O4), where they’ll find tighter approaches and more complex terrain, perfect for honing precision flying skills. These airfields offer a true test for pilots while still providing remarkable vistas of the surrounding countryside.

We can't wait to see you there!!!

Opposite Day in the Bay 2025

2025-01-26 00:00 UTC - 04:00 UTC

Let's turn that frown upside down with our Opposite Day in the Bay with ZOA!! For our 3rd rendition of our showcase event where we turn all of our standard ops configurations, inside out. Flying STARs and approaches only seen in this time of the year, in rare circumstances. Take on this yearly endeavor which will be challenging for pilots and controllers alike. Come and fly out of the bay to truly see what these configurations have to offer, can't wait to see you there!!

Airports: SFO/OAK/SJC
Date/Time: January 25, 2025, 4-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): January 26, 2025, 0000z-0400z

Shift 1: 0000z-0200z
Shift 2: 0200z-0300z
Shift 3: 0300z-0400z

Capital Crossfire (USA Flying Club)

2025-01-10 01:00 UTC - 03:00 UTC

Thursday, January 9 

Event Start: 8:00pm ET (0100z) 

Featuring: KSAC and KCXP 

Join us as Virtual USA Flying Club members fly between two state capitals. This time, we venture West for a trip into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. 

Text Briefing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mx_8tSiDyuru6AkK4Q_tVf_9tEZyRaplNXux1Ie2djc/edit?usp=sharing

High Rollers and Beach Strollers FNO (Tier 1 Support)

2025-01-07 01:00 UTC - 05:00 UTC

Get ready for a flight-packed adventure in ZLA as we connect the vibrant hotspots of LAS, LAX, and SAN! Whether you’re navigating the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, cruising over LA’s iconic beaches, or soaking in the laid-back vibes of San Diego, there’s something for every pilot. Towering casinos meet scenic coastlines in this triple-hub extravaganza, promising busy skies, challenging approaches, and plenty of fun. Pack your charts, file your flight plans, and join us for an unforgettable day in the airspace where the desert meets the waves!

Friday 1/10/2025 5pm-9pm Pacific time. (1/11/2025 0100z-0500z)

Shift 1: 0100z-0300z
Shift 2: 0300z-0500z

Sierras FNO

2024-12-14 01:00 UTC - 05:00 UTC

Great scenery, great ATC? What more could you need for your Friday afternoon? Pick your aircraft of choice and fly across the beautiful Sierras, with full ATC coverage along the way.

Airports: RNO/LAS/SLC

Date/Time: Friday, December 13, 2024, 5pm-9pm PT

Date/Time (zulu): Saturday, December 14, 0100z-0500z

Signups form: https://forms.gle/4aX4w2qpnxcZG1Zu7

A New PDX (Tier 1 Support)

2024-12-06 01:00 UTC - 05:00 UTC

For years on end, PDX has been given the honor to be one of the best airports in the United States. Although it has slipped from this status due to recent construction, its elegant new remodel will surely bring it back to the top spot for years to come. Featuring a roof that is the world's largest mass timber project, shops that bring a local energy to the terminal, and support llamas to help ease the stresses of travel, it is impossible to not have a flawless experience. Join ZSE on Thursday, December 5th at Portland International Airport to help welcome a new PDX! If you are interested in winning a copy of the updated scenery from iBlueYonder with the stunning new terminal, please fill out the form here, and good luck! (You must fly in the event using the same CID as entered on the form in order to be eligible to win).

Shift 1: 0100z-0300z
Shift 2: 0300z-0500z

VATSIM Elite Wings

2024-12-02 00:00 UTC - 04:00 UTC

Get ready for the latest challenge of VATSIM's Elite Wings series! This edition will take you on an exhilarating journey from San Jose (KSJC) to Burbank (KBUR).

If you depart from San Jose (KSJC), you'll navigate to an airport located in the upper Southern California Mountains which also served as the location of Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works during the Cold War. If you depart from Burbank (KBUR), you'll fly to one of the busiest hubs in Northern California serving the Silicon Valley in downtown San Jose.

Upon arrival, brace yourself for the challenging approaches due to mountainous terrain, short runways and steep turns on final. Both airports demand precision and skill - whether you're navigating the valley around the San Gabriel Mountains into Burbank (KBUR) or Santa Clara Fairgrounds into San Jose (KSJC), your piloting abilities will certainly be put to test!

Date/Time: Sunday, December 1, 4pm-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): December 2, 0000z-0400z
Airports: SJC-BUR
Shift 1: 0000z-0200z
Shift 2: 0200z-0400z

VATUSA General Aviation Appreciation Day

2024-11-17 21:00 UTC - 02:00 UTC

Join VATUSA in partnership with The Virtual USA Flying Club and The Pilot Club for General Aviation Appreciation Day on November 17th, 2024! From coast to coast, north to south, you'll find multiple Class D and C airports staffed in every ARTCC from 2100-0200z. Hop back into your favorite light twin, taildragger, or trusty Skyhawk and take to the skies this Sunday!

A full list of the 60+ airports staffed can be found at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1n2Ty4UjnoJvC8yPZmnNbusoJgzs6YHsHbPKIGGEsbkg/edit?usp=sharing 

Featuring: APC/STS/CCR

Shift 1: 2100z-2300z
Shift 2: 2300z-0100z
Shift 3: 0100z-0200z

Calflow Cargo (ZLA Support)

2024-11-02 23:00 UTC - 03:00 UTC

Get ready for CalFlow Cargo, where the skies over Southern California will be filled with freight traffic! Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), and San Bernardino (SBD) are gearing up for a cargo surge with full ATC coverage. Whether you’re flying for UPS, FedEx, or any other cargo carrier, there’s plenty of space in the air and on the ground. Come test your skills in this unique freight-focused event!

Shift 1: 2300z-0100z
Shift 2: 0100z-0300z