In the USA major cities with well-known landmarks have approved SVFR routes that enable GA pilots even in the virtual world to enjoy the sights they have to offer from the air. New York and San Francisco are no exception, each special in their own unique ways allow GA pilots access to their airspace.

1. New York - thread the needle between Newark, La Guardia and JFK to fly past the Statue of Liberty, up the Hudson River Skyline and across Central Park
2. San Francisco - Fly from Monterey along the coast then cross over to San Francisco bay crossing the final approach into San Francisco International Airport, tour the bay, circle Alcatraz and fly over (or for that matter under!) the Golden Gate Bridge.

New York
Organise to fly into New York and transfer to Somerset Airport (KSMQ). Hire a plane of your choice and fly through the centre of New York:

1. Overhead Newark
2. Turn over the Statue of Liberty
3. Fly up the Hudson River, then turn East over Central Park
4. Follow the Throg Neck Bridge Transition
5. Land at Republic (KFRG)

San Francisco
Make your way to Watsonville Municipal near Monterey Bay on the West Coast. If you have the time, consider flying the whole way. If not, catch an internal flight (or indeed if it is your "bag" fly the airliner), then take an Uber.

Rent another plane and enjoy flying the Bay Tour past San Francisco International, turning over Alcatraz and flying over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Any time in August 2024

New York Leg
Flight is from KSMQ to KFRG. VFRMaps.com is a great resource, use the New York Area Map for planning. The Throg Neck Bridge transition is actually a helicopter route. Pick Helicopters from the drop-down on VFRMaps.com to display it.

San Francisco
Leg Flight is from Watsonville Municipal (KWVI) to Gnos Field (KDVO). Again, VFRMaps.com is your friend. The relevant map can be found here.

Any GA aircraft, why not try a helicopter for a better view.

Before starting, check the weather. In accordance with VATSIM rules the wind direction should be the same as real-world. This event is strictly VFR, so all other aspects of the weather should be adjusted to avoid the disappointment of being rained or fogged in.

Remember to ANC (Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.) This event should be fun for all, both pilots and controllers. Bear in mind that other (non CIX VFR CLUB) traffic may also use the same airspace/airfields but everyone has equal priority (VFR). Should your enjoyment become impaired due to "unsportsmanlike" ATC, let someone know so that senior club members can pass on your concerns. Similarly, If you get something wrong, such as entering controlled airspace without authority, learn from the experience and follow instructions - even if requested to 'Disconnect'. However, if you have a problem, ask ATC for help, a lot easier that flying on regardless causing "confusion and mayhem"! And don't forget your first call for help is other club members, that is how we all learnt to do it.

You will be flying through potentially busy airspace, so pay special attention to online air traffic control services when you fly. Remember VATSIM USA are trialling the use of Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAF) in place of UNICOM in the vicinity of airports when ATC is not online. I have found both areas generally quiet on VATSim although this is definitely not the case in New York when they are running cross-the-pond events!

Be aware that ATC may be trying to get in touch with one of us, so don't let TeamSpeak chat cut across the radio. Conversation should stop immediately if ATC transmit and only continue if "they aren't talking to us". If you realise a member has not heard ATC, let them know on TeamSpeak.

Remember that if ATC tells you "Standby" It means "wait, don't call me, I will come back to you as soon as I can" - busy with a more urgent problem.

Fly any time in August 2024. Half a star awarded for landing at KFRG, half a star for KDVO.

Notes for New York | Video of New York | Notes for San Francisco | FlightPlans

Event Idea: Colin Parker | Event planning: Colin Parker | Briefing: Colin Parker.