Fresh out of AirVenture and not wanting the flying magic to end you decide to drop down to Chicago and fly the old Route 66 journey to Santa Monica in California, taking photographs as you go. Who knows a book of your adventures might be in the offing to offset some of the startling costs incurred during the adventure!

This is essentially an airborne version of the quintessential American road trip. An itinerary has been provided as a separate document along with a suggested flight plan. Recognising this is a long journey (1,700nm's and between 12 and 15 hours flying for a single engine GA plane), you can fly as much or as little as you like provided you fly the first and last legs.

1. The first leg takes you along the Chicago shoreline past the Route 66 Memorial from Chicago Executive (KPWK) in the North to the industrial town of Gary (KGYY) to the South.
2. The last leg takes you from Southern California Logistics (KVCV) to Santa Monica (KSMO) past the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign.

Any time in August 2025.

Use these waypoints as a guide for route planning. A LittleNavMap user-point import file can be found in the charts section.

Any aircraft in the GA or warbird category including helicopters and light twins.

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.

This event should be fun for all, both pilots and controllers. If your enjoyment is impaired by "unsportsmanlike" ATC, let someone know so senior club members can pass on your concerns.
If you get something wrong, such as entering controlled airspace without authority, learn from the experience and follow instructions - even if requested to 'disconnect'.
Don't forget it is better to ask a club member or ATC when unsure rather than flying on causing confusion and mayhem!

Always be alert for live ATC when you are flying. If flying without air traffic control remember to announce your intentions on the correct CTAF frequencies as per the requirements of VATSim USA..

Take care not to let our TeamSpeak Chat cut across ATC. Stop any conversation immediately the R/T comes alive, and then continue if "he wasn't talking to us". This is difficult because when talking on TeamSpeak you cannot hear the R/T. So be aware that ATC might be trying to contact a member. If anyone hears R/T which appears to be ignored and it is a club member being called, on TS, say "ATC is calling XXXX/one of us". Then everyone stop talking until ATC calls again and makes contact. Remember that if ATC tells you "stand bye" It means "Wait, don't call me, I will come back to you as soon as I can.".

Half a star is awarded for departing Chicago Executive (KPWK), the other half for a landing at Santa Monica (KSMO) some time in August 2025.

Route 66 Itinerary Doc. | User-Points for LittleNavMap | FAA US Sectional Maps

Event Idea: Colin Parker | Event Planning: Colin Parker | Event Briefing: Colin Parker