Are you ready to celebrate the end of the 2023 festive season with the VirtualUA Community? We are thrilled to invite you to our 11th annual Home for the Holiday Event on December 9, 2023.
We are going on an exciting journey from San Francisco International Airport to Calgary, Canada, to breathe the refreshing air before finally landing at the United Airlines Hub, Denver International Airport. And we would love for you to join us on this adventure!
Our valued sponsor is making it all possible, and we are deeply grateful for their support. We have some incredible activities lined up for you, including the chance to win prizes and mingle with fellow aviation enthusiasts. And the Best Landing and Screenshot competition will be even more fun this year, with fantastic music to keep the festivities going.
Get ready to join us on our Discord channel at 20z UTC to connect with like-minded people, share your experiences, and make lasting memories.
So, please mark your calendars, RSVP via Discord, and let us know you’re coming. We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with you!
To help you prepare for the event, we have answered some frequently asked questions below.
What is the event about? Our annual holiday event is scheduled for Saturday, December 9th, 2023, and will commence at 20:00 GMT. The event presents an exceptional opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to gather and participate in a simulated flight experience from San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) to Denver International Airport (KDEN), with a brief layover at Calgary International Airport (CYYC).
What is our route? As previously indicated, the scheduled flight will commence at San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) and terminate at Denver International Airport (KDEN), with a brief layover at Calgary International Airport (CYYC). It is worth noting that participants can complete only specific segments of the journey should time constraints necessitate a more flexible approach.
How long will the event last? The commencement of the event is scheduled for 20z; however, participants are permitted to submit their Pilot Report (PIREP) until the end of the day to qualify for prizes. As such, you may complete the flight at your own pace, but please file your PIREP before the end of the day.
Do I need to fly on VATSIM? Although flying on VATSIM is highly recommended to gain real-world experience, it is not mandatory. This policy change was implemented in 2021 based on feedback from the community. However, when filing offline, flying on an approved Flight Tracker such as Volanta is necessary to authenticate your flight. We strongly advise using VATSIM to have an immersive experience and interact with fellow virtual pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts.