The summer flying season in New England is well underway, and that means the skies are abuzz with activity! As we gear up for a busy few months of events, we wanted to share a few of the dates you may wish to block off in the next few months.
The first—and biggest—is FlightSimCon! We are one week away from BVA’s biggest member meet-up of the year. Join over 30 BVA pilots and controllers in-person at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel, Bradley Airport this June 10-11. We’ll be flying and controlling live from the event, and participating in a whole host of BVA activities throughout the weekend. Visit www.flightsimcon.com and our forums for the latest information. Can't make it in person? Join us on the network for plenty of ATC coverage.
At the end of June, we’ll be teaming up with the New York and Washington ARTCCs for a Northeastern Corridor FNO event. This popular event features ATC throughout the three primary northeastern ARTCCs, allowing pilots to fly between Boston, New York, and Washington with full ATC coverage. Save the night of June 30 for this phenomenal cross-ARTCC event.
On August 19, BVA’s controllers will get together in person in Nashua, NH (near the site of the real-world Boston Consolidated TRACON) to provide live ATC for several hours! You’ll find a full staff of controllers online throughout the day. In addition to the ATC, pilots can participate in Tea Party Poker and win awesome prizes just by flying in our ARTCC. Save the date, and keep an eye on our forums for more information.
At the end of last month, the FAA amended its guidance on the use of the phrase “climb via SID”. On both the network as well as in real life, pilots can expect to hear “climb via SID” on pilot navigation SIDs with published crossing restrictions. Different phraseology will be used on other SIDs. As always, if there are any questions about what altitude you should be climbing to, please clarify with the appropriate controller. Visit our forums for more details.
For the next several months, Boston’s Runway 4R-22L will be closed for resurfacing. Massport will be closing the runway for 40 days through until June, and then will have late-night closures until the conclusion of the project in November. The objective of the project is to replace the asphalt pavement that has deteriorated, and to replace the wooden pier that supports the approach lighting system (the pier was originally constructed in 1955). BVA’s controllers will be simulating the closures to the extent practical on the network. Amongst other initiatives, members can expect to see use of the ILS Runway 4R, with visual circling to Runway 4L, as well as use of the newly-published RNAV Runway 4L Approach. Pilots are encouraged to listen to the ATIS, and review real-world NOTAMs, to brief on potential closures.
BVA is pleased to welcome Krikor Hajian to the Administration Team as our newest Events Coordinator! Last month’s promotion of Clif Whitten to Deputy Air Traffic Manager created an opening for a new role within the Administration Team.
Over the past two years, Krikor has proven himself to be one of the most active, proficient, and involved air traffic controllers in our community. While controlling regularly, he spends lots of time flying with our members, and offering folks a helping hand whenever they need it. During Krikor’s tenure, we have seen students view him as a model, adopting his studying habits and dedication. His eagerness, awareness of the community, and involvement in other aspects of the network, make him an ideal candidate to take on the role of Events Coordinator.
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