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Camden Bruno

Administration Team
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  1. Starting March 1, 2024, the VATSIM United States Division (VATUSA) began trialing the use of real-world Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAF). This trial is set to last for up to 6 months. VATSIM has traditionally used a universal, network-wide "UNICOM" frequency of 122.8 for when air traffic control is offline. Instead, pilots flying within the United States who are not under ATC coverage should now review airport charts and/or the VATSIM AIP to identify the correct CTAF for their airport, and use that to communicate intentions within the airport area. When landing at an untowered airport—such as Windham Airport (KIJD) near Hartford—you would use the charted CTAF of 122.975 to communicate with other pilots. If you are landing a towered airport like Boston (KBOS) when no ATC is available, the published Tower frequency of 128.8 would be used. Enroute (i.e., once outside of the airport area), the standard 122.8 frequency would be used. More information, including locating the correct frequency for the airport you’re flying into, is available at vats.im/ctaf-trial. Since this change, a few detail-oriented BVA members have called attention to the fact that BVA's website, reference material, and documentation (including WINGS flights) still direct pilots to utilize "UNICOM." Due to the fact that VATSIM and VATUSA have advertised this change as a temporary, 6 month "trial", BVA will not be updating the aforementioned material to the reflect the use of CTAF. At the end of the trial, should the use of CTAF become a permanent procedure, all BVA material will be updated to align with same. What is CTAF? Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAF) are frequencies that are used at airports without an operating control tower (also called non-towered, uncontrolled, or pilot-controlled airports). A CTAF allows pilots to coordinate amongst themselves to ensure appropriate aircraft separation. Pilots will advise other aircraft on CTAF of their position and intentions. When a part-time tower closes, the airport reverts to using CTAF. More information from PilotInstitute, Thrust Flight. How is CTAF different from UNICOM? VATSIM has traditionally used the term UNICOM to indicate a common frequency (122.8) that all pilots are expected to utilize to coordinate intentions with other pilots. In the real world, UNICOM frequencies are used to communicate with non-ATC ground stations such as Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at an airport. The correct terminology for the frequencies used by pilots to coordinate amongst themselves is CTAF. Does CTAF mean I don’t have to look out for other aircraft? No! It is important to remember that pilots in a given area will not all be on the same CTAF. It is critical to remain vigilant, use your resources, and keep your head out the window. Proper CTAF use is more important going into larger, busy airports, but it is still important to continue looking for other traffic. CTAF is a tool to coordinate with other pilots, but it does not replace a traffic scan. First priority is always to see and avoid other traffic, followed by using your tools such as ADS-B (on VATSIM this would be a map or your traffic display), third priority is CTAF.
  2. Congrats, NU! Very well deserved! Clif - Thank you for your years of dedicated, hard work to the community. We all appreciate you so much!
  3. Congrats on an amazing 8 years, WN. As Cam stated, you lead us through one of the most unique and challenging time periods we've ever experienced. You've had such a positive impact on so many member's lives and the community as a whole. We truly appreciate you, and thank you for everything.
  4. I don't think it has been done...but it's brilliant. +1
  5. Congrats! Don't accidentally identify yourself as 'Portland Ground' on the freq at work now...
  6. Krikor, Thank you for all you have done for this community in your years on the Administration Team. The amount of improvement you put into documentation, training files, facility files, and so much more made a huge impact on the realism of the ATC program. On top of your duties as a part of the A-Team, you've been a great friend and mentor/instructor to so many people. As you transition into more real-world instructing with your new CFI/II ratings, hopefully you'll be able to use some of the skills you learned as a part of your positions at BVA - I truly believe BVA teaches a lot of real-world lessons both related to aviation and just a variety of general skills. I really look forward to seeing how far you go in your real-world pursuits. I think I can speak for everyone in saying that you are one of the most dedicated people I've ever met. When you set your mind on something, you truly go all-in and learn every aspect/detail of that topic. You're one of the smartest people I know, and you're going to go very far. Best,
  7. Congrats on your S3 (2?) so you can control APP (TWR?)!
  8. Still salty about the fact that you closed on me when I was 50 miles out and coming to give you traffic tonight. But congrats, I guess.
  9. Well said, Clif. I am thankful to have you and the rest of the Boston crew in my life. Happy Thanksgiving, all!
  10. Ain't that the truth. Lol. Congrats on officially finishing your formal controller training, PI! Everything Jay said is extremely accurate. I still find myself learning things while controlling Center even though I've been doing it for years now - and that's the way it should be! Never stop taking the opportunity to learn and, as always, we'll be here if you have any questions.
  11. Proud of you, Ginge! Thank you for everything.
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