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VATSIM Announces Record-Breaking Cross the Pond Event for October 2026
By James Whitfield · · 2 min read
VATSIM's biannual Cross the Pond event is set to break attendance records with over 2,500 pilots expected to fly between Europe and North America. The event will feature full ATC coverage and real-world oceanic procedures.
VATSIM has announced that its upcoming Cross the Pond event, scheduled for October 17, 2026, is poised to break all previous attendance records. With over 2,500 pilots already registered, the event will see simultaneous departures from major European hubs such as London Heathrow (EGLL), Amsterdam Schiphol (EHAM), and Frankfurt (EDDF), bound for North American destinations including New York JFK (KJFK), Toronto Pearson (CYYZ), and Chicago O'Hare (KORD).
The event will simulate real-world oceanic procedures, including the North Atlantic Tracks (NAT) system, with full ATC coverage from delivery through to arrival. Organizers have coordinated with real-world oceanic controllers to ensure accurate clearances and position reporting. Pilots can expect to use CPDLC and ADS-C where equipped, adding an extra layer of realism.
"Cross the Pond is our flagship event, and this year's edition will be the most immersive yet," said a VATSIM spokesperson. "We've worked closely with our divisions to ensure that every phase of flight is covered, from pre-flight planning to gate arrival." The event will also feature a live stream on VATSIM's Twitch channel, with commentary from real-world pilots and controllers.
Pilots are encouraged to file accurate flight plans and to be familiar with oceanic crossing procedures. A dedicated briefing page is available on the VATSIM website, including route assignments and slot times. The event begins at 1000z and runs for 24 hours to accommodate all time zones.
Tags: VATSIM, Cross the Pond, Event, Oceanic, ATC