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VATSIM Hosts Cross the Pond 2026: Record Attendance Expected
By Sarah Chen · · 2 min read
VATSIM's flagship Cross the Pond event returns on October 17, 2026, with departures from London Heathrow and New York JFK. Over 2,000 pilots are expected to participate in the oceanic crossing.
VATSIM has announced the date for its premier event, Cross the Pond, which will take place on October 17, 2026. This year's edition features departures from London Heathrow (EGLL) and New York John F. Kennedy (KJFK), with arrivals at Boston Logan (KBOS) and Amsterdam Schiphol (EHAM). The event is expected to draw over 2,000 pilots, making it the largest online flying event in the simulation calendar.
The crossing will utilize real-world oceanic tracks, with NAT tracks published in advance. ATC coverage will include full oceanic control, with dedicated controllers for Gander and Shanwick. Pilots are required to file accurate RNP 4 and RNP 10 flight plans, and must be proficient in SELCAL checks and position reporting. The event also includes a parallel event for X-Plane and MSFS, with both platforms supported by the latest client software.
VATSIM emphasizes that this is a high-workload environment and recommends that participants have prior experience with oceanic procedures. A series of pre-event workshops will be held on the VATSIM Discord, covering topics such as HF radio communication and contingency procedures. Registration is not required, but pilots are encouraged to book their slots via the event website to avoid delays.
Tags: VATSIM, Cross the Pond, Online Event, Oceanic, Community