SimVenture - A Virtual Flight Oshkosh Experience
What is SimVenture?
SimVenture 2023 ran from July 13-16th, 2023. This was the fourth year in a row that PilotEdge put on the unique event where pilots can fly into Oshkosh, with the real Oshkosh air traffic controllers, using a flight simulator. Follow @PilotEdgeATC on Instagram and Facebook for news about the next SimVenture.
The Mission Behind the Event
Real World Pilots
Whether you have never flown to AirVenture in the past, or if you are an AirVenture veteran, the procedures to fly into Oshkosh during AirVenture week are some of the most non-standard that you’ll encounter as a VFR pilot. Since pilots typically utilize these procedures just once a year, everyone can benefit from a refresher. PilotEdge’s SimVenture provides a means for real pilots to practice their arrival and departure just 1-2 weeks before AirVenture, using their flight simulator, while becoming comfortable and familiar with the Notice procedures. This builds confidence and familiarization which contributes to a safer real flight to AirVenture.
Flight Simulator Enthusiasts
Whether you have dreamed about flying into AirVenture for years, or you are just learning about it now for the first time, PilotEdge’s SimVenture event is one of most realistic and exciting flights you will ever experience with your flight simulator. If you have always wanted to fly to Oshkosh, but have never had the opportunity, this gives you nearly the same great feeling.
Fly-to-Win Contest 2023
Follow @pilotedgeATC on Facebook and Instagram to see the winners of the 2023 contest. Winners will be notified directly via email.
Actual Air Traffic Controllers Provided by NATCA
You may notice the air traffic controllers for PilotEdge’s SimVenture Oshkosh event sound very much like those who actually work the real AirVenture. That is because they are the actual controllers! PilotEdge is working closely with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association for this event. By having the actual air traffic controllers volunteer for PilotEdge’s SimVenture event, pilots are certain to have a true-to-life experience as they will hear the same fast paced ATC that has become so unique to Oshkosh.
Further Questions?
Visit our Discord chat server or reach out to us on social media @pilotedgeatc
History of SimVenture
The first SimVenture was created by PilotEdge and hosted in July of 2020. While the initial concept was to prepare people to fly into AirVenture, the pandemic forced a pivot to more of a nostalgic approach to allow pilots to engage in an exciting aviation-related activity from the safety of their home flight simulators.
Throughout the course of the SimVenture 2020 event, there were over 1,000 arrivals into Oshkosh on the PilotEdge network.
Beginning in 2021, the event took more of a training approach as pilots could use SimVenture to prepare to fly to AirVenture just a week later. 2022 saw well over 2,000 arrivals throughout the event.
Flying Magazine – AirVenture Air Traffic Went Virtual This Year
Aviation International News (AIN) – SimVenture Flyers Get a Taste of Oshkosh Operations
AVweb – You Didn’t Fly to OSH, But 1000 Virtual Pilots Did
Pilot und Flugzeug – Cancel Culture 2020: AirVenture goes – SimVenture comes English version PDF German version PDF
Disclaimer
PilotEdge’s SimVenture event, the PilotEdge SimVenture Notice and any other material provided by PilotEdge regarding SimVenture is for flight simulator purposes only. None of the material or guidance shall be used for real world flight or navigation. Refer to EAA’s official Notice when actually flying to AirVenture.
