SimVenture

SimVenture Oshkosh

What is SimVenture?

Since 2020, PilotEdge has worked with the Experimental Aircraft Association and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to present SimVenture Oshkosh, a virtual Oshkosh fly-in. SimVenture offers pilots the opportunity to practice flying into the world-famous AirVenture Oshkosh using their home flight simulator while following the actual flight procedures found in the real world Notice, all while the actual Oshkosh air traffic controllers are on the other side of the radios. Between the hundreds of other pilots flying around you, the realistic Notice procedures and the real Oshkosh air traffic controllers, SimVenture has become one of the most realistic experiences pilots will ever have in a flight simulator.

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 only utilize these procedures once a year, everyone could 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 will build 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 will be one of the most realistic and exciting flights you have ever experienced with your flight simulator. If you have always wanted to fly to Oshkosh, but have never had the opportunity, this will give you nearly the same great feeling.

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.

Participation Requirements

SimVenture participants must have an active PilotEdge account, a computer headset, a home flight simulator (X-Plane, MSFS, Prepar3D, FSX), and must download the Notice and free scenery provided by PilotEdge.

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, only the Fisk Arrival was simulated and there were over 1,000 operations into Oshkosh on the PilotEdge network.

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. The Warbird arrival was also introduced for turboprops that year. 2021 brought over 1,100 operations throughout the event.

SimVenture 2022 introduced small jets on the Warbird Arrival as well as helicopters. Throughout the event, Oshkosh saw 2,106 takeoffs and landings over the course of the 4 days in which the event ran for a total of 13 hours. SimVenture 2022’s average arrival rate per hour was actually higher than the actual rate per hour which AirVenture sees each year.

Media

2022
AIN Online – SimVenture 2022 flights to Oshkosh

FSElite – Participate in SimVenture 20222

AV Web – Rock your Wings at SimVenture Oshkosh 2022

Flying Magazine – 3 Tips for Flying to EAA AirVenture

2020 and 2021
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

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.