SimVenture 2021

Quick Start Guide

1. Create a PilotEdge Account (if you don’t already have one) and get set up with the PilotEdge software.
2. Download and review the SimVenture NOTAM (check back soon!)
3. Download and install the required scenery (check back soon!)

PilotEdge is proud to present SimVenture Oshkosh 2021 which will emulate the flight procedures associated with EAA’s famous AirVenture and allow pilots to fly into Oshkosh, with actual Oshkosh air traffic controllers, using a flight simulator.

Each year, over 10,000 aircraft flock to Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s Wittman Regional Airport for EAA’s AirVenture event. In order for Oshkosh’s airport to accommodate such an influx of air traffic throughout the week, EAA works closely with the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to publish specific VFR arrival and departure procedures which pilots are required to follow.

These specific VFR procedures are published in a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and require pilots to conduct non-standard approaches and maneuvers into and out of the airport, while listening to fast-paced air traffic control and flying closer to other aircraft than most pilots have ever flown before.

PilotEdge’s SimVenture event will mirror EAA’s actual AirVenture event thus giving pilots an incredibly realistic experience of flying into and out of Oshkosh using the real NOTAM procedures.

SimVenture 2021 Event Schedule

PilotEdge will operate SimVenture Oshkosh 2021 multiple times throughout the week. During the published times below, NOTAM procedures will be in effect at and around Oshkosh on the PilotEdge online network.

All Times in Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7)

Wednesday July 14: 3pm-6pm PDT (2200Z-0100Z)
Friday July 16: 10am-1pm PDT (1700Z-2000Z)
Saturday July 17: 1pm-5pm PDT (2000Z-0000Z)
Sunday July 18: 12pm-4pm PDT (1900Z-2300Z)

NOTAM

The SimVenture NOTAM mirrors the actual AirVenture NOTAM as closely as possible. However, despite the similarities between the real NOTAM and PilotEdge’s NOTAM, all users must download PilotEdge’s SimVenture NOTAM and be familiar with it prior to their flight. Pilots are also encouraged to have the NOTAM accessable as a reference during their flight (either printed out or on a tablet/phone/second monitor).

The NOTAM is still undergoing its final review process.
Check back soon and follow PilotEdge on social media (@pilotedgeATC) to be notified of the final release.

Required Free Oshkosh Scenery

All users must use the free custom scenery available below. This scenery will dress-up Oshkosh Airport and add critical landmarks in the area to help you navigate effectively.

We’re putting the final coats of paint on the squares and dots.
Check back soon and follow PilotEdge on social media (@pilotedgeATC) to be notified of the final release.

The Mission Behind the Event

Real World Pilots
Due to the pandemic, even seasoned Oshkosh attendees haven’t been able to fly into the real AirVenture for at least two years. PilotEdge’s SimVenture will provide a means for real pilots to practice their arrival ahead of time using their flight simulator, and become familiar with the NOTAM procedures in a practical setting. 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.

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 work 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.

Required Software

Pilots can easily connect their flight simulator to PilotEdge’s online network by using the PilotEdge software. Users must be logged into their PilotEdge account to download the software.

Active Runways (Flows)

Throughout the course of the four day event, more than one configuration of active runways will be used at Oshkosh. This will allow pilots to experience different approaches into the airport depending on the day in which they participate in the event.

We recognize that some pilots may enjoy being surprised by the active runways in use when they load up their simulator for the event, while other pilots may wish to plan which dates and times they will fly in the event based on the planned runway configuration.

Pilots who wish to see the active runway/flow schedule may click here

Helpful Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot who has flown the real Fisk Arrival into AirVenture many times, or a sim enthusiast who has never traveled to Wisconsin, this event is created for nearly everyone. However, all pilots shall be prepared before flying in this event by following these guidelines:

Read and fully understand the NOTAM (Questions? Ask us on Discord)
Be able to comfortably takeoff, fly and land your airplane in the simulator (the event is not the time to test out your new flight simulator)
Be able to understand and comply with ATC instructions
Test the scenery to be sure you installed it properly BEFORE logging on to fly in the event. You can do this by loading up at Oshkosh before the event. If you see the colored dots on the runways and your simulator doesn’t give you any error messages, you can assume it is working properly.
Conduct a self-radio check on 123.45 prior to departure. Details on this self-check are in the NOTAM
Have an adequate frame rate to prevent you from moving slower than you should. As long as your simulator isn’t noticeable jumpy or slow, you should be okay (20 FPS minimum- adjust your graphics settings accordingly).
Dedicate sufficient time to participate in this event. This event may require you to hold or circle back around. Just one approach into Oshkosh could take you upwards of 1 hour during busy periods. Allow yourself plenty of time so there is no need to feel rushed.

Updates since PilotEdge’s 2020 SimVenture Event

Those who participated in PilotEdge’s SimVenture event last year may be interested in the changes to this year’s event. Despite this list of changes, all pilots must download and review PilotEdge’s 2021 version of the NOTAM.

We have removed the restriction which limited the types of aircraft that can be flown. This year, pilots may fly any fixed-wing piston or turboprop aircraft (no jets) as long as it can maintain fly 90+ knots. Keep in mind that removing this restriction will hinder the “model matching” element of the experience, therefore you may not see the other traffic rendered as their appropriate aircraft type.
Several starting points have been added to the Fisk Arrival to mirror a real-world change to AirVenture’s procedures.
The mandatory circle around Green Lake has been removed. Pilots will now proceed to the designated starting point on the Fisk Arrival.
SimVenture will allow Turboprops this year. Turboprops must fly the “Warbird Arrival” per the NOTAM.
The active runways will not be the same each day. Pilots must prepare for more than just one runway configuration.
There is no longer a “published taxi plan” within the NOTAM. Instead, PilotEdge will inject flagmen into your simulator which will direct you where to taxi on the ground.
Fond du Lac (KFLD) Airport will be towered.
All pilots must file a VFR flight plan on pilotedge.net each time they switch aircraft.

FAQ

What is PilotEdge?
PilotEdge is an online network which links flight simulators together in one big virtual world. Within the virtual world, air traffic controllers (real people, never automated) work on the other side of the mic giving pilots ATC services which mirror a real-world experience. Pilots connected to PilotEdge will hear and see other pilots while communicating with air traffic control during their flights.

What do I need in order to participate?
To participate in the event, you will need a flight simulator (MSFS2020, X-Plane 11, Prepar3D or FSX), an internet connection and computer headset. Additionally, you will need an active PilotEdge account.

How many times can I fly into/out of Oshkosh?
Pilots may fly as many times as they’d like during the published event times. However, pilots must fly full flights (beginning somewhere on the ground) and are not allowed to begin their flight while airborne. Pilots may depart from any airport (including OSH) and follow the NOTAM to join the VFR arrival procedure.

Will this be exactly like the real Arrival into Oshkosh?
We have worked very hard to mirror this event to the actual AirVenture. Not only will this provide a realistic simulation, but pilots can use this event to familiarize themselves with the OSH arrival procedures if they intend on making the real-world flight to AirVenture. While the majority of SimVenture’s procedures are derived from the actual AirVenture NOTAM, there are a few procedures specific to our simulated event. These differences are all listed in the NOTAM so pilots can be aware of what is different.

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 nestalogic 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.

Check out our SimVenture 2020 playlist on YouTube!