New Years Message from VATSIM

[VATSIM]

 

VATSIM New Year Message

 

As another year draws to a close, we reflect on what has been an extraordinary and unusual year for all of us, wherever in the world we reside. First and foremost, we hope you and your families are safe and well.

 

For our community, 2020 was busy. We clocked over 6.2 million flying hours and 630,000 controlling hours in the last 12 months. And in the summer, VATSIM hit 100,000 active members. 

 

In August, we saw the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator, with VATSIM compatibility from day one. We also re-launched the pilot rating system and introduced a knowledge check for all new members. Since launch, 16,000 people have passed the P0 knowledge check and become fellow VATSIM members. VATSIM’s logo was refreshed and we adopted our new slogan: Aviate, Educate, Communicate. Finally, we made a significant change to VATSIM’s governance structure to bring our divisions closer to the network’s leadership. 

 

As we look ahead to 2021, we are excited to press ahead with our plans to further grow and enhance this great hobby. Our technical development team recently published a blog post which gives an overview of the technical workstreams under way, and we look forward to sharing more detail over the coming weeks and months. We’re also pressing ahead with plans for more opportunities for community feedback and input, starting with the launch of community Town Hall meetings where our valued members will be able to ask questions and suggest ideas directly to the Board of Governors and division leadership - this hobby is community-driven, and it’s important that everyone who makes VATSIM what it is has a voice.

 

You can find out more details about the work being done and future plans by following our news article on the VATSIM website or following us on social media. You can also read our Board quarterly minutes here.

 

Thank you to all of you for being VATSIM members. We wish you a safe and happy New Year.

 

With best wishes,

 

The VATSIM Founders and Board of Governors