Mathew Magera 931028 Posted April 25, 2009 at 03:19 AM Posted April 25, 2009 at 03:19 AM Light Up America Hosted by: VATUSA Saturday May 30, 2009 2000-0400z http://users.design.ucla.edu/~akoblin/work/faa/Docomeentationl2.html The Need As with any event on the VATSIM network, the purpose is to gather pilots and controllers together to help make this simulation as real as it gets. VATSIM is about community, bring together aviation enthusiasts from across the globe and In an attempt to invite as many pilots and controllers to be logged onto the network at once, VATUSA is organizing this event, Light Up America. Because the members of VATSIM reside many different places across the globe and have lives outside of this online community, it is never easy to bring a significant amount of members online at one time. Therefore, many staff within the ARTCCs within VATUSA have voiced an interest to plan a special date for an event to take place that would promote the entire United States being "staffed" with controllers. Technically, this would only require 23 controllers, one per sector, but because of this events proposed popularity, each sector could even be able to staff at minimum 5-10 controllers or more, with a total of 115 to 230 controllers. The Checklist Because of the size of this event and the amount of attention we plan on it receiving, there is a structure to how the event will take place. Many of the controllers within the VATUSA division live in or in close proximity to the sector in which they have chosen to operate as a controller. So, with that in mind, we have a problem simply saying this event will be held for a 5 hour period on such and such day. It would not be fair to those who live on the east coast, nor would it be fair for those who happen to live in Hawaii or Alaska. So, we decided the event will take place in a wave starting on the east coast and working westward, almost simulating an entire day but doing it in an 8-9 hour period of time. To help you understand what I mean by a wave, I'll give you the proposed times. The event is slated to start at 3pm ET. At this time, all ARTCCs within the eastern time zone will log on. An hour later, all ARTCCs within the central time zone will log on. An hour later still, the mountain time zone will log on. Lastly, at the fourth hour, the Pacific time zone along with Hawaii and Alaska will log on. At this point, the entire United States should be lit up with controllers. This will go for two hours. At that sixth hour (since the event began) the east coast ARTCCs would be able to log off. An hour later, the central. You get the idea. The Heart Of course, it is not all about the controllers. The pilots are important as well. For this event, each ARTCC will feature their busiest airport. We have designed routes for pilots to fly from airport to airport allowing for them to be able to be under air traffic control throughout their flight. There are 310 slots for pilots to sign up for all varying in distance, time, and direction. In the event more than 310 pilots wish to participate, more slots may be instated. The Vision So, as I've said prior, if looked at from a distance, our online event would look similar to an entire day in the United States. As the sun rises on the east coast, you will see more aircraft in the air. As the sun moves across the sky, more and more aircraft are seen. As it sets in the west, the east coast operations will begin to slow and eventually stop. And as the sun reaches the International Date Line, the day is drawn to a close. The video link above is the best explanation of Light Up America. Watch and see how this country just 'lights up'. If you've taken a look at that, you'll see what I mean. You'll see as the video starts it is mid-afternoon in the United States. As the evening approaches the number of aircraft decreases, but then you can tell when the sun is coming up as the entire country begins to light up. It is quite fascinating. So, without further adieu, I want to invite you all to participate in the upcoming Light Up America event to be held on Saturday May 30th. Details on sign-ups as well as a dedicated web page for this event are coming soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathew Magera 931028 Posted May 4, 2009 at 04:41 PM Author Posted May 4, 2009 at 04:41 PM Updated: 5/4/09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryder Presnell 1102891 Posted May 21, 2009 at 06:42 PM Posted May 21, 2009 at 06:42 PM I just reserved my spot... yay! Can this be more often, like once a month? I can't wait for this event! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathew Magera 931028 Posted May 26, 2009 at 02:48 PM Author Posted May 26, 2009 at 02:48 PM There are still plenty of slots available for your use. Sign ups will be available until the morning of the event. We hope to see you lighting up America this weekend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathew Magera 931028 Posted May 29, 2009 at 05:07 PM Author Posted May 29, 2009 at 05:07 PM Just about 24 hours to go until Light Up America. Do you have your slot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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