Image: Screenshot of the Month winner Theo R.

Boston Virtual ARTCC's Community Newsletter · October 1, 2026

Reminder: 60 Hours of ATC

By: Cameron Peterson

What are your plans for Thanksgiving weekend? If they don’t involve spending most of it in front of the computer shuttling virtual passengers around New England–you need to re-check your priorities!

BVA’s annual 60 Hours of ATC event is November 27-29. Starting at 11am ET on Friday, November 27, you’ll get uninterrupted Boston Center coverage until 11pm ET on Sunday, November 29. This one-of-a-kind marathon ATC event also includes hosting Friday Night Operations (FNO) on Friday, November 27. 

There are no sign-ups or special actions required for pilots to participate: just connect and fly, any time you want, between 11am ET on Friday, November 27 through 11:00pm ET on Sunday, November 29. How many flights can you complete in 60 hours?

As part of BVA's ongoing Community Recognition Program, the Administration Team is proud to recognize three additional members whose long-standing contributions have helped strengthen and shape our community. Together, this quarter’s Legacy List inductees represent decades of mentorship, service, creativity, education, and community building - contributions that have enriched the BVA experience and continue to influence the organization today.

Sean Doyle (DY)
Events Team & BVASO Command Staff

Sean has spent more than a decade contributing to BVA as a controller, creator, event planner, and community builder. He helped establish BVA Special Operations and played a major role in expanding civilian-focused operations inspired by organizations such as Boston MedFlight, the Massachusetts State Police, and DHART. Sean has also contributed aircraft liveries, supported the planning and execution of the annual Boston Tea Party live event, and provided important logistical help during difficult venue transitions. Beyond BVA, his work with FlightSimExpo and the development of Jetcard have extended his impact across the wider flight simulation community.

Andrew Miller (AM)

ATC Mentor & BVASO Command Staff

Andrew has spent more than a decade helping develop BVA controllers through mentorship, seminars, and hands-on training. After becoming a real-world FAA air traffic controller, he continued serving on BVA’s training staff and brought that professional experience back to the community, particularly in areas such as STARS, radar operations, and approach control techniques. Known for his positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to help, Andrew has become a trusted mentor and friend to many. His passion for military aviation has also contributed to the growth and continued success of BVA Special Operations.

Alec Liberman (LN)

Logan Informer Staff & Treasurer

Alec has spent more than a decade helping document, support, and enrich the BVA community. As longtime editor and publisher of the Logan Informer, he has played a central role in preserving the stories, milestones, and traditions that define the organization. Alec has also served as Treasurer since 2019, contributed as an ATC mentor, co-hosted BVA Ground School seminars using his real-world experience as a Certified Flight Instructor, and supported community traditions including Screenshot of the Month. His creativity, including many memorable poems over the years, has added a uniquely personal touch to BVA’s culture.

We invite all members to visit the Community Recognition page to read the full Legacy List citations and learn more about the individuals whose dedication has helped shape BVA's history.

Pilot Tip of the Month

Reaching the End of your Route

At most large airports in the United States, your IFR flight planned route will include a Standard Terminal Arrival Route, or STAR. If filed in your flight plan, the initial IFR clearance you receive also "clears" you to navigate on the filed STAR at your last assigned altitude.

The STAR will provide instructions on what to do upon reaching the last waypoint if you haven't heard otherwise from ATC. Normally, STARs will instruct you to fly a heading or continue on track until advised by ATC.

However, many smaller airports may not have published STARs, or the STARs available may not be applicable to your aircraft type. What then? 

When you reach the last waypoint in your route, if no STAR is filed, simply navigate directly to your destination airport or request vectors from ATC if you are unable to do so. From there, you can expect ATC to issue radar vectors to the active approach.

For example, if you are flying from KBDL to KACK, the preferred IFR route is PVD PVD167 NEWBE DEEPO. At DEEPO, if you haven't been given further instruction, you would proceed direct to KACK (your destination), and expect ATC to issue further instructions as you approach.

(If you've made it a few minutes from the airport without instruction, or if you feel that you're getting too high for a reasonable descent profile, query ATC for instructions). 

As always, if you have any questions about your clearance or routing, inquire with air traffic control.

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