Image: Screenshot of the Month winner Francesco D.

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

Community Recognition - July 2026

As part of BVA's ongoing Community Recognition Program, the Administration Team is proud to recognize three additional individuals whose lasting contributions have helped shape both our community and the broader VATSIM network. Together, the three recognitions below represent decades of innovation, technical leadership, mentorship, and dedication that continue to benefit BVA today.

Ross Carlson (CN)
Former Webmaster • VATSIM Software Developer
Ross is one of BVA's longest-standing members and one of the most influential software developers in VATSIM history. As the creator of VRC, VAT-Spy, vPilot, vERAM, vSTARS, TowerTrainer, and CRC, Ross has fundamentally shaped the way pilots and controllers experience the network. A former BVA Webmaster and longtime technical leader, his decades of innovation continue to benefit both BVA and the global VATSIM community.

Collin Koldoff (KF)
Former Webmaster & Facilities Engineer
Since joining BVA in 2018, Collin has played a pivotal role in modernizing the facility's technical infrastructure. As Facilities Engineer and later Webmaster, he transformed BVA's web services while also creating ATCTrainer, an innovative project benefiting controller training throughout VATUSA. Following his retirement as Webmaster earlier this year, his work continues to provide a strong technical foundation for the future of BVA.

In Memoriam
The Community Recognition Program also includes an In Memoriam designation to honor members whose contributions continue to shape BVA long after their passing. These recognitions celebrate not only what these individuals accomplished, but the friendships, mentorship, and lasting impact they left on our community.

Michael "Mike" Dugan (DA)
Mike Dugan is being recognized as the first recipient of BVA's In Memoriam designation. A former Assistant Facilities Engineer, Webmaster, and ATC Mentor, Mike played a pivotal role in building BVA's early technical infrastructure while quietly mentoring those around him. Remembered for his sharp intelligence, quick wit, and unwavering willingness to help, Mike's contributions continue to benefit the community more than a decade after his passing. Though he left us in 2015, his legacy remains an enduring part of BVA.

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.

Please join us in congratulating Ross Carlson and Collin Koldoff on their induction into the BVA Legacy List, while also taking a moment to remember and honor Mike Dugan, whose legacy continues to inspire our community.

By: Cameron Peterson

Join Boston Virtual ARTCC for the longest-standing live event on VATSIM as we celebrate the 27th Annual Boston Tea Party! Our controllers will gather in person to staff as many ZBW facilities as possible, delivering top-tier ATC across the entire Boston ARTCC airspace.

The event is Saturday, August 1 from 12-6pm ET. Please plan your flights accordingly: the event will end promptly at 6pm ET!

Pilots can expect full staffing of ZBW and major airports. Additionally, pilots are welcome to participate in our fun Tea Party Pilot Poker Run: fly as many legs as you can to collect poker hands with a chance to win great prizes from our flight simulation sponsors.

For more about Tea Party Poker and Boston Tea Party 2026, visit our website.

By: Camden Bruno

The BVA Administration Team plans to host an All Members Meeting to highlight and review changes and improvements coming to the community. This year, the A-Team is planning to hold the all members meeting on Tuesday, July 14 from 8-10pm ET in the BVA Member TeamSpeak.  

The meeting is open to both pilot and controller members of the community and will offer a dedicated time for Q&A with the A-Team towards the end of the meeting. We look forward to talking and meeting with all of you.

By: Evan Reiter

The flight sim community came together to celebrate our hobby in the Twin Cities on June 12-14, 2026. Including more than 40 seminars and announcements, 72 exhibitors, and thousands of attendees, the seventh annual FlightSimExpo was held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in Minnesota.

As in previous years, Boston Virtual ARTCC’s members helped power the Online ATC Display Area, a collaborative effort between VATSIM ARTCCs, Virtual Airlines, and other organizations. Together, this interactive event space demonstrated to the many FlightSimExpo attendees who weren’t aware of VATSIM just how cool the network is. 

Flight Simulation Association also announced that the event will continue on June 11-13, 2027 at Westgate Las Vegas. Connected to the Las Vegas Monorail and Vegas Loop, Westgate Las Vegas is also a quick rideshare or free shuttle ride from the famous Las Vegas Strip. The 2027 room rate is $169+tax and includes recently renovated guest rooms, free parking, and $20 welcome drink coupon for overnight guests.

More information about the event can be found at flightsimexpo.com.  

Pilot Tip of the Month

Listening Before Transmitting

When assigned a frequency change by air traffic control, it's imperative that you spend a few moments on the new frequency building a mental picture of what is going on. This is particularly important during congested events such as Boston Tea Party and Cross the Pond. There have been many instances of pilots changing frequency and immediately contacting ATC without listening first, thereby stepping on another pilot (or the controller themselves) and blocking a transmission.

If you switch to a new frequency and can't get a word in because it's busy, wait until there is a break and call in. Sometimes, the controller may know you're on their frequency, and they will call you. Conversely, if it's quiet for a few seconds after listening, go ahead and make your call; just know that the controller may be coordinating behind-the-scenes and may not respond immediately.

For more information on radio procedures and other useful knowledge for operating in the Boston area, read our Airspace Briefing Guide here.

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