Airports: VATUSA
Date/Time: November 28, 2025, 4pm-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): November 28, 2025, 2300z - November 29, 2025, 0300z

On Friday, December 12th, from 2200z to 0200z, VATUSA and VATBRZ proudly bring the legendary Friday Night Ops back to Brazilian skies!

Get ready to explore four of Brazil’s most dynamic airports:

🌆 São Paulo – Congonhas (SBSP): Tackle one of the world’s most challenging approaches, right in the heart of Brazil’s largest city.
⛰️ Belo Horizonte – Confins (SBCF): Fly into this scenic gateway, surrounded by mountains and rich cultural heritage.
🚚 Campinas – Viracopos (SBKP): A major cargo and passenger hub, ready for all types of traffic.
🌊 Vitória (SBVT): A beautiful coastal destination with challenging approaches and stunning views.

Expect professional and friendly ATC from VATBRZ, ensuring smooth operations and an immersive Brazilian experience.

Don’t miss this special opportunity as FNO RETURNS TO BRASIL — fly through the diverse landscapes and vibrant airspaces that make Brazil an unforgettable aviation destination! 🌎🔥

Airports: FAT, FCH, VIS
Date/Time: April 13, 4pm-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): April 13, 2300z - April 14, 0300z

Join fellow pilots for the Half Dome Fly-In, a multi-airport aviation event focused entirely on the art of flying in and out of California’s Central Valley. Centered around KFAT (Fresno Yosemite International), KFCH (Chandler Executive), and KVIS (Visalia Municipal), this event invites aviators to test their skills, coordinate approaches, and enjoy a shared airspace in a controlled yet welcoming environment. Whether you're managing vectors into Class C at KFAT, slipping into the pattern at Chandler, or making a clean landing at Visalia, this is about precision flying, challenging approaches, and viewing some of the best scenery California has to offer.

Airports: MRY, SNS
Date/Time: February 11, 2025, 5pm-8pm PT
Date/Time: February 12, 2025, 0100z-0400z

Come fly out with ZOA at our TRACON Tuesday for the month of February, Monterey Madness!! Monterey, California, is a premier flying destination for pilots, offering a diverse range of experiences set against the backdrop of stunning coastal and mountainous landscapes. The region’s primary hub, Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), provides smooth approaches and easy access to the picturesque Monterey Bay. From here, pilots can enjoy scenic flights along the coast or head inland to explore the rolling hills and valleys. With its controlled airspace and favorable weather, MRY is a perfect base for both casual and cross-country flights.


Just to the east, Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) offers a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for pilots seeking a quieter, less congested airport. From there, pilots can take in panoramic views of the Salinas Valley or navigate the rugged terrain of the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains. The proximity of SNS to MRY also allows for quick, scenic flights up and down the coast.

For those seeking more of an adventure, pilots can head over to the small but challenging airports of Carmel Valley (KCVS) and King City (3O4), where they’ll find tighter approaches and more complex terrain, perfect for honing precision flying skills. These airfields offer a true test for pilots while still providing remarkable vistas of the surrounding countryside.

We can't wait to see you there!!!

Airports: RNO/TVL/TRK
Date/Time: February 16, 2025, 4-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): Feburary 17, 0000z-0400z

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and its surrounding regional airports offer pilots an exhilarating and dynamic flying experience. With high-altitude terrain, stunning visuals, and diverse weather conditions, every approach and departure is both thrilling and rewarding. Whether navigating the Sierra Nevada’s mountainous terrain or perfecting high-density altitude landings, pilots will find a challenging yet satisfying environment that sharpens their skills.

The region’s variety of airports caters to all types of aviators. Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) provides a controlled, exciting, busy environment, while general aviation airports like Carson City (KCXP), Truckee-Tahoe (KTRK), and Minden-Tahoe (KMEV) offer unique approaches, high-altitude runways, and breathtaking scenic descents. Whether you prefer busy airspace or quiet mountain strips, Reno-Tahoe has an airport to match your flying style.

From crisp morning departures over Lake Tahoe’s blue waters to thrilling crosswind landings in the high desert, flying in and out of Reno-Tahoe is as rewarding as it is beautiful. With ever-changing weather patterns, varied elevations, and stunning natural backdrops, every flight here is a new adventure—making it a must-visit destination for pilots seeking both challenge and enjoyment in the skies.

Can't wait to see you there!!!

Calling all pilots and controllers alike, join us on this evening on a scary holloween night. We invite you to fly all planes big and small, but watch out you might be tricked and not land at all. File your flight to SJC if you wish, but be warned you may get vectored off to another airport at the controllers' bliss. We encourage you to fly your 73 and 74 alike, as PAO, which has a 2500 foot runway, might bring a haunted end to your night. Enjoy this fun evening that is sure to fright, hopefully your plane survives this holloween night.

How It'll Work:
Step 1:Pilots will file a flight plan to SJC.
Step 2:Pilots willing to be diverted to an airport of ATCs choosing, will add the words "Trick or SJC" to their remarks in their flight plan. (Those without these remarks will be assume intending to land at SJC with no reroutes)
Step 3:Have Fun and land your planes!

Airports: who knows
Date/Time: October 27, 2024, 4pm-8pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): October 27, 2024, 2300z - October 28, 2024, 0300z

This event is in Memorial to Matthew Chicoine, who passed away in late April 2024, and has been a long time controller in ZOA. The vUSAF have agreed to do a Missing Man Formation during the event at SFO. Fly High MC

ARTCCs: ZOA and ZLA
Date/Time: June 1, 2024, 12pm-4pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): June 1, 2024, 1900z-2300z

A small message from those who knew him best:
Known as WJA720 for his birthday in July, or better known as the gentle voice of Oakland Center, Matt always found ways to bring calmness to the network. He had this distinct itch for aviation that was contagious, yet monumental for us youngsters that were passionate and novel to it. Being as radiant as he is, you can’t help, but look up to him to admire and be inspired. I feared this time will come, but despite his illness, I always regarded him as a warrior. He would log 7-8 hours at a time on position consistently, without weary. Even after losing mobility in his arm he was determined to learn new software both on the flying and controlling side and I was honored to have helped push him in doing so. Matt, you knew how to stay out of the nonsense and kept trudging on with composure to achieve many things others wouldn’t and inspired us all to pursue our passion in this industry, and I’m forever so grateful. Your legacy will pass on and I will make sure of that.