On the 9th of June 1958, Queen Elizabeth II flew into London Gatwick in a De Havilland Heron to perform the official opening of the "new and improved" Gatwick. For many years the airport had suffered from terrible drainage and accidents and Gatwick was on the verge of being de-requesitioned by November 1949, back to private operations.
After extensive development, Gatwick became the first Airport in the World to have a direct rail service and to make use of a fully enclosed pier-based terminal after a £7.8 million make-over.
To celebrate this historic moment in History, the United Kingdom division of IVAO is pleased to announce
The Real Flight Event Gatwick
Do you love busy airports? An apron that is full of aircraft and a runway that's never empty? How about being number 4 on the ILS?
If your answer to any of those questions was "yes", then this is the event for you!
The IVAO United Kingdom Division has organized a 9 hour Event at Gatwick, simulating the real life flight schedules of many of the airlines operating from Gatwick, over a 9 hour period. (Real Flight Event).
You will have the opportunity to book and operate one or multiple real flights, i.e. the one of over 200 flights flown by real airlines on the day. You will be provided with real routings used by the airlines on these flights. Additionally, a complete Pilot Briefing Package is available for you so that you can get yourself familiarised with the airport procedures. (Will be available for download shortly)
"The Real Gatwick" event will run from 13Z (1400 BST) all the way through until 22Z (2300 BST).
Of course, you don't have to fly a flight that we have provided - You are more than welcome to make a flight of your own - Perhaps a flight that your Virtual Airline operates from Gatwick?
Follow the on screen instructions to book a flight.
The ATC that will be provided for the event will be all from one room! Several controllers are getting together to control you through the virtual skies. Full ATC coverage is guaranteed, from on the ground at Gatwick, to the London TMA sectors.