Dates: Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Saturday, November 8, 2025
Hosted on: VATSIM network (virtual ATC & pilot communications)
Where to follow & participate: Via SimBrief, live ATC routes, streamed flights, and community engagement
What is WorldFlight?
WorldFlight is a 7-day, 24/7 virtual group flight event in which participants fly around the globe on simulators, following real-world procedures, raising funds for charities, and building community among flight sim and VATSIM users.
Since its inception in 1999, WorldFlight has raised over USD 1,000,000 for charitable causes worldwide.
In this event, official teams (each typically ~15 members) adhere to realistic procedures and routes, and “anyone can fly along” — i.e. supporters, sim enthusiasts, and community members can join for individual legs or the full event.
Key Features & Highlights
-
Realistic procedures & coordination: Teams operate using real-world airline-style protocols and timing.
-
Global ATC support: VATSIM controllers will staff air traffic control at various legs; the WorldFlight ATC team fills gaps where local control is unavailable.
-
Charity fundraising: Each team designates a charity (or charities) to support.
-
Open participation: Even if you’re not on a core team, you can join — fly a leg, control, or just follow along.
-
Live streaming & tracking: Expect broadcasts, dashboards, flight trackers, and community engagement along the route.
How to Get Involved
-
Plan your flight: Use SimBrief and the suggested WorldFlight routing packages.
-
Choose your legs or entire route: You don’t need to fly everything — pick segments that fit your schedule.
-
Join on voice & radio: Connect to VATSIM, follow ATC instructions, and fly “alongside” the official teams.
-
Support the cause: Many teams accept donations, share fundraising pages, or promote their chosen charities.
-
Watch & follow: Through livestreams, tracking dashboards, and community updates — root for your favorite teams, see route progress, and share in the fun.
Sample Event Timeline (High Level)
| Day |
What To Expect |
| Nov 1 |
Event kickoff — departure from first airport, initial sectors begin |
| Nov 2–7 |
Continuous flying across sectors — multiple time zones, full 24h coverage |
| Nov 8 |
Final arrival, wrap-up, celebration, charity announcements |
Why Listeners & Sim Enthusiasts Should Care
-
It’s a unique fusion of technology, community, and charity — a real “flight party for a purpose.”
-
Whether you’re a casual flight-sim fan or hardened VATSIM veteran, there are ways to plug in.
-
It’s a great story to share: virtual aviation connecting people globally while supporting real-world good causes.
