Virtual Northwest Airlines is dedicated to providing a unique environment for the advancement of the virtual aviation experience.

Through our mutual efforts, vNWA partners, pilots and staff continually work to ensure that all of our members feel as part of a family of like-minded enthusiasts who work together to simulate the operations of Northwest Airlines as closely as possible by utilizing the same fleet, routes, and hub structure of the airline before it merged.

In doing this, vNWA staff endevour to provide our pilots with all the tools needed to make their experience as enjoyable and realistic as possible.

James Bishop, vNWA CEO

vNWA VATSIM Activity

smartCARS Live Flights

Updated Policy Manual

Posted by Mark Toler on 03/10/2026

UPDATED POLICY MANUAL

The Executive Staff has updated and revised the Virtual Northwest Policy Manual.  We would like for all the Pilots and Staff to download and read the updated Policy manual and respond that you have done so. 

The Policy Manual is located in the Pilot Center under the "Downloads" section at the bottom of the page.  This is a requirement for all active vNWA Pilots and Staff.

Please email me at mst_64@comcast.net that you have accomplished this request.  There is a lot of information to stay compliant as well as our operation as a whole

There are some exciting changes ahead for vNWA so stay tuned for announcements in the near future that we believe will grow the VA again.

Thanks for your attention into this matter!

Mark S. Toler

Chief Executive Officer

Virtual Northwest Airlines

NASCAR Charters Event 5

Posted by Mark Toler on 03/10/2026

Event #5 of the 2026 NASCAR Season

This weeks NASCAR Charter Event 5 of the 2026 NASCAR Season still out west in Las Vegas Nevada beginning this Thursday March 12th running through Sunday Mar. 15th.  Routes will be out of our main Hubs as well as our NASCAR Hubs MSP, DTW, MEM, PANC, EHAM, RJAA, CLT, JQF into Harry Reid Intl.  (KLAS).

The Charter Routes are numbered NWA7000 - NWA7037.  Pilots can fly any route we have in our system into KLAS as well and get credit for the flight.  

As always we will be awarding bonus hours to the top 3 pilots with the most flights and additonal bonus hours for the best landing rate below -100 fpm.

Lets have a Great turnout for this Weekends Event 5 of the 2026 NASCAR Charters Season out west in VEGAS!

Northern Crossings IX

Posted by Mark Toler on 03/10/2026

The premiere annual VATUSA trifecta-crossfire event returns for iteration number nine. Come fly across the Great Lakes region with full staffing, lots of traffic, and oh those northern lights!

Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Monday Night at Metro

Posted by Mark Toler on 03/10/2026

Join us at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (KDTW), one of the Midwest’s premier international gateways and a major hub for Delta Air Lines, featuring six runways designed for high-volume operations. Located within Cleveland Center (ZOB) airspace, DTW offers a perfect mix of heavy international departures, busy domestic connections, regional jet traffic, and cargo operations.

Long Island Sound Fly-In

Posted by Mark Toler on 03/10/2026

The Long Island Sound Fly-In invites you to join a relaxing yet engaging VATSIM evening celebrating the timeless beauty of the northeastern coastline and the unique challenges of flying in one of the busiest airspace regions in the world.

On March 17th, 2026, from 7:00–10:00pm ET (2300–0200 UTC), pilots are welcome to arrive, depart, and enjoy pattern work at a selection of classic airports ringing Long Island Sound. The event centers on the Class C facilities of Long Island MacArthur Airport (KISP) in Islip, NY, and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (KPVD) in Providence, RI, while also featuring a handful of welcoming Class D fields ideal for general aviation: Tweed-New Haven (KHVN), Bridgeport (KBDR), Suffolk County (KFOK), Groton-New London (KGON), Quonset State (KOQU), and New Bedford Regional (KEWB).

Cruising along the shores of Long Island Sound offers breathtaking views of historic seaside villages, charming getaways, and enduring maritime communities that have shaped American coastal life for generations. From the whaling-era ports and elegant Gold Coast estates of Long Island’s North Shore to the quiet harbors, sandy beaches, and fishing traditions of Connecticut and Rhode Island, the region is steeped in rich nautical and cultural history—perfectly framed by calm waters and classic New England scenery that makes every approach or low-level departure feel special.

At the same time, the event provides an excellent opportunity to sharpen your skills in the famously congested and intricately layered airspace of the Northeast corridor. Precise communication, sharp situational awareness, and smooth coordination are essential whether you're threading a visual approach into a Class C hub, working the pattern at a busy Class D airport, or sequencing amid overlapping flows from the major New York and Boston metropolitan areas.

Full, professional ATC staffing will be provided throughout the event by controllers from Virtual New York ARTCC (ZNY) and Boston Virtual ARTCC (ZBW), covering tower, approach, departure, and enroute positions to deliver an immersive and realistic experience.

Whether you're bringing a light single-engine aircraft for scenic circuits, a regional jet into the bigger fields, or simply joining friends for some laid-back pattern work, come fly the historic shores of Long Island Sound and experience the thrill of Northeast operations firsthand. We look forward to seeing you on frequency—fly safe and enjoy the views!

Midwest TRACON Tour: Rockford

Posted by Mark Toler on 03/10/2026

The Chicago ARTCC proudly presents the Midwest TRACON Tour, an new series of events that highlights the lesser loved facilities across ZAU. Tired of flying into O'Hare and Midway over and over again? Join us for a lovely evening in Rockford, otherwise known as the Forest City!

Chicago Rockford International Airport has airline service to nearby Madison and Milwaukee Airports, as well as service to Las Vegas and St. Petersburg operated by Allegiant Air. The airport also has extensive cargo facilities.

All general aviation, IFR, and VFR operations and all skill levels are welcome. Surrounding facilities such as JVL, UES, and MSN will have ATC coverage as staffing permits.

Featured Fields: RFD, JVL
March 19, 2026 23:00z - 02:00z

The Mountain Wave FNO

Posted by Mark Toler on 03/10/2026

Airports: CYVR,CYLW,CYYC,PANC
Date/Time: March 20, 2026, 5pm-9pm PT
Date/Time (zulu): March 20, 2026, 2359z - March 21, 2026, 0400z

March 20th CZVR FIR is proud to host The Mountain Wave FNO.  In cooperation with VATUSA, ZAN ARTCC and CZEG FIR, we bring you north for a unforgettable FNO. This edition will feature CYVR, CYLW, CYYC and PANC. Join us March 20th 2359z-0400z. With some of the most scenic routes in North America, this is one FNO you do not want to miss!