Flight Crew SOP

Standard Operating Procedures for United Virtual

Introduction from CEO

Dear Esteemed New Member,

It is with great pleasure that I extend to you a warm welcome to the Flight Operations team at United Virtual Airlines. Your decision to join our dynamic and expanding community marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we are honored to have you with us.

At United Virtual, we pride ourselves on replicating the operations of United Airlines with remarkable fidelity, utilizing a suite of sophisticated PC flight simulation platforms, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and Prepar3D. Since our inception in December 2020, our mission has been to offer virtual pilots a contemporary and engaging virtual airline experience that stands apart from the rest.

Our distinctive offerings include:

Under our #flyFriendly ethos, we continuously strive for innovation, enhancement, and excellence in the virtual aviation experience. Our development and staff teams are committed to seeking out new ways to enrich your journey with us.

Enclosed in this communication, you will find essential information to navigate a successful career in virtual Flight Operations at United Virtual. Should you have any inquiries or require further assistance, I encourage you to reach out to our staff members via the contact details provided on the Staff Team page or join our conversations on Discord, our preferred communication channel.

Once again, welcome to United Virtual. I am confident that your time with us will be both fulfilling and enjoyable.

Warmest regards,

Cody B. 

Chief Executive Officer

United Virtual Airlines

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Goals

Purpose

The primary objective of this operations manual is to furnish comprehensive guidance to all pilots and staff members of United Virtual Airlines (UVA). It delineates the operational procedures, standards, and expectations within which UVA functions, ensuring clarity and consistency in all activities.

Scope

This manual has been ratified under the authority of the Chief Executive Officer of United Virtual Airlines. It is imperative that all pilots, staff, and administrators of UVA adhere strictly to the protocols and regulations presented within. Non-compliance with these directives may lead to corrective measures, which could include penalties or, in severe cases, termination of affiliation with the airline.

Mission Statement

United Virtual Airlines is steadfast in its commitment to offering a sophisticated and contemporary virtual aviation experience, characterized by a blend of relaxation and modernity, conducted with utmost responsibility and respect. Our mission is articulated with the goal of fostering the growth and prominence of flight simulation as a hobby and the virtual airline community as a whole. For a detailed exploration of our mission, please refer to the following link: United Virtual's Mission Statement.

This document serves as a cornerstone for operational excellence within United Virtual Airlines, guiding our collective efforts towards achieving a harmonious balance between a professionally structured virtual airline environment and a welcoming community for aviation enthusiasts.

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Staff Team

Administrative Staff

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Cody B. | UAL1

ceo@flyuva.org

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Chairman of the Board of Directors

The Chairman plays a pivotal role in steering the Board of Directors (BOD), which is democratically constituted by members of both the Administrative and Executive Staff Teams. This position holds exclusive veto power over decisions presented to the Board, ensuring a balanced and judicious oversight of the airline's strategic direction.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The CEO is entrusted with the comprehensive execution of strategies and initiatives that contribute positively to United Virtual Airlines (UVA). This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including:

  • Leadership and Management: Spearheading the day-to-day operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the airline.
  • Staff Coordination and Development: Overseeing all aspects of staff management, from coordination to the recruitment of new team members.
  • Marketing and Partnerships: Playing a key role in marketing efforts and serving as the primary liaison with partner organizations.
  • Operational Collaboration: Working in tandem with the Administrative and Executive staff teams to facilitate daily operations and the effective implementation of new policies, programs, and initiatives.
  • Compliance and Discipline: Maintaining the authority to suspend or remove any pilot or staff member from the roster for non-compliance with the Pilot Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) or Staff SOP.

These roles are designed to ensure that UVA operates efficiently and continues to provide a premier virtual airline experience, guided by strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of our operations.


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TJ W. | UAL2

coo@flyuva.org

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at United Virtual Airlines (UVA) occupies a central role in the management and operational leadership of the airline. Working closely with both the Administrative and Executive staff teams, the COO ensures the seamless execution of day-to-day activities and upholds the highest standards of operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Position in Hierarchy

As the Second-in-Command within United Virtual Airlines, the COO holds a position of significant authority and responsibility. This role is critical in maintaining the operational integrity, efficiency, and reputation of UVA, ensuring that the airline continues to offer a premier virtual aviation experience to its members.

The COO’s comprehensive approach to operational leadership, combined with a deep commitment to the airline's mission and values, is essential for driving UVA forward in its pursuit of excellence in the virtual aviation sector.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Daniel S. | UAL3

cpo@flyuva.org

Chief Finance & People Officer (CFPO)

Overview

The Chief Finance and People Officer (CFPO) at United Virtual Airlines (UVA) plays a dual and highly strategic role in overseeing both the organization’s financial health and its people-focused initiatives. The CFPO ensures that UVA maintains responsible financial practices while cultivating a strong, supportive, and engaged community aligned with the VA’s mission and long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

Impact

The CFPO is essential to United Virtual Airlines (UVA)’s long-term stability and success by safeguarding financial integrity while fostering a positive, engaging organizational culture. This role ensures that both UVA’s people and financial operations are supported, aligned, and positioned for sustainable growth.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Vacant. | UAL4

webmaster@flyuva.org

Chief Systems Officer (CSO)

Overview

The Chief Systems Officer (CSO) at United Virtual Airlines (UVA) is responsible for the strategic oversight, development, and reliability of all technical systems that support UVA’s operations and pilot experience. The CSO ensures that UVA’s technology ecosystem is modern, secure, scalable, and aligned with the organization’s mission, operational needs, and long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Systems Architecture:
Define and maintain UVA’s overall technology strategy, ensuring all systems, platforms, and integrations support efficient operations and an enhanced pilot experience. Evaluate and implement new technologies that align with UVA’s goals and future growth.

Crew Center & Platform Oversight:
Oversee the development, maintenance, and performance of the Crew Center and related operational platforms. Ensure system stability, usability, and continuous improvement based on organizational and community needs.

Infrastructure, Security & Reliability:
Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of UVA’s technical infrastructure. Implement best practices for data protection, access control, backups, and system monitoring to safeguard organizational and member data.

Third-Party Integrations & Tools:
Manage integrations with external services and tools such as SmartCARS, SimBrief, Discord, and other operational add-ons. Ensure seamless connectivity, compatibility, and proper documentation for staff and pilots.

Technical Policy & Standards:
Develop and enforce technical standards, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency, maintainability, and operational integrity across all systems. Establish clear guidelines for development, testing, and deployment.

Support & Cross-Team Collaboration:
Work closely with executive leadership, operations staff, and support teams to translate organizational needs into technical solutions. Provide technical guidance and escalation support for system-related issues impacting staff or members.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
Drive innovation by identifying opportunities to improve workflows, automation, and user experience. Regularly assess system performance and lead initiatives to enhance efficiency, stability, and pilot engagement.

Impact

The CSO plays a critical role in ensuring United Virtual Airlines (UVA) operates on a dependable, secure, and forward-looking technology foundation. By maintaining robust systems and enabling innovation, this role directly supports operational excellence, community satisfaction, and UVA’s ability to grow sustainably.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Jay D. | UAL5

Jay.D@flyuva.org

Board Member (BM)

Overview

The Board Member at United Virtual Airlines (UVA) serves as a strategic advisor and governance leader, providing long-term vision, oversight, and stability for the organization. As a founding figure, Jay supports the executive team by offering guidance on major initiatives, operational continuity, and organizational direction while ensuring UVA remains aligned with its mission and values.

Impact

The Board Member plays a crucial role in ensuring long-term stability, strategic continuity, and the preservation of United Virtual Airlines’ identity. By providing experienced oversight and foundational support, this role helps guide UVA’s future while honoring its origins.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Executive Staff Team

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Daniel S. | UAL6

dpo@flyuva.org

Director of Pilot Operations (DPO)

Overview

The Director of Pilot Operations holds a pivotal role at United Virtual Airlines (UVA), overseeing the intricacies of daily operations and ensuring the seamless functioning of the airline's pilot-related activities. This leadership position is central to maintaining operational excellence and upholding the high standards for which UVA is known.

Key Responsibilities

Key Attributes

The Director of Pilot Operations is expected to exhibit a high level of leadership, organizational, and communicative skills, paired with a deep understanding of virtual aviation operations and pilot management. The ability to engage with both internal team members and the external pilot community effectively is crucial. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, excellent decision-making capabilities, and a commitment to enhancing the pilot experience at UVA.

Impact

By ensuring the smooth operation of pilot activities and the professional development of the Operations Staff, the Director of Pilot Operations plays a critical role in advancing UVA's reputation as a leading virtual airline. This position directly contributes to the overall satisfaction of UVA's pilots and staff, thereby supporting the airline's growth and success in the virtual aviation community.


Reports to: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Operations Staff Team

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*Now Hiring* | UAL8

cp@flyuva.org

Chief Pilot (CP)

Overview

The chief pilot role at United Virtual Airlines (UVA) is pivotal in overseeing and supporting daily pilot operations. This position requires coordination with all staff members, ensuring pilots operate effectively and efficiently, promoting collaboration, and maintaining adherence to established operational guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Key Attributes

The Chief Pilot position necessitates robust organizational and communication abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to deliver prompt and efficient assistance to pilots. Proficiency in virtual aviation operations and procedures is crucial. Upholding a positive and collaborative environment within the VA is imperative

Impact

The Chief Pilot plays a pivotal role in the ongoing success of the VA. As our community expands and evolves, this role will be essential in expanding our pilot base and fostering continuous improvement within our community for the foreseeable future.


Reports to: Director of Pilot Operations (DPO)



Events Staff

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Austin H. | UAL7

events@flyuva.org

Events Coordinator - USA (EC)

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Russell H. | UAL12

events@flyuva.org

Events Coordinator - USA (EC)

 

  

Overview

The Events Coordinator/s at United Virtual Airlines (UVA) holds a key role in enhancing the pilot experience by orchestrating and managing a variety of online group flights, events, and tours. This position is instrumental in maintaining a dynamic and engaging environment for UVA pilots, ensuring active participation in both internal and external virtual aviation events.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to the Director of Pilot Operations (DPO), providing regular updates on event planning, execution, and participant engagement. Maintains open communication channels to ensure seamless coordination between Events and Pilot Operations teams.

Key Attributes

The Events Coordinator should possess strong organizational skills, creativity in event planning, and effective communication abilities. A passion for virtual aviation and a commitment to fostering a sense of community among UVA pilots are essential. Additionally, the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, both internally and externally, is crucial for the success of this role.

Impact

The Events Coordinator contributes significantly to the vibrancy and engagement of the UVA pilot community, creating memorable experiences and reinforcing UVA's position as a dynamic virtual airline. By aligning with the broader pilot engagement strategy, this role plays a key part in enhancing the overall satisfaction and retention of UVA pilots.

Operations Staff

Flight Operations Specialist (FOS)

Overview

Flight Operations Specialists are responsible for keeping United Virtual Airlines’ flight operations running smoothly behind the scenes. This role focuses on operational oversight within the Crew Center to ensure flights are processed accurately and consistently across the airline.

What They Do

Reporting Structure

Flight Operations Specialists report directly to the Director of Pilot Operations (DPO), ensuring that daily operations within the VA align with the broader organizational objectives and guidelines.

How This Helps You

Flight Operations Specialists ensure that every flight you submit is handled professionally and consistently. Their work helps keep UVA organized, fair, and realistic—so pilots can focus on flying, not administrative issues.

 

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Andrew U.

UAL1247

andrew.urbanczyk@flyuva.org 
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Jac C.

UAL2213

jac.cottam@flyuva.org

Crew Support Specialist (CSS)

Overview

Crew Support Specialists are here to support our pilot community and ensure a positive experience at United Virtual Airlines. This role replaces much of what was previously handled by Hub Managers, with a focus on member assistance and community support rather than base-specific management.

What They Do

Reporting Structure

Crew Support Specialists report directly to the Director of Pilot Operations (DPO), ensuring that daily operations within the VA align with the broader organizational objectives and guidelines.

How This Helps You

Crew Support Specialists are your first line of help within UVA. Whether you have a quick question, need guidance, or run into an issue, they’re there to make sure you get pointed in the right direction and feel supported as part of the community.

 

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Mark W.

UAL14

mark.wolf@flyuva.org 

Staff Position Application Process

If you are interested in applying for a staff position currently listed as VACANT, we invite you to follow the outlined steps below:

  1. Visit the Staff Application Page: Navigate to the Staff Application page on our crew website. The application page is designed to streamline the process and ensure that your submission is received promptly.

  2. Carefully Review Position Requirements: Before applying, carefully review the specific requirements and responsibilities associated with the vacant staff position. This will help you understand the expectations and ensure your alignment with the role.

  3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate and relevant information. Provide detailed responses that showcase your qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm for the position.

  4. Submit Required Documentation: Ensure that any required documentation or additional materials, such as a resume or cover letter, are attached as specified in the application form.

  5. Follow Submission Instructions: Adhere to any specific submission instructions outlined on the application page. This may include specific formats, file types, or additional details requested by the hiring team.

  6. Confirmation of Submission: After submitting your application, you may receive a confirmation message or acknowledgment of receipt. If not, please allow some time for the processing of applications.

  7. Application Review Process: Our staff recruitment team will carefully review all applications. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessments or interviews.

  8. Notification of Outcome: Once the review process is complete, all applicants will be notified of the outcome. Successful candidates will be provided with additional instructions regarding the onboarding process.

Thank you for expressing your interest in contributing to our team. We appreciate the time and effort you invest in your application. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, feel free to reach out to the designated contact person listed on the Staff Application page.

We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our dedicated team at United Virtual Airlines.

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Registration Requirements

To ensure a streamlined and compliant registration process, please carefully review and adhere to the following requirements:

  1. Age Limitation:

    • You must be at least fourteen (14) years of age to register with United Virtual Airlines.

  2. Use of Real Name:

    • It is mandatory to use your real name during the registration process. Fake names or aliases are not permitted.

  3. Single Registration:

    • Registering on our website and Discord is a one-time process. Multiple registrations using different email addresses are strictly prohibited.

  4. Flight Simulation Software:

    • Ownership of a licensed copy of one of the following flight simulation platforms is required:
      • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004
      • FSX (Flight Simulator X)
      • FSX:SE (Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition)
      • MSFS2020 (Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020)
      • X-Plane
      • Prepar3D

  5. Active Email Account:

    • A regularly accessed and active email account is necessary for communication purposes.

  6. Regulatory Agreement:

    • By registering, you agree to abide by the regulations outlined in our manuals, including NOTAMS, memos, and any other company-provided documents.

  7. Application Requirements:

    • Essential application details include Country of Residence and Date of Birth.

  8. VATSIM ID (Optional but Recommended):

    • While not mandatory for joining, having a VATSIM ID is recommended to fully participate in our group flights, primarily conducted on VATSIM.

  9. First Flight Commitment:

    • A commitment to complete your first approved PIREP within 30 days of registration acceptance is required to remain on our roster. Rejected PIREPs do not fulfill this requirement.

  10. Transfer Hours Policy:

    • Transfer hours will not be accepted, as our pilots have the flexibility to fly any preferred aircraft at any time.

We appreciate your commitment to complying with these requirements, ensuring a smooth onboarding process and a positive experience as a member of United Virtual Airlines.

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Staff Requirements

To maintain the professionalism, integrity, and functionality of our staff team, we have established the following requirements for all staff members at United Virtual Airlines:

  1. Flight Commitment:

    • Staff members are required to complete a minimum of four (4) flights every 30 days to retain active status.

  2. Exclusivity Clause:

    • Staff members may not simultaneously hold a staff role with another virtual airline.

  3. Pilot Status with Other Airlines:

    • Staff members must not be in an "active" pilot status with another virtual airline unless on Leave of Absence (LOA) or Retired status, unless prior approval is obtained from a UVA Admin team member.

  4. Minimum Age Requirement:

    • The minimum age for a staff member is 18 years old.

  5. Monthly Staff Meetings:

    • Staff members must be available to attend a monthly staff meeting scheduled by the Administrative or Executive team.

  6. SmartCARS Activity:

    • Staff members must have a minimum of one month (30 days) with the airline and have submitted and had approved a minimum of ten (10) Pilot Reports (PIREPs) through SmartCARS.

  7. Good Standing Requirement:

    • Staff members must be in good standing with the airline, with no pending or active disciplinary actions.

  8. Discord Presence:

    • Staff members are expected to be active and sociable participants on our Discord server both prior to and upon placement onto the staff roster.

  9. Probation Period:

    • All staff new hires will undergo a probation period of one month (30 days) for performance evaluation. During this period, their position may be reconsidered if necessary.

  10. Group Flight/Event Participation:

    • While not currently a requirement, staff members are encouraged to participate in at least one group flight or event per month. This is subject to change at the discretion of the Administrative and/or Executive teams based on staff participation levels.

These requirements are designed to ensure a committed, engaged, and professional staff team that contributes positively to the success of United Virtual Airlines. We appreciate your dedication to meeting these standards and fostering a collaborative and vibrant community within our virtual airline.

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Code of Conduct

To uphold a professional and respectful environment, all Staff Members and Pilots of United Virtual Airlines (UVA) are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct across all communication channels and representations of UVA:

Prohibited Actions:

  1. Verbal Abuse and Bullying:

    • No engaging in verbal abuse or bullying of any UVA member or member of partner organizations while representing United Virtual.

  2. Harmful Activities:

    • Prohibited from participating in any activity that is harmful to the virtual airline.

  3. Inappropriate Messages:

    • Sending explicit, controversial, or degrading messages related to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other protected classifications is strictly prohibited.

  4. Offensive Language:

    • Usage of vulgar profanity or offensive language is prohibited on UVA's and partner's public-facing Discord channels.

  5. Advertising Products/Services:

    • Sending any form of advertisements for the sale of products or services on UVA’s communication outlets, including Discord, is not allowed.

  6. Discussion of Piracy:

    • Discussing or promoting the pirating or distribution of entertainment without proper legal purchases is strictly prohibited.

  7. Use of @everyone/@here Commands:

    • Using @everyone/@here commands in UVA's Discord server is not allowed.

  8. Exploitative Activities:

    • Performing or promoting the intentional use of glitches, hacks, bugs, or other exploits that may cause incidents within the community and among pilots is strictly forbidden.

  9. Spamming and Flooding:

    • Spamming or flooding any communication outlet within or used by UVA is not permitted.

  10. Multiple Registrations:

    • Registering on the website or Discord with more than one email account/Pilot ID is strictly prohibited.

  11. Promotion of Other Airlines:

    • Advertising or promoting any other virtual airline on UVA’s communication outlets is not allowed.

  12. Use of Aliases or Fake Names:

    • Use of aliases or fake names on UVA's website or communication outlets, including Discord, is not permitted.

  13. Nuisance Behavior:

    • Causing a nuisance at United Virtual is not tolerated. Repeated complaints may lead to administrative action, including termination, after a formal investigation.

Warning Levels:

Warning Level Progression:

For detailed information, refer to Code of Conduct Document.

Voice Channel Code of Conduct:

Warning Level Progression

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Pilot Requirements

Pilot Requirements:

  1. Monthly PIREP Submission:

    • Pilots are required to submit at least one (1) Pilot Report (PIREP) per month. The submission must be made using the smartCARS flight logging and monitoring software provided by United Virtual. If unable to comply due to smartCARS failure, pilots may submit a manual PIREP through the Crew Center website, with a link from an approved source (VATSIM, ProjectFLY, etc.) to verify the flight's completion.

  2. Responsibility for Compliance:

    • It is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure they fly at least one (1) flight every 30 days to remain active.

Pilot Inactivity Warnings:

  1. Warning Emails:

    • United Virtual will send warning emails at 30 days and 90 days if a pilot becomes inactive.

  2. Inactivity Periods:

    • Pilots are required to complete one (1) flight every thirty (30) days to remain active.
    • After 30 days of inactivity, a pilot will be placed on a leave of absence.
    • After 90 days of inactivity, a pilot will be retired, losing access to the Crew Center.

  3. Return from Retirement:

    • Pilots retired after 90 days of inactivity may request a return to active status by contacting the Flight Operations Specialist team or the Director of Pilot Operations dpo@flyuva.org.
    • If the FOS team or DPO is unavailable, pilots may contact any member of the staff team via email or Discord message to make this request.

  4. Leave of Absence Requests:

    • Pilots can request a leave of absence through the Crew Center, which will be submitted to HR, Executive, or Administrative staff.
    • Leaves of absence must be between 30 and 90 days and not repeated more than twice per calendar year.

  5. Return from Leave of Absence:

    • Upon return from a leave of absence, pilots have fourteen (14) days to submit an ACCEPTED PIREP to avoid being marked as retired due to inactivity.
    • The PIREP submitted upon return cannot be a manual PIREP.

Roster Purges:

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Auto PIREP

Purpose

The AutoPIREP & Points System is designed to streamline PIREP processing by automatically evaluating flights, rewarding good flying practices, and reducing the need for manual staff intervention—while still allowing flexibility for pilots when needed.

How AutoPIREP Works

AutoPIREP automatically evaluates SmartCARS PIREPs on a recurring basis to determine their outcome based on flight behavior and performance data.

Manual & Offline PIREPs

Manual or offline PIREPs are excluded from automatic evaluation and require staff review.

Points System Overview

Each flight is scored using a simple points-based system that reflects overall flight quality and behavior.

Using Points to Force-Accept a PIREP

When eligible, pilots may use accumulated points to immediately approve a PIREP.

Pending PIREPs & Review Window

Pending PIREPs provide a short review window before staff action is taken.

 

PIREP Approval Criteria

To maintain consistency and uphold standards, United Virtual Airlines (UVA) follows specific criteria for Pilot Report (PIREP) approval. Pilots are required to adhere to the following guidelines: Note: Any PIREP routed for staff will be reviewed within 48 hours. If your PIREP has not been reviewed within that time please create a support ticket in the discord or email dpo@dlyuva.org.

Simulation Rate:

  1. CRUISE Phase Time Acceleration:

    • Pilots may use any simulation rate (time acceleration) during the CRUISE phase only, from top-of-climb (TOC) to top-of-descent (TOD).
    • Time acceleration is strictly prohibited during taxi, take-off, climb, descent, approach, and landing.

  2. ATC Permission on VATSIM:

    • Pilots on VATSIM must receive permission from ATC before using time acceleration.

  3. Phases Jumping Prohibition:

    • Use of any feature allowing jumping between flight phases (e.g., to the next waypoint, top of descent, slewing) is strictly prohibited.

Landing Rate:

  1. Maximum Landing Rate:
    • Landing rate must not exceed -600 feet per minute (fpm).
    • Multiple touchdowns must not exceed -600 fpm each.

Routing:

  1. smartCARS Routing Requirement:
    • Routing must be entered in smartCARS.
    • Direct (airport to airport) routes are not permitted.

Flight Errors:

  1. Stalls, Overspeeds, Violations:
    • Stalls, overspeeds, and >250kts below 10,000 ft. MSL violations may lead to PIREP rejection, based on severity and/or duration. Exemptions to this must be documented and a reason given, reasons for exemptions are to include but not limited to:
      • On departure in a heavy aircraft where the climb out speed V2 +10-20kts is greater than 250kts (265kts or greater will flag a violation in smartCARS)
      • ATC instructions
    • MSFS2020/2024 users:
      • note that using “Active Pause” registers as a stall; avoid using this feature during flight recording.

Fuel Guidelines:

  1. Minimum Fuel at Landing:

    • At landing, fuel must be more than 2000 lbs. for all passenger transport aircraft.

  2. Reserve Fuel:

    • Reserve fuel should be added before departure for emergency, holding, or unforeseen circumstances.
    • Using "Unlimited Fuel" option in any simulator is strictly prohibited.
    • In-flight refueling is NOT permitted and any PIREPs submitted with a logged inflight refueling will be rejected (at Hub Manager/Executive/Admin Staff discretion).

Staff:

  1. Discretionary Approval/Rejection:

    • Staff may approve or reject a PIREP at their discretion.
    • A reason for rejection will always be provided in the comments section.
    • Any administrative team member may overrule a rejection if found unnecessary.
    • Pireps of any staff member must be reviewed by a member of the executive or administrative team.

  2. Self-Approval Prohibition:

    • No staff member may accept their own PIREP. 

Diversions:

  1. Notation Requirement:
    • Pilots must note the diversion airport and reason in the “Comments” section of smartCARS if flight conditions are unsafe or in case of an emergency.

Slew Mode:

  1. Slew Mode Restriction:
    • PIREPs showing slew mode toggled on at any time will be rejected.

Double Dipping:

  1. Hours Accrual Limitation:
    • Accruing hours for another virtual airline during the same flight is strictly prohibited.
    • Violators may face PIREP rejection and possible disciplinary action by the Executive/Administration Team.

Airline & Aircraft Type Restrictions:

  1. General Requirements:
    • Pilots may fly any airline and aircraft type, considering fuel range, appropriate aircraft size for departure and arrival airports, and runway length.
    • Substituting aircraft is allowed, but pilots must leave a comment in the “Comments” section of smartCARS before PIREP submission.

Charter Operations:

  1. Charters Creation Limitation:
    • Charters (also known as Free Flights) can only be created for routes not already in the scheduling system.
    • Aircraft substitutions can be made through smartCARS, so charters/free flights should not be created solely for changing aircraft type.

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Pilot Ranks

At United Virtual Airlines (UVA), we champion the freedom of our pilots to select their preferred aircraft types, regardless of their experience level. Whether you're embarking on your journey with us or are a seasoned pilot, our philosophy encourages flying the aircraft you love. However, Pilot Reports (PIREPs) undergo evaluation by our system and/or staff, emphasizing the importance of choosing aircraft in which pilots are competent and comfortable. Failure to do so may lead to rejection of PIREPs.

Rank assignments at UVA are based on the cumulative hours flown, providing a source of pride, bragging rights, and determining payroll. The table below outlines the breakdown of hours required for each rank:

Rank Hours Range Pay Rate
Regional Pilot 0-49 hours $50/hr
First Officer 50-149 hours $150/hr
Captain 150-299 hours $250/hr
Senior Captain 300-499 hours $300/hr
ATP Captain 500 hours $350/hr

This ranking system serves to acknowledge and reward pilots for their dedication while offering a flexible and enjoyable flying experience for all.

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Bonus Hours & Incentives

At United Virtual Airlines, we appreciate the engagement and efforts of our pilots. To further enhance your experience, we offer various bonus hours and incentives:

1. Advertise United Virtual:

2. Monthly Focus Airport:

3. Group Flights/Events:

4. Refer-a-Friend:

These incentives are our way of recognizing and rewarding the dedication and involvement of our pilots.

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VATSIM Account Policy

As a proud partner Virtual Airline (VA) of the VATSIM network, United Virtual Airlines (UVA) supports and encourages participation in online network flying. However, it is not a requirement for our pilots to hold or operate a VATSIM account in order to fly with UVA.

That said, for pilots who do choose to have a VATSIM account:

  1. You are required to maintain your VATSIM account in good standing at all times.

  2. This includes compliance with all VATSIM rules, regulations, and codes of conduct.

  3. UVA reserves the right to review the status of your VATSIM account at any time.

If your VATSIM account becomes suspended or permanently terminated for any reason, you may be subject to disciplinary action within UVA, up to and including suspension or removal from the Virtual Airline.

We hold our partnership with VATSIM in high regard and expect any pilot representing UVA on the network to do so professionally and respectfully.

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