Help (Crew Website)

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A Pilot's Life

What Is A Pilot’s Life v2?

A Pilot's Life v2 is a third-party career add-on developed by SimBitWorld.

It generates realistic airline schedules and career progression inside Microsoft Flight Simulator.

UVA’s APL page is an integration tool that allows pilots to import and fly their APL schedules directly through the UVA system.

How UVA’s APL Integration Works

If you are using A Pilot’s Life v2:

  1. Generate your schedule inside the APL application.

  2. Import or sync that schedule into UVA.

  3. Fly those legs through smartCARS.

  4. Submit your PIREPs normally.

This allows your flights to:

You are essentially flying your SimBitWorld career inside UVA.

What the APL Page Shows

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On the APL page inside UVA, you will see:

Only your current active leg should be flown.

Important Operational Rules

When flying APL legs through UVA:

If a PIREP is rejected or pending, progression in UVA will not advance until resolved.

Why Use the Integration?

This integration allows you to:

It bridges your single-player career experience with the UVA community ecosystem.

What UVA Does Not Do

UVA does not:

All career structure remains managed by the A Pilot’s Life v2 application itself.

UVA simply provides a way to fly and track those schedules within our operational system.

Awards

Our esteemed recognition system offers a plethora of accolades to our pilots, acknowledging a diverse range of accomplishments. Upon successfully fulfilling the specified criteria for each award, our automated system seamlessly processes and appends the accolade to your profile. Your achievements are duly celebrated through this distinguished program.

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For a full list of the awards offered, please navigate to the Career Center on our website, or by clicking here.

Flight Bids

My Bids

What Is a Bid?

A bid is your reserved flight. When you bid on a schedule, you are telling the system:

“This is the flight I am planning to fly next.”

At UVA, pilots are limited to one active bid at a time, helping keep operations organized and realistic.

How This Page Works

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If You Have No Active Bid

You’ll see a “No Active Bid” screen with quick-access options to:

You must add a bid before you can begin flying.

If You Have an Active Bid

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When you have a bid, this page becomes your flight planning center.

You’ll see:

This page confirms exactly what you’re scheduled to fly.

Important Rules

One Active Bid Policy

UVA allows one active bid per pilot.

If you already have a bid:

This keeps the operation clean and prevents “bid stacking.”

After You Fly

Once you complete your flight and submit your PIREP:

If your PIREP enters pending status (for AutoPIREP review), your bid will remain until it is processed.

Events

Events

Events on Crew Website

Events

What Are Events?

Events are organized flights hosted by UVA staff. These may include:

Events are designed to bring pilots together and create a more immersive and social flying experience.

Events Overview Page

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On the main Events page, you will see:

You can select any event to view full details.

Event Details Page

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When you open an event, you’ll see:

This page serves as your event briefing.

Be sure to review all instructions carefully before flying.

How Participation Works

Depending on the event structure:

If an event has special participation rules, they will be clearly listed on the event page.

Event Completion

To receive credit for an event:

  1. Fly the correct route.

  2. Submit your PIREP.

  3. Ensure it meets all listed event requirements.

If the event includes awards or bonus points, those are typically processed after flight review.

Why Participate?

Events provide:

They are one of the best ways to connect with other UVA pilots and staff.

Events

Events on Discord

Join Our Discord Community

If you're not already part of our vibrant Discord community, you can join directly through the Crew Center. Simply click the gear icon next to your name and select Join Discord to get connected with fellow pilots and stay up to date on all the latest UVA news, events, and announcements.

Discord membership is mandatory for event participation.

Events Channel Navigation

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Within the Discord server's sidebar, locate the channel prominently displaying the number of planned events at the top. In this example, it reads "3 Events." Clicking on this channel reveals a pop-up window containing detailed information about our upcoming events.

 

Insight into Events Details

Screenshot 2024-01-25 at 12.24.25 AM.pngDelve deeper into event specifics by exploring the detailed information provided. Event Date, Time, and Description are readily available. The event time automatically adjusts based on your system clock, ensuring convenience. The event's designated voice channel is also highlighted at the bottom.

The event time listed automatically adjusts to whatever time-zone you're in based on your system clock. 

Express your interest in an event by clicking the "Interested" button. This action notifies the staff of your intent without imposing any obligatory attendance. To share the event with friends on other Discord servers, use the "Share" button.

Clicking on a specific event within the pop-up window opens up a comprehensive overview, offering a deeper understanding of the event's nature and requirements.

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Our events primarily take place on the VATSIM network, yet flying online isn't a mandatory prerequisite. If you prefer participating in events or group flights offline, you are more than welcome to do so. Join our dedicated Group Flight Voice channel on Discord to stay connected.

If you're intrigued by the VATSIM experience and wish to join, you can become a member at VATSIM. This opens up additional avenues for interactive and immersive flying engagements.

United Virtual Airlines embraces a collaborative and inclusive approach to events, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all members. Join us on Discord, express your interest, and embark on exciting flying adventures together!

Free Flights

What Are Free Flights?

Free Flights allow you to create and fly a custom route that is not part of the published schedule.

This feature gives you flexibility while still operating within UVA’s structure and tracking system.

If you want to fly something different from the schedule — this is where you do it.

When Should You Use Free Flights?

Use Free Flights when:

How It Works

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On the Free Flight page, you will:

  1. Enter a Departure Airport (ICAO)

  2. Enter an Arrival Airport (ICAO)

Once created, the flight becomes your active bid.

From there, the process is the same as a scheduled flight:

Important Operational Notes

Free Flights must still:

Free Flights do not override operational policies.

Free Flights vs Scheduled Flights

Scheduled Flights:

Free Flights:

Both are tracked and graded through the same system.

After You Create a Free Flight

Once created:

If your PIREP is placed into pending status, your bid will remain active until processed.

PIREPs (Pilot Reports)

A PIREP is a Pilot Report. It contains the information about the flight you flew and submitted via our ACARS software. 

PIREPs (Pilot Reports)

View My PIREPs

What Is a PIREP?

A PIREP (Pilot Report) is your official flight record.
After completing a flight and submitting it through ACARS, your PIREP becomes a permanent log of that operation.

This page allows you to review your flight in detail.

What You’ll See on the PIREP Page

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Your PIREP page includes a full breakdown of your flight performance and operational data.

Flight Summary

At the top of the page, you’ll see:

This confirms the basic details of your flight.

Performance Overview

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The performance section provides a detailed breakdown of how your flight was evaluated.

Depending on the flight data recorded, you may see:

This gives you insight into how your flight was scored.

AutoPIREP Grade

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If AutoPIREP grading is enabled, your PIREP will display:

Flights that meet grading criteria are automatically accepted.

Flights that do not meet criteria may enter Pending Review.

Pending Status & Banked Points

If your PIREP enters pending status:

If available, you’ll see a button allowing you to use 150 banked points to accept the PIREP.

This system gives pilots flexibility while maintaining operational standards.

Flight Phases & Data Tracking

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Your PIREP includes detailed phase tracking:

This ensures realistic phase reporting and accurate performance metrics.

Status Indicators

Each PIREP will display one of the following statuses:

Status determines whether the flight counts toward hours, awards, tours, and career progression.

Why This Page Matters

Your PIREP page is more than just a record — it is your performance dashboard.

It allows you to:

Every flight contributes to your long-term record.

PIREPs (Pilot Reports)

AutoPIREP

What Is AutoPIREP?

AutoPIREP is UVA’s automated flight evaluation system.

After you submit a PIREP, the system immediately analyzes your flight data and determines whether it:

This ensures fairness, consistency, and realism across all pilots.

What AutoPIREP Evaluates

AutoPIREP analyzes multiple performance factors from your flight data, including:

Each metric contributes to your overall score.

Scoring & Grades

Each flight receives:

The decision will be one of the following:

Accepted

Your flight met all required criteria and is automatically approved.

Pending

Your flight did not meet one or more standards and requires review.

Rejected

The flight significantly violated operational limits and was declined.

Pending Status Explained

When a flight enters Pending:

This window exists to give pilots control over their own outcome.

Banked Points & Force Accept

If your PIREP is placed into Pending status, you may see the option to:

Use 150 Banked Points to Force Accept the Flight

Banked points are earned through normal flight activity.

Using points allows you to:

This system balances realism with flexibility.

Why AutoPIREP Exists

AutoPIREP ensures:

Every pilot is evaluated using the same system logic.

How It Impacts You

AutoPIREP affects:

Flying within operational standards will almost always result in automatic acceptance.

Operational Expectations

To maintain high scores:

AutoPIREP rewards smooth, realistic flying.

PIREPs (Pilot Reports)

Manual PIREP

What Is a Manual PIREP?

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A Manual PIREP is a flight report submitted without using smartCARS.

At UVA, manual PIREPs are not the standard method of tracking flights. They exist strictly as a backup option when technical issues prevent smartCARS from functioning properly.

When Manual PIREPs Are Allowed

Manual PIREPs may only be submitted when:

Manual PIREPs are not to be used for convenience or preference.

If smartCARS is functioning properly, it must be used for all flight tracking.

Required Proof of Flight

If you submit a Manual PIREP, you must provide verifiable proof of the flight.

Accepted proof includes:

If proof is not provided, the Manual PIREP will be rejected.

Why Proof Is Required

Manual submissions do not contain the full telemetry data that smartCARS provides.

Requiring proof ensures:

How to file a manual PIREP

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Manual PIREP Review Process

All Manual PIREPs are:

Manual PIREPs are never automatically accepted.

Important Policy Reminder

UVAcars is the official and required flight tracking system at UVA.

Manual PIREPs are a contingency option — not a primary method of logging flights.

Repeated misuse of Manual PIREPs may result in rejection or further review.

PIREPs (Pilot Reports)

AutoPIREP Approval Criteria

How the Scoring System Works

Every PIREP submitted through smartCARS is evaluated using UVA’s AutoPIREP scoring engine.

Each flight begins with a base score.

As the system analyzes your flight data, points are:

Your final score determines:

Starting Score

Each flight begins with a base score of 100 points.

This represents a perfect operational flight.

Deductions are applied based on performance metrics recorded during the flight.

Performance Categories & Point Adjustments

1. Landing Rate (FPM)

Landing rate is one of the most significant scoring factors.

Typical evaluation tiers:

Excessively hard landings significantly reduce your score.

2. Touchdown G-Force

High G-force touchdowns result in additional deductions.

Smooth landings preserve your score.

3. Sim Rate Monitoring

AutoPIREP monitors sim rate usage.

Sim rate abuse directly impacts realism scoring.

4. Stall Detection

Each recorded stall event reduces your score.

Multiple stall detections may result in automatic Pending or Rejection status depending on severity.

5. Overspeed / Flight Envelope Violations

If the aircraft exceeds safe operational limits:

6. Phase Integrity

Your flight is analyzed across:

Unrealistic profiles (extreme climb rates, unrealistic descent rates, abnormal cruise behavior) may result in deductions.

Grade Calculation

Once all deductions are applied:

Your final numerical score is calculated.

The system then assigns:

Higher scores result in automatic acceptance.

Lower scores may trigger Pending status.

Severely low scores may result in rejection.

Decision Thresholds

While exact internal thresholds may be adjusted over time, general logic is:

Flights that enter Pending status allow the pilot to review their performance before final determination.

Points Earned

In addition to scoring, flights may award operational points.

Points earned are based on:

These points contribute to:

Pending Status & Force Acceptance

If your score places you into Pending:

This system provides flexibility while maintaining standards.

What Causes Rejection

Flights may be rejected if:

Rejection removes the flight from accepted hours.

Why We Publish This

Transparency matters.

AutoPIREP exists to ensure:

Every pilot is evaluated using the same scoring logic.

Flight Search

What Is the Flight Search Page?

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The Flight Search page allows you to browse and filter UVA’s published schedules.

This is where you select your next operational flight.

All scheduled flights listed here are part of the official UVA route structure.

Using the Search Filters

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At the top of the page, you can narrow down results using search filters such as:

Filters allow you to quickly locate routes that match your aircraft, hub, or preference.

You may use one or multiple filters at the same time.

Understanding the Results Table

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Search results display scheduled flights in a structured table.

Each row typically includes:

These are real UVA schedule entries — not dynamically generated routes.

Viewing Flight Details

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Selecting a flight opens the detailed Flight page.

On the Flight Details page, you will see:

This page confirms exactly what you are bidding.

Bidding a Flight

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When you select a flight:

UVA enforces a one-active-bid policy.

If you already have a bid, you must remove it before selecting a new flight.

Route Map

The schedule system includes route mapping.

Maps display:

This provides a visual overview of the flight before dispatch.

Operational Expectations

When selecting a scheduled flight:

Scheduled flights are structured to reflect realistic airline operations.

After You Bid

Once a flight is added:

  1. It appears on your My Bids page.

  2. You may dispatch and fly it.

  3. Submit your PIREP through smartCARS.

  4. AutoPIREP will evaluate your flight.

Upon acceptance, your bid clears automatically.

Scheduled Flights vs Free Flights

Scheduled Flights:

Free Flights:

Tours

What Is UVTours?

UVTours is UVA’s structured tour system.

A tour is a multi-leg flight experience designed around a specific theme, region, aircraft type, or operational objective.

Each tour consists of sequential flight legs that must be completed in order.

How Tours Work

Every tour includes:

You must complete each leg before advancing to the next.

Skipping ahead is not permitted unless explicitly allowed by the tour design.

Tours Overview Page

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On the UVTours page, you will see:

This page shows where you currently stand across all available tours.

Tour Details Page

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When you open a specific tour, you’ll see:

Leg statuses may include:

Only the current leg is eligible to be flown.

Completing a Tour Leg

To complete a leg:

  1. Bid the correct scheduled flight.

  2. Fly the exact route listed.

  3. Submit your PIREP.

  4. Ensure it is accepted.

Once accepted, the system advances you to the next leg.

Tour Progression Rules

If a PIREP is rejected, the leg does not count.

If the PIREP is pending, the tour will not advance until it is finalized.

Tour Completion

When all legs are completed:

Completed tours remain visible in your history.

Why Participate in Tours?

UVTours provide:

Important Notes

Trip Generator

What Is the Trip Generator?

The Trip Generator allows you to automatically build a multi-leg trip based on your selected criteria.

Instead of manually searching for individual flights, the system creates a connected sequence of scheduled routes for you.

It is designed to simulate realistic daily aircraft routing.

How It Works

The Trip Generator builds trips using UVA’s published schedules and applies operational rules to ensure:

The result is a complete round-trip routing.

Setting Your Criteria

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Before generating a trip, you can define:

These filters allow you to tailor the trip to your aircraft type, available time, and operational goals.

Sequential Routing Logic

Trips are generated using strict sequencing:

A minimum ground time buffer is enforced between legs to maintain realism.

This ensures your generated trip reflects real-world scheduling logic.

Viewing Generated Trips

Once generated, your trip appears in a structured table showing:

A route map displays the full sequence visually.

Adding Flights to Your Bids

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From the generated results, you may:

Because UVA allows only one active bid at a time, you must complete each leg sequentially.

Operational Requirements

Generated trips must still comply with:

The Trip Generator does not override operational policies.

Why Use Trip Generator?

Trip Generator is ideal when you:

It blends automation with operational realism.

After Completing a Leg

Once a leg is flown and accepted:

If a PIREP enters Pending status, the trip progression pauses until resolved.

UVAcars

Find a flight, plan it, fly it, and file your report — the complete guide to flying with UVAcars.