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ACARS

smartCARS 3 for Windows®

smartCARS 3 for Windows® Download & Support

To acquire the smartCARS3 application for Windows, Mac, or Linux, kindly visit our official download portal at https://smartcars.tfdidesign.com/central/download.

Required Plug-Ins

For any assistance related to smartCARS, we encourage you to reach out to TFDi Designs. Regrettably, UVA Staff is unable to provide support for technical issues associated with smartCARS3.

Note: Please consult the following resources for further information



Logging into smartCARS 3

Upon launching smartCARS 3 for the first time, you will be prompted to log in using your TFDi account credentials.

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However, it is not mandatory to create or log in with a TFDi account. Simply opt for the 'Skip TFDi Design Login' option. It is important to note that by choosing not to log in with your TFDi account, your presence will not be visible on their map within our virtual airline, and access to premium features acquired from TFDi may be restricted.

Upon selecting 'Skip TFDi Design Login,' proceed to choose United Virtual Airlines from the list of affiliated partners.

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Accessing United Virtual Airlines in smartCARS 3

Following your selection of United Virtual Airlines, proceed to log in by entering either your email or pilot ID (excluding the UAL prefix). This login information mirrors the credentials you utilize to access our crew website.

Should you encounter difficulty logging into smartCARS 3, we recommend attempting to log into our crew website. Successful access to our website confirms that your credentials are accurate. If issues persist, kindly review and ensure the accuracy of the information entered into smartCARS 3.

Main Page

Greetings and welcome to the primary interface of your smartCARS 3 application. Within this section, you will find key personal details, including your name, pilot ID, and current rank, alongside a comprehensive overview of your individual statistics within our virtual airline. These statistics encompass cumulative flight hours, total completed flights, and an average landing rate.

Should you opt to enable notifications in the settings page, relevant updates will be prominently displayed on this main screen for your convenience.

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My Flights

This section serves as the focal point where you can conveniently view the flight assignments you have selected through the crew site bidding process.

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SimBrief Plugin

In order for your route to import info smartcars and reflect correctly on the VA map and pirep you will need to install the SimBrief plugin. You can do so by clicking the puzzle piece icon in the bottom left corner of the SmartCARS application and then Browse Plugins in the upper right corner. Simply select Add and then go to the settings page and enter your SimBried username to link the account.

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Bid Details and Editing

Upon clicking on the flight tracking button, a box with an arrow will appear on the left side of the screen next to the toolbar.  Clicking that arrow will expand your flight log where a more detailed overview is presented, offering you the option to make specific edits:

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  1. Online Network Selection:

    • While not mandatory, opting for the online network selection enables accurate representation on the map under the appropriate ATC network.

Flight Tracking

Upon initiating the 'Fly' option in the preceding window, an alert window will appear in the bottom-right corner of the application, indicating successful connection to your simulator and the commencement of flight tracking. Transitioning to the flight tracking page provides a comprehensive display of your current flight information, accompanied by real-time updates to the flight log as it is actively generated. This feature allows you to monitor and review crucial details throughout the course of your flight in an efficient and accessible manner.

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Pause at TOD Functionality

The 'Pause at TOD' feature is now conveniently accessible as a toggle button situated on the bottom-left side of the smartCARS window.

This function calculates your Top of Descent (TOD) based on the current altitude and speed settings within smartCARS. It's important to recognize that the TOD estimation provided by smartCARS may differ from the TOD estimate generated within your Flight Management System (FMS). This distinction ensures precise control over the pause event, enhancing the overall flexibility and adaptability of your flight management experience.

Flight Completion

In smartCARS 3, concluding flights is facilitated by shutting down ALL engines. Alternatively, users may streamline the process by activating the 'Automatic PIREP submission' option in the settings, which automatically submits the PIREP once smartCARS determines engine shutdown.

In the event of an error during the PIREP submission, should smartCARS indicate an issue, it is advised to verify on the crew website that the PIREP was successfully submitted. In cases where submission did not occur, capture a screenshot of smartCARS and proceed to submit a manual PIREP through the 'Dispatch' page on the crew website. This ensures accurate recording and reporting of your flight data.

Logbook

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This dedicated page provides a comprehensive overview of your previously logged flights, complete with the corresponding PIREP status for each entry. To enhance user experience, utilize the search and filter options located at the top of the page, allowing for efficient retrieval of specific completed flights based on your preferences and criteria.

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Detailed Flight Information

Selecting a specific flight entry within your logbook initiates an in-depth exploration, unveiling comprehensive details about the flight. This includes an intricate log of the journey and a visual representation of the flight path on the map, providing users with a thorough and insightful examination of their aviation experiences.

Map Features

The map showcased in this section diverges from the map featured on our crew center. Notably, the map in smartCARS 3 incorporates versatile display options located in the top-right corner. These options allow users to toggle between different traffic visualization settings, providing a dynamic and customizable perspective of various aerial activities during the specified flight.

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Settings

SmartCARS 3 offers a plethora of adjustable settings, providing users with the flexibility to tailor the application according to their individual needs and preferences. It's important to note that modifications to these settings do not impact your flights with United Virtual or interactions on our website, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience without compromising your virtual aviation endeavors.

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  1. Be sure your setting are set up to record your flight data in the correct measurement units
  2. Be sure SmartCARS is set up to pull the information for the correct simulator
    1. Simconnect for MSFS/P3D
    2. Xplane for for XP11 and XP12
  3. We recommend that you turn the automatic submission feature off as this will allow you control over what pireps you want to submit and not. 

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 a part of our vibrant Discord community, click here to join. Discord serves as our central hub for event hosting and collaborative flying experiences.

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:

Manual PIREP Review Process

All Manual PIREPs are:

Manual PIREPs are never automatically accepted.

Important Policy Reminder

smartCARS 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.