# 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: - Deducted for operational violations - Maintained for compliant behavior - Awarded toward your final earned points Your final score determines: - Numerical grade - Letter grade - System decision (Accepted / Pending / Rejected) - Points earned --- ## 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: - -1 to -200 FPM → No penalty - -201 to -400 FPM → Minor deduction - -401 to -600 FPM → Moderate deduction - Greater than -600 FPM → Major deduction 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. - Standard 1x rate → No penalty - Moderate increase → Minor deduction - Excessive sim rate usage → Larger deduction 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: - Point deductions apply - Severe violations may trigger Pending review --- ### 6. Phase Integrity Your flight is analyzed across: - Climb phase - Cruise phase - Descent phase 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: - A Letter Grade (A, B, C, etc.) - A Decision Status 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: - High Score → Automatically Accepted - Mid-Range Score → Pending Review - Low Score → Rejected 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: - Successful completion - Grade achieved - Compliance with system rules These points contribute to: - Banked Points - Awards eligibility - Career progression - Leaderboards --- ## Pending Status & Force Acceptance If your score places you into Pending: - The flight is temporarily locked - Staff cannot immediately override it - You may use 150 Banked Points to force accept the PIREP This system provides flexibility while maintaining standards. --- ## What Causes Rejection Flights may be rejected if: - Severe landing violations occur - Multiple stall events are recorded - Excessive sim rate abuse is detected - Unrealistic or invalid flight data is submitted - Required operational criteria are not met Rejection removes the flight from accepted hours. --- ## Why We Publish This Transparency matters. AutoPIREP exists to ensure: - Fair evaluation across all pilots - Consistent operational standards - Objective grading - Realistic flight behavior Every pilot is evaluated using the same scoring logic.