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Find all the answers you need!
- ACARS
- Awards
- Dispatch
- Events
- Flight Assignments
- Free Flights
- PIREPs (Pilot Reports)
- Random Flights
- Schedule Search
- SimBrief Custom Profiles
- Tours
- Visual Flight Planner
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flight Details
This segment presents pertinent information regarding your selected flight, including Departure and Arrival locations, Scheduled Times, Duration, and Aircraft details. If necessary, you have the option to remove your bid directly from this page by clicking on the 'Trash Can' icon located on the right.
Bid Details and Editing
Upon clicking on the bid itself, a more detailed overview is presented, offering you the option to make specific edits:
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Route:
- The route information on our live map and your PIREP report will remain blank unless you provide a route in this box.
- You can conveniently copy/paste the route from your simBrief, which was initially generated on the crew website.
- Ensure the route is entered without decimals, slashes, or the departure/arrival airport codes.
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Cruise Altitude:
- With SmartCARS 3, there's no need to manually input a cruise altitude. The application autonomously detects when you've leveled off, initiated a climb, or commenced a descent.
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Passenger/Cargo Load:
- The load information on our flight plan page, as generated by simBrief, is transmitted to SmartCARS. No separate input is required.
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Online Network Selection:
- While not mandatory, opting for the online network selection enables accurate representation on the map under the appropriate ATC network.
These enhancements streamline the editing process, providing greater flexibility and ease of use within the SmartCARS 3 platform.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Attention X-Plane users: A known bug exists within smartCARS 3 when the 'Tracking Provider' is set to XPUIPC, leading to inaccuracies in flight tracking. TFDi Designs is cognizant of this issue, and, for the time being, recommends selecting the FSUIPC option as an interim solution to ensure proper flight tracking functionality. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated as we work to resolve this matter.
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.
For a full list of the awards offered, please navigate to the Career Center on our website, or by clicking here.
Dispatch
Upon submitting a bid for a flight through our Schedule Search, Assigned Flights, Tours, or Charter systems, the assigned flights will be accessible in the 'My Bids' menu under 'Flight Ops'.
Once you've generated a simBrief for a specific flight, a purple button will be visible in your list of bids, allowing you to review the already generated flight plan after leaving the simBrief flight plan page. This button exclusively appears next to flights that have a simBrief flight plan already generated.
Pilots have the flexibility to bid on multiple flights simultaneously. Each bid will be displayed on the 'My Bids' page in the order they were added. The options available to the right of each flight include Pilot Briefing, Manual PIREP, and Delete Bid.
To proceed with your pilot briefing, click on the yellow button with a gear symbol.
On this page, we are going to select our options that we want to be built into our simBrief flight plan.
During this process, you will select preferences and options to be incorporated into your simBrief flight plan. While none of these options are mandatory, leaving them blank will still generate a simBrief flight plan for you.
The map provides a visual representation of your departure and arrival airports, along with real-time weather conditions in the area.
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The options section will auto-fill your Aircraft and Airline Code. If necessary, you can customize these options by hovering over the information icons for additional details. Once all preferences are filled, click on the yellow gear icon button at the bottom.
For manual PIREP filing, return to the 'My Bids' page and click on the manual PIREP button to the right of the table.
To remove a bid, navigate to the previous 'My Bids' page and double-click on the X button to the right of the table. |
SimBrief Flight Plan Generation
After clicking the yellow generate button, a pop-up window will appear.
If not already logged into simBrief/Navigraph, it will prompt you to do so.
The flight plan generation option is exclusive to those with a simBrief/Navigraph account, which can be created at https://www.simbrief.com.
Viewing Your Flight Plan
Following a successful flight plan generation, the crew website will automatically redirect you to a page detailing your entire flight plan.
By The Numbers
Analytical Breakdown:
Within this comprehensive segment on the left, you will find an intricate breakdown encompassing various critical metrics essential for your flight. This includes details such as your cruise altitude, zero fuel weight, block fuel, and more. Positioned prominently at the top of this section is the information regarding your planned alternate airport, serving as a contingency measure if diversion becomes necessary.
Key Metrics:
- Departure Time: Scheduled time of departure
- Arrival Time: Scheduled time of arrival
- Flight Time: Estimated duration of the enroute phase
- Distance: Nautical miles covered during the flight
- Altitude: Planned cruising altitude
- AVG Cruise Winds: Average wind conditions at your cruising altitude
- ISA (International Standard Atmosphere): A model depicting static atmospheric variations in pressure, temperature, density, and viscosity across diverse altitudes or elevations.
- Cost Index/Mach Speed: Utilized to factor in the relationship between fuel-related costs and time-related costs. Faster flight speeds contribute to increased savings in time costs. (Speed represented in mach format)
- Block Fuel: The aggregate fuel required for the entire flight, comprising Taxi fuel, Trip fuel, Contingency fuel, Alternate fuel, Final Reserve fuel, Additional fuel, and any Extra fuel carried.
- FMS Reserve: Reserve fuel incorporated into the block fuel calculation.
- Min. Takeoff Fuel: The minimum required fuel before initiating takeoff.
- Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW): The total weight of the airplane and its contents, excluding usable fuel weight. Unusable fuel is considered in ZFW.
- Passengers: Total number of passengers on your flight.
- Cargo: Total cargo load for your flight.
- Takeoff Weight: Aircraft weight at the moment of takeoff.
- Landing Weight: Aircraft weight at the time of landing.
This detailed breakdown equips you with a thorough understanding of the essential parameters influencing your flight dynamics.
Map
Upon accessing the map feature, a visual representation of your designated waypoints along the flight route unfolds. Yellow dots denote waypoints and fixes, while larger, purple dots signify key junctures such as Top of Climb (TOC) and Top of Descent (TOD).
It's crucial to acknowledge that the TOC and TOD indications on the map are approximations grounded in your current altitude and speed parameters. For precision, it is recommended to reference the Flight Management Computer (FMC) within your aircraft, ensuring exact TOC/TOD calculations.
Planned Route at a Glance:
Located along the top of the map is your meticulously planned route. A user-friendly functionality allows you to effortlessly copy the route text to your clipboard by simply clicking on the route itself. This streamlined process facilitates easy integration with SmartCARS.
Functional Options:
Positioned strategically at the bottom-right corner of the map are essential buttons catering to Crew and Flight Plan Editing.
- Edit Flight Plan: This feature seamlessly directs you to the simBrief Operational Flight Plan (OFP) options page. Here, you possess the capability to introduce modifications to your flight plan as needed.
This strategic overview equips you with the insights and functionalities needed to navigate your flight plan efficiently and make real-time adjustments for optimal flight management.
While utilizing the Edit Flight Plan option on this page, it's imperative to note that any alterations made will not automatically synchronize with your briefing on the United Virtual crew site.
Dispatch Release - For a more detailed perspective, the Dispatch Release button proves instrumental. By selecting this option, a pop-up window unfolds, presenting a comprehensive text version of your flight plan. To retain this detailed breakdown for your records, utilize the download option situated at the bottom of the screen. Simply click outside the pop-up to seamlessly close it.
This nuanced approach ensures that you have the flexibility to refine your flight plan details without affecting the briefing on the United Virtual crew site. The Dispatch Release feature further enhances your ability to access and save a comprehensive text version of your flight plan for thorough analysis and documentation.
METAR Reports & Pre-File Options
Adjacent to the flight plan details, the right side of this page encompasses vital features, namely METAR Reports and Pre-File Options.
These reports offer real-time meteorological information (METAR/ATIS) at the moment of flight plan generation. It's essential to note that these reports do not undergo automatic updates. They stand as a snapshot of the weather conditions when your flight plan is created.
Designed to streamline your pre-flight preparations, the Pre-File Options present an efficient approach to populating flight plans on various online ATC networks. By selecting the relevant button, you're seamlessly redirected to the respective organization's flight plan page. The system ensures a user-friendly experience, with most fields pre-filled for your convenience, minimizing manual input and expediting your prefiling process.
Events
Events on Crew Website
Events on Dashboard
Effortless Event Engagement:
Stay updated on our dynamic event schedule through two accessible avenues on our crew website.
Dashboard Insights:
Upon logging in, explore the 'Events & Focus Airport' section on the dashboard. This segment offers a preview of upcoming events, providing a quick overview of the next planned activities. A simple click on any event directs you to its detailed page, ensuring you are well-informed.
Events Calendar
Navigate to the 'Activities' section on the sidebar and select 'Events' to unveil the events calendar. Days with scheduled events are highlighted, and you can effortlessly switch between months using the intuitive arrow buttons. Clicking on a specific date reveals the event details.
Delve into the specifics by clicking on an event, transporting you to its dedicated page.
Event Details
After clicking on an event, you'll be brought to the details page for that event.
Explore the event description, depicted in the 'Event Description' box, along with event times in both local and Zulu formats. The dynamic map showcases departure and arrival airports, providing a visual context for the event.
Local event times are based on your computers time. If viewing this page on a mobile device, the local time will show 'Not Available'.
Embarking On The Event
Prepare for takeoff by participating in the event on our Discord platform, as detailed in our Events on Discord page. Find a suitable flight for the event by either perusing our scheduled flights database or creating a free flight using the designated buttons under 'Flight Ops'.
Remember, placing a flight into your bids is imperative for receiving credit and acknowledgment for your active involvement in the event. Your commitment contributes to the vibrant community experience at United Virtual.
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.
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Insight into Events Details
Delve 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.
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!
Flight Assignments
Explore the world of aviation through our Flight Assignments feature, a gateway to creating and experiencing trips akin to real airline operations.
Upon entering the page, your journey begins with the search settings prominently displayed on the left side of the interface. These settings empower you to tailor your virtual experience to meet your preferences and aspirations.
Embark on a Tailored Journey:
Begin your virtual expedition by tailoring your flight assignments to suit your preferences. Follow these simple steps to curate your ideal experience:
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Select Flight Parameters:
- Choose the number of flights you desire, ranging from 2 to 12.
- Use the slider to set the maximum flight time per leg.
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Customize Your Experience:
- Airlines: Handpick one or more airlines to refine your search results.
- Aircraft: Select specific aircraft types to enhance your virtual adventure.
- Departure Airport: Choose the starting and concluding point for your journey.
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Save Your Preferences:
- After adjusting your search options, click "Save Settings" to preserve your preferences.
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Generate Your Flights:
- With settings secured, hit the green "Generate New Flights" button to unveil your tailored flight assignments.
Prepare to soar into the virtual skies on a journey curated just for you. Experience the thrill of aviation with Flight Assignments.
Manage Your Flight Assignments with Ease:
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Access Your Flights:
- Once flights are generated, locate them on your screen.
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Add to Bids or Remove:
- Blue Plane Button: Click on the blue plane button to seamlessly add a flight to your bids.
- Red Trash Button: Remove a specific flight from your assignments by clicking on the red trash button.
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Continuity in Your Journey:
- Flight assignments aim for a seamless experience, starting each new day where you concluded the previous one.
- Note: Occasionally, departure airports may vary, simulating a deadhead (reposition) to your new starting point for the day.
Efficiently manage your flight assignments, ensuring a smooth and tailored journey through the virtual skies.
Free Flights
Embrace the Freedom of Free Flight Operations:
Dive into the realm of limitless possibilities with our Free Flight Operations. Here's a glimpse of the freedom that awaits you:
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Unrestricted Choices:
- Schedule flights between any two airports of your choice, providing the flexibility to explore destinations beyond our scheduled flights.
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Personalized Adventures:
- Craft your unique flying experience by selecting departure and arrival points based on your preferences and aviation aspirations.
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How to Begin:
- Navigate to Free Flight Operations on our platform.
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Seamless Integration:
- Enjoy a seamlessly integrated system that empowers you to design your own flight adventures within the vast virtual skies.
Unleash your aviation spirit and embark on personalized journeys with Free Flight Operations, where the sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning.
Embarking on your customized flight journey is a breeze with our user-friendly Free Flights system. Here's a straightforward guide to get you started:
- Information Input:
- Locate the top section of the screen to effortlessly input the essential details required for creating your unique flight.
Feel empowered as you take charge of your aviation experience. The straightforward interface ensures a hassle-free process for initiating your personalized flights with ease.
Departure
Precision in Action: Setting Your Departure Point
Watch your aviation aspirations take flight as you wield control over your journey. In this example, envision the seamless process of designating your departure point:
- Input KMIA:
- Begin by typing "KMIA" into the departure field. Witness the map instantly respond with a marker, proudly adorned with an airplane departing icon.
Empower your flight planning with our intuitive system, where every keystroke brings you closer to your aerial adventure.
Arrival
Guiding Your Flight Path: Defining Arrival Destination
Embark on the next phase of your aviation odyssey with precision and ease. Follow these steps in our user-friendly system to set your arrival point:
- Type KJFK:
- Progress by typing "KJFK" into the arrival field. Behold as the map meticulously illustrates your arrival airport, accentuated by an aircraft arriving icon. Notice a clear line materializing, elegantly connecting the two chosen airports.
Experience the gratification of shaping your flight path effortlessly, as every command aligns your journey with unparalleled accuracy.
Aircraft
Embark on the crucial decision of selecting the ideal aircraft for your upcoming flight. Our extensive database of over 8,000 aircraft awaits your command. Here's how to make your choice:
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Initiate Aircraft Selection:
- Begin typing the name of the desired aircraft into the dedicated field. Witness the dropdown menu unfolding gradually as our system meticulously presents the diverse array of options at your fingertips.
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Exercise Patience:
- Given the vastness of our database, the dropdown may take a moment to comprehensively load. Demonstrate your aviator's composure and allow the system the time it needs to unveil the multitude of aircraft possibilities.
Elevate your flight experience by piloting the aircraft of your choosing, where every model stands ready to become an integral part of your aviation narrative.
Departure Time
Temporal Precision: Crafting Your Departure Time
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Invoke the Time Selector:
- Click on the time icon, triggering the emergence of the time selector. This tool becomes your ally in orchestrating the exact moment your flight embarks on its journey.
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Hourly and Minute Mastery:
- In the time selector, meticulously pick the hours and minutes that align with your envisioned departure time. Exercise precision in this temporal ballet to synchronize your flight with the broader aviation symphony.
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Zulu Time Unveiled:
- Take note that departure times operate in Zulu time, offering a standardized temporal framework for aviation coordination, irrespective of your local time zone.
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Finalize Your Flight Creation:
- Having curated your departure time with finesse, seal the deal by clicking the blue "Create Flight" button. This action seamlessly integrates your flight into your bids, paving the way for the subsequent generation of your flight plan on the Dispatch page.
More information on Dispatch can be found here.
PIREPs (Pilot Reports)
A PIREP is a Pilot Report. It contains the information about the flight you flew and submitted via our ACARS software.
View My PIREPs
Accessing PIREPs and Logbook
To review and access your PIREPs (Pilot Reports), navigate to your profile on the crew website. Follow the sidebar navigation by going to 'Pilot Ops' and selecting 'View My Profile'.
Upon reaching your profile page, locate your logbook stored at the bottom section. Here, you can conveniently review and manage your PIREPs, providing a comprehensive overview of your flight history and accomplishments.
Reviewing Logbook Entries
In your logbook, each row of the table corresponds to information about your past flights. If you wish to delve deeper into a specific flight, clicking on the flight number will redirect you to the associated PIREP (Pilot Report). This feature provides a more detailed and comprehensive overview of the selected flight, offering insights into various aspects of your aviation experiences.
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PIREP was accepted |
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PIREP is pending review by a staff member. This is usually the result of either a stall being recorded during your flight, or a hard landing in excess of -600 feet per minute. |
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PIREP was rejected |
PIREP Details
PIREP Details: ASA253 Example
Examining the recent flight ASA253 in our logbook, the top-left of the screen highlights crucial details of the flight, including Aircraft, Airline, Distance, and Landing Rate.
Adjacent to this information is the flight map, providing a visual representation of the journey. The yellow dots signify various waypoints or fixes that were entered into the route box in SmartCARS. The green line accurately depicts the flown route during the course of the flight. This graphical representation enhances the understanding of the flight path and waypoints for a more comprehensive review.
Financials
Financial Breakdown: Revenue and Expenses
For every flight completed, a financial outcome is determined, indicating either a revenue gain or loss. To access a detailed breakdown of these financials, toggle the "Finances" option located in the upper-right corner of the page. This feature provides valuable insights into the financial aspects of each flight, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of your overall economic performance as a pilot.
Financial Breakdown: Revenue Details
Within the "Finances" section, you'll find a breakdown of your revenues. This detailed breakdown includes information about the number of passengers carried, ticket prices per passenger, and fuel consumption for the specific flight.
To close this popup window, simply click on the coin icon again.
It's important to note that realistic financial outcomes may vary. Flights can generate losses or gains based on factors such as aircraft type, flight duration, passenger count, and fuel consumption. For example, flying a B777 on a long-haul flight with a low passenger count may result in a loss due to substantial fuel consumption and comparatively lower passenger revenue.
Additionally, clicking on the tablet icon under the Route section will open a pop-up displaying a detailed log of your flight. This log encompasses all the information sent by SmartCARS to our system, providing an in-depth overview of your flight's data.
Clicking anywhere outside of this popup will close it.
Graphs
Flight Graphical Representation
In addition to detailed financial breakdowns and logs, a graphical representation of your flight is available on this page. This visual representation provides an intuitive and illustrative overview of your flight's trajectory, and key data points. This graphical feature enhances the comprehension of your flight experience, allowing for a more immersive and informative review of your aviation endeavors.
| Ground Speed |
| Altitude |
Flight Graphical Representation: Ground Speed and Altitude
Within the graphical representation of your flight, ground speed is visually represented by the purple color, while altitude is denoted by the blue color. This color-coded display offers a clear and concise visualization of how ground speed and altitude varied throughout different phases of your flight. Analyzing this information adds depth to your understanding of the flight dynamics and can provide insights into specific events or milestones during the journey.
PIREP Comments Section
The final section on the PIREP page is dedicated to comments. To view comments, toggle the "Comments" option in the upper-right corner of the page. Any comments left by staff members will be visible in this section.
In the event that you receive a comment on your PIREP, you will also receive an email notification. This ensures that you stay informed about feedback and comments provided by the staff, contributing to a transparent and collaborative pilot experience.
Visibility of PIREP Comments
The comments section also lists any comments you've made in the SmartCARS application in the comments field. It's essential to note that comments are only visible to yourself and staff members. This restricted visibility ensures privacy and confidentiality for the communication exchanged within the comments section of the PIREP, fostering a secure and professional interaction between pilots and staff members.
Approved/Rejected
All flights will categorized into three categories.
| Approved | Pending | Rejected |
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The criteria used to determine these categories:
| Approved | Pending | Rejected |
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To qualify as an approved PIREP, the flight must meet the following criteria:
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A PIREP is categorized as pending if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
These criteria help distinguish PIREPs that require further review or additional information before approval. |
The rejection of PIREPs is at the discretion of our Hub Managers. PIREPs may be rejected for the following reasons:
If a flight is rejected for a Tour leg, the pilot will not proceed to the next flight until an accepted PIREP is received. This ensures adherence to standards and fair play within the aviation community. |
If you think your PIREP was rejected for the wrong reasons, please reach out to your Hub Manager, or submit a ticket on Discord.
Manual PIREP
Manual PIREPs are utilized when SmartCARS is unable to automatically submit a PIREP on your behalf. This option allows pilots to manually provide the necessary flight information and details to ensure that the flight is appropriately recorded, even in situations where automatic submission is not feasible. Manual PIREPs serve as a convenient and effective solution for reporting flights when the standard automated process encounters challenges.
Accessing Manual PIREP Page
To access the Manual PIREP page, follow these steps:
This straightforward procedure ensures easy access to the Manual PIREP page, allowing pilots to promptly and efficiently provide the required flight details.
Manual PIREP Guidelines
Please adhere to the following guidelines when using the Manual PIREP system:
- Manual PIREPs are only intended for use in the event of an error during normal SmartCARS filing.
- Proof of the flight being flown must be indicated in the appropriate box.
- Abuse of the manual PIREP system may lead to removal from United Virtual. It should only be used for reporting errors with SmartCARS.
- Complete all required fields on the form before submission.
Form Field Instructions:
- Flight Time: Enter in a decimal point format (e.g., 5.5).
- Route: Include only the route without departure and arrival airports.
Submission Process:
- Manual PIREPs will display as 'Pending' in your flight log until reviewed by a staff member.
- Allow up to 48 hours after submission to receive an 'Accepted' or 'Rejected' status.
- Once all fields are filled out, click on the 'File Flight Report' button to complete the submission.
These guidelines ensure that the Manual PIREP system is used appropriately and efficiently for accurate flight reporting.
Random Flights
Accessing Random Flights Module
To access the Random Flights module, navigate through the sidebar navigation by going to Flight Ops and selecting Random Flights. This module empowers you to construct personalized flight journeys, providing a unique and spontaneous experience tailored to your preferences.
Configuring Random Flights Settings
Upon entering the main page of the Random Flights module, you'll encounter the settings window where you can customize your trip:
- Departing Airport: The airport from which you want to commence your journey.
- Arriving Airport: The destination airport for the conclusion of your trip.
- Airline: Select the airline you wish to fly for.
- Date: Choose the specific date for which you want to search scheduled flights.
- Aircraft: Select the preferred aircraft type for your trip.
It's important to note that the Random Flights module utilizes our Scheduled Flights database to generate results. If a particular flight doesn't exist in our scheduled flights, it won't appear in the results.
Ensure your search parameters align with realistic scenarios to yield meaningful results. For instance, if a specific aircraft type or airline doesn't operate at a chosen airport, it's advisable to adjust your search accordingly.
Remember to fill out all search fields before executing a search. Once you've configured your preferences, click on 'Search Flights' to generate results.
Search Results
Random Flights Search Results and Selection
In the given example, the following settings were used:
- Departure: KIAD
- Arrival: KBOS
- Airline: United
- Date: Today's Date
- Aircraft: B738
The search results will be presented to the right of the search window and are categorized into three tabs:
- 2 Leg Trips
- 3 Leg Trips
- 4 Leg Trips
While all trips initiate and conclude at the chosen airports, the flights in between are randomized, as reflected in the '3 Leg' and '4 Leg' tabs.
For optimal results, consider using a major hub for the chosen airline in both the departure and arrival airports.
Upon finding a trip you wish to save and fly, click on the green 'Save Trip' button located on the right side of the screen to record and embark on your chosen adventure.
Saved Trips
Managing Saved Trips
After saving a trip using the Random Flights module, it will be directed to your 'Saved Trips' page. Here, you can save as many trips as you desire. From this page, individual flights can be added to your bids by clicking on the blue 'Plus Sign' button.
Should you change your mind and decide not to pursue a specific trip, you can remove the entire trip from your 'Saved Trips' page by clicking on the red 'Delete Trip' button in the top-right corner.
Upon successfully adding a flight to your bids, a confirmation pop-up will appear, providing acknowledgment of your bid addition. This streamlined process allows for efficient management and customization of your saved trips.
You can then proceed to your bids, and fly this flight like you would any other. For more information on the dispatch process that follows after this step, please click here.
Schedule Search
Search Options
Schedule Search Options and Random Flight Generator
On the main page of the Schedule Search, you'll encounter a versatile set of search options. You can either use the default settings or tailor your search based on specific criteria. The available search parameters include Departure, Arrival, Aircraft, Airline, Duration, and Distance.
Additionally, the Random Flight Generator, positioned below the search settings, provides the perfect solution for indecisive moments. It randomly selects a flight from our extensive database, offering not only a spontaneous adventure but also extra MileagePlus points for use in our store.
Initiating Flight Search
After configuring your search preferences, click on the 'Find Flights' button to trigger the search process. This action will promptly generate results tailored to your specified criteria, providing you with a comprehensive list of available flights based on your preferences.
Search Results
Viewing Search Results
Upon clicking the 'Find Flights' button, the search results will be displayed, presenting you with a comprehensive list of flights that match your specified criteria. This list provides detailed information about each available flight, empowering you to make informed decisions based on your preferences and requirements.
Interpreting Search Results
In the search results, flights marked with an Amber button indicate that someone else has already placed a bid on that specific flight.
Each search result is presented on a boarding pass, providing key details such as Departure/Arrival Times, Aircraft Type, Flight Time, Flight Number, and Airline Code. To bid on and select a flight for your journey, locate the green add button situated in the upper-right corner of each boarding pass and click on it. This streamlined process simplifies the selection of desired flights for your bidding and flying preferences.
Flight Booking Confirmation
Following your successful bid, a pop-up window will appear, confirming that your flight has been successfully booked. You have the option to close the pop-up by clicking outside of it, or you can choose to proceed directly to the Dispatch page by clicking on the 'Proceed To My Bids' button. This flexibility allows for a seamless transition to the next steps in the flight preparation process.
Click here to continue onto the Dispatch help pages.
SimBrief Custom Profiles
SimBrief Custom Profile Settings
SimBrief Custom Profile Settings Integration
For pilots who prefer utilizing custom aircraft profile settings with SimBrief, seamless integration is now available through our crew website, eliminating the need to navigate directly to the SimBrief website. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
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Visit https://www.simbrief.com and log into your SimBrief account.
(For guidance on creating a SimBrief account, refer to their website. SimBrief offers free usage, and it's a prerequisite for UVA pilots utilizing SimBrief flight plan functions.)
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Once logged in, navigate to the Dispatch->Saved Airframes page, accessible [here](SimBrief Dispatch->Saved Airframes page link).
This integration streamlines the process of incorporating custom aircraft profiles into your SimBrief experience, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of flight planning for United Virtual Airlines pilots.
Once logged in, head to the Dispatch->Saved Airframes page, located here.
(Refer to the image above) Select the 'Edit' button located to the right of the aircraft you wish to inspect.
Subsequently, identify the Internal ID number situated in the upper-right corner of the Airframe Info box. Utilize the copy icon to effortlessly copy the ID number to your clipboard.
Enter Your Internal ID Number On Our Site
Proceed to our crew website and access the 'Edit My Profile' option, located within the 'Pilot Ops' menu on the sidebar navigation.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page until you reach the 'SimBrief Custom Profiles' section.
Paste the Internal ID number copied from the SimBrief website into the designated aircraft box and click on 'Save Settings' at the bottom. Congratulations, you're all set! When generating a SimBrief flight plan from our website, it will seamlessly apply the custom profile you've entered on this page. Otherwise, it will default to standard SimBrief aircraft profiles.
Tours
Tour Center
Tour Center Overview
Tours offer our pilots the opportunity to explore regions they might not typically venture into, presenting unique and thrilling experiences. Each tour features a distinctive theme and is adaptable to any aircraft type within our comprehensive database. However, it's crucial to note that not all airports encountered during these tours can accommodate every aircraft type. Tours consist of pre-planned legs or flights that must be undertaken in a specific sequence. Upon successful completion of a tour, pilots earn a commendation displayed on their profile page.
To access our Tours, use the sidebar navigation on the crew site. Navigate to the 'Activities' category and then select 'Tours.' Upon entering the Tour Center, the default view displays all available tours for your consideration.
The tours featured in the image above represent just a glimpse of the diverse offerings available. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of all available tours, kindly visit our crew website. The complete catalog provides a broader array of exciting opportunities for pilots to embark on unique and captivating journeys.
Tour Status and Categorization
The colored ribbons situated in the top corner of each tour serve as indicators of the tour's status concerning your participation:
- Grey Ribbon: Available for Sign-Up
- Yellow Ribbon: Signed-up and in the process of completion
- Green Ribbon: Tour Successfully Completed
At the top of the page, the tours are classified into three distinct categories for ease of navigation:
- All Tours: Displays the comprehensive list of available tours
- Booked Tours: Showcases tours for which you are currently signed up
- Completed Tours: Highlights tours that you have successfully completed
This categorization system streamlines the viewing experience, allowing pilots to efficiently track and manage their tour engagements.
Tour Details
To access more in-depth information about a particular tour, simply click on the corresponding image displayed on the main screen. This action provides a comprehensive overview, allowing you to delve into the specifics of the tour's theme, planned legs, and any unique features it may offer.
Tour Details Page Navigation
Upon entering the tour details page, the top section features the tour image along with a concise Tour Description. To access the complete description, click on the box labeled 'Tour Description' to expand and reveal the full details.
Should you wish to enroll in the tour, locate the blue 'Sign Up' button beneath the description and click on it.
Congratulations! You are now officially signed up for the tour. Continue scrolling down the page for additional information and insights into your chosen tour.
In this section, a map visualizes the various legs of the tour. The starting point is denoted by the green flag, while the red flag signifies the concluding point. Numbered flags represent the individual legs or flights between the start and end.
Adjacent to the map, a list of flights is presented. Each flight entry includes essential details such as Airports, Flight Time, and Mileage. To integrate these flights into your bids, simply click the blue '+' button.
Keep an eye out for yellow buttons featuring a clock icon; these indicate flights that are yet to be completed. It's imperative to adhere to the designated order of flights during the tour progression.
Adding Flights to Bids
When clicking the blue '+' button to add a flight to your bids, a pop-up will prompt you to select your aircraft for the specific flight. Choose from any aircraft available in our database.
It's essential to note that certain tours may necessitate flying into compact airports with short runways. Take heed of runway lengths at these airports to ensure you select an appropriate aircraft. Opting for a B747-400 on a tour leg involving a 3,000ft runway, for instance, would not be ideal.
After choosing your aircraft, click the 'Bid Flight' button to confirm your selection. Subsequently, proceed to the Dispatch page within the crew website to generate your flight plan. Additional information on the dispatch system can be found here.
Towards the bottom of the page, you'll encounter a table displaying all pilots who have signed up for the tour, along with their progress. This provides a collective overview of the pilot community engaged in the same tour.
Tour Participant Information
Explore the tour landscape by accessing information about fellow pilots who have signed up for the same journey. The table offers insights into each participant, including their current location on the tour, sign-up date, the number of legs flown, and a visual representation of their progress.
Please be aware that once a tour has been successfully completed, it is not open for reflight. This policy ensures a diverse and continually evolving tour experience for all participants.
Visual Flight Planner
Visual Flight Planner: A Visual Navigation Aid
The Visual Flight Planner serves as an invaluable tool, especially for those who prefer a visual approach to route planning. This feature is designed to assist users in determining their next destination by providing a clear and intuitive visual representation of available flight options.
Visual Flight Planner Markings
In the Visual Flight Planner, variously colored dots populate the map, each symbolizing either bases or outstations. These distinctive markers aid users in identifying and selecting their departure and arrival points, contributing to a more visually comprehensive and user-friendly flight planning experience.
| Bases |
| Outstations |
Departure
Using the Visual Flight Planner
To utilize the Visual Flight Planner, initiate the process by selecting your departure airport. Click on one of the colored dots corresponding to the desired departure location. This user-friendly interaction initiates the planning sequence, allowing for seamless and efficient route customization.
Interactive Visual Flight Planning Example
In this example, we clicked on the airport code KHOB. Following this selection, a window appeared in the upper-left corner of the map, presenting detailed information about the chosen airport. Simultaneously, a green line emanated from KHOB, visually representing all the flights departing from this specific airport. This interactive feature enhances the planning experience, offering valuable insights into available routes and connectivity.
Arrival
Selecting Arrival Airport and Adding to Bids
Upon selecting our arrival airport, KIAH (which corresponds to the other end of the green line), the schedules for the specific route appear at the bottom of the screen beneath the map. These schedules align with the same boarding cards found in the Schedule Search page.
Similar to the Schedule Search page functionality, click on the blue '+' button to seamlessly add this flight to your bids. Subsequently, proceed to the Dispatch page where you can generate a detailed flight plan for your selected route. This streamlined process enhances the efficiency of flight planning and bid management within the Visual Flight Planner.
More information the Dispatch system can be found here.