FAQs
Welcome to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the FOM! We have compiled a list of the most asked questions over the years in hopes of giving you a head start on finding any information that you may need to be successful with us. If we don't have an answer for your specific question in our FAQ, please reach out to your Group Chief Pilot or post your question on Discord.
Where can I search for flights to bid on?
We highly encourage you to utilize the "Flight Search" tab when logged in to the website to manage bookings. Searching can be done inside of the ACARS but will not allow you to complete a SimBrief OFP generation by doing so. Need ideas on where to fly? Check out the Monthly Bid Results or Tours tabs as well!
I need to file a manual PIREP, where do I do that?
Remeber that manual PIREPs are for emergency cases only and are not the approved regular method for filing a flight. Manual PIREPs can be filed by logging into the website and navigating to Profile > Logbook and then by clicking "File Manual PIREP" at the top. Keep in mind that these must be accompanied by a VATSIM or Volanta link in the comments section to the completed flight per the SOPPHB.
What do I do if the ACARS crashes or I forget to start it before a flight?
If the ACARS program crashes during your flight or you forget to start it before your flight you may utilize the manual PIREP link by logging into the website and navigating to Profile > Logbook and then by clicking "File Manual PIREP" at the top. To do this you must have a VATSIM or Volanta link in the comments section to provide for proof of the flight completion. Under normal circumstances, all ACARS options should allow you to reconnect to a flight that is resumed after a sim crash.
Where do I go to take exams to rank up?
If you are resuming a course already in progress you may utilize the FlightAcademy tab when logged in to the website. If you are making an initial request, you should utilize the "Rank Progression" tab inside of your Profile to target a specific course and ensure that you have met the requirements for the course.
How do I know what aircraft I can fly?
You can see the full list of aircraft available for each type rating held in section 4.1 of the SOPPHB.
Can I divert?
Yes, you may divert due to weather, fuel, etc. Keep in mind that if you do divert to an offline station, there may not be a flight available to connect back to your original destination.
Can I substitute aircraft?
No aircraft substitutions are allowed at this time including aircraft in the same family (ie A320 may not be substituted for an A321 and A321neo may not be substituted for a normal A321).
How do I log in to the forums?
You can log in to the forums utilizing the same email and password that you use for the main website. When you update your email/password on the main website, it will also update your login on the forums.
How do I log in to the FlightAcademy?
You can log in to the FlightAcademy utilizing the same email and password that you use for the main website. When you update your email/password on the main website, it will also update your login on the FlightAcademy website.
I joined Discord but I still do not see any channels.
Your Discord account can not be authenticated and given the proper roles unless your server nickname has been set to the required name. If your ID was AAL001 and your name was Joe Smith, your nickname would need to be "AAL001 Joe Smith" or "AAL001 Joe S.". A video tutorial for this is coming soon!
If I am a Group II First Officer - B737 can I upgrade to Group II Captain - A320?
No, currently you must upgrade in the same program that you initially tested in to as a First Officer. In this scenario, after upgrading to Group II Captain - B737, you could then request an additional type rating for the A320. You would remain a Group II Captain - B737 after completing the A320 type rating addition course and until moving on to Group III.
How does the Monthly Bid Results logic work for assigning flights?
Every month you will have flights assigned to you randomly by the system. The system will look back at your most recent handful of flights to learn what aircraft you enjoy flying and continue to tailor your assigned flights to that as time goes on. It is safe to say that your very first month will truly be random, but that the more you fly, the better the system will be able to figure out your favorite aircraft and continue to assign them.
I just passed an exam, but I do not see the new rank/type rating. How long until that shows up?
Section 3.4 goes into more detail, but please allow a minimum of up to 24 hours for the rank to change or type rating to be added. This sometimes will be extended up to 72 hours depending on our volunteer staff member availability due to their real world commitments. As we continue to add more members to the team, the wait times will continue to be reduced!