How To...Fly For A Virtual Airline

By Eric Oderman

Introduction

ATR 72-210 of Network EuroDirect

* A Flight Simulation Product For Your Home PC
Most virtual airlines require Microsoft Flight Simulator 98 or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000. However, some airlines will use Terminal Reality FLY! and other simulators. Of course, to use all these great products, you'll have to have a computer capable of running them.

* An Internet Service Provider
All virtual airlines have web sites that they operate from. From their web site you will post your flight information, view important company news and talk with fellow pilots and management members (via email). Thus, an almost daily means of Internet connectivity is required.

* Know How To Fly In A Simulator
You won't be able to fly for an airline if you don't know how to fly an airplane. Some airlines have training programs that will teach beginners how to fly, but most require experienced pilots. Check around FlightSim.Com and read your simulator manual. This book will not teach you how to fly, but where to use your skills once you do know.

What Is A Virtual Airline?

When you join a virtual airline, you should feel a sense of pride. You've just joined the next best thing to actually flying for British Airways or US Airways (not that there aren't other great airlines, I just had to think of two on the spot). However, flying for a VA is just like flying for a real airline, it takes time and commitment.

There are two types of Virtual Airlines, fantasy airlines that aren't based on any real-world airlines and then there are those that are based on real airlines; they usually use the same fleet, fly the same routes, and have the same paint schemes.

A real world based airline (Alaska Virtual Airlines Group)

A Fantasy Virtual Airline (Clipper Airways) (c) 2000 Clipper Airways, All Rights Reserved.

However, with all the types of airlines, be sure you review their web page carefully. Most pilots want a VA that is as realistic as possible, and this article will help you make your final decision based on this matter.

Airbus A340 of Network EuroDirect

Where Can I Find Virtual Airlines?

The most obvious way to find anything on the Internet is to look through a browser like Yahoo!. You'll find pages of them on almost any search browser. You'll also find an extensive list of Virtual Airlines in the Virtual Airline Forum right here at FlightSim.Com. Usually, you'll find the most "prestigious" Virtual Airlines on servers of VA Corporations. These corporations host airlines that apply for membership. To be hosted, the web sites of these airlines and airlines themselves go through rigorous examination by corporation staff, so the pilot can be assured that each airline is unique in it's own way and ranks five star quality, both in operations and website development.

How Does A Virtual Airline Work?

DeHavilland Dash 8 Q400 of Network EuroDirect

First of all, almost every airline has a downloadable file (in .txt format or .doc format) that explains the airline's operations, fleet, management team, all in great detail. You can usually find this document in a section called "about us" or "join us." Once you get a feel for where the airline operates and how it works, check out their site.

First of all, examine their Hubs. An airline Hub is like a base of operations; when you join the airline you'll usually be given the choice of what Hub you would like to fly for. When you fly a flight, your departure airport will be where your Hub is based, and when you're flying commuter flights, will usually stay in that vicinity.

Next, check the airline's fleet. In the "hangar" section of a VA Web site, there will usually be pictures of aircraft as well as specifications. Check your simulator against the airline's aircraft to make sure the planes will work on your computer. Some airlines require you to have extra programs to download the airplanes such as WinZip (usually always required) and converters. The VA will tell you where you can get these programs.

Once you have aircraft installed, you're ready to start your flying. Some Virtual Airlines have flight training programs that you must complete before you start your flights.

When you look on the roster of Virtual Airlines, you notice that there is a ranking system. Depending on your rank, you'll be flying commuter flights or the long New York to London trip in the 747. Some airlines have flight assignments that tell pilots what flight to fly and when to complete that flight or series of flights by. Others have a simple timetable that let you choose a route you're allowed to fly. Usually, you have to complete at least one flight a month or every two weeks so the airline can assure you're still active.

A Pacific West VA Pilot lands during a lighting storm. Property of Pacific West Airways.

A lot of Virtual Airlines require you to fly under realistic conditions, which requires you to look on your Hub page and view current weather conditions and then set your simulator accordingly. There are also programs that integrate real weather conditions into your simulator. If you use Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000, you can simply use the Real Weather option where weather conditions will be downloaded from databases on the Internet; the weather conditions are then updated every ten minutes, requiring you to stay online during your flight (so for long flights, a second phone line or cable modem helps so you can still receive calls at home).

After completing your flight, comes the most important part, logging your hours so you can get credit for them. Most Virtual Airlines have you log the time you spent in your plane altogether (from gate to gate). After flying, log onto the airline's Web site and click on a button or link entitled "Submit Your PiRep." You will then fill out a form describing your flight and then submit it to the airline.

After you have flown enough hours you will advance in rank. The more hours the more planes you get to fly and the more challenging routes you'll experience. Some airlines even offer you a management position if you fly enough.

So get out there and start flying! I hope this article made the choice a little easier.

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Eric Oderman

How To... Articles By Eric Oderman