Virtual2Skies Virtual AllianceVirtual Airline Ops
Virtual2Skies Knowledge Base

Operations & SOPs

Guides, procedures, and pilot standards for Virtual2Skies flights.

RouteConfirm origin, destination, aircraft, cruise level, and expected block time.
WeatherCheck METAR/TAF, winds, runway use, and realistic alternate options.
FuelPlan taxi, trip, contingency, alternate, final reserve, and discretionary fuel.
NetworkCheck ATC coverage and event traffic before selecting departure time.
ReportSubmit the PIREP after shutdown with accurate times and any notes.
01

Flight reporting

Submit flights via the pilot portal to earn hours and rank up.

02

Standard procedures

Use the SOP guides in the resources area for realistic operations.

03

Event readiness

Check routing notes, aircraft assignments, and community announcements before pushback.

Standard Operating Procedures

Pilot SOP quick reference

Preflight

  • Select an active V2S route, aircraft, and callsign before dispatch.
  • Review NOTAMs, weather, alternate requirements, and fuel planning.
  • File the route on your preferred network when flying online.

Departure

  • Use the assigned SID when available and comply with ATC instructions.
  • Set correct squawk, lights, transponder mode, and initial altitude.
  • Maintain sterile cockpit from pushback until above 10,000 ft.

Cruise

  • Monitor fuel, route progress, weather deviations, and step climbs.
  • Keep simulation rate at 1x during online or event operations.
  • Update the community or dispatcher if a diversion becomes necessary.

Arrival

  • Brief STAR, approach, landing performance, missed approach, and taxi plan.
  • Stabilize by 1,000 ft AGL in IMC or 500 ft AGL in VMC.
  • Vacate runway safely and complete after-landing checks before shutdown.
Real-World Inspired

Airline procedure flow for V2S flights

Dispatch Release

  • Confirm aircraft type, registration if assigned, route, payload, fuel, alternate, and expected block time.
  • Check weather, NOTAMs, runway availability, performance limits, and online ATC coverage before departure.
  • Do not depart with an unrealistic fuel load or an aircraft that cannot safely operate the planned route.

Cockpit Preparation

  • Set IRS/ADIRS, flight plan, performance data, radios, transponder, barometer, and initial MCP/FCU values.
  • Brief SID, terrain, engine-out considerations, rejected takeoff plan, and first expected ATC instruction.
  • Complete flows first, then use checklists to verify critical items.

Pushback & Taxi

  • Request clearance when online, start engines only when clear, and follow airport taxi procedures.
  • Keep taxi speed controlled and stop before runway hold-short points until cleared to enter or cross.
  • Complete before-takeoff checks before lining up, including flaps, trim, lights, autobrake, and transponder.

Takeoff & Climb

  • Use correct thrust setting, rotate at calculated VR, and follow lateral and vertical departure guidance.
  • Maintain sterile cockpit until above 10,000 ft unless safety or ATC requires action.
  • Retract flaps on schedule and monitor climb speed, engine parameters, pressurization, and fuel balance.

Cruise Management

  • Monitor navigation accuracy, fuel predictions, weather deviations, and altitude constraints.
  • Use step climbs only when performance, fuel, and ATC allow it.
  • Keep situational awareness for diversion airports throughout long sectors.

Descent & Approach

  • Brief STAR, approach type, minima, missed approach, runway condition, and taxi route before top of descent.
  • Set landing performance, arrival frequencies, autobrake, landing flap, and missed approach altitude.
  • Be fully stable by 1,000 ft AGL in IMC or 500 ft AGL in VMC.

Go-Around Policy

  • Go around if unstable, not cleared to land, runway is occupied, or touchdown cannot be made safely.
  • Follow aircraft go-around mode, pitch, thrust, flap, and gear procedures for your aircraft type.
  • Tell ATC, fly the published missed approach or assigned instructions, then re-brief before another approach.

Shutdown & Postflight

  • Vacate the runway, taxi clear, park at a gate or stand, set parking brake, and shut engines down.
  • Complete after-landing and shutdown checklists before ending the ACARS flight.
  • Review ACARS data, add notes if needed, and submit the PIREP only after the flight is complete.
Crew Callouts

Recommended cockpit prompts

Briefing completeBefore start checklist completeBefore takeoff checklist completeStable or go aroundAfter landing checklist complete
Minimum Standards

What every logged flight should include

CallsignUse your assigned V2S or alliance callsign for logged flights.
Landing rateAim for a stable landing, not an artificially low touchdown rate.
PausesAvoid pausing during online flights except for safety or connection issues.
ReportsSubmit complete flight reports with route, aircraft, and block time.
Online network noteWhen flying on VATSIM, IVAO, or POSCON, ATC instructions and network rules take priority over internal V2S guidance.