Operations Manual
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1. INTRODUCTION
This handbook was created by the management of Virtual Oneworld Alliance (hereafterreferred to as vOWA) to provide its pilots with the necessary information and guidance toactively participate in the operations. If you have any questions about this handbookplease email the CEO or COO of vOWA at: info@virtualowa.net
1.2 Welcome
vOWA started in March 2020 and commenced operations on July ##, 2020. The virtualairline (VA) is managed by an enthusiastic group of people who believe in helping fellowpilots while having fun! Therefore, it should not be surprising that our main focus is FUNwith some education within the aviation realm. We encourage the perusal of the website tobecome familiar with all tabs and pages for the benefit of each pilot.
vOWA will, to a large extent, mimic the operations of its realworld counterpart andwhere necessary, include new items to enhance the flight simulator experience. Checkour “About Us” page for more information.
1.3 Mission Statement
To become one of the leading virtual airlines on the VATSIM network; by establishinghigh standards and gathering pilots from all backgrounds and experience levels to createa professional and educational yet fun atmosphere for pilots to enjoy.
1.4 Corporate Structure
The vOWA Management Team is responsible for the daily operations of the VA,carrying out tasks that vary from administration to operations. Every member of staff is avolunteer who is willing to give of their time to ensure positive progression occurs withinthe VA.
2 vOWA CAREERS
2.1 Pilot Minimum Requirements In order to be a member of vOWA, one must meet the following criteria – as a minimum:
a) Must own a copy of flight simulator 2004, X, Prepa3D or xPlane
b) Must be aged 13 or older
c) Must provide your real identity (no nicknames or callsigns) on the vOWA application form
d) Must have and maintain one valid e-mail address at all times
e) Must have access to the internet
f) Must have a valid VATSIM ID – PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
g) Must not be affiliated with any other operation that simulates oneworld
By completing the application form, applicants agree to adhere to any policies or procedures outlined in the pilot electronic handbook or displayed on the vOWA website.
2.2 Recruitment Process
The process of application is fairly simple. Once you complete the application form and it has been verified by our HR department, an e-mail of acceptance is forwarded.
Applicants are required to complete their first flight within 14 days of acceptance. Failure to do so will result in an automatic removal from the roster.
2.3 General Membership Policy
As a pilot of vOWA the member agrees to be bound to and to abide by the policies set forth by vOWA. Violation of these policies may result in temporary suspension or termination of membership with vOWA.
The username and password at vOWA are your exclusive membership identification. You may not give permission to or knowingly allow your credentials to be used by anyone else. Note well that pilots may register for and hold only one (1) account.
If you have forgotten your password, please use the online form to request a new password. The form will ask you to enter your e-mail address attached to your pilot ID (PID) and an e-mail with a new password will be sent. Note that passwords are not stored.
All flights must represent a valid vOWA scheduled flight as assigned by the system.
vOWA management reserves the right to temporarily suspend or terminate an individual’s membership without notice if certain rules have been violated. The member may appeal the suspension or termination to the Board of Directors; whose decision shall be final.
The general code of conduct reflects on the way vOWA expects members to behave as a member of the organization. Repeated failure to follow the code of conduct may result in suspension and eventual termination of the member’s account.
Members should, at all times, be courteous and respectful to one another. Threatening or harassing any member will result in immediate suspension and possible termination of the pilot – pending investigation.
2.4 Activity Policy
For a pilot to remain active on the vOWA roster, the following is encouraged:
a) Submit at least one (1) PIREP every 30 days
b) Take part in the development and operations of the VA
c) Share information, talent or comment on our social media platforms
d) Follow the vOWA policies and procedures outlined therein
e)Active pilots who encounter difficulty and are unable to comply with filing a PIREP for the period of 30 days should submit an LOA (see section 2.5) with a clear explanation.
2.5 Leave of Absence
vOWA employs a leave of absence (LOA) which allows pilots to retain their membership while not being able to meet the 45-day rule.
The maximum time period for a LOA is 90 days. Once the time expires, the pilot willhave 7 days from the date of return to active status to complete a flight. If the pilot does not file a PIREP then, the account will be suspended.
Please understand that this system is automated. The only manual aspect is that of the approval by the HR department. If you have further challenges, please contact our HR department and we will be more than happy to assist.
2.6 Staff Position Requirements
From time to time volunteers may have to step down from a position due to real world commitments.
If a position becomes available, it is initially advertised amongst the current staff pool. If is not filled, then it is posted to the general membership.
If a pilot is interested in a position, he/she should fill the application via the appropriate channels on the site.
Pilots who wish to apply for staff positions must be at least 18 years old. In addition, a level of loyalty and dedication to the airline must be seen.
Once an application issubmitted, an e-mail will be sent to the application alerting of receipt and subsequently – acceptance or rejection.
2.7 Pilot Termination/Dismissal
vOWA, like any other organization, has a prescribed method of disciplining its members should serious matters arise.
The general protocol to report a concern, should it be required, is to contact the Flight Operations Officer (FOO). If the FOO is not able to adequately handle the situation, another senior staff member will be called in to assist in an expeditious resolution.
In the event, however, a pilot must be disciplined by staff member for infractions (written or unwritten), the following protocol shall obtain:
- A verbal warning – the staff member will be called into a meeting on the DiscordServer for a council session on the issue in question.
- A written warning – if the pilot refuses to take heed on the verbal warning, asenior member – i.e. the FOO and/or COO shall make written documentationand a copy shall be sent to his/her file.
iii. A termination/dismissal letter – if the member insists on maintaininginappropriate behavior, a letter of termination of employment with vOWA willbe issued and his/her account terminated immediately.
NOTE: Depending on the severity of the dismissal, the member can be permitted toreapply to the Virtual Airline after a period stipulated by the Board of Directors. Thereapplication will be at the discretion of the CEO.
3. RANK & AWARDS
All new pilots accepted into vOWA will be assigned the rank of Cadet with zero (0)hours. As the pilot flies, upgrades become available. The upgrades offer more aircraft types and routes – so keep flying!
3.1 Pilot Ranks & vPay
The airline uses virtual pay as compensation for flights flown. Table 1.1 – Pilot Rank, Pay and Equipment list
RANK vSALARY EQUIPMENT
| Rank | Salary | Allowed Aircraft |
| CADET | $100 p/hr | B738 A319 A320 A321 A21N A32N B38M A20N E170 E75L E195 B737 AT76 A318 CRJ7 CRJ9 E135 E145 E175 E190 B734 B739 CRJ2 C172 B733 DH8C |
| FIRST OFFICER | $135 p/hr | B738 A319 A320 A321 A21N A32N B38M A20N E170 E75L E195 B737 AT76 A318 CRJ7 CRJ9 E135 E145 E175 E190 B734 B739 CRJ2 C172 B733 DH8C |
| SR FIRST OFFICER | $170 p/hr | B752 A310 B763 B753 A306 (AND BELOW) |
| CAPTAIN | $225 p/hr | B788 B772 B789 A333 A332 B77W A359 A35K A350 A33F B77L B773 (AND BELOW) |
| SR CAPTAIN | $290 p/hr | B744 B748 A346 CONI (AND BELOW) |
| FLEET CAPTAIN | $365 p/hr | A388 CONC A319 A320 A332 A342 A343 A345 B748 (AND BELOW) |
| EXECUTIVE CAPTAIN | $500 p/hr | Private Jets (AND BELOW) |
3.2 Substitution of Airframes
Pilots are free to substitute aircraft types once that aircraft can safely complete the flight. Ensure you choose the new aircraft type from the drop-down box within
vmsACARS.
3.3 Pilot Awards
3.3.1 Airline Awards
Pilots are rewarded for flying at vOWA. The awards are displayed on the pilot’s profile after achieving certain accomplishments. List of awards are subject to change as they come on stream at the airline.
Current list of awards includes, but is not limited to:
a) Years of Service
b) Frequent Flyer (legs)
c) Priority Miles Club
4. FLIGHT OPERATIONS
4.1 Crew Center
This tab is found on the main website and houses information specific to the logged-in pilot. It shows a few dashboards that gives an overview of the airline as well.
Once logged in a pilot can see the main dashboard, with access to book a flight, view their bookings, view their logbook, file a manual flight report (see guide on main site. It is our hope that these options will give the pilot a plethora of opportunities to avoid boredom.
In addition, you can see information on tweets by the airline, your awards and connect via our discord (see section 5.1).
4.2 Flight Planning and Scheduling
4.2.1 Flight Planning
Flights can be bidded on via the flights tab or VMSacars system. The system will make use of point-topoint flights; with the option to purchase a jump seat (see section 4.3) – of course you must have accumulated some virtual money.
Pilots are encouraged to take advantage of the pilot brief. Once you have chosenyour flight, click add to bid.
4.2.2 Scheduling
Our schedules are based on the real-world flights. From time to time, you may see some additional routes to help accommodate realism. Once these flights are added or in some cases removed, the membership will be notified.
4.3 Retro/Special Routes
There are retro routes in the schedules for some of the major carriers and legacy carriers as well.
4.4 Events and Tours
vOWA endeavors to engender a community of enthusiasts. As such, we will haveevent/group flights where we attempt to dominate different airspaces around the globe. Given that we are a one world alliance, it means we have many stations to choose from.
In addition, tours will also be available to allow you – the pilot – to visit many otherplaces that you may not normally see doing a ‘regular’ flight.
To access these, selected them from the Operations main tab and look under ‘Other Ops’. Note that pilots must sign-up for events and tour flights in order to receive credit for the flights. These flights will accumulate bonus miles as part of the reward for completion. In addition, you shall receive a picture award on your profile.
4.5 Cargo flights
Cargo flights are now incorporated in the schedules. Once you bid and fly, the different cargo flown will be moved to their destination and the fee credited to our airline. The pilot will, of course, be paid for the hours flown. Think of it as, you are hauling profitable cargo for your airline to make money. Rank equipment restrictions still apply (see section 3.1).
4.7 PIREP Acceptance
vOWA intends to foster great pilots. There is a set criterion in place for submittingPIREPs at vOWA. Please see the document ‘A Guide to PIREP Submission’ under theoperations tab on the website. Please be reminded that all manual PIREPs are subject to validation before approval. Pilots are expected to provide proof that the flight was done. There is a 24-hour grace period. If that time has passed, the PIREP will be rejected. There will be a 20% deduction from your earnings on all manual PIREPS submitted.
4.8 Hub Transfer
Under the main operations tab, pilots will find the hub transfer form. Once completed, the pilot will receive e-mail confirmation of the request, then a subsequent e-mail with either an approval or declination of request. It is recommended that you give a reason for the request to transfer.
A pilot must be employed with vOWA for a minimum of thirty (30) days before a request for hub transfer is granted. Transfers are dependent on factors such as pilot staffing and hub capacity.
Hub transfers can only be made once every six (6) months.
4.9 Online Conduct
Pilots who wish to use the VATSIM Network agree to abide by the rules set out in thisdocument and those made by VATSIM.
When flying online under the vOWA member airline callsigns, remember that yourepresent the VA. It is expected that members operate in a professional manner. Anydisruption or abuse reported by VATSIM on members of this VA will be subject todiscipline (see section 2.7).
Pilots flying on VATSIM are encouraged to use ‘virtualowa.net’ in the remarks section as a means of promoting the airline.
4.10 VMSacars
Pilots are strongly encouraged to use the software provided by the airline to recordhis/her flight. The iGlobal recording system is the accepted method of PIREP submission. Any other means will be grounds for PIREP rejection (see ‘A Guide to PIREP Submission). The download is found under the main operations tab.
5. COMMUNITY
vOWA is committed to professionalism. We also see the importance of connecting withour pilots and pilots connected with each other to share experiences, information andsolve technical issues. There are several avenues where pilots and staff may interact andcommunicate speedily.
5.1 vOWA Discord Server
vOWA has a discord server which operates 24/7. Pilots have multiple channels in whichthey may text and voice with each other for flights and simply to connect with each other.
If you do not already have the application, you may simply go to your crew center (on themain website) and click on the discord on the bottom right. It will take you to the page tocreate an account (if you do not already own one)/log-in then subsequently to the server.
Here are some gentle reminders when using the Discord:
a) refrain from using profanity
b) keep conversations mature
c) respect each other at all times
d) do not speak over someone while they are speaking. Allow them to finish theirpoint (refer to part b)
e) ensure your nickname on the server is in accordance with the VA.
As a pilot, the red text shows what your nickname should look like.
To change your nickname, ensure that you are within the vOWA server, then rightclick on your name in the list on the righthand side, then click ‘change nickname’.
Pilot: FName LName – Hub→ John Doe– VHHH
Staff: FName LName | Position→ John Doe | COO
f) there is a more exhausted list on the discord server under the text channel labelled#rules
5.3 Social Media
vOWA has accounts on various social media platforms to include FACEBOOK,TWITTER, YOUTUBE and INSTAGRAM. Pilots are encouraged to lick and subscribeas news, prizes and other information can be showcased there.
6. LEGAL INFORMATION & DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
6.1 Real-World Affiliation & Copyright
vOWA is a virtual airline and is in no way affiliated with oneworld or any other realworld counterparts.
We are not a real -world airline; all operations are nonprofit and voluntary in nature. Thecompany is not registered; it does not hire personnel for pay nor does it have physicaloffice space.
The company’s website is not for commercial gain as the company generates no revenue.
The public can access the website however, the website does not allow for commercialactivity such as booking of tickets or purchase of tickets. This is to ensure that the publicdoes not confused vOWA with any of the real-world partners or counterparts.
vOWA exists for the sole purpose of providing an enjoyable, realistic experience to usersof Microsoft Flight Simulator Suite of games.
All materials published on the company’s website including charts, weather data, routes,aircraft etc., are used to enhance the virtual airlines experience only and are not to beused for real-world aviation.
All photos, logos and trademarks – if any – on the vOWA website and in all vOWAmanuals remain the property of their respective owners.
