01
Create your account
Sign up with your real name, email, and SimBrief username. You must be 13 or older and own at least one aircraft in the AviatesAir fleet.
Sign up →
Pilot handbook
Pilot Information
Everything you need to know to fly, progress, and contribute to AviatesAir.
Photo: Dexter Rees
Getting started
Four steps to your first flight
From registration to wheels-up in four straightforward steps.
02
Receive your ACARS key
After account verification, your unique ACARS key is issued to your pilot portal. This key links your simulator client to our flight-tracking backend.
03
Plan your flight
Use SimBrief with your registered username to generate full flight plans. File under a registered AviatesAir ICAO callsign prefix (VAV / VAC / VAH).
View callsigns →04
Log your PIREP
Complete your flight and submit a PIREP via the pilot portal within 24 hours. ACARS-tracked flights log automatically — manual PIREPs are available as a fallback.
Network structure
Three subsidiaries, one network
AviatesAir operates under three distinct banners, each with its own callsign prefix, fleet, and mission profile.
VAV
Radio telephony
AVIATESAIR
Scheduled mainline operations
AviatesAir
The core of the AviatesAir network. Covering short, medium, and long-haul scheduled routes with a mixed narrowbody and widebody fleet. The primary entry point for new pilots.
A319A320NEOA380B736B38MB739ERVAC
Radio telephony
AVIATESAIR CARGO
Long-haul freight operations
AviatesAir Sky Cargo
Dedicated freighter operations using the Boeing 777F. Sky Cargo pilots handle high-volume logistics across the network, contributing to hub capacity and VATSIM activity counts.
B77FVAH
Radio telephony
HOPPER
Regional turboprop & commuter routes
AviatesAir Cityhopper
Short-sector and regional operations serving low-demand markets and training legs. Ideal for new pilots building hours on the ATR fleet before progressing to mainline jets.
ATR72ATR 42Career progression
Pilot rank ladder
Rank is determined by logged flight hours and filed PIREPs. Flights not submitted to the portal do not count toward advancement.
Staff & Management roles
Above Senior Captain, staff positions (including Managers and Crew leads) are appointment-based and managed by the founding team. Disputes regarding rank or progression should be raised via the Support page.
Aircraft
Fleet at a glance
Nine aircraft types across three manufacturers, from regional turboprops to long-haul flagship widebodies.
Airbus
A319MainlineCompact narrowbody — short sectors and training legs
A320NEOMainlineModern, fuel-efficient short/medium-haul workhorse
A380MainlineFlagship widebody — hub-to-hub, high-capacity routes
Boeing
B736MainlineClassic narrowbody — reliable regional rotations
B38MMainlineMAX 8 — improved efficiency on busy schedules
B739ERMainlineExtended-range narrow for high-demand domestic runs
B77FCargoLong-haul freighter — Sky Cargo backbone
ATR
ATR72CityhopperRegional turboprop — excellent short-field performance
ATR 42CityhopperSmaller commuter platform — low-demand Cityhopper routes
Network flying
Flying on VATSIM
Official VA Partner
VATSIM Virtual Airline Partner
AviatesAir holds official Virtual Airline Partner (VAP) status on VATSIM — the world's largest online flight simulation network with over 100,000 members. This status means our callsigns are formally registered and our pilots fly live with real ATC worldwide.
To maintain partner status, AviatesAir must collectively log at least 50 VATSIM flights from 15 distinct pilotswithin any rolling 90-day period. Every flight you log on VATSIM directly supports the VA's standing.
VATSIM flying checklist
- Use a registered AviatesAir ICAO prefix (VAV / VAC / VAH)
- File a full flight plan before pushback
- Follow ATC instructions at all times
- Adhere to VATSIM Code of Conduct
- Submit PIREP via portal within 24 hours
- Correct cruise altitudes and realistic procedures
Joining requirements
What you need to join
AviatesAir sets a baseline standard to ensure a consistent, realistic experience across the VA.
RequirementDetail
SimulatorMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024
Fleet ownershipAt least 1 aircraft from the AviatesAir fleet
Age13 years or older at point of registration
Flight planningSimBrief account (free) — username required on signup
CallsignVAV / VAC / VAH prefix when flying on VATSIM
Flight reportsPIREP submitted within 24 hours of each flight
Community
Staying connected
AviatesAir's community is built around Discord and YouTube — events, tutorials, route launches, and group flights are all organised here.
Discord
The main hub for announcements, route launches, group flights, ATC events, and pilot support. All staff communication goes through Discord — joining is strongly recommended.
Join our Discord →YouTube
Tutorials, flight reviews, event highlights, and VA news are posted to the AviatesAir YouTube channel. A great resource for new pilots learning the ropes or picking up new routes.
Visit our channel →Staff & Support
Got a question about your account, ACARS key, rank dispute, or conduct issue? Our support page lets you reach staff directly. We aim to respond promptly on all submissions.
Contact support →Policies & SOPs
All operational standards, community conduct rules, VATSIM compliance details, and the anti-piracy policy are documented and publicly accessible. Read them before your first flight.
Read policies →Pilot experiences
What pilots say
“Best VA I've joined for realism and crew support.”
— Pilot Quote Placeholder
“From short ATR hops to long-haul ops, everything feels structured.”
— Pilot Quote Placeholder
“ACARS setup was quick and staff were very helpful.”
— Pilot Quote Placeholder