Company SOP

Applies to all VA flights and events. Captain = PF, FO = PM (or simulated single‑pilot). Event lead manages slots and briefings.

Type specifics may vary (A320 vs 737). If your aircraft FCOM/FCTM differs, follow the aircraft manual.

1. Applicability & Roles

Safety and realism first; courtesy on voice/text networks (VATSIM/IVAO/PilotEdge).
PF flies the airplane and calls for checklists; PM runs flows, radios, and monitors.
Single‑pilot: verbalize key callouts to reinforce discipline.

2. Dispatch & Planning

Select routes from Routes or reasonable alternatives. Prefer published SIDs/STARs; avoid unrealistic shortcuts over restricted airspace.
Use SimBrief for OFP, fuel, alternates, weights. Match the airframe profile and cost index from the fleet page.
Brief threats, NOTAMs, SID/STAR, MEL/CDL items before pushback. Define a no‑go weather/NOTAM line for departure and destination.

Brief format: WX → NOTAMs → Runways → SID/Route → Cruise → STAR/Approach → Threats/Mitigation → Taxi hotspots.

3. Performance & Fuel

Fuel policy: Trip + Contingency (≥5% or as OFP) + Alternate + Final Reserve + Taxi + Extra (WX/ATC/MEL).
Takeoff thrust: Flex/derate when performance allows. Use TOGA for windshear, performance‑limited, or wet/contaminated runways.
Landing weight: If predicted > MLW, plan hold/burn, alternate, or delay.

Condition	Action
Contaminated RWY	Use TOGA, review stopping data, consider higher autobrake, and anti‑ice ON.
High OAT/High Field Elev	Expect longer T/O distance; review obstacle/mass limits; consider reduced payload or earlier departure time.
Crosswind near limit	Use full‑flap landing if recommended; use manual braking after autobrake disarm if needed for control.

4. Weather & Alternates

Check METAR/TAF, winds, QNH, icing/TS risk. Verify crosswind vs aircraft limits.
Alternate required if destination forecast below minima or single suitable runway with risk factors (TS, braking action NIL/POOR, etc.).
Prefer alternates with multiple precision approaches, adequate fuel, and open hours.

5. ATC & Comms

Follow VATSIM/IVAO/PilotEdge standards. Use Discord only for company chatter. Lost comms = squawk 7600 and comply with last clearance.

Situation	Phraseology
Push/Start	`Wheels Seven Three Five, request push and start, information Alpha.`
Taxi	`Wheels Seven Three Five, taxi to Runway 31L via A, hold short 31L.`
Departure	`Wheels Seven Three Five, ready for departure, Runway 31L.`
CTAF/UNICOM	`Hobby traffic, Wheels 735, 10 miles north, ILS 13R, full stop.`

IFR lost comms (sim‑standard): Route = highest of Assigned / Expected / Filed. Altitude = highest of Assigned / Expected / MEA. Proceed to clearance limit, hold, and time an approach at EFC or ETA.

6. Flows & Callouts

Use flows to set the aircraft, then run the checklist. Callouts below are type‑agnostic; follow your aircraft’s exact wording where provided.

Phase	Core Flow Items	Key Callouts
Before Start	Doors, beacon, fuel pumps, seatbelts, hydraulics, pushback clearance, transponder STBY/TA‑RA as req.	“Beacon on” • “Push approved”
After Start	Gens on, anti‑ice as req, flaps per perf, flight controls check, taxi brief.	“Flaps ___ set” • “Controls free and correct”
Before Takeoff	Cabin ready, takeoff data set, TCAS TA/RA, lights on, runway verified.	“Runway ___ verified”
Takeoff	Thrust set, track centerline, rotate at V1/VR.	“80 knots” • “V1” • “Rotate” • “Positive rate, gear up”
After Takeoff/Climb	Climb power set, flaps up on schedule, climb checklist.	“Climb thrust set” • “Flaps up, after‑takeoff checklist complete”
Cruise	Fuel/time check, step climb as planned, systems scan.	—
Descent	ATIS, minima set, arrival brief, belts on.	“Approach brief complete”
Approach	LOC/GS capture, landing config per schedule, checklist.	“Localizer alive” • “Glide slope alive” • “1000 stabilized” • “Minimums”
Landing	Reverse as briefed, decel monitoring, vacate when safe.	“Spoilers” • “Reverse green” • “70 knots”
After Landing	Strobes off, APU as required, flaps up, taxi‑in checklist.	—
Shutdown	Parking brake, beacon off after spool down, IRS as req, PIREP complete.	—

7. Ground Operations

During refuel, boarding may continue per station rules; seatbelts unfastened until refueling complete.
Verify ramp is clear before engine start. If any doubt, STOP and reassess.
Pushback: beacon on, chocks out, brakes released on command only.

8. Pushback & Taxi

Taxi ≤ 20 kt straight / ≤ 10 kt in turns; brief hotspots; read back all hold short instructions.
Cross runways only with explicit clearance; sterile cockpit during taxi.
Control check only when safe and straight; otherwise complete at gate.

9. Takeoff & Initial Climb

Verify runway, initial altitude, and SID. Use flex/derate when appropriate.
Noise abatement per SID; follow initial headings/altitude restrictions.
At 400–1000 ft AGL: LNAV/VNAV as cleared; accelerate/clean up per schedule.

10. Climb

Climb power set; monitor EGT and fuel flow; manage engine anti‑ice as required.
Request step climbs when reaching optimum; monitor terrain and MSA.

11. Cruise

Systems scan every 15–20 minutes; compare fuel/time vs OFP; update ETA.
Deviations for weather coordinated with ATC; on UNICOM, broadcast intentions concisely.

12. Descent

At TOD: fuel check versus OFP; consider extra track miles if heavy/fast.
Copy ATIS/ASOS; set QNH; confirm approaches in use and braking action.
Brief approach & missed; compute Vapp, autobrake, and landing distance.
Insert STAR & constraints; cross‑check altitude windows.
Cabin ready call prior to final approach.

13. Approach (Stabilized)

Stable by 1000 ft AGL IMC / 500 ft AGL VMC: on profile, correct speed (±10 kt), landing config, checklist complete.
Go‑around if unstable or below minima without required visual reference.

14. Landing & Rollout

Autobrake as briefed; reverse thrust per SOP and runway conditions.
Maintain centerline; vacate when safe; do not stop on runway unless instructed or emergency.
Strobe OFF clear of runway; APU as required for gate/stand.

15. After Landing & Shutdown

Cleanup: flaps up, spoilers disarmed, lights set; taxi‑in checklist.
At stand: brake set/chocks in, seatbelt OFF, beacon OFF after spool‑down.
File PIREP with route, fuel, network, and any abnormals/pauses noted.

16. Abnormals & Emergencies

Use manufacturer QRH first; our VA QRH mirrors those flows. Priorities: Aviate → Navigate → Communicate. Divert early if needed.

Rejected Takeoff Engine Failure Smoke/Fumes Fire Electrical

17. VA Rules (PIREP & Sim Rate)

Full gate‑to‑gate flights only. No slew/teleport. No time acceleration.
Pauses allowed; note significant pauses in PIREP remarks.
Landings ≥ −600 fpm flagged for review; repeated exceedances may impact rank.

18. Low‑Visibility Operations (LVO)

Use published chart minima. Do not commence an approach below published minima. Plan an alternate if destination forecast is below landing minima at ETA.
Taxi in low vis: follow airport SMGCS/low‑vis taxi charts when provided; use progressive taxi if available; reduce taxi speed.
Autoland only when permitted by aircraft type and runway facilities. Otherwise plan a divert if conditions are below manual landing capability.
Brief missed approach & lighting (ALS/TDZ/CL) requirements; ensure RVR reporting is available.

19. De/Anti‑Icing

Required when frost, ice, or snow is present or anticipated on critical surfaces. Verify clean‑wing before takeoff.
Fluids: Type I (de‑icing, short HOT) and Type IV (anti‑icing, longer HOT). In sim, apply realistic delays and reassess holdover time if precipitation continues.
Use takeoff settings appropriate for contaminated conditions; consider TOGA and longer distance.
Anti‑ice systems per AFM/FCOM; expect reduced climb performance.

20. Contaminated Runway & Braking Action

Review NOTAM/ATIS for runway condition codes (e.g., 3/3/3) or braking action reports. If braking reported POOR/NIL, delay or divert.
Plan higher autobrake, avoid reverse idle only; select TOGA for takeoff and compute conservative performance.
Expect longer stopping distances; vacate runway only when controllability assured.

21. Wind & Crosswind Limits (VA Policy)

Condition	Max Crosswind (kts)	Notes
Dry runway	25	Unless aircraft type documentation allows higher.
Wet runway	20	Reduce for gusty/variable winds.
Contaminated	15	Consider delaying or using longest runway available.
Tailwind (TO/LDG)	10	Avoid tailwinds where practical.

22. Standard Brief Templates

Departure Brief (PF)

WX/NOTAM • Runway • SID • Initial Alt/HDG • Engine‑out procedure • Threats (hotspots, terrain, TS) • RTO policy.

Approach Brief (PF)

Runway/Approach • Minima • Final App Speed/Config • Autobrake • Missed • Taxi‑in • Threats.

23. Threat & Error Management (TEM) / Sterile Cockpit

Sterile cockpit: pushback to 10,000 ft and from TOD to vacating runway. Non‑essential conversation prohibited.
Use red flags (time pressure, fatigue, unfamiliar airport) to trigger slower pace and checklist cross‑verification.
Any SOP deviation must be briefed and agreed in advance.

24. Group Flights & Events

Event lead assigns callsigns/slots, publishes route, EOBT, and comms plan.
On VATSIM/IVAO, avoid frequency congestion: acknowledge with brevity; use text only if voice is saturated.
Hold‑short spacing: never enter runway without explicit clearance.

25. PIREP Grading & Appeals

Metric	Guideline	Notes
Landing Rate	≥ −600 fpm flagged	Pattern of exceedances may affect rank.
Sim Rate	1x only	Time accel not permitted.
Taxi	≤ 20 kt straight / ≤ 10 kt turns	Excessive speed subject to review.

Appeals: submit screenshot/log and brief explanation to staff within 7 days.

26. MEL/CDL & Defect Reporting (Sim)

If sim addon models MEL/CDL items, follow its limitations. Otherwise treat inoperative items as not authorized for dispatch unless realistically deferred.
Document any simulated defects or realism compromises in PIREP remarks.

Version 1.2 • Updated 2025‑09‑09