Pilot handbook

Document Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedures manual outlines our operational procedures, expectations, and standards as approved by Senior Staff. It serves to:

• Establish clear operational guidelines for all members
• Maintain professional standards across the organization
• Provide comprehensive guidance for new and experienced pilots
• Ensure consistent and realistic flight operations

Scope of Application

This SOP applies to:

• All NGS Virtual pilots (active and inactive)
• All staff members and administrators
• All flight operations conducted under the NGS callsign
• All activities on NGS platforms (website, Discord, etc.)

Welcome to NGS Virtual! We are a passionate community of flight simulation enthusiasts united by our shared love for aviation.

Established on April 22, 2022 with the goal of creating an inclusive and immersive environment for all skill levels, we strive to offer our pilots the best possible virtual flying experience.

Our Mission

To provide an inclusive, realistic, and engaging virtual airline experience that brings together flight simulation enthusiasts of all skill levels in a professional and supportive environment.

What We Offer

Airline Identification

Senior Staff

Staff

Crew Base Managers

Honorary Members (Retired Staff)

NGS Teams

Who to Contact

Reach out directly to the team or person best suited for your needs:

• Flight Operations & Training - Chief Pilot or Training Team
• Events & Group Flights - Events Team
• Recruitment & New Members - Membership Team
• Media & Content - Media Team
• Technical Issues & Website - Staff or Discord support
• Account Problems - COO or CEO
• General Questions - Any staff member or Discord community

For urgent matters or if you're unsure who to contact, reach out via Discord for the fastest response.

2.1.1 Technical Requirements

To join and maintain membership with NGS Virtual, all pilots must possess:

• A legal copy of one of the following flight simulators:
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator (FS2004, FSX, 2020, or 2024)
  • Prepar3D (any version)
  • X-Plane 11 or 12
• A stable internet connection capable of downloading flight data
• vmsACARS flight tracking software (provided by NGS)

2.1.2 Membership Requirements

• Minimum age of 13 years
• Valid email address maintained on file
• Active VATSIM account (www.vatsim.net) - Strongly Recommended
• Agreement to abide by Activity Requirements (Section 4.2)
• Agreement to Code of Conduct (Section 4.1)

2.2.1 Flight Tracking Software

NGS Virtual uses vmsACARS to automatically track and record your flights. This software is compatible with all supported simulators.

2.2.2 Aircraft Liveries (Optional but Recommended)

While optional, liveries greatly enhance immersion. All NGS liveries are available on Flightsim.to.

NGS Virtual offers customers the utmost in comfort, technology, and innovation across our diverse fleet.

Every flight with NGS Virtual follows these three phases:

NGS Virtual offers three distinct types of flights to accommodate different flying preferences and experience levels:

SimBrief integration is built directly into the NGS Virtual flight dispatch system.

3.2.1 Departure Time & Format

• Off Block Time: Set your scheduled pushback time (Zulu/UTC format)
• OFP Format: "LIDO" format recommended for beginners
• Use refresh icon to set time to current + 35 minutes

3.2.2 Flight Information

• Flight Number: Enter 0-9999 (your choice for charter flights)
• Origin: Departure airport ICAO code (e.g., KJFK)
• Destination: Arrival airport ICAO code (e.g., KLAX)
• Alternate: Optional - SimBrief auto-selects if left empty

3.2.3 Aircraft Selection

• Enter the ICAO type designator (e.g., A320, B738)
• Find designators on the Fleet page
• Registration format: N + 1-5 alphanumeric characters
• Select airframe for accurate performance data

3.2.4 Payload Configuration

• Passengers: Number of passengers (auto-calculated if omitted)
• Cargo: Weight in thousands of pounds (e.g., 3.47 = 3,470 lbs)
• Reserve Fuel: AUTO mode (45 min for props, 30 min for jets)

3.2.5 Navigation & Routing

SimBrief automatically determines optimal route, runways, and altitude. Override if needed:

• Route: Waypoints, STARs, SIDs, Airways
• Cruise FL: Flight level (e.g., 340 = 34,000 ft)

vmsACARS automatically tracks your flight and submits your PIREP upon completion.

3.3.1 Starting Your Flight

3.3.2 Completing Your Flight

Our flight tracking system (NGS ACARS) ensures realistic and professional flight operations through automated scoring. ACARS watches lights, speed, realism settings, and landing quality and deducts points when something is out of spec.

3.4.1 Scoring System

• All flights begin with a 100-point performance score
• Deductions are applied automatically when ACARS detects a rule violation (see list below)
• Flights that complete with no major violations are automatically approved
• Flights with significant deductions (fuel added in flight, slew, sim-rate changes, runway overrun, or low final score) are held for Crew Base Manager review

3.4.2 ACARS-Monitored Items & Deductions

ACARS currently checks for the following violations:

3.4.3 Operational Guidelines

• Published timetable times are local to the departure/arrival airports
• Pilots are not required to fly the exact published departure time
• Schedule adherence is encouraged but not penalized by ACARS
• Contact your Crew Base Manager with any PIREP or scoring concerns, especially if ACARS deducted something you can explain (weather, ATC, aircraft limitation, etc.)

NGS Virtual maintains a professional and respectful environment for all members through these core principles:

NGS Virtual requires minimal activity to maintain active membership status:

4.2.1 Manual PIREPs

Manual PIREPs may be submitted through the website if ACARS is unavailable. These count toward activity requirements when approved.

4.2.2 Inactivity Process

4.2.3 Reinstatement

Pilots terminated for inactivity may request reinstatement by contacting their Crew Base Manager or any Staff member to regain active status.

4.2.4 Leave of Absence (LOA)

If unable to meet activity requirements, contact your Crew Base Manager to request a Leave of Absence:

• Standard LOA: Up to 90 days
• Extended LOA: May be arranged with Senior Staff approval for extenuating circumstances
• Contact Chief Pilot if Crew Base Manager unavailable
• Activity requirements suspended during approved LOA period

Promotions at NGS Virtual are automatically awarded based on total approved flight hours:

Icon	Rank	Required Hours	Category
	Trainee Pilot	0 hours	Entry Level
	Second Officer	5 hours	Entry Level
	Third Officer	15 hours	Entry Level
	First Officer	30 hours	Mid-Level
	Senior First Officer	60 hours	Mid-Level
	Captain	100 hours	Mid-Level
	Senior Captain	150 hours	Senior Level
	Check Airman	225 hours	Senior Level
	Chief Pilot	325 hours	Executive
	Senior Chief Pilot	425 hours	Executive

4.3.1 Awards & Recognition

Pilots can earn special awards for various achievements and milestones:

NGS Staff and Senior Staff are responsible for issuing appropriate disciplinary actions for violations of this SOP manual.

4.4.1 Progressive Discipline Structure

4.4.2 Appeal Process

• Appeals may be submitted to the CEO and COO
• Appeals must be submitted within 7 days of disciplinary action
• Decision of Executive Leadership is final

4.4.3 During Suspension

Access to Operations Center, Discord, and NGS websites may be temporarily restricted during suspension periods.

NGS Virtual strongly encourages participation on VATSIM for enhanced realism in flight operations.

4.5.1 VATSIM Guidelines

• VATSIM membership required for all NGS pilots (usage optional)
• Follow all VATSIM Code of Regulations and Code of Conduct
• Remember you represent NGS Virtual when flying online
• Professional communication with ATC and other pilots mandatory
• Visit www.vatsim.net for more information

4.5.2 NGS Callsign Information

4.5.3 Flight Plan Remarks

Include the following in your VATSIM flight plan remarks section: