Welcome
What makes British Virtual Unique?
We provide a unique pilot experience by bringing together a strong, friendly community, advanced software and realistic policies and procedures. Combined, we are able to strike a balance between realism and simulation that focuses on making things as realistic as possible while making concessions for simulator limitations.
Our constant innovation is driven by monthly town hall meetings which helps us discuss the next round of features or to discuss pain points that pilots are experiencing. The result is an ever-evolving system designed with one goal: Improve the pilot experience.
What is the plan for British Virtual? Where are you headed?
Our goal is to continue growing and improving the pilot experience. British Virtual Airways is powered by iCrew 4.3, the world's most advanced pilot crew center, which is scheduled for updates every 6 calendar months. Because of this, cutting edge technology, flight simulation advancement and pilot experiences keep expanding.
Does British Virtual have an overall mission? Why was it created?
British Virtual Airways was started in an effort to create a professional, modern Virtual Airline that was realistic, while maintaining the entertainment aspect of Flight Simulation.
While we continue to improve and evolve, pushing the boundaries of what has been done by other Virtual Airlines, we hope that others will follow suit and help bring modernization to legacy Flight Sim organizations.
Flight Operations
Is there a probationary period?
Yes. New pilots are required to file their first flight within 14 days of their application being approved. Pilots who fail to complete their first flight during this probationary period will be removed from the airline roster as a result.
Which flights can I operate?
You can operate any flight in our database. There is no rank restriction based on aircraft type.
Can I fly anywhere I want, or is it limited by the schedule?
In order to replicate the operations of BAW Group as closely as possible, only flights available in the timetables are permitted to be flown. However, you can fly Charter flights by visiting our Charter Ops Center. Here, you can fly company planned charters, or create your own.
How do you determine or get the timetables? Is it always accurate?
We do our best to keep our timetables as accurate as possible. With that being said, we get our schedules from VASchedules, and we try to update them every few months, or per season for British Airways. Our OneWorld partners get updated once per year.
How many flights am I required to fly per month?
British Virtual requires you fly at least 1 flight per 30 day period. Should you fail to complete this, the system will automatically place you on a leave of absence. Only after reactivating your account, will you be able to file a PIREP.
What if I need to divert during a flight? Are diversions/emergencies allowed?
Yes, we do allow flight diversions or simulated emergencies, as long as it is documented in the flight report.
Do I need to operate flights at their real world time?
Yes. Our schedules are created using UTC time. Most simulators have an option to use UTC time within the settings. If you simulator doesn't have this option, simple math will do the trick, or visit https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/timezone/utc
Known Queries
Why was my PIREP rejected?
Your PIREP might be rejected because of a violation of Flight Operation Regulations. If you think your PIREP was rejected by mistake, contact a member of staff.
Why was my manual PIREP rejected?
Your manual PIREP may have been rejected because you surpassed your allowance of 1 manual PIREP per 30 day period. Manual PIREPs are for backup use only, like your simulator crashed, or you lost power during your flight. If you continually abuse the manual PIREP option, you may be questioned by HR as to what the problem is.
I am unable to login to file PIREPs
Yes, this is because your account was marked inactive since no activity was observed. To re-activate your account, contact your Base Manager, or HR@britishvirtualairways.co.uk or go to https://www.britishvirtualairways.co.uk/speedbird/activation.php
I made a bid, but it doesn't show up on the "My Bids" page.
Your bid will be automatically cancelled if you do not operate the flight within 48 hours from the time of bidding. However, you can re-bid the flight anytime.
Can I use any aircraft?
No, you are required to fly only with the BAW colors. If not followed, your flight report might not be accepted. We also ask that you use the aircraft assigned to that particular route. We fly the world's largest fleet, plus that of all OneWorld airlines. We hope you can find something to fly.
