PILOT HANDBOOK Skyward Air Virtual \| Commercial Passenger Operations PHB-001 \| Version 1.0 \| 2026
Commercial Passenger Full-service scheduled airline operations across a global route network.	All Simulator Platforms MSFS 2020/2024 \| X-Plane 12 \| Prepar3D v5/v6 \| Other platforms welcome.	Online Networks VATSIM & IVAO — both fully supported. Offline operations also welcome.

Welcome Aboard, Captain

	WELCOME: Congratulations on joining Skyward Air Virtual — one of the world's premier commercial passenger virtual airlines. From your first regional hop in the E175 to commanding a 777-300ER across the Pacific, your journey starts here. This handbook is your complete guide to flying, progressing, and thriving in our community.

Skyward Air Virtual (SAV) replicates the experience of a real-world scheduled airline. We operate a diverse fleet of modern commercial passenger aircraft on an expanding global route network, with full support for every major simulator platform and both major online ATC networks — VATSIM and IVAO.

This handbook covers everything you need from your first day to Check Airman rank. Keep it as a reference — you will find yourself coming back to it throughout your SAV career.

Our Airline	Our Platforms	Our Networks
Commercial passenger scheduled services on a global network, to the highest standards of virtual airline professionalism.	MSFS 2020/2024, X-Plane 12, Prepar3D v5/v6, and other platforms. No pilot is excluded based on their simulator choice.	Full support for VATSIM and IVAO. Offline flying is equally valid. Online flying is encouraged but never mandatory.

Chapter 1: Getting Started

1.1 What You Need

Before your first SAV flight, make sure you have the following ready:

A supported flight simulator (MSFS 2020/2024, X-Plane 12, Prepar3D v5/v6, or equivalent)
A registered and verified SAV pilot account — see Section 1.2
The SAV ACARS tracking client installed and connected to your simulator
An aircraft add-on suitable for your first route (freeware options are perfectly acceptable)
If flying online: a VATSIM or IVAO account, applicable pilot rating, and network client (vPilot / xPilot / X-IvAp)

1.2 Registering Your Account

1	Visit the SAV Pilot Portal • Go to https://crew.skywardair.xyz/ and click 'Register' • Fill in your display name, email address, home hub preference, and primary simulator platform

2	Accept the Rules & Handbook • Read and accept the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP-001) and this Pilot Handbook • These agreements are legally binding within the VA community

3	Verify Your Email • Check your inbox for the SAV confirmation email • Click the verification link — your account is now active

4	Install the ACARS Client • Download the SAV ACARS client from the portal's Downloads section • Install, launch, and log in with your SAV credentials • In Settings, point the client to your simulator's executable file • Green status light = ready to track flights automatically

5	Fly Your First Flight — Your Way • Pick any aircraft you enjoy and any route that interests you — there are no restrictions • Submit your PIREP via ACARS or the manual form — that is your orientation flight • Once approved, your SAV Pilot ID is confirmed and you have full access to all operations

1.3 Choosing Your Home Hub

Your home hub is your base of operations within the SAV network. It determines your default scheduling preference and affects which routes appear first in your route recommendations. Hubs are located at major airports across SAV's global network. You can request a hub transfer via the portal after 90 days.

	TIP: Pick a hub in your own time zone — it makes it much easier to find other SAV pilots online and to join events without unusual hours.

Chapter 2: Your Simulator Platform

2.1 Platform Equality Policy

SAV is proud to be a multi-platform virtual airline. Every pilot, regardless of simulator choice, receives full and equal credit for flights in the SAV logbook. There are no platform-exclusive routes, rank restrictions, or award categories. The SAV ACARS client supports all major platforms.

2.2 Recommended Aircraft Add-Ons by Platform

Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS 2020 & 2024)

Aircraft	Add-On	Cost	Notes
Airbus A320neo	FlyByWire A32NX	Free	Industry benchmark; exceptional systems depth
Airbus A220-300	Microsoft/Asobo default or payware	Varies	Check pilot resources for recommended options
Boeing 737-800	PMDG 737-800	Payware	Premium accuracy; full FMC, systems simulation
Boeing 787-9	Microsoft default / Salty 74S for 747	Free/Payware	Payware options offer deeper systems
Embraer E175	Embraer E170/175 by X-Works	Payware	Excellent regional jet; great for training

X-Plane 12

Aircraft	Add-On	Cost	Notes
Airbus A320neo	Toliss A321neo (covers A320 family)	Payware	Top-tier systems fidelity
Boeing 737-800	ZIBO 738 (modified default)	Free	Community legend; very capable
Boeing 787-9	FlightFactor 787 (v2)	Payware	Full EFIS, good for long-haul training
Embraer E175	X-Crafts E175	Payware	Solid regional; ACARS compatible

Prepar3D v5 / v6

Aircraft	Add-On	Cost	Notes
Boeing 737-800	PMDG 737NGXu	Payware	P3D gold standard
Boeing 777-300ER	PMDG 777	Payware	Exceptional heavy jet simulation
Airbus A320 family	Aerosoft A320 Professional	Payware	User-friendly; good for progression
Embraer 175	Aerosoft E-Jets	Payware	Good regional option for P3D

	NOTE: You do not need to own a payware add-on to fly with SAV. High-quality freeware is entirely valid. The recommendations above are simply community-tested options known to work well with the SAV ACARS client.

Chapter 3: Your First Flight — Step by Step

3.1 Selecting a Route

Log in to the Pilot Portal and open the Route Map. At Skyward Air Virtual, there are no restrictions on your first flight — pick any aircraft in our fleet and any route on the network that appeals to you. Not sure where to start? Here are a few suggestions to make your first experience enjoyable:

A route from your home hub so you are already familiar with the departure airport
Daytime departure if you are less familiar with instrument procedures — less workload to start
Any aircraft in the fleet that you enjoy flying — there are no restrictions

3.2 Generating Your Flight Plan

SAV recommends using SimBrief (simbrief.com) to generate a professional Operational Flight Plan (OFP) for every flight. SimBrief is free and produces realistic fuel calculations, route data, and weather. Set your airline ICAO code to 'SYW' in your SimBrief profile.

Log in to SimBrief and click 'New Flight'
Enter your departure (ORIG), destination (DEST), and alternate (ALTN) ICAOs
Select your aircraft type from the list
Set payload: use a realistic passenger load (e.g., 75–85% for typical routes)
Click 'Generate OFP' — review the fuel figures and route
Export the flight plan to your simulator's format using the SimBrief Downloader or Navigraph SimLink

3.3 Pre-Flight Checks

Before Launching the Simulator

METAR checked for departure and destination (aviationweather.gov or Navigraph Charts)
OFP printed or saved — fuel figures, route, alternates reviewed
SAV ACARS client launched and showing green (connected) status
If flying online: VATSIM/IVAO client ready; pilot rating verified for planned airspace

In the Cockpit — Preflight Flow

Power up aircraft per the type-specific Normal Checklist (available in Pilot Resources)
Load SimBrief OFP into FMC/FMS — route, cost index, cruise altitude, alternates
Set fuel to OFP planned fuel load (do not over-fuel)
Set passenger/cargo load per SimBrief OFP figures
Obtain ATIS; set altimeter QNH
Request IFR clearance from ATC (VATSIM/IVAO preferred; UNICOM if no ATC online; offline ATC in rare circumstances)
Complete Before-Start checklist items

3.4 Departure

Request pushback and startup when ready
Complete After-Start and Before-Taxi checklists
Request taxi clearance; follow airport diagram to assigned runway
Line up, complete Before-Takeoff checklist: flaps set, trim, flight controls free, transponder ALT mode
When cleared: advance thrust, call out V1 / Vr / V2 at appropriate speeds
Rotate smoothly at Vr; establish positive climb rate; call 'Gear Up'
Follow SID or radar vectors; comply with all speed and altitude restrictions

3.5 Cruise

Climb to filed cruise altitude; engage VNAV/autothrottle as appropriate for the aircraft
Monitor fuel burn every 30 minutes — compare actual vs. OFP planned figures
Obtain destination ATIS approximately 150 nm or 20 min before top of descent
Brief the arrival: STAR, approach type, runway, missed approach, minimums
Calculate top of descent (TOD) using the FMC, or rule of thumb: 3 x altitude (in thousands of feet) = distance in nm

3.6 Descent, Approach & Landing

Begin descent at calculated TOD; comply with all STAR speed and altitude restrictions
Obtain landing clearance and runway confirmation
Configure aircraft on downwind/base: reduce speed, extend flaps progressively
Establish on ILS/approach; gear down by 8 nm from threshold
By stabilization gate (1,000 ft AGL IMC / 500 ft AGL VMC): on speed, on path, configured, stable thrust
If not stabilized — go around immediately; no exceptions
Touchdown in the touchdown zone; apply reverse thrust and brakes smoothly
Vacate runway promptly; contact Ground for taxi to gate

	STABILIZED APPROACH: This is non-negotiable. A stabilized approach saves real lives — and in the sim it builds the habits that matter. If you are not stable at the gate, go around. A go-around is a professional maneuver, not a failure.

3.7 Post-Flight & PIREP Submission

Complete shutdown checklist; all engines and APU off at gate
In the SAV ACARS client, click 'Complete Flight' — review the auto-filled PIREP data
Confirm: departure/destination, aircraft type, flight time, fuel used, and landing rate
Add comments for any notable events (diversions, holds, go-arounds)
Click 'Submit PIREP' — your hours are added to your logbook upon approval
ACARS PIREPs are auto-approved; manual PIREPs are reviewed within 24 hours

Chapter 4: Flying Online — VATSIM & IVAO

4.1 Why Fly Online?

Flying on VATSIM or IVAO transforms your simulation experience. Real human controllers manage real-time airspace, giving you authentic clearances, holds, traffic conflicts, and the full satisfaction of professional radio communication. SAV strongly encourages online flying — some awards and recognition are specifically linked to online hours.

That said, online flying is never mandatory. Every flight on any platform, online or offline, counts equally toward your rank progression.

4.2 Getting Set Up on Each Network

VATSIM

Register at vatsim.net — a free account takes about 5 minutes
Complete the VATSIM Basic Pilot Training (P1 rating) — required to fly on the network
Download vPilot (Windows/MSFS/P3D) or xPilot (X-Plane) from vatsim.net
Add your VATSIM CID to your SAV pilot profile for cross-referencing

IVAO

Register at ivao.aero — free account
Complete the IVAO Basic Pilot Training (PPL) before flying
Download IvAp (P3D) or X-IvAp (X-Plane) or the MSFS connector from ivao.aero
Add your IVAO VID to your SAV pilot profile

	TIP: Both VATSIM and IVAO have excellent training programs that will make you a significantly better simmer, even if you fly offline most of the time. The phraseology and procedure knowledge carries over to offline ATC interaction too.

4.3 Connecting and Flying

Open your network client (vPilot, xPilot, IvAp, etc.)
Log in with your network credentials
Set callsign to SAV format: SYW + flight number (e.g., SYW1101)
Select aircraft type (ICAO type designator, e.g., A320, B738, B789)
File your IFR flight plan through the client or network website before connecting
Connect to the network; confirm text and voice communication functional
Contact Delivery or Ground with your startup/pushback request

4.4 Radio Communication Guide

Clear, professional radio communication is a core SAV skill. The standard format for any transmission is: Who you're calling + Who you are + Where you are + What you want.

Standard Call Examples

Phase	Example Transmission
IFR Clearance	"London Heathrow Delivery, SKY AIR ONE ONE ZERO ONE, gate T5-B32, A320, request IFR clearance to Amsterdam Schiphol, information Delta."
Pushback & Start	"Heathrow Ground, SKY AIR ONE ONE ZERO ONE, gate T5-B32, request pushback and startup."
Taxi	"Heathrow Ground, SKY AIR ONE ONE ZERO ONE, information Delta, request taxi."
Takeoff	"Heathrow Tower, SKY AIR ONE ONE ZERO ONE, holding short Runway 27L, ready for departure."
Descent Check-in	"Amsterdam Approach, SKY AIR ONE ONE ZERO ONE, descending FL180, information Golf."
Approach	"Schiphol Tower, SKY AIR ONE ONE ZERO ONE, established ILS Runway 18R."
Vacating	"Schiphol Ground, SKY AIR ONE ONE ZERO ONE, vacated Runway 18R, request taxi to gate."

4.5 Handling Difficult Situations

Even experienced pilots encounter situations on the network that require good judgment. Here is how SAV pilots are expected to handle common scenarios:

Cannot comply with a clearance: "Unable [instruction], request [alternative]." — never simply ignore it
Missed a readback or callsign: Listen for the controller to repeat; if silence, call "[Callsign], say again."
Lost comms: Squawk 7600; try the last frequency, guard frequency 121.5, and text the controller
In-flight emergency: Squawk 7700; transmit "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, [callsign], [nature of emergency], [intentions]"
Controller offline / freq change: Monitor 122.800 (VATSIM UNICOM) or 122.800 (IVAO UNICOM) and self-announce

Chapter 5: PIREPs, Logbook & Awards

5.1 How the ACARS System Works

When the SAV ACARS client is running and connected to your simulator, it automatically captures your entire flight from the moment you release the parking brake to the moment you set it at the destination gate. At the end of your flight, you review a pre-filled PIREP and submit it with one click.

The ACARS system captures: departure and destination airports, block times, airborne times, fuel loaded and consumed, maximum altitude, route flown, and your touchdown landing rate. All of this is stored in your permanent SAV logbook.

5.2 Manual PIREP Reference

If the ACARS client is unavailable, submit via the portal's Manual PIREP form. Complete every field accurately:

Field	Required	Details
Pilot ID	Yes	Your SAV ID — e.g., SAV0042
Flight Number	Yes	SAV route or SYW + number (e.g., SYW1101)
Departure Airport	Yes	4-letter ICAO code (e.g., EGLL)
Destination Airport	Yes	4-letter ICAO code (e.g., EHAM)
Alternate Airport	Recommended	ICAO of planned alternate
Aircraft Type	Yes	Type flown (e.g., A320neo, B738)
Simulator Platform	Yes	MSFS 2024, X-Plane 12, P3D v6, etc.
Online Network	Yes	VATSIM / IVAO / Offline
Departure Time (UTC)	Yes	Block-off time in HH:MM Zulu format
Arrival Time (UTC)	Yes	Block-on time in HH:MM Zulu format
Flight Time	Yes	Airborne gate-to-gate (HH:MM)
Fuel Used	Yes	Total fuel consumed (lbs or kg)
Landing Rate	Yes	Touchdown rate ft/min (estimate if unknown)
Route Flown	Yes	SID, airways, STAR as filed or actual
Comments	Optional	Diversions, holds, go-arounds, notable events

5.3 Awards & Recognition

SAV's award system celebrates pilot milestones and exceptional contributions to the community. Awards appear as badges on your public pilot profile.

Award	Criterion
First Flight	Complete your SAV orientation flight
Century Wings	Log 100 cumulative flight hours with SAV
500 Hour Bar	Log 500 cumulative flight hours
Globe Trotter	Log at least one flight on each of five continents
Ironbird	Complete a single flight of 12 hours or more
Smooth Operator	Land 10 consecutive flights at -200 ft/min or better
VATSIM Wings	Log 25 flights while connected to VATSIM
IVAO Wings	Log 25 flights while connected to IVAO
Dual Network Pilot	Earn both VATSIM Wings and IVAO Wings
All-Platform Ace	Log flights on three different simulator platforms
Community Mentor	Complete the SAV Mentorship Program as a mentor
Community Builder	Successfully refer 5 new pilots who complete orientation
Perfect Attendance	Log at least one flight in every calendar month for a full year

Chapter 6: Rank, Training & Type Ratings

6.1 Your Progression Path

Your SAV rank is automatically updated by the system whenever you cross a flight-hour threshold. Ranks unlock access to heavier and longer-range aircraft, and open doors to leadership and training roles within the VA.

Rank	Hours Required	Aircraft Access	What Opens Up
Student Pilot	0 – 10	Full Fleet	Fly any aircraft and any route from day one
Second Officer	11 – 50	Full Fleet	Growing experience; community recognition
First Officer	51 – 200	Full Fleet	Long-haul international routes
Senior First Officer	201 – 500	Full Fleet	Hub support eligibility; charter co-pilot
Captain	501 – 1,000	Full Fleet	Charter flight requests; mentor eligibility; staff applications
Senior Captain	1,001 – 2,500	Full Fleet	Training authority; special event leadership; policy input
Check Airman	2,501+	Full Fleet	Type rating examination; orientation reviews; executive team eligibility

6.2 Orientation Flight Details

Your orientation flight at Skyward Air Virtual is refreshingly simple — it is just your first flight. There is no assigned aircraft, no mandatory route, no minimum duration, and no examiner watching over your shoulder. Pick the plane you want to fly, pick a route that excites you, meet the standard realism requirements, and submit your PIREP.

Once that first PIREP is approved, your Pilot ID is confirmed and you have unrestricted access to the full SAV operation. We want you in the air as fast as possible — the community and the experience will do the rest.

	REMEMBER: You do not need to be perfect on your first flight. Nobody is. SAV is here to help you grow as a pilot, and that journey starts the moment you submit your first PIREP.

6.3 Type Rating Program

The SAV Type Rating is a voluntary program that demonstrates your formal proficiency on a specific aircraft. Completing a type rating earns a badge on your pilot profile and is recognized in the community as a mark of expertise.

Check Flight Requirements

A type rating check flight must be submitted as a video or screen-recorded flight to a Check Airman for evaluation. The check flight must include:

Normal departure with full checklist usage and FMC-managed SID departure
Cruise segment demonstrating VNAV/autothrottle management and fuel monitoring
Instrument approach to published minimums (ILS Cat I minimum or lower preferred)
A missed approach executed from decision height / minimum descent altitude
Return for a second approach and full-stop landing

The Check Airman will assess: systems knowledge, checklist discipline, normal and abnormal procedures, communication, and airmanship. Results are communicated within 7 days of submission.

6.4 Mentorship Program

New SAV pilots (Student Pilot through First Officer) can request a personal mentor through the #mentorship channel on Discord. Mentors are Senior First Officers and above who volunteer to help newer pilots with route planning, aircraft systems, network flying, and general guidance. To request a mentor, post your rank, platform, and any specific areas you'd like help with.

Chapter 7: Resources & Tools

7.1 Essential Tools for SAV Pilots

Tool	Platform	Cost	Purpose
SAV ACARS Client	All platforms	Free (SAV)	Automatic PIREP tracking and submission
SimBrief	Web / all sim	Free	Professional OFP, fuel planning, route generation
Navigraph Charts	Web / app	Subscription	Current Jeppesen charts for all airports worldwide
Little Navmap	All simulators	Free	Moving map, flight planning, weather overlay
SkyVector	Web	Free	VFR/IFR en-route charts, flight plan filing
NOAA Aviation Weather	Web	Free	METAR, TAF, SIGMETs, PIREPs, AIRMETs
Flightradar24 / FlightAware	Web	Free tier	Real-world route reference and schedule lookup
vPilot	MSFS / P3D	Free	VATSIM pilot client (Windows)
xPilot	X-Plane	Free	VATSIM pilot client (X-Plane)
X-IvAp	X-Plane	Free	IVAO pilot client (X-Plane)
IvAp	P3D	Free	IVAO pilot client (Prepar3D)

7.2 SAV Pilot Portal — Key Sections

Dashboard: Flight stats, recent PIREPs, rank progress bar, upcoming events
Logbook: Full approved PIREP history, hours breakdown by aircraft and route
Route Map: Interactive global network map with filters by aircraft, duration, and hub
Fleet & Resources: Type pages with checklists, performance tables, and add-on recommendations
Awards: Earned awards and progress toward upcoming milestones
NOTAM Board: Temporary route changes, event announcements, and operational notices
Staff Directory: Contact details for all SAV staff members

7.3 Getting Help

Discord #help-desk: Fastest response — monitored by staff and senior pilots around the clock
Discord #pirep-support: For PIREP questions, discrepancies, or manual PIREP submissions
Discord #atc-training: Tips and resources for VATSIM/IVAO phraseology and procedures
Portal Support Ticket: For formal account issues, appeal submissions, or data corrections

	REMEMBER: There are no silly questions in aviation. Every Check Airman and Senior Captain in SAV was once a Student Pilot. The community is here to help you grow — use it freely.

Chapter 8: Quick Reference

New Pilot Quick-Start Checklist

Step	Action	Status
1	Register at the SAV Pilot Portal and verify your email	[ ] Done
2	Read and accept the SOP (SOP-001) and Pilot Handbook (PHB-001)	[ ] Done
3	Download and configure the SAV ACARS client	[ ] Done
4	Join the SAV Discord server	[ ] Done
5	Register on VATSIM (vatsim.net) and/or IVAO (ivao.aero) — recommended	[ ] Done
6	Install network pilot client (vPilot / xPilot / IvAp)	[ ] Done
7	Pick any aircraft and route you like — fly your first flight	[ ] Done
8	Submit your PIREP via ACARS or the manual form to receive your SAV Pilot ID	[ ] Done
9	Receive your SAV Pilot ID and First Flight Award	[ ] Done
10	Begin logging flights toward Second Officer rank (10 hours)!	[ ] In Progress

Key Aviation Abbreviations

Term	Meaning
ACARS	Aircraft Communications Addressing & Reporting System — SAV's flight tracking client
AGL	Above Ground Level — altitude measured from the ground directly beneath the aircraft
ATIS	Automatic Terminal Information Service — recorded airport weather/NOTAM broadcast
FAF	Final Approach Fix — point where the instrument approach officially begins
FMC / FMS	Flight Management Computer / System — the aircraft's onboard navigation computer
IMC / VMC	Instrument / Visual Meteorological Conditions — determines applicable flight rules
ILS	Instrument Landing System — precision approach guidance (localizer + glideslope)
LOA	Leave of Absence — formal request to pause activity requirements
METAR	Meteorological Aerodrome Report — current observed weather at an airport
NOTAMs	Notices to Airmen — temporary operational information about airspace, airports, aids
OFP	Operational Flight Plan — dispatcher-generated plan with route, fuel, weather, and W&B
PIREP	Pilot Report — official record of a completed SAV flight
QNH	Local altimeter setting (hectopascals or inches Hg) — sets altimeter to field elevation
SID / STAR	Standard Instrument Departure / Arrival — published ATC procedures
SELCAL	Selective Calling — system allowing ATC to alert a specific aircraft on HF radio
TAF	Terminal Aerodrome Forecast — weather forecast for an airport (typically 24–30 hrs)
TOD	Top of Descent — point where descent from cruise altitude begins
UTC / Zulu	Universal Coordinated Time — global aviation standard; same as GMT/Z
V1	Decision speed — above V1, continue the takeoff even with an engine failure
Vr	Rotate speed — speed at which to begin the takeoff rotation
Vref	Reference approach speed — base target speed for the approach and landing

Clear skies and tailwinds from everyone at Skyward Air Virtual.

— End of Pilot Handbook — PHB-001 v1.0 —

Table of Contents