Standard Operating Procedures

Introduction

Welcome to Trans International Airlines! You have just picked one of the most unique Virtual Airlines on the web. We take pride in our outstanding fleet, versatile schedules, and relaxed atmosphere.

We are a VA with plenty of friendly, helpful service and the best bunch of pilots anywhere. You will find this SOP to be very helpful in getting your TIA career started. Read the pilot section carefully as it contains all you will need to get credit for your first Trans International flight. It is also chock-full of information related to flying online and contains many helpful links and tidbits to make your TIA career a great one.

Welcome Aboard!!!

Pilots

Below is the ranking system here at TIA. Your rank is entirely dependent on how many flight hours you accumulate. Once you reach a higher level, you may fly all aircraft on that level and below.

• Interested pilots should fill out an application located on the main page. Your application will be sent to our CEO, then passed down to the appropriate Hub Manager. You should receive a welcome letter within 48 hours.
• New pilots can transfer hours from another VA, but any hours over 100 must be verified.
• Your new Hub Manager will send you an email detailing what is required at his hub and what you can expect next. You will also receive a pilot number as well as your first assignments at this time.

Pilot Activity and LOA

• All TIA pilots are required to log their first flight within 7 days and submit one PIREP every 90 days after that.
• Any pilots not meeting this requirement will be placed on the “INACTIVE” roster and are subject to removal from the hub.
• If a pilot requests vacation or Leave of Absence, he or she should contact the Hub Manager for approval.

• Bidding is completely up to the pilot. If you would prefer, your Hub Manager will assign all your flights for you, or you may just bid when you want a certain flight.
• It is the pilot’s job to submit BIDS for the flights he/she wants to complete. This must be done before actually flying the requested flight unless the pilot makes other arrangements with the Hub Manager.
• A pilot may NOT request a bid for a flight that he or she is not qualified to fly. (See above ranking system)
• Once the pilot requests the bid, the pilot is cleared to fly that flight. You do not need to wait for confirmation.

• Pilots may fill out a PIREP when the flight is finished. Pilots may submit more than one flight on a PIREP, but please avoid sending more than three or four at a time. Try to send flights as you complete them to make the Hub Manager’s job easier.
• Pilots may fly at 2X or 4X simulator speed when flying long distances, but may only log actual time flown. When flying online, you must request accelerated time from the controller before you start.

Online Flying

• All Trans International pilots are strongly encouraged to fly online. We have an excellent Training Center as well as many pilots and staff who are very helpful. If you haven’t tried flying online, you haven’t experienced, “As Real As It Gets.”
• TIA sponsors monthly fly-ins. Check the EVENTS page for a look at what’s happening this month.
• VATSIM is Trans International’s online flying medium of choice. Our online call sign is TIA.
• All pilots are required to maintain the utmost in professionalism and respect when flying online. You are representing this VA and others are watching. That does not mean you can’t ask for help or be a “newbie.” Most Air Traffic Controllers as well as other pilots will be more than happy to assist you.
• All flying on online events counts as “Double Hours.” Talk to your Hub Manager for details.

• Hub Managers are responsible for introducing new pilots to the airline and getting them set up on the assignments page.
• HM’s are required to send a welcome letter to new pilots within 24 hours.
• HM’s are encouraged to initiate online flying events with their respective hubs, as well as add features to their hubs which enhance the web site.
• It is the responsibility of the HM to provide flights for pilots unless a pilot has requested to BID on his/her own flights.
• HM’s should keep their assignments and honor roll pages up-to-date and not allow pilots who are inactive to sit on the roster.
• HM’s should be positive models to other pilots and be active participants in the forum.

Trans International Forum

• All pilots and staff are encouraged to use the forum. This is a place for people to meet and discuss relevant topics. Please keep it professional and respectful at all times. If you feel the need to discuss a topic unrelated to TIA or flight simming, post it in the “Off Topic” forum.
• All pilots wishing to use the forum must register.
• There is no swearing, crude humor, soliciting, harassing other members, or otherwise abusing the forum.