Rules & Regulations
From Virtual Skies MRC
If you would like to discuss the R&R's click here
Privacy Policy
- 12.1 - Virtual Skies collects personally information to identify members at all levels. This will be the full name and valid e-mail address of any such applicant, information about your IP address and access times. Within the flight server system the users CID (Certification Identification) and also the IP address is gathered.
- 12.2 - Virtual Skies collects and uses your personal information to so you may access our systems, operate within the network and to allow Virtual Skies to be able to provide the services requested by members.
- 12.3 - Virtual Skies does not sell, rent, lease or loan its user detail lists to any third parties.
- 12.4 - Virtual Skies will disclose your personal information, without notice, if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to conform to the edicts of the law within the country of request.
- 12.5 - As a member of Virtual Skies, notices are mailed to all members in the form of NOTAM's (Notice To All Airman) via email. In this manner, important information concerning revisions to the Rules and Regulations, Board Of Directors changes, awards issued by Virtual Skies, and specific announcements related to departmental activities are communicated to our members. Likewise, we strongly encourage our members to access Virtual Skies forums where additional and more detailed information, topics, tutorials and operation requirements can be located in direct concern to Divisions, General Membership, and Virtual Skies Departments. If a member does not want to receive NOTAM's, then the member must be removed from the system.
Conditions Of Service
- 3.1 - The Virtual Skies network is a non-profit organisation. This is conditioned on your acceptance of the Virtual Skies rules and regulations as published on our website. Use of the network constitutes your agreement to all rules and requirements. Virtual Skies reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations without notice. It is the responsibility of all members for regularly reviewing these rules and regulations on a regular basis.
- 3.2 - As a condition of your use of the Virtual Skies services, you will not use the network to spread unlawful material or information, including information that incites discrimination, hate or violence towards one person or a group because of their race, a religion or a nation or ability. You will not use the network for use prohibited by the rules and regulations. Abusive language, profanities, obscene and indecent language will not tolerated. Nor will indiscriminate bullying or the illegal coaching of young, vulnerable people with the intention of committing any indecent act.
- 3.3 - Virtual Skies makes no warranty that any Virtual Skies service will be remain uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. However, the organisation does aspire to maintain the highest possible quality of service.
- 3.4 - Membership with Virtual Skies is considered to be one of the highest standing in the flight simulation community. If in the opinion of Board Of Directors, a member does not meet the strict requirements or abuses the rules and regulations, then the Board Of Directors will terminate that membership without appeal from such person(s).
Member Regulations (General)
4.1. - Registration
- 4.1.1 - Only those registered users will be authorised to part-take in services provided by Virtual Skies
- 4.1.2 - Register through the main site to obtain a CID and password that will be required to connect to the network.
- 4.1.3 - Registering more than once may constitute a breach of the rules and regulations, duplicate accounts will be removed.
- 4.1.4 - You must use your real first and last name during registration, it is not permitted to create a false identity for the purpose of misleading any party. Any person found to have undertaken this practice will be excluded from using any service provided by Virtual Skies, and subsequently removed.
- 4.1.5 – All potential members must use an authentic e-mail address that is been supplied by your Internet Service Provider. All e-mail addresses must be current. It is the responsibility of members to inform Virtual Skies of any changes to personal details.
- 4.1.6 - To remain a registered user of Virtual Skies regular on-line activity is expected. Users should login twice monthly to preserve their "active" status. Users, not accessing services for 6 months of more will have their account de-activated and they will be notified.
- 4.1.7 - Members may be registered with ONE division ONLY. If a member whishes to change division, they must contact the Director Of Operations.
- 4.1.8 - Virtual Skies has the right to refuse a request for account deletion at any time.
4.2 - Approved software
- 4.2.1 - Connecting to the network is only allowed with approved software.
- 4.2.2 - You can download the approved software from the Virtual Skies site
- 4.2.3 - For Voice communication TeamSpeak will be used
- 4.2.4 - To monitor the on-line traffic – ATC, Pro Controller or EuroScope will be used
4.3 - Connecting
- 4.3.1 - When connecting to the network you must use your real first and last name, nicknames are not allowed.
- 4.3.2 - You also must use your own CID and password.
- 4.3.3 - Staff members are allowed to have two connections opened at the same time as long as this is functional to perform a valid staff task. This staff task has to be mentioned in the ATIS or in the flight plan remark. Valid staff tasks are software development, training and exam sessions. Supervisors may fly and temporary connect or supervise tasks when no other supervisors are available.
4.4 - On-line
- 4.4.1a - Country's without ICAO language should use English as mandatory language
- 4.4.1b - Country's with ICAO language should use English as the mandatory first language.
- 4.4.1c - ICAO languages are English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese. Whilst these are recognised it is not with in the power of Virtual Skies to be able to provide interpretation.
- 4.4.2 - Communication between Pilots and ATC may be in text, voice or both.
- 4.4.3 - Vulgarities and abusive language are not tolerated at any time.
- 4.4.4 - Usage of the network, e.g. text messages, is limited to information and material concerning Virtual Skies. Usage of the network to communicate information and material other than Virtual Skies information or information of any subsidiary is strictly prohibited.
- 4.4.5 – Virtual Skies prohibits Hi-jacking, war simulation, terrorist activity and any other form of aggressive activity.
- 4.4.6 – ALL users will maintain a friendly and respectful attitude will be show tolerance of novice and new to “club” pilots and controllers.
- 4.4.7 - While connected to the network, do not leave your PC for more than a few minutes without informing the controller or a supervisor using a .wallop command (Visit Manual In MRC).
- 4.4.8 - Users not responding to communications within a reasonable time (15minutes) will be disconnected from the network without warning.
- 4.4.9 - Users, obstructing the normal flow of traffic (i.e. connecting to network while on an active Runway), immediate action can be taken. If connected in the air, contact the relevant ATC position available to you or monitor unicom immediately and advise them of this.
- 4.4.10 - Within your capabilities, try to maintain a real life procedures and processes.
- 4.4.11 - Follow the instructions of supervisors and administrators. Their advice must be followed to ensure that everyone can enjoy the simulation
4.5 - Suspensions
- 4.5.1 - In some cases the account of a user may be suspended for a period of time. During this time no access to Virtual Skies service will be allowed. The suspended user will be informed when the account have been re-activated.
- 4.5.2 – Appeals in regard to suspension will be made to the EC. Their decision is final.
4.6 Ratings for Controllers and Pilots
- 4.6.1 - There is only one rating for pilots
- 4.6.2 - Virtual Skies will not engage in the constant policing of it’s users.
- 4.6.3 - Rating's are avliable here
Member Regulations (Pilot)
5.1 - Before Connecting
- 5.1.1 - Pilots must at least be able to take off with an their chosen aircraft and land it again on an airport.
- 5.1.2 – Pilots must be able to comply with simple ATC instructions like "turn left heading XYZ" or "descent and maintain FL 060" to join in the simulation activity.
- 5.1.3 - Pilots must have installed the FSINN and TeamSpeak and be familiar with the basic use of it. However, some low level support may be available from Virtual Skies.
- 5.1.4 – Ensure that you join a session with your aircraft on an airport in a position that it is neither on a Runway nor on a Taxiway. This prevents that you are causing a problems to other users when connecting to the network.
5.2 - Connecting
- 5.2.1 - Do not connect unless you intend to make a complete flight, no matter how short.
5.3. - On-line
- 5.3.1 - It is not allowed to squawk standby (S for Sierra) except whilst on the ground prior to initial contact with ATC.
- 5.3.2 - Before every flight a flight plan must be filed through the submission feature in FSInn.
- 5.3.3 - If you are new or inexperienced indicate this in the remarks section your flight plan. ATC will help you or in the event that their air space is busy will hand you across to a member of them who can mentor.
- 5.3.4 - If there is no ATC available tune your radio to unicom (global) on 122.800
- 5.3.5 - Check for ATC on a regular basis and contact the appropriate ATC as soon as one is available or if you are requested to do so.
- 5.3.6 - Under normal situations Pilots must follow and read back ATC instructions. Ensure that complicated instructions are written down in readiness for read back.
5.4 - Special Operations
- 5.4.1 - Under special operation procedures other aviation for example are coastguard/rescue and/or military aviation maybe active in the session. This kind of aviation is part of the real world operation and therefore has been included in Virtual Skies simulation. We DO NOT allow simulations of terrorism or acts of war or references to these. It is appreciated that these issues exists in the real world however it is Virtual Skies policy NOT include these aspects.
Member Regulations (ATC)
6.1 - Before Connecting
- 6.1.1 - Controllers must have basic knowledge of the aviation communication procedures.
- 6.1.2 - Controllers must be familiar with the procedures of the airspace they want to control.
- 6.1.3 - Controllers must have installed the ProController and TeamSpeak as well as being familiar with the use of it.
- 6.1.4 - If you are new or unfamiliar with the airspace you should connect as an "Observer" and study the material for that airspace which can be found in links from our website.
- 6.1.5 - As an Observer you are not allowed to use "valid" call sign extensions (TWR, APP, GND etc.) use the extension _OBS instead UNLESS you are a qualified Controller who is mentoring or training a novice controller. You are also not allowed to communicate on any text or voice frequency in use by pilots and regular ATC.
- 6.1.6 - ATC positions should be manned in the order xxxx_APP, xxxx_TWR,and xxxx_GND (In the place of the xxxx's place the ICAO-identifier of the FIR/Airport).
- 6.8 - Before connecting check "Who is on line?" and take the highest available position you are able and allowed to handle.
- 6.1.9 - Use only valid extensions, these are, _APP, (_DEP), _TWR, _GND, _DEL, _FSS
- 6.1.10 - Prepare your ATIS before connecting to the network.
6.2 - Connecting
- 6.2.1 - Do not connect unless you are sure that you can stay controlling for at least 30 minutes.
6.3 - On-line
- 6.3.1 - You are not allowed to control outside your airspace.
- 6.3.2 – If another controller signs on at the same airport as you (I.E EGGW_APP) you must inform him of the airport information you are using.
- 6.3.3 - Controllers should only use frequencies, call signs and other information as they are published in the MRC.
- 6.3.4 - Never use the emergency (or guard) frequency (121.50) other than for emergency situations.
- 6.3.5 - Update your ATIS on a regular basis, at least once every hour, in order to adapt procedures to the current weather conditions.
- 6.3.6 - Handover of aircrafts should be done only by coordination (via private chat) with other ATC.
- 6.3.7 - Taking aircraft out of the control of another ATC by means of asking the pilot, by private message, to transfer (stealing) is not acceptable and prohibited.
Current Controller Rating's Avliable:
- Observer (/Pilot)
- S1 - Junior Student
- S2 - Student
- S3 - Senior Student
- C1 - Junior Controller
- C2 - Controller
- C3 - Senior Controller
- I1 - Junior Instructor
- I2 - Instructor
- I3 - Senior Instructor
- SUP – Supervisor
- ADM - Administrator
Please read the Global Rating Policy (GRP) for information on these ratings. For rating transfer information please visit Rating Transfers
Member Regulations (Voice)
- 7.1 - The use of voice communication is recommended because of the higher level of realism. However, there are a lot of reasons why users either do not or are not able to use voice communication. As such, the use of voice is preferred over the use of text, but both types of communications are equally acceptable. This is compliant with out equal opportunities policy
- 7.2 - When using voice for session communication, only the TeamSpeak software is allowed.
- 7.3 - Password protected channels are not allowed without permission for a server administrator (SA) or administrator (ADM).
- 7.4 - The use of Virtual Skies voice servers is only allowed when you are connected to Virtual Skies at the same time, they may not be used for voice communication in conjunction with another system
- 7.5 - As an exception channels will be opened by Virtual Skies for the explicit use of Virtual Airlines as company channels.
- 7.6 - Member VA's are allowed to create a "Registered" Company Channel on the division’s teamspeak server and need to be created as follows (ICAO-CODE) -CC
For example: Airline = GFX_CC Topic Airline Company Channel
- 7.7- ATC Services shall use their ICAO identifier of their airspace and position for their call sign as the voice channel Replication of Virtual Skies Channels is prohibited
- 7.8 - Insulting ATC, continually failing to follow ATC instruction, inappropriate language and/or threatening behaviour will result in a suspension.
- 7.10 - Deleting Staff Channels is prohibited
- 7.11 – Pilots & Controllers shall use the same call sign as they are connected the network with when connecting to teamspeak.
- 7.12 - Playing of music and/or other broadcasting of sound, not related to the simulation, are not allowed and will result in a suspension of 48 hours.
- 7.13 - The use of voice over text is preferred when controlling and flying; however, ATC services cannot refuse a pilot if they do not have voice communication. Pilots must not ignore an ATC position that is text only, or they will be disconnected.
- 7.14 – Supervisors & Administrators, at their discretion, can "BAN" a member who is not following the Rules in this section (e.g. 7.8). The length of time for this "BAN" will be determined by Board Of Directors.
- 7.15 - For training purposes 'debriefing' channels are not allowed to be password protected. However the "Max Users" can be restricted this is governed by Channel Administrators(CA).
- 7.16 – It is Virtual Skies policy that all members should respect each other, visitors and management. Its purpose for being to have an enjoyable time.
- 7.17 - Virtual Skies requires all pilots to be on the EU unicom teamspeak channel when flying in the event there is no ATC service coverage.
Failure to comply will result in the pilot being warned (3 warning's -> 1 day ban). If you do not have have a microphone or any reason that you cannot use voice communication it is a requirement that pilopts remain in teamspeak and transmit in text whilst in unicom channel.
Divisional Policy (General)
8.1. - General
- 8.1.1 - Every country can have one Virtual Skies Division (DIV). The division call sign will be VSXX, where "XX" has to be replaced by the countries ISO-code. Applications from local persons, living in the country, are preferred and have priority because of their local knowledge and to avoid difficulties due to time difference.
- 8.1.2 - To establish a division, a country must have at least 10 potential active users. In smaller countries Board Of Directors will have to decide if a division can be established.
- 8.1.3 - Establishment of a division has to be approved by Virtual Skies Board Of Directors. The Board Of Directors can assign a person of their choice to maintain the approval.
- 8.1.4 – The Divisional Director (DIR) and Assistant Director (ADIR) are appointed by Virtual Skies Board Of Directors. All other divisional staff can be appointed by the DIV-DIR and DIV-ADIR. Virtual Skies Board Of Directors reserves the right to refuse staff membership to any person without a statement of reason
- 8.1.5 - The DIV-DIR must inform Virtual Skies Board Of Directors about all additions and changes within the DIV-staff. The position of DIV-DIR and WM must be occupied at all times.
8.2 - Division requirements
- 8.2.1 - A division can have the following staff positions
- Division Director (XX-DIR)
- Assistant Division Director (XX-ADIR)
- ATC Traning Coordinator (XX-CTC)
- Pilot Training Coordinator (XX-PTC)
- Membership Manager (XX-MC)
- Webmaster (XX-WM)
- Depending on the size of the Division, Virtual Skies Board Of Directors can advise more or less staff positions
- 8.2.2 - All division staff members must comply with the staff-requirements, which can be reviewed in the site.
- 8.2.3 - Staff members can only be staff member in one division, unless approved by the Board Of Directors.
- 8.2.4 - The division coordinators must work in full cooperation with the corresponding departments at Virtual Skies Board Of Directors and in other divisions.
- 8.2.5 - Divisions must provide a website for their members. All relevant information about local ATC procedures should be contained on the MRC and a copy may be placed on the website.
- 8.2.6 - The Division DIR will be responsible for the contents of the division website.
- 8.2.7 - Divisions must check the accuracy of the information in the Virtual Skies system regarding the actual data related to their division. Corrections and updates should be sent to the (XXDIV)
- 8.2.8 - For all information about airports, airspace, frequencies, call signs, sector files etc, published on the division website, the information should be taken from the Virtual Skies website.
- 8.2.9 - Only Virtual Skies mailing lists and Virtual Skies forums are allowed for communications between staff and users and amongst the users.
- 8.2.10 - Divisions must organise and coordinate events and training for the users within their division. These events and training sessions should not only be published on the division website but should also be advertised throughout the community
- 8.2.11 - The contents and knowledge for theoretical and practical exams should be equal for all divisions. Tests within divisions will be done by local examiners. Theoretical tests will be in the English language in order to prove a basic knowledge of the international "ATC"-language.
- 8.2.12 - Division staff must see to the correct behaviour of their users according to the rules and regulations issued by Virtual Skies. Division staff must help and assist their users in case they have any problems.
- 8.2.13 – Divisions must keep information their ATC procedures on the MRC
Divisional Policy (Staff)
9.1 - Application requirements
To apply for a staff position at Virtual Skies a user must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
- 9.1.1 - Staff members shall be at least 13 years of age unless: 1) Div Staff can be appointed at the age of 13 years or older, but the Div. Director shall take full responsibility for their actions, 2) Members of at least 16 years can be Senior Staff members or Division DIR's/ADIR's, but will be considered probationary for the first month of service in thsis position. Staff members under 16 years of age cannot be Supervisors.
- 9.1.2 - Must have an active Virtual Skies account for at least 1 month. (Clause subject to review)
- 9.1.3 - Must have sufficient knowledge for the desired staff position. Depending on the position to man, a staff member must have extremely good knowledge of, ProController, TeamSpeak, Flight Simulator and/or real world flying/ATC.
- 9.1.4 - To be staff in senior managment, your application must be approved by the BoD.
- 9.1.5 - Virtual Skies recognises that, in some situations, it may be of benefit to the organisation to waive certain rules governing the formation and staffing of new divisions for a period to be determined by Board Of Directors but not exceeding two (2) years, to enable an active Virtual Skies division to develop within in a country where Virtual Skies is not currently represented. It is a condition of such approval that interim-staff will resign their positions when Board Of Directors believes that the new division is capable for all practical purposes of self-regulation and operation.
- 9.1.6 - It's mandatory to speak the English language, and when having more than one official language, talk at least one of them fluently.
9.2 - General
- 9.2.1 - Staff members that would like to recieve a VSN.aero email account must agree to the 'E-Mail Agreement'.
- 9.2.2 - Staff members must have a good knowledge about all information available on the Virtual Skies website, therefore they must browse the website on a regular basis.
- 9.2.3 - It is not permitted for Virtual Skies to be a staff member of any competing organisation due to the issue of “conflict of interest”.
- 9.2.4 - Staff members cannot have more than two positions, unless senior staff approved to have more than one position.
- 9.2.5 - Staff members must follow and act according Virtual Skies policy, which is defined by the Board Of Directors.
- 9.2.6 – Staff members must attend regular staff meetings in order to determine and improve Virtual Skies services.
9.3 - On-line conduct
- 9.3.1 - Staff members must maintain a presence on-line. On the Virtual Skies network while using ProController/EuroScope and TeamSpeak, but also in Flight Simulator related forums and newsgroups thus assisting and promotion our community on-line.
9.4 - Supervisors
- 9.4.1 - To be considered for an appointment as Supervisor, the person in question must be a staff member of a division or hold a Controller (C2) rating or above at the time of application. Therating requirements are not applicable to Server Administrator's.
- 9.4.2 - All candidates for Supervisor will have to pass an oral test with their division director before the request will be reviewed by Board Of Directors.
- 9.4.3 - A maximum of 5% of active division members can represent Virtual Skies as Supervisors. Apart from this quota, the Division Director and Assistant Director can be appointed as supervisors, after proving themselves during their probationary period.
Virtual Airlines
- 12.1 - To become a VA affiliated with Virtual Skies, your VA has to be free of charge for the members. Your VA may not profit directly or indirectly from using the Virtual Skies network, neither will use Virtual Skies trading name to market or advertise their company.
- 12.2 - All registered VAs are responsible for the logos and trading names submitted to Virtual Skies. Virtual Skies will not be held responsible for any copyright litigation. This remains the responsibility of the VA.
- 12.3 - Your VA should use its assigned 3 ICAO letter code, to be able to use the network services provided. Only member VAs will have the right to maintain a registered ICAO code.
- 12.4 - VAs will be required to log on per week and undertake flights to a minimum of 3 hours in total.
- 12.5 - Member VAs will link to Virtual Skies using the “logo” and hyperlink provided to them on registration. This logo will be only the logo sent to the VA. Logos are NOT transferable and cannot be used when VA’s re-brand without prior consent from the Virtual Skies
- 12.6 - To be included in the VA system, the company must have at least 5 active pilots, at least 3 of which are active in the network.
- 12.7 - Virtual Skies reserves the right to accept, reject or remove any VA from its operational system without prior notice or explanation if the Board Of Director deems.
- 12.8 - The Virtual Skies VA system is subject to copyright. Issues of complaint and or inappropriate activity by VA members are deemed to be the responsibility or that VA. However, in the event that any such complaint or practice brings the name of Virtual Skies in to disrepute then the VA will be removed from all Virtual Skies operative areas.
- 12.9 - All VAs’ will acknowledge partnership with Virtual Skies through any communication and advertising
Data Protection Policy
Sorry, the Data Protection Policy is currently being re-written. It will be back up soon.
500002
Harassment & Violence Policy
Harassment and violence may manifest itself in a variety of forms, all of which are offensive and unacceptable to Virtual Skies whether the harassment or violence is between the organisations participants, staff, companies and individuals affiliated with the organisation and its operation. (Violence can include acts of bullying and could be reportable under the Health and Safety at Work Act / RIDDOR).
Harassment and violence is a deliberate, unpleasant and unacceptable form of behaviour, which is not necessarily persistent. One of its effects is to make the victim feel uncomfortable, patronised, humiliated or threatened.
It results in:
- making a job or learning difficult to do;
- creating an intimidating or hostile working or learning environment;
- affecting the health or safety of individuals by causing stress or injury;
- endangering career and employment prospects
Virtual Skies believes that any individual entering the organisation has the right to feel welcome, safe, secure and happy. It is only if this is the case will all staff and members be able to achieve to their maximum potential. Harassment/violence of any sort prevents this occurring and furthermore affects equality of opportunity. It is everyone’s responsibility to promote this culture.
Where harassment/violence exists the victims must feel confident enough to communicate this to those members of management the feel comfortable. In turn that manager will work within the organisation to end such incidents. It is our aim to challenge attitudes about harassment/violent behaviour, increase understanding for those being affected and help build an anti-harassment/violence ethos in the flight simulation environment
This policy will be regularly monitored to ensure that the objectives are achieved. It will be reviewed and if necessary, revised in the light of legislative, organisational, or operational changes.
Child & Venerable
Definition Of A Child
A child is legally defined as any person who is under the age of eighteen years. This definition is used within the Children Act (1989).
Definition Of A Vulnerable Adult A vulnerable adult is defined as any person aged eighteen or over who:
- Is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.
Policy statement
Virtual Skies recognises that children and some adults are vulnerable to the actions and intent of other people and could be subjected to abuse.
In all areas of Flight Simulation Club activities with which Virtual Skies is connected, the interests and needs of any child or vulnerable adult, whether staff or member, is put above those of all others. Our priority in these instances is to protect and report.
It is our intention to raise the awareness of all those who work within this organisation, members and its partners, through this policy and through appropriate guidance to potential abuse and neglect within its communities.
This policy will be regularly monitored to ensure that the objectives are achieved. It will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised in the light of legislative, organisational, or operational changes.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The aim of the policy is to ensure no member or staff applicant is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on any unlawful grounds.
The Board Of Directors has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented in accordance with the appropriate statutory requirements and full account will be taken of all available guidance and in particular any relevant Codes of Practice.
The Company hereafter known, as the Club will ensure that the policy is circulated to any members or partners associated directly with Virtual Skies responsible for recruitment. A copy of the policy will be made available to view by members of the public, Club members, staff and partner organisations. The Club will maintain a neutral working environment in which no member or management feels under threat or intimidated.
Discrimination is unacceptable and breaches of the policy will lead to termination of association with Virtual Skies.
Disclamer
Virtual Skies (VS) was established solely for entertainment of virtual management, Air Traffic Control and Pilots using the Microsoft Flight Simulator (TM) series. Virtual Skies is in no way affiliated with any airline and only simulates the operations of airports, and virtual airlines partnered with it. Virtual Skies does NOT participate in commercial or private carriage of real persons or property of any kind and this website does not host commercial activity of any kind. The operation of Virtual Skies is not for profit.
Any similarity between Virtual Skies as its business name and website, airline or real world commercial operation is coincidental.
