Operations Manual

 Copyright © 1992-2008 SunAir Express Virtual Airlines

Updated: January 1, 2007

SunAir Express Boeing 737-700

Table of Contents  

Section 1: General Information
1.A. Introduction
1.B. Eligibility
1.C. Software
1.D. Recommended Navigation Charts
1.E. VATSIM
1.F. SunAir Express Callsign
1.G. FSACARS
1.H. SunAir Express Company Frequency
1.I. SunAir Express Aircraft  

Section 2: Organization
2.A. Management
2.B. Hubs
2.C. “Jim” by SunAir Express  

Section 3: Operations
3.A. Part 121
3.B. Pilot Activity and Flight Rotations
3.C. Logbook
3.D. Time
3.E. Flight Simulator Settings
3.F. Using Real Weather
3.G. Accelerated Time Mode
3.H. Flight Details
3.I. Aircraft Type Ratings
3.J. Flight Report (FLTREP)
3.K. On-time Performance
3.L. Check Rides
3.M. Pilot Ranking
3.N. Leave of Absence
3.O. Fuel Requirements

Section 1: General Information

This document contains the necessary information required to start and maintain a career with SunAir Express Virtual Airlines.

1.A. Introduction

Jim Swanson from Tampa , Florida founded SunAir Express in May 1992 as the world's first simulated airline.  The term “virtual airline” was not coined until a few years later.  Jim died February 21, 1995 , but his spirit lives on today in all virtual airlines everywhere.  

SunAir Express originally began as an alternative to flying the structured assignments found in SubLOGIC's flight simulator Flight Assignment: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP).  What attracted most simulator pilots to SunAir Express were the popularity of ATP, the desire to learn more about IFR flight and airline operations.  Realism in design and function thus has a priority with SunAir Express pilots.  However, the community interaction between fellow flight enthusiasts also plays a major roll in SunAir Express.  However, having fun while flying is still high on our list of priorities.  

SunAir Express is fortunate to have a number of aviation professionals as pilots and officers.  Everyone in SunAir Express, both pilots and officers, continues to contribute significantly to the ongoing development of the SunAir Express operation.  

1.B. Eligibility

SunAir Express is open to any pilot who can demonstrate the ability to fly, navigate and land a Boeing 737 under instrument meteorological conditions.  For more information on joining SunAir Express, please use the Join SunAir Express link on the SunAir Express web site.  There are no fees or dues to fly for SunAir Express.  

1.C. Software

SunAir Express supports the following flight simulator software:

• Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) version 2002, 2004 (FS9) and 2006 (FSX).
• Airline Simulator 3 (AS3) by NOMISSOFT (when available).
• Airline Simulator (AS) and Airline Simulator 2 (AS2) by LAGO SNC.  AS1 and AS2 are updated versions of ATP.
• Flight Assignment: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) by SubLOGIC, version D and E using the default scenery and the SubLOGIC USA East and USA West scenery.
• X-Plane by Laminar Research, version 6 and above.

Currently the majority of SunAir Express pilots are using Microsoft Flight Simulator FS9.  

1.D. Recommended Navigation Charts

All SunAir Express flights are flown under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).  IFR flights require the pilot to have information commonly found on flight charts.  These charts are divided into two major groups:

• En Route High and Low Altitude Charts: Charts used for instrument flight rule (IFR) navigation.  They include jet routes, victor routes, positions, identification and frequencies of radio navigation aids, and other related information.  High altitude charts are used for flying at altitudes of 18,000 and above while Low Altitude Charts are for 17,999 feet and below.
• Terminal Procedures Publications: These include Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP), instrument Departure Procedures (DP), Standard Terminal Arrivals (STARS), related navigation data, communications information and airport diagrams.

Web sites like www.myairplane.com and www.airnav.com provide free IAP, DP and STAR charts.  Links to these sites can be found on the SunAir Express Pilot’s Lounge web page.  SunAir Express pilots may also use computer navigation programs to augment flight planning.  Some of these flight-planning programs may also include the above-mentioned charts.  

1.E. VATSIM

The Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network or "VATSIM" began in 2001 by a group of individuals who came together with a goal of creating an organization, which truly served the needs of the flight simulation and online air traffic control community.  With an eye towards more than just providing a network of computers for users to log into, VATSIM is an online community where people can learn and enjoy the pastimes of simulated flight combined with real-time simulated Air Traffic Controllers.  VATSIM is located at www.vatsim.net.

VATSIM is not just for individuals who have experience with online flight and/or ATC simulation.  It is perfect for both the new user and the long time "simmer".

• For someone who has just learned about online flight simulation and air traffic control and is interested in real world procedures, VATSIM and its members, many of whom bring real world experience and expertise to our community, offer an ideal environment to learn real world skills.
• For pilots, you will be able to fly with radar service provided by air traffic controllers who issue instruction and assistance in all phases of flight from getting your clearance to arriving at your destination airport.
• For air traffic control enthusiasts, the entire world is simulated meaning you can work ATC virtually anywhere…from a general aviation airport to the busiest airports in the world.  Nearly all of the real world positions are available for you to choose and learn to work.

VATSIM brings real people together who share your passion for flight and air traffic control.  When you contact that controller or pilot, you are not contacting a computer-generated voice or image.  You will be communicating with a real person who shares the same interests as you!

As where SunAir Express Virtual Airlines simulates a real airline using real people, VATSIM simulates real air traffic control using real people.  While not mandatory, SunAir Express encourages their pilots to use VATSIM.

Joining and using VATSIM is free.  VATSIM has an excellent learning center called the Pilot Resource Center found at www.vatsim.net/prc providing you with everything you will need to start using VATSIM.

This is the short list of the software add-ons for for flying on VATSIM:

• FSUIPC www.schiratti.com/dowson.html.
• SquawkBox 3.0.3 www.squawkbox.ca (includes FSUIPC).
• ServInfo www.avsim.com/hangar/utils/servinfo (Optional for ATC and traffic information).

1.F. SunAir Express Callsign

SunAir Express pilots are asked to identify their flights on VATSIM by using a callsign of “SAX plus your pilot number” less the first leading zero or “SAX plus the actual flight number”.

Example: If your pilot number is “0212” then your callsign would be “SAX212” or if your pilot number is “0089” then your callsign would be “SAX089”.

Alternatively, if your flight number is “5918” then your VATSIM call sign would be “SAX5918”.  A comment in your VATSIM flight plan similar to “SAX = SunAir Express VA” will inform controllers as to the “SAX” airline code.

1.G. FSACARS

FSACARS www.satavirtual.org/fsacars is software developed to emulate the real world Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) for use with Microsoft Flight Simulator. 

SunAir Express requires the use of FSACARS for all Microsoft Flight Simulator users.  FSACARS is used to automatically send pilot flight reports to the SunAir Express Pilot Operations Center (POC).  FSACARS will record flight and block times, touchdown vertical speed and airspeed, along with many more events that should be useful to improve your flight skills. 

SunAir Express requests that you send FSACARS logs to the Pilot Operations Center for actual SunAir Express flights only.  Please do not send non-SunAir Express flight logs.  Please use the FSACARS Private Flight startup button for logging personal and test flights.

Installation instructions for FSACARS are included with the program.  You will find the SunAir Express company setup and usage instructions in the SunAir Express File Library web page

1.H. SunAir Express Company Frequency

SunAir Express utilizes a program called TeamSpeak (TS) to simulate a company frequency.  This company frequency allows voice communications over the Internet for various events like online group flights and meetings.

TeamSpeak has two applications: A server and a client.  The TeamSpeak server is the meeting point for the clients (pilots).  The SunAir Express TS server is available 24/7 but is subject to power and Internet Service Provider outages.

To use the SunAir Express TS server you must download and install the free client software for your operating system (Windows or Linux) from the TeamSpeak web site at www.goteamspeak.com.

The SunAir Express TS server name is “SunAir Express VA”.  Contact your Hub Chief for the password to connect to the SunAir Express TS server.  Setup instructions for the SunAir Express TS company frequency are also available in the SunAir Express File Library web page.

1. I. SunAir Express Aircraft

The current SunAir Express aircraft fleet includes:

• Beechcraft 1900D
• Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200
• Boeing 737 (various models)
• Airbus A320
• McDonald-Douglas MD-83
• Boeing 767
• Boeing 747

SunAir Express maintains a fleet of aircraft painted in company livery for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.  Pilots are encouraged to fly company aircraft but are not required to as long as they are using the same type aircraft for that flight.  The fleet aircraft may be downloaded from the SunAir Express File Library web site.  Contact your hub chief for access to download files.  Pilots are free to modify these aircraft with add-on panels and other equipment.

Section 2: Organization

All SunAir Express Personnel, both management and pilots, are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.  Everyone should always try to answer questions or provide guidance to any SunAir Express pilots or other flight simulator pilot seeking assistance whenever possible.

2.A. Management

• President: The President has overall responsibility for operation of the airline.  The president handles contacts with other organizations or online services and represents the interests of SunAir Express on policy matters.
• CEO: The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for overall operations of the airline, for preparing and updating documents describing SunAir Express operations, for compiling and disseminating information on airline operations, and other assigned duties pertaining to operations of the airline.
• OPS VP: The Operations VP is responsible for policy development, implementation and for coordinating activities between components of SunAir Express.
• POC Manager: The Pilot Operations Center Manager is responsible for the programming and maintenance of the database found on the SunAir Express Pilot Operations web site.
• Flight Operations Managers: The Flight Operations Managers are responsible for the development and maintenance of flight routes and flight schedules for the airline.  
• Aircraft Maintenance Managers: The Aircraft Maintenance Managers are responsible for the SunAir Express aircraft.
• Human Resources Manager: The Human Resources Manager is responsible for the evaluation of new and current SunAir Express pilots along with assigning SunAir Express pilot ID numbers and hub assignments to all new SunAir Express pilots.
• Hub Chiefs: The Hub Chiefs are responsible for the daily operations of the hubs.

2.B. Hubs

After completing the Pilot Evaluation Program, the Human Resources Manager will assign new pilots a SunAir Express pilot ID number and a hub assignment.  Pilots may request a hub assignment at any time.  SunAir Express maintains four hubs in the United States and one in Europe .  The hubs are:

• Atlanta (KATL)
• St. Louis (KSTL)
• San Francisco (KSFO)
• Tampa (KTPA)
• Europe / Brussels (EBBR)

 2.C. “Jim” by SunAir Express

 
Jim by SunAir Express B737-700 (BBJ)

Jim is named in honor of the airline's late founder, Jim Swanson.  Jim is a subsidiary of SunAir Express with all-business class flights serving the U.S. / European markets.  Jim uses the Boeing Business Jet B737-700 (BBJ) and B737-800 (BBJ2).  All pilots are eligible to fly Jim routes so new pilots with B737 ratings may fly these routes to gain flight hours quickly.

The SunAir Express Pilot Operation Center is not yet ready to account for these special flights.  Pilots should ignore the number of passengers in the flight plan form when flying a Jim flight.  For passenger loads use a maximum of 48 for the BBJ and 54 for the BBJ2.

Section 3: Operations

3.A. Part 121

SunAir Express is a simulated passenger carrying airline based on Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 121: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Air Carriers and Commercial Operators of Large Aircraft.

3.B. Pilot Activity and Flight Rotations

SunAir Express pilots are required to complete one flight per month to remain active.  Many pilots will complete one or more flights per week.

Pilots will select their own flight schedule otherwise know as a “rotation” from the Route List available at the SunAir Express Pilot Operations Center www.sunairexpress.com/poc.  A rotation is not limited to flights found in the pilot’s assigned hub and may use flights from any hub.  Pilots may also choose not to fly a rotation and select flights at random.  However, a flight rotation is more realistic.  Pilot must complete one flight rotation before embarking on the next.  Pilot must be type rated to fly a selected route.

The first flight in a rotation will depart from the pilot’s assigned hub and the last flight will return to their hub.  For example, a STL based pilot with B737, B767, and B744 ratings could select this flight rotation:

3.C. Logbook

It is strongly recommended that SunAir Express pilots maintain their own personal logbook with flight information including:

• Date
• Line and Flight Numbers
• Departure Airport
• Destination Airport
• Type Aircraft
• Flight Duration (take-off to landing)
• Block to Block Duration (brake release before push-back to brake set after flight)
• Flight Length – Nautical Miles (optional)
• Payload – LBS (optional)
• Approach Type – ILS, Visual, etc. (optional)
• Comments (optional)

The SunAir Express Pilot Operations Center records block times in decimal format.  Example: 1.2 = 1:12.  You may wish to record both decimal and hours / minutes - formats in your logbook.

3.D. Time

SunAir Express requires that you set your flight simulator time to the time published in the SunAir Express flight schedule.  You should set the flight simulator date to the current real-time date.

• If your flight is scheduled for a 13:00 UTC pushback you should set your flight simulator time to an appropriate time that allows you to prepare for this published pushback time.
• Pilots should strive to not pushback from the gate more than five minutes before the published pushback time.
• Pilots should always use the current date.  Failure to use the correct date will result in errors in the pilots log when it is sent to the Pilot Operations Center when using FS ACARS.

The FAA uses Coordinate Universal Time (UTC) in 24-hour format.  UTC is also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or “Zulu” time.  The word “local” or the time zone equivalent shall be used to denote local time when local time is given during radio and telephone communications.  All times listed in the SunAir Express flight schedule are UTC.  You may check the current time at www.time.gov.

• Eastern Time Zone: EDT + 4 hours = UTC, EST + 5 hours = UTC
• Central Time Zone: CDT + 5 hours = UTC, CST + 6 hours = UTC
• Mountain Time Zone: MDT + 6 hours = UTC, MST + 7 hours = UTC
• Pacific Time Zone: PDT + 7 hours = UTC, PST + 8 hours = UTC
• Alaska Time Zone: ADT + 8 hours = UTC, AST + 9 hours = UTC
• Central Europe Time Zone: CET = UTC + 1 hour

3.E. Flight Simulator Settings

SunAir Express requires that all pilots set their flight simulator “Crash Detect” setting to “ON” for all flights logged to the Pilot Operation Center.  SunAir Express recommends that the “Aircraft Collision Detection” setting be turned “OFF” when flying Online.  The aircraft collision detection "envelope" may be larger then it appears visually, which can cause an unexpected aircraft collision.

3.F. Using Real Weather

To improve the flight experience, SunAir Express pilots may use real-world weather conditions for their flights.  Links for real weather information can be found at the SunAir Express Weather web page.

Microsoft Flight Simulator users may let the program download current real world weather conditions.  Add-on programs for real world weather may also be used.  SunAir Express recommends that you download winds aloft information when downloading real weather should that option be available.

When using VATSIM, SquawkBox 3 may be set to provide weather automatically, providing that it is properly configured.

3.G. Accelerated Time Mode

Using the flight simulator accelerated time mode is highly discouraged, as it does not align with SunAir Express Virtual Airline’s realism theme.  Pilots may not use accelerated time during takeoff/climb-out and descent/approach.

3.H. Flight Details

Flight details appear in the SunAir Express Flight Plan.  SunAir Express pilots can obtain a SunAir Express Flight Plan from the Pilot Operations Center.  Perform a Route Search to locate the desired flight.  Click on the flight number to view the following flight plan form.

The Flight Plan form has the following flight details:

1. Flight Number (IATA).  SunAir Express flight numbers are assigned as follows:

2. Aircraft ID (REGIST).  SunAir Express aircraft registration or tail numbers are assigned as follows:

3. Aircraft Type/Special Equipment.  SunAir Express aircraft inventory includes various models of Boeing 737s, 767, 747s, MD-83s, Airbus 320s, Beech 1900D and Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200.

4. Suggested Airspeed.  Pilots may use the suggested true airspeed listed or as need based on current weather conditions.

5. Departure Point.  This block is the departure airport using the appropriate ICAO code.

6. Departure Time.  This block is the scheduled take-off time in UTC, GMT or Zulu time.

7. Cruising Altitude.  This block is for the cruising flight altitude based on current weather conditions.  SunAir Express pilots should consult weather sources for winds aloft direction and strength to determine optimal flight altitudes.  One such source is www.fltplan.com.  Contact your Hub Chief for the username and password to login to this site or create your own.

8. Suggested Route of Flight.  This block shows a suggested route of flight.  When flying on VATSIM, ATC may request pilots to fly a modified or different route.  Pilots may also choose to fly another route.  There are Internet sources offering route information such as VATSIM’s www.simroutes.com, www.flightaware.com and http://rfinder.asalink.net/free/.  Each route may have the following components:

• DP:  The Departure Procedure flown from the departure airport when available and authorized by FAA.  Not all departure airports have published DPs.  Pilot’s discretion may be used to choose the best DP based on direction of flight.  The DP listed is generally the one used for the most direct route.
• ROUTE:  The route flown using VORs, fixes, Jet or Victor Airways.
• STAR:  The Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) flown after the route to the destination airport when available and authorized by FAA.  Not all destination airports have published STARs.  Pilot’s discretion may be used to choose the appropriate STAR based on direction of arrival.  The STAR listed is generally the one used for the most direct route.

8a. Current Departure Weather.  This block will show last reported weather for the departure airport.  Links for real weather information can be found at the SunAir Express Weather web page.

8b. Current Destination Weather.  This block will show last reported weather for the destination airport.  Links for real weather information can be found at the SunAir Express Weather web page.

9. Destination.  This block shows the arrival airport using the appropriate ICAO code.

10. Enroute Time.  This block shows an estimated scheduled flight time from take-off to landing.

10a. Departure Time & RWY.  This block is for pilots to record a departure time and departure runway.  Using FS ACARS would automatically record the times but does not record the runways used.

11. Remarks.  This block is for pilots to add remarks.  These remarks may be added to this block prior to printing the form or hand written after printing the form.

12. Aircraft Configuration.  This block is for pilots to record fuel on board load and passenger load.

• Fuel: Computing how much fuel will be needed for a flight depends on several factors.  Airlines Dispatch Offices provide their pilots with pre-calculated fuel amounts based on flight distance, altitude, weather, passenger load, etc.  SunAir Express provides some automated tools for several of its airplane types to ease this process.
• Passenger Payload: The number of passengers is randomly generated by the POC.  Passenger load or payload is based on number of passengers on the trip.  SunAir Express allows 180 lbs per passenger (includes carry on luggage) and 50 lbs of checked luggage for each passenger for a total of 230 lbs per passengers.

13. Arrival Time and Runway.  This block is for pilots to record their arrival time and the runway used. 

14. Pilot’s Name and Aircraft Home Base.  This block shows the pilot’s name and the pilot’s hub assignment.

15. Pilot ID.  The number shown on this block is to be used when reporting manually and/or when on-line flying. 

16. Ranking.  This block shows the pilot’s level of experience.  SunAir Express pilots receive a designator denoting their level of experience.  See section 3.N. Pilot Rankings for a list of these rankings.

3. I. Aircraft Type Ratings

After completing the SunAir Express Pilot Evaluation Program, the pilot will have a Boeing 737 rating.  SunAir Express requires pilots to accumulate additional flight hours to be eligible for the next type rating.  SunAir Express logs flight hours as block-to-block: Parking brake release before pushback to parking brake set at the gate or ramp after the flight.

When a pilot reaches the minimum flight hours listed below for a new aircraft type rating, they may begin flying and logging hours towards their flight record in the new type aircraft for flight experience.  When the pilot feels confident in their abilities in the new aircraft type, they may take the check ride flight for that type.

* Pilots that complete the initial Pilot Evaluation Program when joining SunAir Express are eligible to test for the Beech 1900D and Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200 type ratings if they so desire.

Pilots are not required to advance to a new type rating and may continue to fly one type aircraft if they so desire.

Pilots transferring from other virtual airlines may request more advanced ratings based on their level of experience but must be able to provide proof of their flight hours.

3.J. Flight Report (FLTREP)

SunAir Express flight reports will normally be automatically filed to the Pilot Operations Center with the use of FSACARS.  Should something go wrong with sending the FSACARS log or the pilot is not able to use FSACARS, the pilot may manually file the flight report at the Pilot Operations Center at www.sunairexpress.com/poc.  The Pilot Operation Center will automatically record and grade flight reports for on-time performance.

SunAir Express request that their pilots only send logs to the Pilot Operations