Operations Guide
 
Section 1 - Employment Requirements
  • Virtual Frontier is open to anyone who enjoys flight simulation and wants to experience a real world airline environment.
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator is required for becoming a pilot for Virtual Frontier.
  • Pilots must be over 13 years of age.
  • New pilots wishing to join Virtual Frontier must have and provide a valid email address. If the email address provided is not valid, your application process will be terminated immediately and you will no longer be considered for employment.
  • Existing pilots must also maintain a valid email address to remain a pilot employee. If found that your email address is not valid, you will be notified on the forum and given 3 days to contact the Director of Human Resources with a valid address. If you fail to provide a valid email address in that timeframe, you will be terminated from employment.
  • Pilots may transfer hours from another Virtual Airline (VA). A point of contact for the previous VA is required so Virtual Frontier can validate the hours
 
 
Section 2 - Employment
  • Prospective pilots are required to submit an application by visiting the Join link at the top of all pages.
  • Fill in the application form. If you wish to transfer hours from a previous Virtual Airline, specify the amount of hours, and provide the URL for us to verify your hours. If you do not have any hours to transfer leave the space blank.
  • After submitting an application, you will receive an email as a confirmation. In this email you will find a welcome letter from our CEO and your Pilot ID (PID). Human Resources will then evaluate your application and transfer hours, this may take up to 72 hours however we try to have your application processed as soon as possible. On completion of your application, you will receive an email from our Director of Human Resources notifying you of your website password which will allow you to access the restricted areas of our website. Your Hub Manager will contact you at this time with your flight assignment, general information about the hub and a brief summary of the operations manual.
  • Members are reminded that under NO circumstances should they give their password to anyone else. Any person found to have divulged this information will be terminated from Virtual Frontier.
  • Once pilots are accepted into the family, they will have one week (7 days) from receiving their notification from Human Resources to file their first pirep. Should you not be able to do that, pilots should send an email to their Hub Manager or Human Resources. Pilots not filing pireps within one week of acceptance will be terminated. It is the Hub Managers responsibility to ensure that pilots that have not filed with in the one week limit to notify the Human Resources department for action.
  • Pilots and Staff members are required to log one flight every 30 days to remain active. After 30 days, you will be flagged as inactive and mailed a letter of intent, notifying you of pending termination. If no response is received in a reasonable time (7 days), you will be terminated and removed from the roster. If you become inactive four times in a twelve (12) month period, you will be removed from the roster.
  • Virtual Frontier understands this is a hobby, and personal business may keep you out of the cockpit for extended periods of time. Pilots may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) beforehand, which will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Pilots removed due to inactivity, will lose their previous pilot number and hours and must rejoin the airline.
  • Anyone terminated from employment due to inappropriate behavior, will be unable to rejoin Virtual Frontier for a period of one year. After one year, applications will be accepted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Virtual Frontier reserves the right to deny anyone employment due to past behavior.
 
 
Section 3 - Express Hub and New Pilots
  • Virtual Frontier applications with under 25 hours or new to flight simulation begin with the Express Hub until they accumulate 25 hours of flight time. Upon reaching 25 hours they may request a transfer to the Mainline Hub.
  • This is to help new pilots become somewhat proficient in flying. Express pilots are limited to the Beechcraft 1900, Embraer 120, Twin Otter, Convair 580 and the Canadair Regional Jet.
  • While management is aware the real world Frontier Airlines has code share agreements for their Express operations with Horizon and Great Lakes Airlines. We will be keeping the "Express" operation of the real world Frontier Airlines in house. This prevents any conflict with other agencies or organizations as all of us are committed to the success of Virtual Frontier.
  • When a pilot reaches 25 hours and would like to transfer to the Mainline Hub, the pilot will submit a transfer request through the "My Account" section of the website. This will notify the neccesary individuals to process the request. Once the request is processed, you will receive a notification through e-mail.
 
 
Section 4 - Fleet
  • Virtual Frontier Airlines operates several types of aircraft, which are available for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.
  • Although we are limited in the types of aircraft, our trademark is our tails. We are the only Virtual Airline which has each tail of every aircraft the real airline operates.
  • Our aircraft hangar has over 75 aircraft available for active pilots to download. Passwords are required to access this part of the site.
  • Due to the great effort that takes place to maintain our fleet of aircraft, we are unable to provide paint textures for payware aircraft at this time. We recommend checking payware websites for specific Frontier textures.
 
 
Section 5 - Flights
  • Frontier pilots have three options for virtual flight within the airline:
    1. Assigned Lines: A flight line can be one, or a few, round-trips between two cities. Flight Lines and subsequent lines are assigned by the Hub Manager with the posting of the new schedule by the Real World Frontier. With realism in mind, we require using the real world flight number while flyin, especially online.
    2. Free Flight: When a pilot completes their required flight line assignment, they have the option to fly in Free Flight mode. This will occur only after the required line is completed. If this is something that you would like, e-mail your Hub Manager with your request. All Free flights must be a flight in the master schedule, found in the Operations area.
    3. Events: Pilots are encouraged to fly in special events posted on the home or events page. All events are flown online, and to participate the pilot must fly online when the event is occurring. Completion of your assigned flight line prior to events is not required.
  • All Frontier flights will be restricted to a 1x (normal) simulation rate at all times.
 
 
Section 6 - Online Flying
  • Virtual Frontier encourages flying online through membership in VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network). VATSIM provides real time Air Traffic Control (ATC) over the Internet using either Squawkbox or FSInn. Both of these programs are free and can be found on the VATSIM website under Pilot Rescources. This allows a pilot to fly online in real time with other pilots and receive real time ATC.
  • Your flight number while flying online is FFT (Frontier Flight) for mainline routes, and either GLA (Lakes Air), RPA (Brickyard) or SSX (Shasta) for Express routes, followed by the flight number for the route you are flying. We will use pilot IDs (i.e.: FFT100 is the Mainline Hub Manager) for Frontier Events. We encourage the use of real world flight numbers all other times.
  • Pilots are reminded when using online services, you are a representative of Virtual Frontier at all times. Pilots are to exercise good manners and not to engage in arguments over the networks. If Virtual Frontier receives notice from networks about the bad conduct of any pilot, the pilot will be terminated from Virtual Frontier employment without notice.
  • Pilots are encourage to utilize the Pilot Resource Center available from VATSIM.
  • When flying online, pilots are asked to put virtualfrontier.org in their comments. This allows other to become familiar with Virtual Frontier.
 
 
Section 7 - Pilot Reporting System
  • Virtual Frontier requires every pilot to complete a pilot report (PIREP) once they have completed a flight. A PIREP can be filed online at our website or by using an automated process. When entering a PIREP your pilot number, aircraft flown, departure and arrival cities, flight time as pilot in command, and flight number are entered to the system. Your hours will be added to your total after the your Hub Manager approves the PIREP.
  • PIREPS may be filed using one of four different methods:
    1. Web Site: A PIREP can be filed online at our website. This method requires you to calculate the flight time and fuel usage on your own.
    2. FSACARS: This free program tracks all aspects of you flight, such as Flight Time, Fuel Used, Speed and specific aircraft events. The best part is, at the end of the flight one button submits your PIREP to the Virtual Frontier database. No logging in and having to keep track of the numbers yourelf.
    3. FSFlightKeeper: This payware program tracks all aspects of you flight similiar to FSACARS, however it also acts as a logbook and critiques your flight. As with FSACARS at the end of the flight one button submits your PIREP to the Virtual Frontier database. No logging in and having to keep track of the numbers yourelf. A discount is available through Virtual Frontier. More details can be found here
    4. FSPassengers: This payware program tracks all aspects of you flight and allows you to submit a PIREP at the end of the flight. It additionally allows you to manage your passengers in flight through in-flight services, and allows you to track a pilot carrer among others features. More details can be found here
 
 
Section 8 - Pilot Ranks
  • All new pilots with Virtual Frontier Airlines begin as a Training Officer. The ranking system is based in pilot hours.
  • The following chart shows our promotion scale.
  • RankHours
    Training Officer0 - 9.9
    Junior First Officer10 - 49.9
    First Officer50 - 99.9
    Captain100 - 249.9
    Senior Captain250 - 499.9
    ATP Captain500 - 999.9
    Senior ATP Captain1000+
  • Pilot ranks are used for the following:
    1. Virtual Salary
    2. Priority in assignment of flight lines
    3. Special flight assignments (i.e. Promotional, Proving Runs, etc.)
 
 
Section 9 - Forum
  • The forum allows our pilots access to both staff and other pilots for discussion on Virtual Frontier, or flight simulator related issues, whether general or specific. The forum may be accessed through our web site and is open to all active Virtual Frontier pilots.
  • Virtual Frontier pilots are required to use their real world name and pilot number when registering for the forum.
  • Please remember that we have a considerable number of young pilots among the membership and we each have a duty of courtesy and professionalism to each other.
  • Misconduct on ANY newsgroup or message forum will be grounds for immediate termination of employment as we are all representatives of Virtual Frontier.
  • The following debates or posts are NOT acceptable in the Virtual Frontier forum.
    1. Offensive Language directed at staff or other pilots.
    2. Pornographic links or material.
    3. Advertising of other virtual airlines (unless authorized by staff members). This includes pilot's forum signatures and links.
    4. Any debates or remarks which may offend International pilots regarding religious issues and local customs.
    5. References to links for illegal software.
    6. Posts that are considered as non-contributory to the general well being and morale of the virtual airline.
    7. Any posts that are of a political nature.
 
 
Section 10 - Staff
  • CEO & President - Responsible for the development of Policies and Procedures pursuant to the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the organization. Establishes long and short term goals and objectives, operating plans, policies and procedures for the organization and delegates the implementations thereof. Establishes organizational structure and reporting relationships therein and shall delegate authority to subordinates. Leads the organization towards objectives; meets with, and advises other executives and monitors the progress made toward achieving short term goals and objectives. This is an appointed position.


  • Vice President of Operations - Manages the overall operations by directing and coordinating activities consistent with established goals, objectives, and policies. Oversees the development of policies, procedures, goals, and objectives for marketing the organization. Provides general direction and structure organization wide operations. This is an appointed position.


  • Director of Scheduling - Develops and maintains the overall schedule for Virtual Frontier, which includes all current and historical flights. The Director of Scheduling also has the flexibility to attend meetings online, check e-mail on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision, and adhere to the company policies and procedures. They must also answer all e-mails promptly and have excellent written communication skills. The Director of Scheduling reports to the Vice-President of Operations.


  • Director of Human Resources - Manages the handling of new pilots to Virtual Frontier, by processing their applications and notifying the Hub Managers. The Director of Human Resources tracks inactive pilots and notifies them of their status and removal if neccessary. The Director of Human Resources also has the flexibility to attend meetings online, check e-mail on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision, and adhere to the company policies and procedures. They must also answer all e-mails promptly and have excellent written communication skills. The Director of Human Resources reports to the CEO & President.


  • Fleet Manager - Locates, tests, and publishes the best freeware in Virtual Frontier Livery by checking for new aircraft updates and files on a weekly basis. Brings new tails into the fleet as dictated by real world deliveries. Answers questions regarding the Virtual Frontier fleet, and other Flight Simulator issues as needed. The Fleet Manager also has the flexibility to attend meetings online, check e-mail on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision, and adhere to the company policies and procedures. They must also answer all e-mails promptly and have excellent written communication skills. The Fleet Manager reports to the CEO & President.


  • Events Coordinator - Develops and plans events which benefit the general pilot population of Virtual Frontier. Communicates with each ARTCC Chief or Events Coordinator to plan events while following through on communication. Updates and maintain the events calendar for internal events and those general events which benefits all pilots at Virtual Frontier. Post Virtual Frontier events on VATSIM and VATUSA forums and calendars. The Events Coordinator also has the flexibility to attend meetings online, check e-mail on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision, and adhere to the company policies and procedures. They must also answer all e-mails promptly and have excellent written communication skills. The Events Coordinator reports to the CEO & President.


  • Director of Technology - Updates and maintains the Virtual Frontier website to provide the best usage experience to pilots and staff. The Director of Technology also has the flexibility to attend meetings online, check e-mail on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision, and adhere to the company policies and procedures. They must also answer all e-mails promptly and have excellent written communication skills. The Director of Technology reports to the CEO & President.


  • Hub Manager - The Hub Manager has the ability to manage up to 100 pilots and serves as the first line supervisor or alleviating personnel conflicts at the local level and communicate such conflicts and remedies to the Executive Management. The Hub Manager also has the flexibility to attend meetings online, check e-mail on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision, adhere to the company policies and procedures while promoting them to the pilots under their control. They must also answer all e-mails promptly and have excellent written communication skills. The Hub Manager reports to the Vice President of Operations.


  • Assistant Hub Manager - Assists the Hub Manager in all aspects of management. The Assistant Hub Manager also has the flexibility to attend meetings online, check e-mail on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision, adhere to the company policies and procedures while promoting them to the pilots within their hub. They must also answer all e-mails promptly and have excellent written communication skills. The Hub Manager reports to the Vice President of Operations.
 
 
Section 11 - Disclaimer
  • Virtual Frontier has no ties what so ever to the real world Frontier Airlines. We make no concessions to them or receive any from them or make any for ourselves.
  • Virtual Frontier is ran and operated by an ALL Volunteer staff for your enjoyment.
  • This site is strictly for FLIGHT SIMULATION USE ONLY and to have a lot of FUN. Do NOT use any part of this site for REAL WORLD OPERATIONS.