New Pilots - Getting Started:
Welcome to UPSVAC!
This post will explain to you how UPSVAC works and also how to get started.
UPSVAC has been designed to be very Pilot orientated and as close to real world operations as possible regarding the Main Fleet with the exception of the 777F being added. We found this decision necessary following the discontinuation of the MD11F in P3Dv4, to maintain a strong widebody fleet presence for our pilots.
How UPSVAC works:
What you need to know.
A) UPSVAC is based off of a HUB and Spoke system as most airlines in the world are. This means that any given flight schedule will start out at a HUB such as KSDF (Worldport). )…fly out into the spoke to an airport like KLAS, off-load cargo then return to KSDF or any of the designated HUB’s within the schedule system. Some “spoke” airports/schedules will interconnect to each other, but ultimately will end up pointing back to a HUB.
HUB and Spoke explained in detail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airline_hub
B) The UPSVAC website tracks the movement of each aircraft by its tail number. This means (for example) If you (pilot) fly N443UP from KSDF to KSLC, that aircraft will remain at KSLC until either you or another pilot moves the aircraft.
We ask that each pilot that leaves a HUB with a particular aircraft to please return that aircraft to any HUB before deciding to change fleet types. It makes it easier for pilots to locate available aircraft.
To ensure that you have an aircraft to fly on your next leg, we encourage each pilot after you have arrived at your destination to immediately bid another flight. By doing this you can cue the next route and aircraft you want to fly. This can either be the same aircraft (tail number) that you just flew in with or any other aircraft that may be available at your current airport location. This action will “Lock” that particular aircraft so that no other pilot can select it and fly away with it. Please keep in mind we will reset bids daily. If a tail number has been locked for more than 7 days, the bid will be deleted to make the aircraft available to others.
Getting Started:
The first thing you need to do is download and install the UPSVAC Smartcars. Once you have logged on to the website, go to your ‘Pilot Center’ and locate the TFDi Design logo…click on “UPSVAC Smartcars” and the download should begin.
All flights will be selected via the website, Smartcars will load the flight you have selected, track your progress then report the flight to the website once you have selected “Finish”.
Choosing a flight schedule is done by selecting the “Operations” category at the top of the website then selecting Flight Schedules.
After Smartcars is installed and ready, the next thing to be done is to select a flight.
Being able to select a flight will depend on a couple of things at the airport where you are currently located.
First thing you need to know is if there is an aircraft “In Service” or “Booked” at your current airport location. Booked means that another pilot has that aircraft “Locked” for an upcoming flight.
You can determine this by checking the Main Fleet Page located under the “Corporate” category at the top of the website. Once you have located an aircraft that is “In Service” either at your current location or at a location you are willing to start from (You may need to Jumpseat) then you should be able to select that aircraft and fly any schedules associated with it.
As usual...If there are any question on getting started, please let me or any staff member know and we will guide you in the right direction.
Once again...Welcome to UPSVAC! Have fun.