Information on this website is used exclusively for virtual flying with the use of a flight simulation software. Do not use for real aviation in any way.
This is not a real airline. This virtual aviation enthusiast project is in no way officially affiliated with any real airline.
On this page, we will try to answer common questions. If you can't find an answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact us!
How can I contact you?
The ideal way is to use the #chat text channel on our Discord server and tag the role @Staff, we are also happy to reply in private messages. We also have an email address: support@sky-virtual.com.
Answers related to smartCARS 3 can be found at https://wiki.sky-virtual.com/en/smartcars3.
What is Sky Alliance Virtual?
We are an independent alliance of virtual flying enthusiasts. Our main projects are the wiki, and the skySYS system, along with SW Group Virtual running on it.
What is skySYS?
skySYS is our independent, modern, reliable, intuitive virtual airline solution.
What flights are available?
Our booking system offers all flights flown by all real-world aircraft of the simulated airline, including long-term leases to other airlines. Flights flown on behalf of the real-world airline (under its codes) by aircraft of other airlines are available as well. You may also use the Charter Flight and the Business Jet features for flights to destinations of your own choice.
Can I fly anywhere using the Charter Flight or Business Jet feature?
Sure, just please use common sense and fly only to airports suitable for the chosen aircraft type. Please refer to the rules for more information.
When are the flights added?
We add flights as soon as possible after the real aircraft has flown them - usually within a few hours to days. If you notice that a flight is missing, or if you would like to have a flight added ahead of time so that you can fly it in real time together with the real aircraft, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to add the flight as a priority. Flights are added based on publicly accessible flightradar24.com data.
For how long are flights available?
Each newly added flight will stay available for at least one month from the date the real aircraft flew it. The date by which the flight remains available is shown in flight booking.
I missed the flight before it was automatically removed, now what?
No worries. If the flight is ever flown again in the real world in the future, we will add it. You also have the option to use the Charter Flight or Business Jet feature.
I see a pilot on the online map flying a flight which is not available in the booking system.
The pilot in question has probably booked the flight before the flight was automatically removed. Bookings are never cancelled from our side and you can fly the booked flight at any time, even after the flight's removal.
What is a rotation?
A rotation is a sequence of flights, which were flown by a real aircraft in succession. A rotation usually begins and ends at a base airport. Every flight available in our crew centre for booking is a part of a rotation.
Am I required to complete the entire rotation?
No. Feel free to switch to a completely different rotation after each flight, if you wish. Adherence to rotations to maintain realism is encouraged, but certainly not mandated.
How is the flight recorded?
The flight log, map and profile is generated automatically by the smartCARS tracking software during the flight, after the pilot has started the flight tracking. It is sent for evaluation (validation) after the flight is finished and confirmed by the pilot.
I don't see my flight on the online map.
During the first few minutes of the flight just after you start the tracking, it is possible that the flight will not appear on the online map.
If you don't see the flight after a few minutes, it is possible that you have booked a flight, then cancelled the booking, and booked the flight again - but didn't use the Refresh button in smartCARS. Perhaps you started the flight with the original, now cancelled booking. In such situation, it is unfortunately not possible to recover the flight.
If you cancel a flight booking and book the flight again, don't forget to use the Refresh button in smartCARS.
How long does flight evaluation take?
We try to evaluate sent flights as fast as possible. Usually, flights are evaluated within 24 hours; during peak hours, we sometimes manage to validate your flights within a few minutes after they are sent. If you feel that it is taking too long, please contact us.
How can a landing be "too smooth"?
If a landing is too smooth, the aircraft's sensors might not detect that the plane is on the ground, which is undesirable, as it could delay automatic spoiler deployment etc.
Answers related to smartCARS 3 can be found at https://wiki.sky-virtual.com/en/smartcars3.
Which flight simulators are supported?
FSX (DVD or Steam edition), Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 and 2024), Prepar3D, and X-Plane 11 and 12.
How to log a flight?
To track flights, we use the smartCARS software by TFDi Design. You can download smartCARS in our crew centre. Please see our smartCARS setup guide.
I am using Microsoft Flight Simulator. After using the "Pause at Top of Descent" smartCARS feautre, I am unable to unpause the simulator.
Go to Microsoft Flight Simulator options, enable Developer Mode. A drop-down menu will appear at the top of the screen - go into the "Options" tab and click "Resume Simulation |>".