CURRENT AS OF 6/20/2025

Standard Operating Procedure for Mirage Airways

1. Introduction

Purpose & Mission

Mirage Airways VA is founded on the principle that flight transcends mere transit; it represents an immersive, professional, and inspiring journey. As a global community of aviation enthusiasts, we are dedicated to:

  • Delivering Realism: We achieve this through adherence to professional procedures, utilization of high-fidelity aircraft, and authentic, real-world routing.

  • Promoting Professionalism: This is upheld in all facets of virtual aviation, from meticulous flight planning to precise air traffic control communication.

  • Fostering Camaraderie: We cultivate a supportive network encompassing pilots, staff, and fellow aviation enthusiasts.

  • Inspiring Growth: We facilitate this through structured training programs, clear opportunities for advancement, and a well-defined ranking system.

  • Encouraging Creativity: This is supported via custom liveries, curated themed events, and community showcases.

  • Engaging the Community: We achieve this through regular events, challenges, and collaborative partnerships.

Regardless of whether one is undertaking their inaugural takeoff or their five-hundredth landing, Mirage Airways VA provides an unparalleled pathway to aviation adventure, where each flight presents an opportunity for learning, connection, and elevated experience..




Scope

This SOP applies to all pilots, staff, and administrators within Mirage Airways.





2. Membership Requirements

2.1 Eligibility & Application

  • Open to anyone passionate about aviation and flight simulation.

  • Members must complete an application form and agree to adhere to airline policies.

2.2 Activity Requirements

  • Pilots must log at least two (2) flights monthly to remain active.

  • Inactivity over 90 days without notification may result in suspension.

  • For leaves of absence exceeding 90 days, contact your Hub Manager for approval.


2.3 Code of Conduct

  • All members must display respect and professionalism within the airline.

  • Communication should remain courteous, constructive, and aviation-focused.

  • Violations may result in disciplinary action.

3. Flight Operations

3.1 Approved Flight Simulators

Pilots must use one of the following approved platforms:

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 or 2024

  • X-Plane 12

  • Prepar3D

3.2 Flight Planning

  • All flights must be planned using SimBrief, Navigraph, or SkyVector.

  • Pilots must check weather, airport restrictions, and ATC availability before departure.

  • Noise abatement procedures and real-world routing must be followed.

3.3 Aircraft Assignment

  • Pilots are assigned aircraft based on their rank and experience level.

  • Aircraft operations must reflect realistic fuel calculations, weight distribution, and flight dynamics.



3.4 ATC Communication

  • Pilots are encouraged to fly on VATSIM or IVAO for real-time ATC services.

  • Pilots are encouraged to use Say Intentions AI or BeyondATC for simulated ATC services.

  • Proper aviation phraseology must be used for all communications.

4. Ranking & Promotion System

4.1 Pilot Ranks

  • New Hire: 0 hours

  • Second Officer: 25 hours + 

  • First Officer: 75 hours +

  • Senior FO:150 hours +

  • Captain: 250 hours +

  • Chief Captain: 500 hours 

Based on PIREP’s recorded in FShub MCARS system.

4.2 Promotion Criteria

  • Pilots are promoted based on flight hours, professionalism, and SOP adherence.

  • Additional training sessions may be required for advancements.

5. Staff Roles & Responsibilities

5.1 Leadership Team

  • CEO & Executives: Oversee operations, partnerships, and airline growth.

  • Hub Managers: Manage regional hubs and pilot assignments.

5.2 Training & Events Team

  • Instructors: Conduct training sessions for new pilots.

  • Event Coordinators: Plan group flights, competitions, and challenges.






6. Flight Logging & PIREPs

6.1 Flight Logging

  • Pilots must submit PIREPs (Pilot Reports) after each completed flight.

  • Flight logs are maintained through Mirage Airways’ virtual airline platform (FShub MCARS), see separate documentation file for setup and configuration.

Xbox Users are responsible for sending screenshot or photo of MSFS 2020 or 2024 Logbook showing Mirage Company Route with departure and destination flight completion that matches in fshub manual pirep, also a screenshot or photo of the 4simmers Landing rate results (FPM) Vertical speed to there respective Crew base MGR inThe Mirage Airways VA Discord channel (XBOX MANUAL PIREP MAILBOX) or you can email to your Respective Crew base MGR.

  • Xbox users are also responsible for submitting a manual pirep in FS HUB in order to get credit for there flight and flight approval.

  • FPM must be no more than -600 FPM dangerous 

  • FPM in the dangerous sector with too many occurrences will result in coaching and training support in the training headquarters

6.2 Validation & Penalties

  • Mirage Airways emphasizes realism and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during flight reviews.

  • Non-compliance with SOPs (e.g., exceeding speed limits below FL100, failing to load LRM) will result in PIREP rejection.

  • Improper flight behavior, such as excessive speed or unrealistic maneuvers, may also lead to PIREP rejection.

  • Manual PIREPs will ONLY be accepted by XBOX users

  • Pilots have the option to discuss PIREP rejections with their crew base manager.


7. Disciplinary Actions

7.1 Violation Categories

  • Minor Infractions: Warnings issued for flight inaccuracies.

  • Major Infractions: Temporary suspension for repeated offenses.

  • Severe Misconduct: Immediate removal from the virtual airline.

7.2 Appeals Process

  • Members can submit appeals for disciplinary actions.

  • Appeals are reviewed within 72 hours.

8. Community Engagement & Events

8.1 Monthly Challenges

  • Special flight challenges including:

  • Long-haul endurance flights

  • Emergency response scenarios

  • ATC coordination events on VATSIM and SayIntentions AI Skynet


8.2 Group Flights & Social Engagement

  • Regularly scheduled group flights and meetups via Discord.

  • Social media showcases for flight experiences and shared aviation knowledge.

8.3 Partnerships & Collaborations

Mirage Airways collaborates with flight simulation developers and other virtual airlines.