FAQ
Find answers here to questions frequently asked of us by those in our Pilot community.
- Introduction
- General Questions
- Application & Registration
- Getting Started
- Flight Operations
- Squawks & Comments
Introduction
If you’re just checking us out – or if you’re already a member of our team – thanks very much for your interest in Walker Air Transport. While we’ve made every effort to keep things simple and straightforward here, we recognize the fact questions will always arise, no matter what we’ve included here. And that’s why we’ve created this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
We genuinely consider this to be a living, breathing document and will continually update it in the days ahead as more questions surface whose answers may help make life in our organization easier and more enjoyable.
Let us know what you think of our efforts by submitting a Help Ticket.
| General Contact | Company Website | Discord Invitation |
| help@walkerair.us | https://walkerair.us | You can find it in your Welcome Email – or – click Discord in the menu under your name in the Navigation Bar on the Crew Operations website. |
| Help | Assistance | Requests | Action Steps | ||||
| For Company Pilots |
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| For all others | Submit a Help Ticket or email help@walkerair.us. |
While every effort has been made to address the questions frequently asked of us, we readily acknowledge there may likely be many others that have not. If you have a question we’ve not covered here – or if one’s been covered in a way leaving you with more questions than answers – please contact us. Allow us an opportunity to improve this document and your experience.
General Questions
What’s a Virtual Airline?
As the name implies, a Virtual Airline (VA) is not a real airline. It simulates the various operations of a real one, though with only a single element – the Pilot. In a typical VA, the Pilot selects the flights they wish to fly, they fly them on their flight simulator and the data that flight generates is transmitted to a system documenting it. For many, being a Pilot for a VA gives them purpose and creates added realism for their online flying activities.
What’s Walker Air Transport?
Walker Air Transport is a virtual air transportation and logistics company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Jacksonville Executive Airport (KCRG). Founded in 1999, the company began as a small charter outfit operating a single-engine Cessna 172 Skyhawk, and later, a twin-turboprop Beechcraft King Air 350. As years passed, the demand for the company’s general air travel and private charter flight services increased, to the point where, in late 2019, Walker Air’s Executive Management Team made a decision to expand operations into scheduled passenger and cargo services. To fuel that expansion plan, staff were hired, systems developed, schedules created – and a fleet of over 75 passenger and cargo aircraft of varying types initially acquired – making us the first small charter company to successfully transition into the global aviation market. Walker Air Transport offers flexible options spanning the globe for a wide variety of passenger travel needs and timely solutions for those with cargo-hauling challenges.
Which flight simulators are supported by Walker Air Transport?
We support the three (3) major Flight Simulator platforms:
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Laminar Research X-Plane |
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Lockheed Martin Prepar3D® |
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Microsoft® Flight Simulator 2020 (Steam and non-Steam version) |
What computer operating systems are supported?
We support Microsoft® Windows-based (PC) versions of the Flight Simulator platforms mentioned above.
We also support the Apple-based (MacOS) version of X-Plane.
Can I use an earlier version of any of the flight simulators you support?
Our proprietary Flight Data System is optimized to work best with X-Plane, Lockheed Martin Prepar3D® v4 and Microsoft® Flight Simulator 2020.
We do not actively support any earlier versions of these platforms.
Before I can fly for Walker Air Transport, what hardware and software will I need to have?
You must have at least the following in order to fly for us:
- a Microsoft® Windows (PC) – or – Apple (MacOS)-based computer (X-Plane only);
- a high-speed Internet connection;
- supported Flight Simulator software (as mentioned above); and,
- ACARS – smartCARS 3 (PC, Linux, or MacOS) or FlightTrackerXP (MacOS) for X-Plane only.
You must then complete an Application Form.
LINK: https://crew.walkerair.us/registration
You’re not required to purchase any aircraft, addons or liveries. You may fly with us in a number of the default aircraft provided by the Developers of the flight simulator platforms we support.
Every aircraft in our Fleet has a custom-designed, easily-downloadable livery available at no cost.
You’re required to use that livery every time you fly using our ACARS-based Flight Data System.
Where do I find aircraft to download?
Flight simulation programs provide what are known as ‘default aircraft’ – aircraft the Developer has included with their Flight Simulator software. While not all of these default aircraft are in our Fleet, a number of them are. We’ve purposely designed our system to accept these default aircraft – and a number of our Pilots regularly fly and enjoy them. Other freeware and payware aircraft can be flown here as well, and they may be found by conducting an Internet search.
For additional assistance, post your request to the #general channel in our Discord.
How much flying experience do I need to have in order to join Walker Air Transport?
You do not need any flight experience to fly with us. Pilots of all levels are welcome.
You may, however, encounter conditions and/or situations when flying that may require you to skillfully operate your aircraft on your chosen route through varying weather conditions and other air traffic. We have what we think is a perfect, non-threatening environment for you to learn and develop those skills.
Do you offer a Flight Training Program?
No. Formal flight training is well beyond the scope of what we do here, though a number of our Pilots have Private Pilot Licenses | advanced ratings and complete flights for training purposes – especially when flown online with IVAO, PilotEdge, and/or VATSIM. We do think of ourselves, though, as offering a dynamic learning environment that can be as challenging and immersive as you want it to be. Our Staff and Pilots come from all walks of life and possess vast skills and talents they readily share in the Company Discord.
Do you have any age limits?
To join Walker Air Transport – and in order for us to be in compliance with applicable national and international law – we have stipulated that all of our Pilots must be at least 16-years of age.
By applying to join the company, you affirm you meet or exceed this minimum age requirement.
Do I have to pay for flying for Walker Air Transport?
No. There are no fees required to fly with us. Other than the cost of your computer equipment and related operation and flight simulator software, it costs absolutely nothing to fly with us.
Do I get paid for flying for Walker Air Transport?
We pay our Pilots in virtual currency that may only be used to purchase a ‘Jumpseat’ ticket within our organization, change their Home base and/or re-fly a Tour – it has no real-world value.
What if I need help or have a question?
We enthusiastically welcome new Pilots – and we’re here to help you have fun and enjoy your time in the virtual skies. So, if you have questions, please ask them. After all, we were all new at one time and probably had the same question(s).
Before doing so, though, take a few moments to search our Documentation Management System (DMS). It's quite possible you'll find your answer(s) there.
If you're not able to find the answer you're seeking, then post the question(s) you have in the #general channel in our Discord.
Otherwise, submit a Help Ticket.
Are there any restrictions placed on aircraft according to Pilot ranks?
No. Walker Air Transport doesn’t set restrictions on aircraft types by Pilot rank. You may fly any aircraft in our Fleet any time you wish to do so. Depending on your skill level, though – and to ease your transition into our system – you may find it more enjoyable (and potentially less frustrating) for your first several flights to be flown in General Aviation (GA) aircraft so you can gain some familiarity with how your actions on the ground and in the air affect PIREPS and the calculation of points before transitioning to larger and more complex aircraft. After all, we want the flying here to be fun – and for your enjoyment.
A PIREP is, quite simply, a Pilot Report. It contains digital data about the flight you flew and completed. After processing that data in our automated, proprietary system, it’s immediately filed, at which time it’s also added to your Pilot Logbook and is available for review.
Which online, multiplayer networks are supported by Walker Air Transport?
You can fly online with us using the IVAO, PilotEdge, and VATSIM networks.
What if I don't want to or can’t fly on a multiplayer network?
It’s not a problem at all and there’s never any pressure for you to do so. You may fly offline with us as much or as little as you desire. And in fact, most of our Pilots do not fly online at all.
Can I fly for Walker Air Transport and another virtual airline at the same time?
Yes. Our Pilots are not prohibited from flying for other VAs. As a matter of practice, though – and in accordance with a provision of our Code of Conduct – you may not publicly advertise another VA while flying for us.
What awards can Walker Air Transport Pilots earn?
We have an achievement-based Award System where our Pilots earn badges for successfully completing flight-related goals and objectives.
Go here to view the complete list of our Awards.
How’s flight data tracked?
To log your flight data, we utilize ACARS Flight Tracking software:
- TFDi Design’s smartCARS 3; and,
- FlightTrackerXP – an ACARS-compatible, MacOS Flight Tracker for for X-Plane only.
How often does a Walker Air Transport Pilot fly?
Our Pilots fly as often as they desire – and they do not have formal flight schedules.
We do, however, have some guidelines that must be followed. A New Hire/Flight Student must complete their first flight within fourteen (14) days after receiving their Acceptance Email. Thereafter, every Walker Air Transport Pilot maintains a status based on the frequency of their flight activity.
| Status | Description |
| Active |
At least one (1) completed flight/PIREP in the past thirty (30) days. A New Pilot must complete their first flight within fourteen (14) days after receiving Acceptance Email. |
| On Leave |
No completed flight/PIREP in the past thirty (30) days. A Pilot will be placed On Leave if they do not complete at least one (1) flight every thirty (30) days. |
| Retired |
No completed flight/PIREP in the past ninety (90) days. A Pilot will be Retired if they do not complete at least one (1) flight every ninety (90) days. |
A PIREP is, quite simply, a Pilot Report. It contains digital data about the flight you flew and completed. After processing that data in our automated, proprietary system, it’s immediately filed, at which time it’s also added to your Pilot Logbook and is available for review.
It looks I won’t be able to fly at any time in the next month or so. What should I do?
Life happens – and situations and circumstances change. We understand that… Based on your level of activity (as noted above), you’ll be classified as either On Leave or Retired. You’ll receive an email from us notifying you of your change in status along with what steps are necessary in order for you to return to Active status.
If you have questions about your status, submit a Help Ticket.
Is there a minimum number of flights or hours I have to fly in order to retain ‘Active’ status?
No. There are no minimum flight time requirements – as long as there’s a takeoff at a departure airport and a landing at an arrival airport, the length of time your aircraft is airborne doesn’t matter.
The key to maintaining and retaining an ‘Active’ status is to complete at least one (1) flight every thirty (30) days.
As a matter of practicality, though, we don’t see the value in doing that. Flights of that type lose money. Therefore, if flights of this type become regular occurrences for you, we’ll need to have a conversation about it.
Is there a maximum number of flights or hours I’m allowed to fly in a day | week | month | year?
No. You may fly as much and as often as you desire. From a real-world | healthy balance | quality of life perspective, though, you may wish to use current FAA regulations as a guide in planning and using your time. Based on what they say:
- Pilots are allowed a maximum of 60 hours of flight duty per week (defined as 168 consecutive hours).
- In any consecutive 28-day period, a Pilot cannot exceed 290 hours, of which no more than 100 hours can be flight time.
- During 365 consecutive days, Pilots cannot exceed 1,000 flight-time hours.
What do I do if I want to leave Walker Air Transport?
You may terminate your position with us at any time.
If you ever wish to return, though, you’ll be treated as a new applicant – you’ll need to complete an Application Form and go through the approval process. If approved, you’ll start with us as a Student Pilot with zero hours and zero points. Any hours and points accumulated under your previous Pilot ID will be lost.
Which airplanes can I use to fly with Walker Air Transport?
On our website’s Fleet page (https://walkerair.us/fleet.php), you’ll see the wide variety of aircraft we fly in our Cargo, Charter and Scheduled Fleets – each with a custom and proprietary Walker Air livery.
From day one, you may fly any aircraft you desire – we do not restrict aircraft type to rank.
Additionally, with each aircraft in the Fleet page, you’ll see the flight simulator in which it may be flown and its Developer. A few quick clicks will let you know which aircraft currently in your personal ‘hanger’ can be flown here. Depending on the type of flight you operate, though, you must fly an aircraft in that specific fleet. That means:
- For a Cargo flight, an aircraft in the Cargo Fleet must be flown;
- For a Charter flight, an aircraft in the Charter Fleet must be flown; and,
- For a Scheduled flight, an aircraft in the Scheduled Fleet must be flown.
No substitutes are allowed.
Do I need to install addon panels | sounds | mods in addition to aircraft?
No – all you need to install to fly for us is an appropriate aircraft. Anything else you choose to do with it is up to you. We do, however, recommend using a panel and sound package designed for the aircraft you’re flying in order to achieve the greatest realism.
Where are Walker Air Transport’s Hubs?
Unlike other VAs, we do not have Hubs.
Instead, putting our 'Freedom to Fly' beliefs into practice, we allow our Pilots to choose their own Home Base (Home) from any of over 44,000 airports in our database.
Is it possible to change from one Home to another?
On your Application Form, you were asked to specify a Home Base (Home). It’s from this assigned location you must make your first Cargo or Scheduled flight. Thereafter, it doesn’t factor into your flying – unless that’s what you want to do.
If you wish to change your Home, you can do so on your own anytime you wish to do so – and as many times as you desire. You can do this yourself in your Pilot Profile.
Click here to learn more about it.
How do I complete and submit a Help or Request Form?
Instructions on how to complete a Help Ticket can be found here.
Where can I fly with Walker Air Transport?
With well over 640,000 published schedules spanning the entire world, our Cargo and Scheduled Pilots have a significant number of flight options from which to choose.
Our Charter Pilots have even more flight options – if an airport exists in your flight simulator’s database, you can fly there.
I have hours in another Virtual Airline for which I no longer fly. Can they be transferred and credited here?
No. All Pilots begin their careers at Walker Air Transport with 00:00 hours and zero points.
What Rank can I achieve?
Achieving Rank is based on a very simple model… You’re promoted based on the number of hours you fly and the points you earn by completing a flight. To work your way through the ‘ranks’, all you need to do is build your flight hours and your points by completing flights and meeting both of the requirements noted below for minimum hours and minimum points.
Rank
Rank details are illustrated in the following table.
| Rank | Title | Insignia | Minimum Hours | Minimum Points | Pay Rate (Hourly) |
| Flight Student |
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0 | 0 | $15.00 |
| First Officer |
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25 | 300 | $35.00 |
| Senior First Officer |
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75 | 900 | $45.00 |
| Captain |
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100 | 1,200 | $65.00 |
| Flight Captain |
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300 | 3,600 | $85.00 |
| Senior Flight Captain |
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500 | 6,000 | $105.00 |
| Chief Pilot I |
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1,000 | 12,000 | $115.00 |
| Chief Pilot II |
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2,500 | 30,000 | $135.00 |
| Chief Pilot III |
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5,000 | 60,000 | $165.00 |
| Senior Chief Pilot I |
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7,500 | 90,000 | $192.00 |
| Senior Chief Pilot II |
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10,000 | 120,000 | $225.00 |
| Senior Pilot Emeritus |
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15,000 | 180,000 | $255.00 |
Points
Points are awarded for each completed flight receiving an ‘Accepted’ designation.
The number of points you earn will depend on several factors – as you can see from the categories and points awards in the chart below.
| Category | Points | How is it determined? |
| Completed Flight | +5 | |
| Per Hour of Flight | +1 | |
| Per 50 Nautical Miles of Flight | +1 | |
| Completed 20-Minute Pre-Flight | +3 | Pre-flight time is calculated between the log entries 'Preflight started, flying' and 'Pushing back with # of fuel'. |
| Flaps Position Set – Takeoff |
+1 | Takeoff flaps are determined by log entry 'Flaps set to' that occur before the log entry 'Taking off'. |
| Flaps Position Set – Landing |
+1 |
Landing flaps are determined by log entry 'Flaps set to' that occur after the log entry 'Approaching'. The 'Approaching' log entry will not occur if you are not properly in cruise phase. Please read note above regarding MSFS 2020 and/or ensure you know how to properly use the ACARS application to set your correct cruise level. |
| Exceed 250kts under 10,000 ft for more than 2 minutes Only applicable when aircraft MTOW is less than 300,000lbs (136,077kgs). |
-5 | Aircraft that have an MTOW less than 300,000lbs (136,077kgs). You can view the MTOW of our fleet by visiting Company > Fleet in CrewOps and viewing the MTOW column. |
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Overspeed Only deducted once regardless of number of instances of overspeeding |
-2 | Log indicates 'Overspeed'. |
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Time Compression |
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Log indicates 'Simulation rate set to'.
A 15% penalty will be assessed against the total number of points earned for that flight. 46 points earned – 7 point penalty (.15 × 46) = 39 points awarded. |
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Bonus Multiplier |
The bonus multiplier helps equalize flights in all Fleet aircraft regardless of distance flown and/or cruising speed by using a proprietary algorithm and applying it to those with cruise speeds of 250kts or less and cruise speeds between 251kts and 400kts. | |
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Pilots Home Airport |
+5 |
You departed from or arrived at your Hub airport. |
| Landing Rates (Aircraft MTOW < 12,500lb) | |
|
-800 fpm to -701 fpm |
-8 |
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-700 fpm to -601 fpm |
-6 |
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-600 fpm to -501 fpm |
-4 |
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-500 fpm to -401 fpm |
-2 |
|
-400 fpm to -300 fpm |
+1 |
|
-300 fpm to -201 fpm |
+2 |
|
-200 fpm to -101 fpm |
+4 |
|
-100 fpm to 0 fpm |
+5 |
|
-150 fpm |
+100 |
| Landing Rates (Aircraft MTOW > 12,500lb) | |
|
-800 fpm to -701 fpm |
-4 |
|
-700 fpm to -601 fpm |
-2 |
|
-600 fpm to -501 fpm |
+1 |
|
-500 fpm to -401 fpm |
+2 |
|
-400 fpm to -301 fpm |
+4 |
|
-300 fpm to -101 fpm |
+5 |
|
-100 fpm to 0 fpm |
+2 |
|
-150 fpm |
+100 |
Here are some examples illustrating how these category points factor into each flight.
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Application & Registration
I’ve just completed your Application Form. How long will it take for it to be approved?
All Application Forms are acknowledged and confirmed as soon as staff is available. Historically, decisions for applications are sent out within 24 hours of receipt, though circumstances may cause this to be longer.
What happens when my application is confirmed?
Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive a welcome email from the Walker Business Office. Within that email, you will receive your Walker Pilot ID, as well as key links to get you started as a pilot for Walker Air.
Getting Started
I’m signed up and want to take my first flight. Now what?
The steps you need to take to prepare yourself for your first flight are detailed in our New Pilot Orientation document. It may be found here.
Review it carefully. Afterwards, if you have any questions, complete and submit a Help Ticket.
Can I start flying immediately?
Yes; however, we very strongly recommend reading our New Pilot Orientation document before doing so. It may be found here.
Once you've finished that, you’re all set. Bid your flight, fly it – and have fun!
I'm flying in an Event... Can I start a flight as soon as the Bid Window opens 3 hours before the event -- or -- do I have to wait until the scheduled Start/Pushback time?
Yes, you may begin your flight as soon as the Bid Window opens.
How do I find flights to fly?
The process of finding a flight is covered in great detail in our New Pilot Orientation document. It may be found here.
Where can I get weather reports for my flights?
There are a number of sources you may use to obtain weather reports for your flight. Flight simulators typically allow weather to be generated realistically using internal weather generation methods. In addition to a number of free, online resources, there are also a number of payware addons that can be used to receive up-to-the-minute weather information.
Do I have to fly using real weather?
While using actual weather conditions can enhance your overall flight experience, you do not have to use it. Configure it any way you like.
What if I can't find a suitable Cargo or Scheduled flight to fly?
You always have the option to create, bid and fly a Charter flight. You may also purchase a Jumpseat and explore flight options at another airport.
Learn more about Jumpseats here.
Can I start my flight early?
Yes. Actually, you may start your flight at any convenient time so there won’t be clashes or conflicts with what you have going on in your real-world life. This is, after all, a virtual environment, not a real one – and, more than anything else, it’s about having fun.
Flight times shown in Crew Ops are displayed in UTC. This is simulator time, not real-world time. If a flight is scheduled to depart at 1600 UTC, we encourage you to fly it at that time to enhance the overall experience; however, that’s not mandated.
I completed a bid on a flight, but it looks like I’m not going to be able to fly it. Now what do I do?
You don’t have to do anything. It will remain in your Completed Bids page for 48 hours. If you don’t complete the flight before that time period expires, it will be automatically deleted – or you may go to My Bids and manually delete it.
Tour bids do not expire.
Will my bid expire if I don't complete the flight?
It will be saved in your Completed Bids page for 48 hours. After that, it’ll be automatically deleted. If you wish to bid the same flight at a later date, you’ll need to re-enter it.
Tour bids do not expire.
How long before a scheduled flight’s departure time can I bid on it?
You can create and submit a bid on any Cargo and/or Scheduled flight at any time. Once the bid has been submitted, you can fly it immediately, irrespective of the published departure time.
Do I have to use real airport charts and maps when flying for Walker Air Transport?
No – although a number of our Pilots choose to enhance their experience with us by doing so and find it useful and rewarding. It’s completely up to you. Their use, however, can certainly add an element of realism to your flying experience.
When flying online with IVAO, PilotEdge and VATSIM, though, you’ll probably need them when you arrive or depart under the ATC guidance they provide.
By the way – many of these items can be downloaded from the Internet at no cost.
How can I obtain airport charts?
Airport Charts suitable for simulation purposes are typically available within your flight simulator. There are also many other options – free and subscription-based – that can be explored using the Internet.
When I use Google to find something on the Internet, I can never seem to find what I'm looking for. Can you help me?
It's well beyond the scope of what we do here to provide lessons on how to conduct a search using Google – or any other Internet Search Engine. We can, however, suggest a tutorial many others here and elsewhere have found helpful. You may find it here.
Does Walker Air Transport use ACARS (flight tracking software) Programs?
Yes. We currently utilize TFDi Design’s smartCARS 3 program and FlightTrackerXP, an ACARS-compatible flight tracker for MacOS (X-Plane only). They seamlessly interface with our custom-designed and automated Flight Data System by pulling flight data directly into our database, enabling us to create PIREPs and populate the Crew Ops website with data. That allows you to concentrate on flying, not manually completing and filing reports.
What’s a PIREP?
A PIREP is, quite simply, a Pilot Report. It contains digital data about the flight you flew and completed. After processing that data in our automated, proprietary system, it’s immediately filed, at which time it’s also added to your Pilot Logbook and is available for review.
Manual PIREPS are not allowed.
When will my PIREP be posted to my Flight Log?
Instantly. We use a custom-designed, automated PIREP system that, with the simple click of a couple of buttons, files it before you ever leave your aircraft at the end of a flight.
Manual PIREPS are not allowed.
How do I file a PIREP?
You don’t ever need nor will you ever be able to manually file a PIREP – our automated, proprietary system does that for you.
Click a couple of buttons once your aircraft has come to a stop and it's done.
Manual PIREPS are not allowed.
Do you accept manual PIREPS?
No. Manually-completed PIREPS are not allowed.
When will my PIREP be approved?
Technically, all PIREPS are automatically processed and approved once they’re submitted.
Manually-completed PIREPS are not allowed.
Depending on a number of factors, though, a PIREP will be classified in one (1) of the following ways:
| Approved | Rejected | Diverted |
The criteria used to make that decision is as follows.
| Approved | Rejected | Diverted |
|
The criteria for an Approved flight are:
All points, flight hours and pay are awarded.
The PIREP is posted to your Logbook as being Completed | Approved. |
The criteria for a Rejected flight are:
No points, flight hours or pay are awarded.
The PIREP is posted to the your Logbook as being Completed | Rejected. |
The criteria for a Diverted flight are:
All points, flight hours and pay are awarded.
If this occurs when flying a Tour leg, you will not be advanced to the next leg. The leg will have to be reflown.
The PIREP is posted to your Logbook as being Completed | Diverted.
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What if I disagree with what the PIREP says about my flight? Is there a Formal Review process?
Data generated by your flight simulator about your flight is transferred, via ACARS, to our automated Flight Data System for processing. It's that data transfer that enables us to create the PIREP you see and what’s posted in your Logbook.
The control inputs you make in your flight simulator while flying are the only manual elements of the data recording and transmission process – everything else is data driven.
Once you arrive at your final destination, land and taxi to a stop. Before doing anything else, take a moment to review your ACARS log to ensure its entries look normal.
Here's an example of a typical ACARS Flight Log whose entries appear to be Normal. Each entry represents a data point the Sim transmitted to our Flight Data System, and its that data we used to generate the PIREP.
| Entries Look Normal |
Submit the PIREP. |
| Entries Don't Look Normal |
Click Cancel. Doing so will not affect your Logbook in any way – it’ll be like the flight never occurred. |
Manual PIREPS are not allowed.
We recognize, however, there could be an occasion where something doesn’t look right at the end of your flight. In the example illustrated below, something was obviously amiss – it’s not possible to be taxiing to the gate, and, after a brief pause, becoming airborne again…
While exceedingly rare, these kinds of anomalies can occasionally occur. We certainly sympathize with you if something like this happens. However, no Formal Review process exists because we do not have any control over the operation of your computer, your flight simulator, the stability of your Internet connection and/or any other operational factors affecting how data is collected and transmitted to us. As a result, we must trust the data your flight simulator generates and transmits to us via ACARS to be an accurate representation of what occurred during your flight. After that transmission occurs, we do not have the ability to change or alter any flight data nor will we ever do so.
Something doesn’t look right to me on the PIREP for the flight I just completed. What do I do?
We certainly sympathize with you if something like this occurs. However, we do not have any control over the operation of your computer, your flight simulator, the stability of your Internet connection and/or any other operational factors affecting how data is collected and transmitted to us. As a result, we must trust the data your flight simulator generates and transmits to our Flight Data System via ACARS to be an accurate representation of what occurred during your flight. After that transmission occurs, though, we do not have the ability to change or alter any flight data nor will we ever do so.
What to do?
Simply stated, you’ll need to re-fly that flight.
Flight Operations
What if my computer or flight simulator crashes?
This topic is covered in some detail within our Policies & Procedures Document. It may be found here.
What if I crash during one of my flights?
If you crash or have any other in-flight event preventing you from completing your flight as planned, you’ll need to cancel ACARS and restart that flight.
Is a Pilot allowed to change the simulation rate?
Changing the simulation rate during a flight is permitted as often as desired; however, a 15% penalty will be assessed against the total number of points earned for that flight if its use is detected by ACARS.
EXAMPLE: 53 points earned – 8 point penalty (.15 × 53) = 45 points awarded
Changing the simulation rate is not permitted on any Tour flight. If you submit a PIREP and increase the simulation rate in any way, you’ll be required to re-fly that leg in order to advance in the Tour.
Do you allow a Pilot to pause the flight simulator while a flight is underway?
Yes. As long as you’re flying offline and don’t do anything to interrupt the operation of ACARS, you may pause your flight and resume it at any time afterwards without penalty.
If you’re flying online in a simulated, real-world environment, though, the controllers at IVAO, PilotEdge, or VATSIM will likely not be as accommodating. They typically do not allow flights to be paused.
Can I fly flights to/from Home Bases other than the one I was assigned?
The Home Base (Home) you initially requested on your Application Form is your primary operating base and only needs to be used for your first Cargo and Scheduled flights. After that, you’re allowed to operate flights starting or ending at any airport you choose as long as there are flights in the schedule linking them.
For Charter flights, your Home holds no special or unique significance – unless you have enabled Worldwide Persistence. In which case, these flights will be treated the same as Cargo and Scheduled flights.
Learn more about Worldwide Persistence by reading this.
Once you’ve flown from your Home, you never have to return to it unless you wish to do so (and there’s a 5-point bonus for doing that).
I created a Flight Plan in simBrief. Do I have to follow the route and runway assignment it generated?
No. You're free to fly any route you want. The one provided by simBrief – or any other flight planning tool you may use – is only a suggestion and not a requirement.
I like flying helicopters. Can I fly them here?
Yes, you can fly helicopters that we have in our fleet.
If there is a helicopter or livery not in our platform, please do not hesitate to open a ticket on our CrewOps and we will look into adding it.
How are new aircraft added to the Walker Air Transport Fleet?
We’re aviation and flight simulation enthusiasts who enjoy flying aircraft of all kinds. Our Pilots are as well. As a result, we’re constantly evaluating freeware and payware aircraft Developers release and making our decision to add or not add them to our Fleet based on aircraft availability, operational factors and available resources; therefore, not all requests can be honored.
If you’d like to make an aircraft-related suggestion (aircraft or livery), submit a Help Ticket.
Before submitting a request, though, please keep our Fleet Assignment Criteria in mind:
| Cargo | Charter | Scheduled |
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In order for an aircraft to be added to the Cargo Fleet, it must have:
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In order for an aircraft to be added to the Charter Fleet:
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In order for an aircraft to be added to the Scheduled Fleet:
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Do you allow aircraft substitutions?
No. Our flight modules are built in a way substituting aircraft isn’t necessary.
If a PIREP documents a different aircraft than what was initially selected, it will be rejected.
Is it permissible for me to fly aircraft that aren’t in Walker Air Transport’s Fleet?
When you log a flight in Walker, you may only fly an aircraft specifically approved for a Cargo, Charter or Scheduled flight. In other words...
| Cargo | Charter | Scheduled |
| For a Cargo Flight, you must fly an aircraft in the Cargo Fleet. If the aircraft you wish to fly is not in this Fleet, then you will not be allowed to fly a Cargo flight. |
For a Charter Flight, you must fly an aircraft in the Charter Fleet. If the aircraft you wish to fly is not in this Fleet, then you will not be allowed to fly a Charter flight. |
For a Scheduled Flight, you must fly an aircraft in the Scheduled Fleet. If the aircraft you wish to fly is not in this Fleet, then you will not be allowed to fly a Scheduled flight. |
To view the aircraft in each of our Fleets, go here: Downloads > Liveries > Active
If the aircraft you wish to fly is not listed in a Fleet, you may request it be added by completing a Help Ticket.
There is no guarantee the aircraft will be added.
Additionally, that aircraft must also be flown in our company livery. Any flight you complete while using our ACARS system in a non-fleet aircraft – or one not in our livery – will be rejected. And should this happen more than once, you risk being terminated. Members of the Patreon program are excluded from this requirement.
I have an aircraft type listed in your Fleet whose Developer I don’t see. Can I still fly it?
If you wish to fly an aircraft listed in our Cargo, Charter, and/or Scheduled Fleets created by a Developer that’s not noted/listed, you may submit a Help Ticket requesting it be added to the Fleet.
There is no guarantee the aircraft will be added.
You may not, however, under any circumstances whatsoever, fly an aircraft in our System without a Company livery.
Submit a Help Ticket – or – if you have additional questions, post a comment to the #general channel in Discord.
Do I have to fly my entire flight in a single session?
No. From a Company standpoint, you may begin a flight, pause and resume it at a later time as often as you think it necessary. As long as ACARS is not interrupted, you can complete the flight – and do so without penalty.
Make sure you review your flight simulator’s operating instructions to ensure pausing it will not interfere with the operation of ACARS.
During a night flight, I discovered my arrival airport did not have any runway lighting. Can I adjust the time-of-day setting to complete the flight?
Yes. You may adjust the time-of-day setting during your flight – at any time and as many times as you like.
I just checked my ACARS Flight Log and see the altitude shown there is different than the one being displayed in my aircraft. Is that going to be a problem?
Certain aircraft, altimeter settings, simulators and other factors can have an effect on the altitude ACARS receives and displays. In this case, it may not have switched to Cruising mode. If this happens, simply adjust the target altitude (Cruise Altitude) in the SC window until it registers ‘Cruise’. This does not have to be the altitude planned – and it has no effect on your flight.
I am not getting points for landing flaps?
This happens because the altitude in your simulator is different from the altitude you entered in the ACARS prior to clicking "Fly". In order to resolve this, you need to verify what altitude you are reporting in your simulator. The easiest way to do this is to find yourself on our map, or look at your simBrief OFP (on our website) and check your altitude showing. It is not uncommon for you to have entered FL360, but you find yourself registering at FL380.
X-Plane 12 and Microsoft Flight Simulator are known to report altitude differently than X-Plane and Prepar3D. It has to do with the difference in atmospheric pressure and typically happens at higher altitudes and regions. Due to this, we implemented the green "cruise mode" buttons on the simBrief OFP and Flight Briefing pages for pilots to ensure that they are correctly in cruise phase. You can also verify that by monitoring the log in your ACARS.
simBrief OFP information can be found here: https://docs.walkerair.us/books/3-help/page/simbrief#bkmrk-what-is-the-simbrief
If that is the case, simply click the gear icon next to the altitude on the ACARS application and enter FL380. If don't correctly you will see a log entry in your ACARS that reads "Cruising at XXXX". If that line exists, you have successfully entered cruise phase and you will receive points.
Cruise phase is activated when your aircraft matches the flight level cruise you specified in the ACARS--see Flight Tab section here: https://docs.walkerair.us/books/3-help/page/smartcars-windows-pc#bkmrk-on-the-flights-page%2C
Do I need to fly with online ATC?
No – we don’t require our Pilots to fly with online ATC. And while it’s always encouraged, there’s never any pressure for you to do so. To provide online ATC services for our Pilots, we’ve partnered with PilotEdge POSCON, and VATSIM.
Pilots are still able to fly on IVAO as Walker Air Transport regardless of them not being a partner.
When I fly online, what should my Callsign be?
Whenever flying online, enter the following information in the remarks section of your pre-file.
CALLSIGN IS WALKER // VISIT US AT WALKERAIR US
Your callsign will always be your Walker Air Transport Pilot ID.
| If your assigned Pilot ID is WAT300, file your callsign as Walker 300 -- and use that callsign for all radio calls. |
My simulator crashed while I was almost finished with my flight. Can these hours be logged?
No. Manually-submitted PIREPs (Manual PIREPS) are not allowed because we don’t have a process in place to accommodate them nor do we have any plans to develop and implement an accommodation process.
My flight was Rejected for a fuel-related reason. How can I make sure that doesn't happen again?
There are three (3) fuel-related issues detected by ACARS and, by extension, our Flight Data System, causing a flight to be Rejected: Unlimited Fuel, Mid-Air Refueling and Enroute Refueling.
Of these, a significant number of Rejected flights fall into the Mid-Air Refueling category. That category title, however, can be misleading and confusing because it covers much more than what its name implies. Let's bring some clarity to it...
ACARS has a Fuel Check Process utilizing a log entry – Pushing back with (number)lb of fuel or Pushing back with (number)kgs of fuel – to identify whether or not a Pilot has added fuel inflight, where inflight is defined as 'push back to the end of the flight'. In other words, as soon as your aircraft moves in any detectable way, whether you initiated it or your Sim did it on its own in some manner, ACARS records that as pushing back – and the amount of fuel you have on board at that exact moment is what's documented.
If you add fuel at any time after that, it will be noted as adding fuel inflight, thereby triggering the Reject notice.
There are seldom, if any, guarantees this will not happen. After all, it's technology and sometimes it will not work. You can, however, help matters by ensuring all of the fuel you need for your flight has been added to your aircraft before starting ACARS – or – if you've already started ACARS, add your fuel before you push back. Also, make it a habit to check your Flight Log frequently throughout your flight to ensure you won't be surprised by an unexpected entry – and potentially, a Rejected Flight notice.
Do I fly from gate-to-gate/stand-to-stand or from runway-to-runway?
We like to see our Pilots simulate real flight operations to the greatest degree possible. You will, however, always have the freedom to fly as you wish to fly. Complete your flight in any manner you like. Some considerations when doing so:
- Ideally, all Scheduled flights should begin at a gate/stand and end at a gate/stand (any one of your choosing);
- Ideally, all Cargo flights should originate on a Cargo Ramp (when available) and end at one;
- It's not mandatory, nor is it always realistic to do so, based on the limitations of a flight simulator’s airport scenery; and,
- Charter flights can originate from any location on an airport or airfield.
Because you may encounter something not addressed here or elsewhere, though, we always encourage you to use ‘Pilot discretion’ and good judgment.
How do I know which gates/stands to use?
It’s helpful to have an airport map to know where to taxi once you’ve exited the runway; however, as a practical matter, finding the first open gate will usually suffice. We do not 'own' any gates/stands at any airport.
How do you know I actually flew a flight?
We use ACARS to track all flights. As long as you remember to activate it before your aircraft begins to taxi (and submit it once it’s parked at your destination), your flight data will be logged – and we will know you actually flew a flight… You can confirm that yourself by reviewing the entries in your Pilot Logbook.
Someone told me about Worldwide Persistence. What exactly is it?
Worldwide Persistence is, quite simply, a setting forcing Charter Flights to be flown in a route-like manner similar to how Cargo and Scheduled Flights are flown.
Enable it and you’ll be required to depart from your previous flight’s arrival airport.
Disable it and depart from any of the 43,000+ airports in our database.
It may be enabled or disabled at any time. Visit your Profile page in Crew Ops to do so.
EXAMPLE: You land at KTIW | Tacoma Narrows Airport and plan your next Charter flight.
| If Worldwide Persistence is... | ... then the Departure Airport for your next flight is... |
| Enabled |
KTIW | Tacoma Narrows Airport. |
| Disabled | any airport in our database. |
With Worldwide Persistence enabled, Events and Tours are not affected.
I just landed in Salt Lake City and my Profile says I’m in Minneapolis. How do I fix that?
There’s actually nothing to fix. Your location -- ‘Current Location’ in the graphics below -- only changes when you complete a Cargo or Scheduled flight. It doesn’t change for Charter flights.
To see how this works, let’s take a look at some examples…
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EXAMPLE ONE:
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EXAMPLE TWO:
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I want to begin flying the Canada Tour. My Profile says I'm in Rome and the Tour's first airport is in Toronto. Do I need to fly to Toronto or buy a Jumpseat to get there?
No. The Tour System operates independently of the Cargo and Scheduled Systems.
You do not have to fly from wherever you currently are to any airport in any Tour for which you've signed up.
You also do not need to purchase a Jumpseat.
A Special Note For Those Operating Charter Flights and Worldwide Persistence (WP) When Flying Tours:
If WP is enabled, disable it.
If WP is disabled, you don't need to do anything. Leave it that way.
Squawks & Comments
Something doesn’t seem to be working properly on the website. How do I report that?
Submit a Help Ticket or post to the #support channel in our Discord.
I see my name is no longer on the Pilot Roster. What do I have to do to get back on it?
Submit a Help Ticket or let us know using the #support channel in our Discord.
I’m unable to log in to Crew Login on the website.
Make sure you're using the Pilot ID and password you used during your registration. If, for some reason, that doesn’t work, contact us at help@walkerair.us or let us know using the #support channel in our Discord.
I lost my Password. What do I do?
Contact us at help@walkerair.us. A new password will be sent to you as soon as possible – usually within 24-hours. If you don't receive the email within that time period, please check your Spam/Junk folder.
I can't track my flights because ACARS isn't working.
If you have an ACARS-related issue and/or are told by us you have ACARS-related issues, you must contact your application's developer for assistance.
We do not provide support for ACARS applications nor do we accept responsibility for failed PIREPs, corrupted log files or data transmitted to our servers by these applications.
| smartCARS 3 |
Developer: TFDi smartCARS 3 |
| FlightTrackerXP |
Developer: Markus Griesslehner User Manual: https://www.griesslehner.at/flighttrackerxp/manual |
How can I make suggestions or submit comments regarding Walker Air Transport?
What you have to say about your experience with our website, along with any concerns, suggestions and/or ideas you have to improve our company are encouraged and always welcome.
If you’d like to communicate with the Business Office, submit a Help Ticket. Please refrain from sending DM's directly to Business Office members.
I have an idea to improve the website | Discord | Walker Air Transport. How do I communicate that?
What you have to say about your experience with our website, along with any concerns, suggestions and/or ideas you have to improve our company are encouraged and always welcome.
If you’d like to communicate with the Business Office, submit a Help Ticket. Please refrain from sending DM's directly to Business Office members.
I want to fly a real-world Cargo/Scheduled route and see the one I want to fly isn't available. Could I have it added to the database?
Yes - you can! Simply use the charter module to bid the flight, then select the correct aircraft fleet (Scheduled or Cargo) when selecting your aircraft. Once the bid is completed, the flight will also be added to the Scheduled or Cargo route map for future use.
In addition to these routes built by the pilots in the company, we also have route maps from below airlines integrated into the Scheduled and Cargo map.
These routes were acquired with FlightAware data before COVID -- they will not account for new routes recently added or effected by COVID.
| Aeroflot | Canadian North | IrAero | Norwegian Air Shuttle |
| Aer Lingus | Cape Air | Japan Airlines | PSA Airlines |
| Air Canada | Cargolux | Jazz | Qantas |
| Air France | Cebu Pacific | JetBlue Airways | QantasLink |
| Air Greenland | Delta Air Lines | Kenya Airways | Qatar |
| Air India | DHL | KLM | Ravn Alaska |
| Air Malta | Air UK | LATAM Argentina | Ryanair |
| Air Mauritius | easyJet | LATAM Brasil | S7 Airlines |
| Air New Zealand | easyJet Europe | LATAM Chile | SkyWest Airlines |
| Alaska Airlines | Emirates | LATAM Colombia | Southwest Airlines |
| Allegiant Airlines | Endeavor Air | LATAM Ecuador | Swiss International Air Lines |
| All Nippon Airways | Ethiopian Airlines | LATAM Paragauy | United Airlines |
| American Airlines | Etihad | LATAM Peru | UPS Airlines |
| Atlantic Airways | Eurowings | Loganair | WestJet |
| Atlas Air | ExpressJet | LOT | Widerøe |
| BA CityFlyer | FedEx | Lufthansa | Wizz Air |
| British Airways Shuttle | Flybe | Lufthansa Cargo | |
| Brussels Airlines | Horizon Air | Norwegian Air International |
I have an idea for a Tour. How do I communicate that?
Before you submit a Tour suggestion, take a few moments to review our existing list of Tours to ensure what you intend to suggest is substantially different than one we already have. Because there are always a number of Tours in development that have not been publicized or released, submit a Help Ticket very briefly describing your Tour suggestion to ensure it's not something already in the development process.
If your Tour suggestion is approved by the Business Office through your ticket, then do the following:
- Write a full description of your Tour;
NOTE: Before doing so, though, you should review other Tour descriptions to ensure what you write is similar in style, length and format. - Write the list of the Tour's airports using their ICAO codes in the following manner: KSFO KLAX KJFK etc.; and,
- Submit your Tour suggestion using a Help Ticket.
The Vice President for Tour Operations or the Director for Tour Operations will contact you if they have any questions or concerns. Otherwise, look for an announcement of its availability.
There are currently quite an amount of tours in the system backlog. While the company is making an effort to clear these, including adding manpower to improve turnaround time, please expect delays when a tour is accepted until it is released.
The Review Process takes time. Do not expect a response from the Tour Director or an announcement about its availability immediately – and do not ask about when it will be available.