Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to fly in real-time?
Yes, JetStream Virtual requires real-time flights. Time acceleration is not permitted as it would affect ACARS tracking accuracy and flight time calculations.
Q: Can I pause my flight?
Brief pauses (simulator pause) are acceptable, but extended pauses may cause your PIREP to be flagged. The tracking system monitors for unrealistic gaps in position data.
Q: What flight simulator do I need?
JetStream Virtual supports Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020/2024), X-Plane 11/12, and Prepar3D. You need the vmsACARS tracking client to connect your simulator.
Q: How are flight hours calculated?
Flight hours are calculated as block time — from blocks off (parking brake release) to blocks on (parking brake set at destination). This is the industry standard.
Q: What happens if my flight crashes or I disconnect?
If vmsACARS detects a crash or disconnection, the PIREP will be saved in a pending state. Administrators can review and decide whether to accept or reject it based on the circumstances.
Q: How do I rank up?
Ranks are based on total flight hours. As you accumulate more hours, you automatically progress through the rank structure. Higher ranks may unlock access to more aircraft types and routes.
Q: Is the passenger list the same every time I fly the same route?
No. The PNL is generated with controlled randomness for each dispatch. Passenger counts come from the flight load data, while individual names, SSR codes and bag weights are randomly assigned within realistic parameters.
Q: What happens if I don't fly for a long time?
If you have at least one flight on record, your account will be set to On Leave after 120 days of inactivity. You can return at any time — your status is automatically restored to Active when you file your next PIREP. All your flight history, stats and rank are preserved.
Q: Will my account be deleted if I'm inactive?
Only accounts with zero flights are automatically removed after 30 days. This is to keep the roster clean. Once you have completed at least one flight, your account is permanent and will never be deleted due to inactivity.