Logging In
- Unverified Plugins
- What is this TFDi Design Login about?
- Connecting to Canada Air Virtual
- Logging into your account
- Understanding the dashboard
- Configuring settings & plugins
Unverified Plugins
When launching smartCARS 3, you may see a popup message asking you to confirm the installation or update of Unverified Plugins.
This is expected and nothing to worry about! Simply click Yes to proceed.
Canada Air has developed several custom plugins, the Flight Center and the Live Flights plugin. Anytime there is an update to those, you may see this message.
Note, there is currently a bug with smartCARS 3 where you will receive this message on every launch. Simply click Yes.
What is this TFDi Design Login about?
The very first screen that you see upon launching smartCARS 3 is a login screen for a TFDi Design account.
This is entirely optional and not required for your Canada Air Virtual flights!
Here are some potential benefits to creating a TFDi Design account:
- It's the only way to not be asked to log into a TFDi Design account on each launch of smartCARS 3
- Your flight will appear on the integrated map
- You then have the option to upgrade to a smartCARS 3 Pro account. More details at https://tfdidesign.com/smartCARS3.php
If you don't have a TFDi Design account, click Skip TFDi Design Login.
Connecting to Canada Air Virtual
The first time you connect, you will be asked if you want to fly "On my Own" or "With a Community". Choose "With a (another) Community".
Simply click on the Canada Air Virtual logo in the list of airlines, or use the search box to search for "Canada Air" and select it.
You'll then be presented with the login screen.
Be careful not to accidentally select Air Canada Virtual!
Logging into your account
Provide your credentials in the form of your email address or callsign (i.e. CAN1001) and password. This is the same password that you use to log in at https://va.canadaairvirtual.ca.
We suggest you leave the "Create Desktop Shortcut" checkbox checked. This will create a nice looking shortcut for "Canada Air Virtual" on your desktop.
Understanding the dashboard
Once logged in, this is what your dashboard in smartCARS 3 looks like.
Note: you may not have one of the icons on the right side until you install the Simbrief plugin, should you so desire.
Configuring settings & plugins
The icon in the bottom left of the sidebar is the Settings icon:
This is where you can configure various functions of smartCARS 3 to your liking.
Some settings worth noting are:
- Dark Mode
- Flight Tracking Settings
- Automatic PIREP submission (recommended ON)
- SimBrief Settings (if plugin enabled)
Be sure to click the Save button in the top right to save your settings!