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Pilot Tutorials
This category contains guides related to the general operations of Canada Air Virtual and includes topics such as: How to track flights using smartCARS 3 How to dispatch tour legs How to participate in events How to access our Discord community
Pilot Handbook
Welcome to Canada Air Virtual. We pride ourselves on having a handful of guidelines and rules without a manual piled with regulations about how and where to fly with what aircraft. We appeal to everyone from the newest pilots to the long-term hardcore enthusia...
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you'll find answers to some of our more common questions.
Patch Notes
This category will contain patch notes and technical change logs for the Canada Air Virtual website and smartCARS 3 plugins.
smartCARS 3
A complete guide to the operation of smartCARS 3 at Canada Air Virtual.
Tours
Find out about our tours and how to properly dispatch them to ensure your progress is properly logged.
Events
Learn about our events such as group flights and how you can participate.
Pilot’s Guide to Discord
Welcome to the Canada Air Virtual (CAV) Discord community! Discord is where we connect, share, and make virtual aviation even more engaging. Whether you're here to chat, learn, or join group flights, this guide will help you get started.
Code of Conduct
You are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct as outlined below. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and experience. We expect everyone to be treated with respect. Canada Air Virtual is operated entirely by vol...
Minimum Activity Requirements
Pilots must use smartCARS 3 to submit their first flight report within seven (7) days of their registration acceptance. Failure to fly and submit your first flight within the first seven days of registration acceptance will result in your account being removed...
Leave of Absence
Pilots are allowed up to a maximum of ninety (90) days of approved LOA per Calendar year. Pilots may request an extended LOA. Exceptions may be made for special circumstances on a case by case basis.Pilots will have seven (7) days after a LOA to submit an appr...
Flight Planning
Flight Reporting Pilots must use smartCARS 3 on all flights. Landing Rates Landing Rates must be within -750fpm and +250fpm. Landing Rates that do not fall within these parameters will be rejected. Diverts Diverts are not permitted, you must complete a fl...
Flight Reporting
When using smartCARS 3, it will track all aspects of your flight report. Flight Reports are what give you credit for flights you flew and will populate your stats as a Canada Air Virtual pilot. Landing at an Incorrect Airport smartCARS 3 will recognize you h...
General Flight Rules
Flight Reporting Pilots must use smartCARS 3 on all flights. Landing Rates Landing Rates must be within -750fpm and +250fpm. Landing Rates that do not fall within these parameters will be rejected. Diverts Diverts are not permitted, you must complete a fl...
Online Flying Conduct
When pilots are flying online using the Canada Air Virtual Callsign CAN (Canada Air) please know you are an ambassador of Canada Air Virtual. The Canada Air Virtual Code of Conduct applies when interacting with all online flying networks. This includes our own...
Grievances
If you have any concerns about violations of Canada Air Virtual Policies, Code of Conduct, or operational rules, please submit them to [email protected]. Note the nature of your grievance, the date and time of the occurrence, and all parties affected. Al...
Unlimited Fuel, Mid-Air Refueling, and Enroute Fueling
Unlimited Fuel The use of unlimited fuel is not permitted. This is a PIREP indicating no fuel was consumed during a flight. If the use of unlimited fuel is detected, your PIREP will be rejected.Mid-Air Refueling The use of mid-air refueling is not permitte...
Sim Crashes
Sim Crashes If entries in your Flight Log file are determined to be improperly sequenced as a result of a Sim crash, the PIREP will be removed from your Logbook.
Aircraft Substitutions
Aircraft substitutions are permitted. Propeller for a propeller / Turboprop for a turboprop / Jet for a jet / Airliner for a airliner Pilots may substitute aircraft, useless specifically specified.
Transfer Hours
Transfer Hours Canada Air Virtual accepts 100% of your VATSIM, IVAO or other virtual airline hours.Transfer hours may not be combined.
How do I end my flight & submit a PIREP?
Simply taxi to your gate or parking location, set your parking brake, and turn off your engines.
Why can't I dispatch/fly a tour leg or event?
If you're trying to dispatch a tour leg and can't, it's likely that you're trying to fly the tour out of order. If you're trying to dispatch an event flight, it's likely the event isn't active yet.
What if my simulator crashes during flight?
In the event of a system failure or other technical issue with your simulator or smartCARS 3 during a flight you have the option of submitting a Manual PIREP.
What if I forgot to start smartCARS 3?
If you're still on the ground, simply stop your aircraft and set the parking brake. You may now start smartCARS 3 because your aircraft is not moving. Unfortunately if you are already inflight you will need to restart your flight in order to start smartCARS 3.
Installation
What is smartCARS 3?
smartCARS is a flight tracking and management system for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Prepar3D, X-Plane, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. A flight tracking system (known as an ACARS) to help pilots plan, track, and report flights to either their own logbooks o...
Logging In
Setting Up a Flight
There are two main ways to set up a flight: Inside of smartCARS 3's Flight Center. This can be used for: Scheduled flights Tour legs Events Charter flights Importing from SimBrief (if plugin is installed) From our website. This can be used for: ...
Starting a Flight
During the Flight
Ending a Flight
Reviewing Your Flights
Integration with Third-Party Tools
Finding Tours
Dispatching Tours
Finding New Events
Joining Events
What is Discord?
Discord Basics
How Canada Air Virtual Uses Discord
Tips for Using Discord Effectively
Troubleshooting and Additional Resources
Flight Center Plugin
Live Flights Plugin
Overview of features
Incredibly detailed flight tracking Plan flights on SimBrief without leaving smartCARS View and review past PIREPS Integrated map showing online Canada Air traffic Create a one-of-a-kind experience by installing (or creating) plugins Listen to music and...
Differences between smartCARS 3 and VaBase Acars
smartCARS 3 and our previous Acars application from VaBase are similar, but there are some significant difference that we'd like to point out here: smartCARS 3 has these additional features: full searchable access to all of our schedules directly inside th...
Compatibility and system requirements
Windows 10 or later, x86_64 Linux, MacOS 12 or later 1GB or more of RAM 250MB of hard drive space Ensure the tracking provider is set properly in the Settings
Downloading smartCARS 3
Download smartCARS 3 for your operating system from https://smartcars.tfdidesign.com/central/download Below is a video with step-by-step instructions on how to install and configure smartCARS 3.
System requirements
See https://kb.canadaairvirtual.ca/books/smartcars-3/page/compatibility-and-system-requirements
Troubleshooting common installation issues
We will note here any common installation issues along with resolutions where possible. Please keep in mind that smartCARS 3 is not a Canada Air Virtual application, so all support requests should be pointed at TFDi Design's support system. I'm told not to r...
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" an...
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...
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.
Dispatching a Schedule
Access the Flight Center via the icon in the left sidebar. You will be presented with the My Dispatched Flights screen, which will show any dispatched flights that are ready to be flown. Dispatch a Scheduled Flight To dispatch a new flight from our vast l...
Dispatching a Charter Flight
Access the Flight Center via the icon in the left sidebar. You will be presented with the My Flights screen, which will show any dispatched flights that are ready to be flown. Create a Charter Flight A Charter Flight is merely a flight that you create on ...
Importing flight details from SimBrief
Access the Flight Center via the icon in the left sidebar. You will be presented with the My Dispatched Flights screen, which will show any dispatched flights that are ready to be flown. Import from SimBrief To import flight details from SimBrief, click t...
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 (recomm...
Connecting to smartCARS 3 to your simulator
The latest version of smartCARS 3 will automatically start tracking a flight once you have loaded into the simulator at the correct departure airport for a dispatched flight The icon indicates that this flight is being tracked and considered a live fligh...
Monitoring your flight
During your flight, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the flight tracking in smartCARS 3 to avoid any nasty surprises upon arrival. The screen below will show you all the details of how smartCARS 3 is tracking your flight. You can also consult the Liv...
Troubleshooting connection issues
If the simulator is not running, smartCARS 3 may not be able to connect. Double-check that you are at an airport from which you have a dispatched flight departing. For support, you can try our Discord, or escalate to TFDi Design support.
Saving and submitting the pirep
By default, smartCARS 3 will automatically submit your pirep to our VA Management System once the deboarding stage is entered. This is typically triggered by shutting off the engines. If you want to file your pirep manually, you can disable the automatic subm...
Accessing flight logs
You can access your logbook on our website, but it is also available inside smartCARS 3. Click on any flight to view further details.
Setting up SimBrief
smartCARS 3 supports SimBrief integration via the use of an optional plugin. Follow these steps to install and configure it. Install SimBrief Plugin Go to the Plugins icon in the left side bar. Click the Browse Plugins button in the top right. Find the...
How to find our tours
The Tours Listing Our tours are found on our website under the Operations Centre menu. There, you will be able to see all active tours, search for them by name, or filter them based on your progress. You must be logged into the website to see your progres...