Many things about Virtual Airlines have changed over the years. With leaps in the technology of web coding it is now possible to use a universal system that has been proven to fit most simpilots need for flight recording and realism. Most simpilots who have flown a while alone realize the fun that can be had operating inside a Virtual Airline. There have always been those who sought to align directly with a simulated real world carrier and those who preferred a fictional airline. Northlink brings you both. We have our own NorthLink livery and routes but pilots are free to fly with any paints they want. Some may wish to fly only aircraft with textures that match the emulated RW routes. We emulate the RW routes of Alaska
tm, Northern Air Cargo
tm, ERA
tm, Westjet
tm and
NEW: Skywest
tm, Polar Air
tm and Canadian North
tm!
The carrier and route is totally up to the simpilot!
NorthLink History
In the big scheme of things, NorthLink was first born as "Rainbird Airlines." This was successful endeavor in that Rainbird had many flying pilots. Accumulating millions of virtual dollars on the VAFS system the VA's financial model was sound. After a successful two year run we merged with MidCon which is a premier Part 121 based simulation. Issues with an excellent home grown ACARS system slowly chipped away at some of the realism the VA provided and with the substitution of VAFS we did have a fair run of success. Sadly, the excellence in realism of FAA style dispatches was hard to duplicate and MidCon is in the rebuilding stages. Luckily most of the same senior staff is still working to revive its systems with much better tools and as always, highly reality focused testing, dispatching, recurrent training etc... MidCon will no doubt rise again.
Pilot Requirements
At NorthLink we cater to both new and experienced simmers. Any past VA hours will be transferred on the "honor" system. We have used this method in the past and have found high levels of honesty. We have only three ranks: First Officer, Captain and Senior Captain. These ranks are acheived either by transfer hours or lower actual VA flight hours. 0-50 hours for First Officer, 51-125 hours as Captain and 126 and over for Senior Captain. If you come aboard as a First Officer with -0- time you can earn Captain at 10 hours and Senior Captain at 35!
In an effort to protect privacy and to exceed the standards set by US Law we have chosen to limit membership to the VA and our forum site to those over the age of 18. (Younger pilots do not dispair as there are many VA's that will accept those over the age of 13)
Realistic Fleet Selection and acheivable Pilot Type Ratings
Our hanger contains each aircraft operated by the real world routes and airlines we emulate.
CAT II/III Certifications
We will have a test (totally optional and NOT a requirement) for CAT certifications that is based on flight recording through VAFS. Simply fly the required CAT IFR flights with landing and takoffs registered on VAFS as applicable for each rating, and CAT I/II/III certification will be earned. See the Main Forum for all of the details. While earning these certifications pilots are free to fly any applicable city pair route or aircraft they wish. And this is regardless of Rank or Hours.
Online Flying
Is not required but encouraged. All flights online should use the "NorthLink" callsign and numeric portion of the flight number. Example; ASA64 would be "Northlink" 64 while being controlled. We expect patient, courteous and professional representation. Suggested online systems would be VAFSMP, Vatsim and IVAO. All fine systems for an excellent online experience!
Please consider joining NorthLink VA.... One of a kind in the VA world with friendly staff, reasonable expectations and home to a great learning experience.
We look forward to flying with you!!
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