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Pilot Policies
Table of Contents
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Definitions
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Pre-Flight Policies
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Time of Connection & Persistent Policies
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Communication Policies
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Ground Operation Policies
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Flight Operation Policies
Items that are struck out will not be in effect at Invite-Only Beta release.
TERMS | DEFINITIONS |
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AFE | Above Field Elevation |
Aircraft | Any fixed-wing, rotor, or lighter than air ship. |
Airport Advisory Charts | Charts that are produced by an ATC Sub-Division that give the pilot information on the local procedures for a particular airport. |
ATC | Air Traffic Control |
ATCT | Air Traffic Control Tower |
ATS | Air Traffic Service |
Controlled Airfield |
Any airfield that is:
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Controlled Airspace | Airspace that is staffed by POSCON ATC. |
CPDLC | Controller Pilot Data-Link Communications |
CTAF | Common Traffic Advisory Frequency |
D-ATIS | Digital Automated Terminal Information Service |
EOBT | Estimated Off-Block Time (i.e. pushback time) |
Feedback | A method of leaving positive or negative comments about another POSCON member's conduct or performance on the network. |
FPM | Feet Per Minute in regards to vertical speed. |
FPS | Frames Per Second |
Ghost Mode | A connected server mode that allows a user to be an inactive participant. In this mode, a user is invisible and muted to other users, but can still see and hear everyone else in the Live Mode. |
Guard Frequency | VHF 121.500 MHz or UHF 243.0 MHz |
Live Mode | A connected server mode that allows a user to be an active participant. In this mode, a user is visible and unmuted to all other users. |
Moderator | A member of the POSCON Staff that serves as a "judge" of feedback cases and mediator for member disputes. A POSCON Moderator is well versed in aviation regulations, procedures, and best practices. Moderators are also able to provide immediate non-technical support requests on official POSCON platforms. |
Movement Area | A runway, taxiway, or helipad. |
Non-Movement Area | A ramp, tarmac, or apron. |
Pilot Booking | An advance entry into the POSCON Flight Data System that reserves a callsign (>2 hours prior to EOBT). This can be accomplished by filing a flight plan up to 5 days in advance of the EOBT or creating a reservation through a 3rd party source, such as a Virtual Airline. You are considered "on time" if you pushback between EOBT minus 10 minutes to EOBT plus 15 minutes. |
Shared Cockpit | When one user connects in the Live Mode while another connects in the Shared Cockpit Mode in order to simulate a two-crew flight operation. |
Shared Cockpit Mode | A connected server mode that allows a user to be an active participant with restrictions. In this mode, a user is invisible to other users, but can still see and talk to everyone else in the Live Mode. |
Supersonic | Faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1.0). |
Terminal Environment | The area surrounding an airport that is inclusive of both ATCT and TRACON airspace. |
Touchdown Zone | First one-third or 3,000' of a runway, whichever is less. |
TRACON | Terminal Radar Approach Control (i.e. Approach and Departure controllers). |
Uncontrolled Airfield |
Any airfield that is:
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Uncontrolled Airspace | Airspace that is unstaffed by POSCON ATC. |
Items that are struck out will not be in effect at Invite-Only Beta release.
Any point deduction can be appealed by going to your user profile and clicking on the “appeal” button next to the associated point loss. A word of warning though – you must have a valid reason to appeal a point deduction such as landing at a special airport (e.g. Paro Bhutan) that required a higher than normal descent rate in order to clear obstacles. If your reason is determined to be invalid, Moderators have the ability to deduct additional points as a punitive measure to discourage unwarranted appeals in the future.
PRE-FLIGHT POLICIES |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
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ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
You must review all posted global and local operational bulletins prior to connecting to POSCON. The POSCON HQ will force you to review these bulletins on the next attempt to access the website or Launcher Client after a bulletin is posted. |
Live & Ghost Modes |
None |
Server; prevents connection until completed. | None | |
You must have the latest version of any POSCON software you wish to use. The Launcher Client will download any software updates to your computer automatically. |
Live & Ghost Modes | None |
Server; prevents connection until completed. | None | |
You must review recent negative feedback and take any Moderator assigned training prior to connecting to POSCON. You are able to access the Ghost Mode without completing any required training. If you receive negative feedback that resulted in a point loss, you can earn those points back by taking additional training modules for extra credit. |
Live Mode |
+200 points per additional module completed. |
Server; prevents connection until completed. | None | |
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Flight plans must follow ICAO 2012 format. While it is not required to file a flight plan if you are VFR, you will be rewarded if you do. |
Live Mode |
+5 points per any activated flight plan. |
Server; validates entries. | None | |
TIME OF CONNECTION & PERSISTENT POLICIES |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
You must only use globally recognized registration numbers or ICAO approved airline telephony/designators while connected to POSCON in the Live Mode. Exceptions include fake callsigns that have been pre-approved by POSCON for use on the network. |
Live Mode | None |
Flight Plans: Server; validates entries. Web UI Entries: Moderators; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
None; if server validates. Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Connecting on or repositioning to a Movement Area is prohibited. |
Live Mode |
None |
Runways: Server; forces Ghost Mode automatically. Taxiways: Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
None; if server forces Ghost Mode. Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Connecting or repositioning to an occupied gate on the ground or in close proximity to other aircraft in the air is prohibited. "Close proximity" in the air is defined as within 5 nautical miles (lateral) and 2,000 feet (vertical). Check the Live Map to see if there is another aircraft in close proximity to your aircraft's position before connecting. The best practice is to connect in the Ghost Mode first, then connect in the Live Mode. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Connecting or operating using an advanced simulation rate, slew mode, replay mode, or in paused mode is prohibited. The server will not allow you to connect in the Live Mode until you return to a normal simulation rate, stop slewing, or unpause your simulator. NOTE 1: In some simulators, entering a game menu will envoke a pause event. NOTE 2: If you are on the ground and not moving, pausing is permitted. |
Live Mode |
None |
Server; forces Ghost Mode automatically. | None | |
X-Plane users must maintain an average framerate above 20 FPS over a pre-determined period of time. | Live Mode | None |
Server; forces Ghost Mode automatically. |
None | |
Connecting in an abnormal flight condition is prohibited (e.g. If you are 10 NM from your destination at 35,000').
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Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Connecting in Controlled Airspace must be approved by ATC. Once forced into Ghost Mode while airborne in Controlled Airspace, attempting an Unghost needs to be approved by ATC. |
Live Mode |
None |
Server; forces Ghost Mode automatically. | None | |
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Pilots must use real-world/real-time winds aloft and atmospheric pressure settings. Pilots can use whatever other weather settings they would like to use as long as using those settings do not interfere with air traffic operations. Pilots are NOT required to use the correct time of day. |
Live Mode |
None |
Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Callsigns of major hijackings and crashes may not be used. This includes, but is not limited to the following: AAL11, AAL77, MAS17, MAS370, UAL93, UAL175, AWE1549, JAL123, AAL191, IRA655, SVA163, AIC182, THY981, KLM4805, PAA1736, CJC3407, LNI610, ETH961 |
Live & Ghost Modes |
None |
Server; prevents connection. | None | |
Connecting with or operating anything other than an "Aircraft" is prohibited. This means you are not permitted to connect as a follow-me car, trucks, boats, etc. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Live Mode | |
Simulated emergencies are allowed. If in Controlled Airspace, ATC reserves the right, workload permitting, to require the pilot to disconnect or ghost shall the pilot wish to continue the simulated emergency. In general, even if in Uncontrolled Airspace, pilots should use sound judgment to ensure that their simulated emergency is not overly disruptive to other members. |
Live Mode | None |
ATC; through compliance timer. Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
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Squawking 7500 for more than 15 seconds is not permitted. | Live & Ghost Modes | None |
Server; suspends user. | -200 points. | |
Do not intentionally run into other traffic while operating in the air or on the ground. We understand accidents happen, but don't let it happen often. |
Live Mode | None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
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COMMUNICATION POLICIESALL OPERATIONS |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
All pilots must be proficient in the English language. Any communication initiated in English must elicit a response in English. Local languages may be used so long as both the communicator and the receiver mutually agree to such exchanges. |
Live Mode | None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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A working microphone is required and all pilots must be prepared to talk on frequency in the Terminal Environment. If you are new to POSCON or you don't feel comfortable talking on the radio, connect in the Ghost Mode first in order to become familiar with ATC phraseology and procedures. If you are unable to comply with this rule for any reason, you need to arrange for a specific exemption before connecting to POSCON. Please contact [email protected] for more information. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderators; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Pilots must monitor Guard frequency on Comm #2 unless unable due to operational reasons (e.g. listening to ATIS or aircraft is only equipped with one radio). ATC will use Guard to hail you to their frequency. If you do not respond, they will send you a message through CPDLC that requires compliance in 3 minutes. If you fail to comply, you are automatically Ghosted. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderators; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Pilots shall only use Guard frequency to locate the proper ATC frequency to be on and to speak to Moderators. Conversations, animal noises, or any other unrelated chatter is strictly prohibited on Guard. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderators; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Keep unnecessary chatter on all frequencies (except VHF 123.450) to a minimum. Any form of trolling on any communication method is strictly prohibited. In this context, trolling is defined as screaming, intentionally blocking transmissions, playing music, pretending to be another aircraft or ATC, intentionally leaving your mic open, or anything else deemed as overly disruptive. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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COMMUNICATION POLICIESCONTROLLED AIRFIELDS & AIRSPACE |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) ENFORCED BY |
POINT GAIN |
POINT LOSS | ||
Pilots must always establish and maintain two-way voice radio communications with ATC, except under the following conditions:
This is accomplished by looking at real-world charts, tuning to a proper frequency, and establishing two-way radio communications. Pilots should use the "Ghost" mode when a long break from frequency is required. |
Live Mode |
None |
ATC; through compliance timer. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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COMMUNICATION POLICIESUNCONTROLLED AIRFIELDS & AIRSPACE |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
All Terminal Environment aircraft movements must be announced on the published real-world CTAF frequency. If there is no real-world CTAF frequency published then:
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Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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The following radio calls are required:
When en route, and outside of controlled airspace, you should monitor Air-to-Air frequency on 123.450 MHz on Comm #1. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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GROUND OPERATION POLICIESALL OPERATIONS |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
Pilots must possess and use an airport diagram for navigation. We recommend you write down all taxi instructions using either a piece of paper or your FMC scratchpad. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; depends on previous offenses. | |
Taxi speeds of greater than 30 knots ground speed are prohibited. |
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Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Do not purposely block runway exits, especially high-speed exits, while taxiing. This is particularly important during events at Controlled Airfields and normal operations at Uncontrolled Airfields. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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On landing, ensure that the entire aircraft (including the tail) is clear of a runway and associated hold short lines even if this means positioning the aircraft on a parallel taxiway. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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GROUND OPERATION POLICIESCONTROLLED AIRFIELDS & AIRSPACE |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
1.) All pilots must obtain a clearance from ATC in order to conduct any operations on a Movement Area. 2.) Compliance with all ATC instructions is mandatory unless you are unable due to operational or safety reasons. |
Live Mode |
None |
ATC; through compliance timer. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
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GROUND OPERATION POLICIESUNCONTROLLED AIRFIELDS & AIRSPACE |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
Give way to traffic when necessary; do not intentionally cut other traffic off. This includes not crossing runways without first ensuring the runway is clear of traffic, holding your pushback to give way to another aircraft pushing, as well as taxiway operations. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
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FLIGHT OPERATION POLICIESALL OPERATIONS |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT GAIN | |
Pilots must possess and use proper charts for the airfields and airspace they are operating in.
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Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
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Comply with any ATS regulation, including airspace requirements, for the country in which you are operating in. Rules and regulations for different countries can be found in the Jeppesen Airway Manual or equivalent publication such as the AIP. |
Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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Live Mode |
None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
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Simulated hijackings or the recreation of any hijack or crash scenario is strictly prohibited.
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Live Mode | None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
-200 points. | |
Military flight operations are restricted to members certified by the Military Division. This includes, but is not limited to intercept procedures, escort procedures, aerial refueling, flying military training routes, simulating military training exercises, and requesting activation of military airspace. Formation flying is NOT considered a military flight operation and is permitted for all members as long as they follow applicable regulations. |
Live Mode | None |
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Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
Supersonic flight is prohibited over any major continental landmass, except military flight operations conducted by the Military Division. |
Live Mode | None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. |
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FLIGHT OPERATION POLICIESCONTROLLED AIRFIELDS & AIRSPACE |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION |
APPLIES TO MODE(S) |
POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
1.) All pilots must obtain a clearance from ATC in order to operate into or out of Controlled Airfields or Controlled Airspace. 2.) Compliance with all ATC instructions is mandatory unless you are unable due to operational or safety reasons. |
Live Mode |
None |
Review all applicable Airport Advisory charts prior to taxiing. |
ATC; through compliance timer. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
FLIGHT OPERATION POLICIESUNCONTROLLED AIRFIELDS & AIRSPACE |
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POLICY DESCRIPTION | APPLIES TO MODE(S) | POINT GAIN |
ENFORCED BY | POINT LOSS | |
If departing or arriving at an airfield serviced by a D-ATIS, the active runways and instrument approaches in use specified in the D-ATIS broadcast must be used. |
Live Mode | None |
Moderator; only if reported by other members. Users; through bad feedback. |
Subjective; if a Moderator is involved or users leave bad feedback. Dependent on previous offenses. Dependent on the circumstances. |
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Updated: April 7th, 2020
Changes: Updated the procedure for determining a the correct CTAF frequency to tune to.