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Guide

Training and Flying Guide

Welcome to Etihad Aviation Group! We are thrilled to have you on board and hope you have a great time here! This guide has been carefully designed to provide you with all the essential tools, procedures, and fundamental information needed to navigate your way through our virtual airline with ease.

From understanding our ranking system and routes to filing PIREPs and engaging with our vibrant community, this handbook will serve as your go-to resource.

1. Introduction to Etihad Aviation Group

Established in April 2021, Etihad Virtual is a community-driven IFVARB-approved virtual airline that aims to replicate the real-life operations of Etihad Airways. At Etihad Virtual, our aim is to create a welcoming and vibrant community, where each and every member is valued.

We are proud to offer a diverse route network which connects all 6 inhabitant continents, and connects over 75 destinations around the world, integrated seamlessly with the involvement of over 70 codeshare partners to expand your network. Operating from our central hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, we bring the world closer together with every flight, with a well-designed internal rank structure, to make your flights more enjoyable.

"The World Is Our Home, You Are Our Guest" — Guided by our philosophy, we invite you to explore the skies with us and become part of our journey toward excellence. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting, there's a place for you here at Etihad Virtual Airways.

🌎 Global Destinations

Vast variety of destinations, integrated seamlessly with the involvement of over 70 codeshare partners to expand your network.

✈️ Fleet Variety

A diverse selection spanning from short haul to long haul aircraft, giving every pilot the perfect ride for every route.

🤝 Community First

A dedicated mission to build a friendly environment for everyone, paired with a thoughtfully designed rank structure.

2. Getting Started with Etihad Virtual

At Etihad Virtual, we primarily use the ATLAS website for maintaining our dashboard. This is where you can file your PIREPs, LOAs, and more.

Making an ATLAS Account

To make an ATLAS account, click on the link provided in the point above and enter all the necessary details.
Once you've made an ATLAS account, we'll send you an invite link to our VA which will be approved by one of our staff members. Once this is done, you'll have access to our dashboard.

Filing a PIREP

To file your PIREP once you've completed a flight, click on "New PIREP". Fill out all the required details along with the appropriate Multiplier.
While filing your PIREP, please make sure to include the actual callsign of the flight and not your Etihad Virtual one. The callsign for your flight can be found in the database. For example, OMAA-VABB will be EY206.
In case of ATC PIREPs, IFATC controllers have the ability to file those by using the "New Operation" button.
Please include all parameters — aircraft, livery, fuel, passengers, cargo, departure and arrival ICAOs — correctly.
Include the "Multiplier" appropriately wherever necessary. For the Route of the Week, the Multiplier code will be announced on our Discord Server.
Please enter the flight time exactly as recorded in-game. Your profile flight hours and multiplier credits will update automatically once your PIREP is approved. PIREPs are typically reviewed within 24 hours of submission (and up to 72 hours in rare cases). Please allow at least 72 hours to elapse before contacting Staff regarding pending approvals.

Need Help?

If you have any queries regarding your PIREPs, please send a message in #helpdesk on our Discord channel and one of our staff members will assist you as needed.

More features — including the leaderboard, routes, and your past PIREPs — can be accessed through the dashboard menu.

3. Routes, Rank and Aircraft Database

At Etihad Virtual, our ranking system follows a systematic approach based on the hours you have filed. As your rank increases, you can unlock and fly longer routes. Please make sure to only fly the routes given within your rank.

Note: The ROTWs (Route of the Week) can be flown by anyone regardless of their rank. These routes are announced on our Discord server every week, corresponding to the Expert Server ATC Schedule.
Ranks Hours Required Benefits Codeshares Etihad Charters
Cadet 0 Any routes up to 2 hours Not quite yet ;)
Coming Soon
Second Officer 10 Any routes up to 4 hours
First Officer 30 Any routes up to 5 hours
Captain 75 Any routes up to 8 hours
Flight Captain 150 Any routes up to 12 hours
Commander 250 Any routes up to 15 hours
Etihad Burunz 500 All routes + Unlocks A380 + A340 + B747 2 per month
Etihad Fida 750 1.2x on all flights 4 per month
Etihad Dhahab 1250 1.5x on all flights 6 per month
Etihad Almas 1500 1.7x on all flights + may fly fictional / non-fictional routes using any suitable Etihad / IF flight aircraft Unlimited

4. Training Opportunities at Etihad Virtual

Once you've applied for Etihad Virtual, you'll need to complete a check flight — either solo or alongside one of our staff members. Your performance will be evaluated by our recruiters and/or trainers.

If your performance is found to be satisfactory, you'll pass the check flight and will officially become a part of Etihad Virtual!

In case the flight doesn't go well, do not worry! At Etihad Virtual, we believe in giving everyone a chance. We have a Training Program consisting of highly experienced members within Infinite Flight, designed to help you improve your overall flying skills.

The training program will consist of Expert Server flying sessions, led by our Trainers, covering the topics listed alongside. Once the program is complete, you'll be more than ready to join Etihad Virtual!

The Training Program Covers:

Communicating with ATC
Expert Server Etiquettes
Pattern Work
Flight Planning
Flying Different Types of Approaches

Check Flight Review Rubric

Here is a general overview of what we evaluate during your check flight:

On The Ground

  • • Appropriate flight plan submitted — SID, STAR, APPROACH
  • • NAV and Beacon lights used correctly
  • • Engines started appropriately
  • • Trim / Flap setting
  • • Appropriate taxi speed
  • • Interaction with ATC (if available)

Take-off to Cruise

  • • Strobe / landing lights
  • • Appropriate throttle
  • • Appropriate speed
  • • Appropriate cruise level (odd/even)
  • • Appropriate cruise speed for aircraft
  • • Correct interaction with ATC (if available)

Descent

  • • Appropriate STAR and Approach choice
  • • Appropriate approach speed
  • • Appropriate landing speed
  • • Correct interaction with ATC (if available)

5. Rules of Conduct

To help keep this a friendly community, it is essential for everyone to follow all the rules mentioned in our Discord Server, the Infinite Flight ToS, and the Discord Community Guidelines — in both private and public conversations.

Please note that failure to follow these rules may result in a removal from the VA and a possible permanent suspension from IFVARB.

Thank you for reading this guide until the end! Once again, welcome to Etihad Virtual and we hope you have an amazing time here! Happy flying! ✈️