General FAQs
As we notice certain questions being asked frequently we will add them to this list so that there’s a centralized place to point people to seek answers to common questions.
Why do you prohibit the use of certain add-ons?
While reading the FOM you will have read the Prohibited Aircraft Add-ons section. This is a list of add-ons which PVA does not allow to be used on any PIREPs, regardless of livery, and PIREPs filed using them will be invalidated.
Why do we exclude these add-ons? It depends on the add-on. Generally, our philosophy is to promote realism where it counts and be flexible where it doesn’t.
As the basis of flight simulation is the realistic simulation of flight operations, we are the most strict when it comes to aircraft. For something like the LatinVFR Airbus family or Captainsim's products for MSFS, it’s more of a philosophical reason: these add-ons are extremely low quality, low fidelity addons and serve only to fleece users new to the hobby. Allowing their use could represent encouragement or endorsement, albeit small, from us for people to buy them and we don't want to reward their behavior with money. Even though there may be mods that may improve the quality of the add-on somewhat, the fact remains that using them requires purchasing and supporting them, and we do not want to encourage that.
As with all things, if you’re not sure, please ask us before submitting a PIREP.
Someone flying online is already using my booked flight number — what do I do?
Just use your PAI Pilot ID number found in the upper right hand corner of the vAMSYS screen. We only require you to file with the ICAO/IATA codes of the airline you have booked (i.e., PAI/PI, NWA/NW, etc.)