New Pilot Guide

From signup to pushback.

VirtualDLH is designed to get you flying without a complicated onboarding maze. Follow these steps for your first normal passenger, cargo or partner-airline flight.

Register NowPilot Resources
Your First Flight

Six simple steps.

You can fly online or offline. Choose the simulator and aircraft you enjoy, then use the Crew Center and supported ACARS workflow to record the flight.

01

Create your Crew Center account

Register with VirtualDLH and complete the required pilot profile information.

  • Use an email address you can access.
  • Review the current activity requirements.
  • Join Discord if you want onboarding help.
Open Registration →
02

Choose a schedule and aircraft

Use the Crew Center schedule search to find a route. The public Fleet and Airlines pages can help you decide what type of operation you want.

  • Confirm departure and arrival airports.
  • Select an aircraft/subfleet assigned to that route.
  • Check whether the flight is passenger, cargo or tour-related.
Browse Schedules →
03

Prepare the flight

Build your route and fuel plan using your preferred dispatch workflow. SimBrief is a convenient option for normal operations.

  • Review weather and NOTAM information.
  • Plan fuel and alternates.
  • Load the correct aircraft and livery in your simulator.
Open SimBrief →
04

Connect ACARS

Start the supported VirtualDLH ACARS workflow before the flight so the operation can be tracked and submitted correctly.

  • Verify the flight number and route.
  • Confirm the aircraft matches the schedule.
  • Make sure tracking begins before departure.
Open Skyvex / Stratos →
05

Fly the route

Operate the flight in MSFS, X-Plane or your supported simulator. VATSIM is welcome but is not required for ordinary flights.

  • Follow the planned route and procedures.
  • Keep ACARS connected through the flight.
  • Enjoy the operation—VirtualDLH is still a hobby.
VATSIM Information →
06

File your PIREP

After arrival, complete the ACARS flight and submit the PIREP to the Crew Center. Check your logbook afterward to confirm the flight was recorded.

  • Finish at the correct destination.
  • Submit the completed flight through ACARS.
  • Ask staff for help if a PIREP does not appear correctly.
Open Crew Center →

New-member activity requirement

Complete your inaugural PIREP within 14 days of account approval. Existing pilots should complete at least one qualifying flight every 30 days; the qualifying flight should have at least 60 minutes of block time.

After your first flight

Explore ToursTry themed routes and special operations from the Crew Center.
Try Another AirlineUse the supported partner network to expand beyond your normal hub or fleet.
Join the CommunityUse Discord for route ideas, events, support and conversations with other pilots.

Ready to begin?

Create your pilot account and start building your VirtualDLH logbook.

Join VirtualDLH