> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.canadava.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Fleet Assignments
> Discover how vACA assigns aircraft to routes by distance and type using FlightRadar24 data for realistic fleet operations.
Fleet assignments at Virtual Air Canada are intelligently managed through a rule-based system that automatically determines which aircraft types are available for each route. This system ensures operational realism while providing pilots with flexible aircraft choices.
**Rank does not restrict aircraft selection**
Your pilot rank does not limit which aircraft you can book or fly. Any pilot can select any aircraft available for a given route, regardless of their current rank. Aircraft availability is determined by route distance and operational rules, not by pilot progression.
## How Fleet Assignments Work
Our fleet assignment system uses sophisticated rules to match aircraft types with appropriate routes based on multiple operational factors:
### Rule-Based Assignment
Each fleet group is assigned to routes based on two key criteria:
**Distance Range**
* Minimum and maximum nautical mile ranges define suitable route lengths for each aircraft type
* Ensures aircraft are only assigned to routes within their operational capabilities
**Route Type**
* Primarily focuses on scheduled passenger and cargo operations
* Filters routes by service category to maintain operational consistency
### FlightRadar24 Realistic Fleet Integration
Virtual Air Canada automatically enriches route data with real-world fleet assignments from FlightRadar24:
* **Real-world accuracy**: Routes are automatically tagged with aircraft types that Air Canada actually operates on those flights
* **Dynamic updates**: Fleet assignments reflect current Air Canada operations
* **Enhanced realism**: Pilots can see which aircraft Air Canada typically uses for specific routes
## Benefits of Flexible Fleet Assignment
Our fleet assignment system strikes an important balance between realism and pilot accessibility:
### More Aircraft Options for Virtual Pilots
**Expanded Fleet Availability**
* Pilots have access to multiple aircraft types across Air Canada's full fleet
* Regional aircraft (CRJ900, Dash 8-400, Embraer 175/190) are available for shorter routes
* Long-haul aircraft (777, 787, A350, A330) are assigned to appropriate international routes
* Narrowbody aircraft (A220, A320 family, 737 MAX) serve transcontinental and medium-haul operations
**Operational Flexibility**
* Multiple aircraft choices on many routes allow pilots to fly their preferred aircraft
* Rule-based assignment ensures aircraft are only available where they make operational sense
* Pilots can explore different aircraft types while maintaining realistic operations
### Realistic Air Canada Operation Patterns
**Authentic Route Networks**
* Fleet assignments mirror real-world Air Canada operating patterns
* Regional carriers (Jazz) operate appropriate aircraft on shorter routes
* Mainline operations use appropriate narrowbody and widebody aircraft
**Distance-Based Logic**
* Short-haul regional routes (under 1,000nm) limited to turboprops and regional jets
* Medium-haul routes (1,000-3,000nm) served by narrowbody aircraft
* Long-haul international routes (3,000nm+) operated by widebody aircraft
## Current Fleet Assignment Rules
The following table shows the active fleet assignments and their operating parameters:
| Fleet Type | Distance Range (nm) | Routes |
| ------------------------- | ------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| **Regional Operations** | | |
| De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 | 0 - 1,000 | Short-haul regional |
| CRJ900 | 0 - 1,650 | Regional |
| Embraer E175 | 0 - 1,600 | Regional/short-haul |
| Embraer 190 | 200 - 1,500 | Regional/short-haul |
| **Narrowbody Operations** | | |
| A220 | 0 - 1,500 | Transcontinental/medium-haul |
| A319, A320 | 300 - 2,200 | Transcontinental/medium-haul |
| A321 | 500 - 2,200 | Transcontinental/medium-haul |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 94 - 3,030 | Transcontinental/medium-haul |
| **Widebody Operations** | | |
| Boeing 767 Passenger | 1,000 - 5,600 | Long-haul |
| A330 | 3,200 - 3,800 | Long-haul international |
| A340 | 500 - 7,400 | Long-haul international |
| Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | 1,500 - 7,300 | Long-haul international |
| Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | 600 - 7,500 | Long-haul international |
| Boeing 777-200LR | 1,800 - 9,400 | Ultra-long-haul |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 1,100 - 7,300 | Long-haul international |
| A350 | 3,100 - 8,500 | Long-haul international |
**Distance Range Notes**
All assignments filter for scheduled route types to maintain operational consistency. Aircraft are assigned to routes within their specified distance ranges to ensure safe and realistic operations.
## Route Booking and Aircraft Selection
When booking flights through the Pilot Portal:
1. **Route Selection**: Browse available routes that match your preferred aircraft or region
2. **Aircraft Availability**: Only aircraft assigned to that route based on the rules above will be available
3. **FlightRadar24 Data**: Routes may show which aircraft Air Canada typically operates on that flight
4. **SimBrief Integration**: Select the appropriate aircraft profile in SimBrief for accurate flight planning
**Multiple Aircraft Options**
Many routes, especially in the 1,000-3,000nm range, may have multiple aircraft types available. This provides pilots with choices while ensuring all options are operationally realistic for the route distance and type.
## Need Help?
Questions about fleet assignments or which aircraft to choose for your next flight?
Get answers to your questions in our active Discord community
Contact our support team for personalized assistance