> ## 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. # Flight-Deck SOPs > Follow vACA flight-deck SOPs for flight planning, PF/PM roles, taxi, takeoff, cruise, approach, and ETOPS operations # Flight‑Deck SOPs This section outlines the standard operating procedures for normal flight operations at Virtual Air Canada Airline. ## 4.1 Flight Planning & Dispatch ### Operational Flight Plan (OFP) * Generated via Simbrief or company tool * Must be reviewed and accepted by both PIC and virtual dispatcher * Contains all necessary route, aircraft, and performance information ### Fuel Policy Compliant with CARs 705.33, our fuel policy includes: | Fuel Component | Calculation Method | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Taxi Fuel** | 200 kg (jet narrow‑body) / 300 kg (wide‑body) | | **Trip Fuel** | As calculated + 5% contingency | | **Alternate Fuel** | Fuel required to fly from destination to alternate airport | | **Final Reserve** | 30 minutes holding at 1,500 ft above alternate aerodrome elevation | | **Extra Fuel** | PIC's discretion based on weather, slots, anticipated holding, etc. | ### Performance Calculation * Use manufacturer tools or TopCat for performance calculations * Include engine-out departure procedure (EODP) in planning * Consider obstacles greater than 125 ft AGL within 3 nm of departure path ### NOTAM & Weather Package Review must include: * SIGMETs for relevant airspace * Volcanic ash advisories if applicable * NAT track message for oceanic operations * Special airport procedures ### Flight Release Process 1. Dispatcher prepares OFP and performance data 2. PIC reviews all documentation 3. Both PIC and dispatcher sign off via ACARS or company portal 4. Once released, any changes must be communicated and agreed upon ## 4.2 Roles, Flows & Standard Calls ### PF/PM Allocation | Sector | Pilot Flying (PF) | Pilot Monitoring (PM) | | ------------------ | ----------------- | --------------------- | | Odd flight‑number | Captain | First Officer | | Even flight‑number | First Officer | Captain | For long-haul flights, roles should swap at top of descent for optimal crew alertness. ### Standard Callouts #### Take-Off (A320 Example) | Event | PF | PM | | ------------- | --------------------- | --------------- | | Thrust set | "Set take‑off thrust" | "Thrust set" | | 80 kt | - | "80 knots" | | V1 | - (silence) | "V1" | | VR | - | "Rotate" | | Positive rate | - | "Positive rate" | | Gear command | "Gear up" | "Gear up" | *Note: Boeing call-outs are identical except PF responds "Check" at 80 kt.* #### Approach | Event | PF | PM | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------- | | 1,000 ft (IMC) | - | "1,000 feet" | | 500 ft (VMC) | - | "500 feet" | | Approach Stabilized | "Stable" | "Stable" | | Approach Not Stabilized | "Go Around" | "Go Around, Flaps \_\_\_" | | Minimums | "Continue/Land" or "Go Around" | "Minimums" | ### Flow Concept All cockpit activities follow the **Trigger → Flow → Checklist** sequence: 1. **Trigger**: Event that initiates a sequence (e.g., "After Start") 2. **Flow**: Each pilot completes their assigned flow from memory 3. **Checklist**: Formal verification through challenge-response Examples of flows include: * Preflight Flow * After Start Flow * Before Takeoff Flow * Cruise Flow * Approach Flow ## 4.3 Normal Ground Operations ### Push-back & Engine Start 1. Verify beacon ON, all doors closed, and tug connected 2. Confirm brake pressure >2,000 psi before releasing parking brake 3. Follow proper engine start sequence: * **Airbus Aircraft**: Engine 1 then Engine 2, at max motoring N2 > 20%, oil press > 0.01 MPa * **Boeing Aircraft**: Engine 2 then Engine 1, starter cut-out at 50% N2 4. PM monitors hydraulic pressure, electrical parameters, and EGT rise 5. After both engines running, complete After Start Flow and Checklist ### Taxi Operations #### Speed Limits * Straight taxi: ≤ 25 kt * Turns: ≤ 10 kt * Crossing active runway: ≤ 15 kt #### Low Visibility Procedures * Below RVR 1,200 ft: follow green centerline lights * Maintain spacing of 150 m from aircraft ahead * Use progressive taxi instructions if needed #### Contaminated Surfaces * Single-engine taxi is **prohibited** on ice or snow * Reduce taxi speed appropriately for conditions * Avoid sharp turns or heavy braking ### Runway Line-Up Technique 1. Align nose wheel precisely on centerline 2. Ensure rudder pedals are neutral 3. Verify compass/heading indicator is within plus/minus 5 degrees of runway heading 4. Wait 30 seconds for IRS settling if a turn greater than 8° was made 5. Confirm final checks complete before takeoff clearance acceptance ## 4.4 Normal Flight Phases ### Take-Off Profiles | Profile | Reduction Altitude | Acceleration Altitude | Use | | ---------- | ------------------ | --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | **NADP 1** | 800 ft AFE | 3,000 ft AFE | Noise-sensitive areas (e.g., YYZ rwy 23) | | **NADP 2** | 1,000 ft AFE | 1,000 ft AFE | Performance-limited, runway obstacle clearance | ### Climb * Set **CLIMB thrust** at acceleration altitude * Retract flaps on schedule (F, S, Clean) * Crosscheck fuel burn against OFP every 10 minutes * Acceptable deviation: ±300 kg for narrow-body, ±500 kg for wide-body * Follow standard climb speed schedule unless ATC requires different speeds ### Cruise * Maintain optimum Mach number per Cost Index (CI) in OFP - see [CI Reference](/aops/standard-procedures/performance#cost-index-reference) * RVSM requirements: maintain altimeter crosscheck difference less than or equal to 200 ft * TCAS should be set to **TA/RA** mode * Execute TCAS Resolution Advisories (RA) unless unsafe to do so * Complete hourly position reports for oceanic/remote airspace ### Descent Planning * Top of Descent (TOD) calculation: `TOD = (Altitude Δ × 3) + 10 nm` buffer * Example: FL370 to 5,000 ft = (37,000 - 5,000)/1,000 × 3 + 10 = 106 nm #### Speed Management * Early descent: Green dot + 50 kt * Below 10,000 ft: 250 kt maximum * Configure flaps progressively to maintain stable energy state * Plan to be fully configured by 1,000 ft AGL (IMC) or 500 ft AGL (VMC) ### Approach Stabilization Gates | Gate | Height AGL | Required State | | ---------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **1,000 ft IMC** | 1,000 ft | Gear down, final flap, on profile, Approach speed +0/–5 kt, sink 500–1,000 fpm | | **500 ft VMC** | 500 ft | Minor deviations allowed, but must be correcting | **UNSTABLE → GO-AROUND** (mandatory call by any crew member) ### Landing Technique * **Autobrake settings**: * Dry runway, normal length: **AUTO 2** * Wet runway or short field: **AUTO 3 / MAX** * Reduce reverse thrust to idle at 60 kt * Cancel reverse thrust completely by 40 kt * Turn on taxi light when crossing the hold-short line * Turn off strobe lights after clearing the runway ## 4.5 Oceanic & Extended Operations ### ETOPS Requirements | Item | Requirement | | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | ETOPS release | Dual-alternates within 60 min / 180 min (aircraft-type specific) | | Position plotting | Verify waypoints on master plot every 10° longitude | | SELCAL | Confirm code before entering NAT HLA | | Strategic Lateral Offset (SLOP) | 1–2 nm RIGHT of centerline unless ATC assigned | ### Oceanic Procedures 1. **Pre-Oceanic Checklist** to be completed 10 minutes prior to oceanic entry 2. HF radio check with appropriate oceanic control 3. Hourly position reports containing: * Aircraft callsign * Position (lat/long or named waypoint) * Time over position * Flight level * Next waypoint and ETA * Following waypoint 4. Maintain Mach number technique when assigned ### Low-Visibility Operations (CAT II/III) * **Minimum required equipment**: * Autopilot * Autothrottle * Dual FGCS channels * Radio altimeters * CAT IIIa procedures allow operations down to 50 ft DH (fail-passive) * CAT IIIb procedures allow operations down to 15 ft (no rollout guidance in sim) * Follow LVP taxi charts with ILS Critical Areas clearly marked * Special callouts and procedures apply during CAT II/III approaches Continue to learn about procedures for handling abnormal situations and emergencies