> ## 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.

# Pilot Ranks & Progression

> Advance from Cadet to Captain at Virtual Air Canada. See flight hours, points, and PIREP requirements for each pilot rank.

## Rank System Overview

Virtual Air Canada Airline uses a rank system to simulate real-world pilot career progression. As you gain experience and flight hours, you'll advance through ranks that unlock new routes and responsibilities.

<img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/virtualaircanada/XW0ND9ztGm1uFOMi/images/placeholder-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XW0ND9ztGm1uFOMi&q=85&s=ee08ba24e58beaf1e5047269c5797847" alt="vACA Rank Structure Light" width="2064" height="1104" data-path="images/placeholder-light.png" />

<img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/virtualaircanada/XW0ND9ztGm1uFOMi/images/placeholder-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XW0ND9ztGm1uFOMi&q=85&s=d1f4fccf56486c4188b97a9d609f23d4" alt="vACA Rank Structure Dark" width="2064" height="1104" data-path="images/placeholder-dark.png" />

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>

## Rank Structure

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="user" title="Cadet">
    **Requirement**: No Requirements

    **Advancement**: Complete 5 accepted <Tooltip tip="Pilot Report" cta="See glossary" href="/aops/additional-resources/glossary/pirep">PIREPs</Tooltip>, 20 flight hours, and 1,000 points
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="user-graduate" title="Second Officer">
    **Requirement**: Hours: 20 | Points: 1,000 | Accepted PIREPs: 5

    **Advancement**: Complete 50 accepted PIREPs, 100 flight hours, and 12,000 points
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="user-tie" title="First Officer">
    **Requirement**: Hours: 100 | Points: 12,000 | Accepted PIREPs: 50

    **Advancement**: Complete 100 accepted PIREPs, 250 flight hours, and 35,000 points
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="star" title="Senior First Officer">
    **Requirement**: Hours: 250 | Points: 35,000 | Accepted PIREPs: 100

    **Advancement**: Complete 200 accepted PIREPs, 500 flight hours, and 40,000 points
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="crown" title="Captain">
    **Requirement**: Hours: 500 | Points: 40,000 | Accepted PIREPs: 200
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Team & Honorary Ranks

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="building" title="Staff Team">
    **Requirement**: Invitation only

    **Privileges**:

    * Administrative access to airline operations
    * Route planning capabilities
    * Event organization privileges
    * Mentoring capabilities
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="leaf" title="Maple Pin">
    **Requirement**: First 100 pilots completing at least 1 PIREP.

    **Privileges**:

    * Legendary Maple Pin badge.
    * Access to Maple Pin events. (Coming Soon)
    * Access to Maple Pin members merchandise. (Coming Soon)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Roles & Positions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="plane-departure" title="Airport Manager">
    **Requirement**: Assignment based

    Airport Manager is a role, not a rank. It can be held alongside any pilot rank.

    **Responsibilities**:

    * Manage routes to and from assigned airports
    * Recommend schedule optimizations
    * Monitor traffic and operations for their assigned airports
    * Contribute to hub development strategies
    * Organize airport-specific events
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Advancement Requirements

Rank advancement is based on several factors:

### Primary Requirements

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Flight Hours" icon="clock">
    Total accumulated flight time in a pilot role. Hours are tracked automatically by the ACARS system.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Accepted PIREPs" icon="plane-arrival">
    Total number of successfully completed and accepted Pilot Reports (PIREPs).
  </Card>

  <Card title="Points" icon="trophy">
    Points earned through various activities including flights, landing quality, and special events.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Activity" icon="calendar">
    Regular activity is required to maintain rank. Extended inactivity may result in rank demotion.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Tracking Your Progress

You can track your career progression in several ways:

1. **Pilot Hub Profile**: Your main profile shows current rank and progression toward the next rank
2. **PIREPs**: Review your completed flights and accumulated hours
3. **Statistics Page**: View detailed breakdowns of your flight history
4. **Awards**: Monitor special achievements that contribute to advancement

<Note>
  Rank promotions are typically processed automatically within 24 hours of meeting requirements. For Staff Team positions, manual review and invitation are required.
</Note>

## Specializations and Endorsements

Beyond the basic rank structure, pilots can earn special endorsements:

* **Route Specialist**: Master specific routes with multiple successful flights
* **Aircraft Type Rating**: Demonstrate expertise with specific aircraft types
* **Hub Commander**: Become a specialist at a particular vACA hub
* **VATSIM/IVAO Expert**: Recognition for online network participation
* **All-Weather Operations**: Successfully complete flights in challenging conditions

These specializations appear on your pilot profile and may grant access to exclusive events or routes.

## Rank Insignia and Uniform

Your virtual pilot avatar displays rank insignia corresponding to your current rank or honorary rank, which you can select in your profile settings. The uniform elements include:

Update your uniform appearance in the Pilot Hub profile settings.

## Need Help?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Discord Community" icon="discord" href="https://links.canadava.com/kgNgqfb" cta="Join Discord" arrow={true}>
    Get answers to your questions in our active Discord community
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email Support" icon="envelope" href="mailto:support@canadava.com" cta="Contact Us" arrow={true}>
    Contact our support team for personalized assistance
  </Card>
</CardGroup>