Training policy

vIAF – Training Policy

Virtual Israeli Air Force

Document Control

Version 2.1
Issue Date 31/07/2026
Prepared by Daniel Demidovski (vIAF 040) and Daniel Kushnir (vIAF 002)
Overseen by Daniel Kushnir (vIAF 002)
Approved by vIAF Training Department

Document Purpose

This document covers all training policies for the Virtual Israeli Air Force (vIAF). This document is updated to remain in compliance with VATSIM policies, including CoC and SOA-POL, and to follow the high standards of the vIAF.


USE FOR SIMULATOR ONLY – ANY CONNECTION BETWEEN THIS DOCUMENT AND REAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS IS ACCIDENTAL.

Related Documents

  • vIAF SOP
  • VATSIM Code of Conduct (CoC)
  • VATSIM SOA-POL

VSOA Training

The vIAF adopts the VATSIM Policy for Special Operations (VATSIM-POL-Special Operations v5.0) as its guiding document. As a partner, we comply with the training requirements defined in section 8.6 “Training Requirements”:

 

  • A minimum of ten (10) hours of total instructional training is required. Only the following activities may be credited toward this requirement: review of approved training materials; knowledge testing and evaluations; instructor pilot and student interaction; flight time conducted in accordance with approved training documentation; and checkrides and formal evaluations.
  • The training curriculum shall include: a Syllabus explicitly identifying each learning and training activity and the time allocated to each; Training Documentation and Instructional Media (such as presentations, PDF manuals, word documents, videos, or educational websites — verbal-only instruction is not permitted); and Training Materials that directly align with the vIAF SOPs, structured as: objective, instructional content, and evaluation criteria.
  • Pilot proficiency in fundamental airmanship and navigation skills must be continuously assessed during the departure, transit, and recovery phases of all Mission Ready flights. Any deficiencies identified during these phases must be addressed before a pilot advances to the next stage.
  • Pilots must demonstrate a general knowledge of Military Training Routes, rules and limitations in Restricted Areas and Military Operating Areas, and the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with special military manoeuvres and operations.

 

For VSOAs that do not perform militaristic operations, the training requirements shall be focused on the primary operations of the group.

 

  • Pilots must demonstrate a general knowledge of Military Training Routes, rules/limitations in Restricted Areas, and Military Operating Areas.
  • Demonstrate required knowledge regarding locating the proper Air to Air Refuelling Route and how to enter same.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing special military maneuvers and operations.

 

  • All training records are to be kept and presented to the VSOD upon request.
  • All VSO partners are permitted to fast-track new recruits only if they have been verified as a certified VSO pilot in another VATSIM approved VSO.
  • All candidates within each Special Operations Partner can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). It is at the discretion of that Partner and Special Operations CFI to grant such applications.
  • Any Military Pilot Rating is transferrable between Special Operations Partners.

Instructors

Daniel Kushnir (vIAF-2) and Daniel Demidovski (vIAF-040) will appoint instructors from the pilot roster. These instructors are selected due to their ability to teach knowledge and develop the flying skills of other members. The instructors themselves undergo a “teaching qualifications program” to ensure each stage is performed to its best standard.

 

If you believe you may be a good instructor (either by prior experience in teaching or military flying), you should contact either your Wing Commander or vIAF-2/vIAF-040 to begin the training to become an instructor. As we continue to develop our courses, the instructors are the control group to improve each draft.

 

As being an instructor requires a high level of leadership and professionalism, the appointment can be suspended or withdrawn by vIAF-2/vIAF-040.

Trainee / Candidate Management

The vIAF utilises Discord for coordination and 1-on-1 training. On joining vIAF, each individual will have an individual training thread located in #Flight-Academy with the appropriate tag for each student. The thread is confidential and only instructors and the candidate themselves can view the content.

 

All training matters are to be posted in that thread. It serves as the primary evidence for an audit by VSOD and therefore, must be accurate. If a thread disappears, it is because of a “show if active” timer. Each member engaged in a course is expected to finish the course within 30 days and access their thread as needed.

 

The thread may be backed up (unless otherwise requested) with CID only, at the VSOA management drive folder.

Application and Joining Process

Any person wishing to join vIAF and begin initial training to become a VSO Certified Pilot must meet the following conditions:

 

  • An active VATSIM account.
  • Full proficiency in English and Hebrew.
  • Proficiency in both VFR and IFR operations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of procedures within the Israeli FIR, including local reporting points and terminology.
  • Ability to finish all 3 stages of our training program within 30 days.
  • Records showing a minimum of 100 hours flown on the VATSIM network. An exception may be made for 50 hours on the network with prior experience on DCS or any other military simulator, subject to approval by the Training Director.
  • A clean VATSIM record concerning violations, especially within other VSOA partners.
  • Any person who feels they may have suitable real-world experience may contact vIAF-2 or vIAF-040 to determine whether the minimum requirements could be waived in their specific circumstances.
  • A strong commitment to the training program and organizational standards.

 

Admission Requirements

Prior to beginning the training programme, all candidates must complete the following two admission steps:

 

Step 1 – Civilian Procedures Exam

Candidates must pass a written exam covering civilian procedures, including:

  • CVFR and IFR regulations
  • Israeli airspace structure
  • Aircraft systems knowledge

 

Step 2 – Acceptance Flight

Candidates must complete a supervised civilian acceptance flight. The candidate may select any single-engine aircraft with a cruise speed not exceeding 180 knots. The flight profile is as follows:

  • Depart from Rosh Pina (LLIB).
  • Proceed to designated training areas and conduct stall/recovery exercises.
  • Return to Rosh Pina and complete 2 full circuits.
  • Execute a practice forced landing (PFL) on the final circuit where operationally feasible.

 

This flight is mandatory under instructor supervision. The instructor will conduct a debrief and assess whether the candidate demonstrates sufficient knowledge of civilian procedures and readiness to commence vIAF training.

Training Process

The following outlines the vIAF training pathway and the stages required to obtain certification for operations. You are not approved to fly any operation online without the successful completion of the required stage. All training flights must be recorded using SmartCARS with active flight following throughout each flight.

 

All stage information, briefings and resources shall be available in Discord in the #training-material channel for any member of the VSOA.

 

Pre-Training: Ground School

Pre-Training  |  Minimum: 1 x Briefing Session

 

Instructor Briefing Session (~30 minutes)

A briefing will be held between the instructor and newly accepted candidates. Using a presentation, the instructor will cover:

  • Basic procedures for military flights – flight planning, departure to training areas, and the local airspace structure.
  • An introduction to the Hofit (Beechcraft) aircraft – a brief operational overview (candidates are expected to review the flight manual independently afterwards).

 

Military Procedures Exam

Before commencing Stage 1, candidates must pass an oral exam covering:

  • Military flight procedures and regulations
  • Military airspace
  • Kedem (LLKD) training area routes and procedures
  • Hofit (Beechcraft) aircraft systems and operation

Stage 1 – Basic Military Knowledge

Stage 1 – VFR  |  Minimum: 3 hours  |  Flights: 3 flights

 

Flight 1 – Initial Familiarisation (Minimum 30 minutes)

Objective: Familiarise candidates with the Hofit (Beechcraft) aircraft and military procedures at Kedem.

  • Candidates fly circuits at Kedem (LLKD), completing a minimum of 10 circuits.
  • Purpose: to build familiarity with the Hofit (Beechcraft) aircraft, flight planning, and usage of military ATC and circuit procedures.
  • Instructor supervision is required but does not need to be in-person – the instructor is available to assist with any uncertainties and will conduct the pre-flight brief and post-flight debrief.
  • This flight must be recorded in SmartCARS with active flight following for the duration of the flight.
  • The trainee must submit a PIREP, a brief, and a debrief at the end of the flight.

 

Flight 2 – Formation Flight (Minimum 1 Hour)

Objective: Introduction to close formation flying.

  • Candidates depart Kedem (LLKD) individually and join up at one of the training areas.
  • Formation exercises: finger-four and trail formations.
  • The instructor will fly with candidates and lead the sortie. The primary objective is to teach candidates to fly in close formation.
  • The instructor will conduct the pre-flight brief.
  • This flight must be recorded in SmartCARS with active flight following for the duration of the flight.
  • The trainee must submit a PIREP and a debrief at the end of the flight.

 

Flight 3 – CVFR Navigation Flight (Minimum 1 Hour)

Objective: Navigation from Kedem to Hazor.

  • Candidates depart Kedem (LLKD) and proceed to Hazor (LLHS) via the CVFR routes.
  • Instructor supervision is required but does not need to be in-person – the instructor is available to assist with any uncertainties.
  • This flight must be recorded in SmartCARS with active flight following for the duration of the flight.
  • The trainee must submit a PIREP, a brief, and a debrief at the end of the flight.

 

In order to continue to the next stage, an instructor must approve all PIREPs, briefs and debriefs submitted by the trainee.

Stage 2 – Navigation

Stage 2 – IFR/MVFR  |  Minimum: 7 hours  |  Flights: 5 flights

 

Instructor Briefing Session (~30 minutes)

A briefing will be held between the instructor and trainees. Using a presentation, the instructor will cover:

  • Presentation to the combat map
  • Flying MVFR in high altitudes
  • Transitioning between MVFR and IFR
  • VOR navigation
  • Precision and non-precision approaches

 

Advanced Military Flight Exam

Before commencing Stage 2 flights, candidates must pass an oral exam covering:

  • Military airfield procedures
  • VOR navigation and usage
  • Navigating through combat map
  • IFR and MVFR Military flying in Israeli Airspace and beyond

 

Flight 4 – Practicing a non-precision approach and MVFR Flight (Minimum 1 Hour)

Route: Hazor (LLHS) to Rosh Pina (LLIB) – VOR approach at Rosh Pina.

  • Instructor supervision is required but does not need to be in-person.
  • This flight must be recorded in SmartCARS with active flight following for the duration of the flight.
  • The trainee must submit a PIREP, a brief, and a debrief at the end of the flight.

 

Flight 5 – Repositioning Flight (Minimum 1 hour)

Route: Rosh Pina (LLIB) to Hazor (LLHS), with a standard instrument departure from Rosh Pina, followed by a transition to MVFR enroute to Hazor.

  • Instructor supervision is required but does not need to be in-person.
  • This flight must be recorded in SmartCARS with active flight following for the duration of the flight.
  • The trainee must submit a PIREP, a brief, and a debrief at the end of the flight.

 

Flight 6 – International Navigation: Outbound to Paphos (Minimum 2 Hours)

Route: Hazor (LLHS) to Paphos (LCLK), departing MVFR and transitioning to IFR en route, for an ILS approach at Paphos.

  • Instructor supervision is not required.
  • This flight must be recorded in SmartCARS with active flight following for the duration of the flight.
  • The trainee must submit a PIREP, a brief, and a debrief at the end of the flight.

 

Flight 7 – International Navigation: Return from Paphos (Minimum 2 Hours)

Route: Paphos (LCLK) to Hazor (LLHS), departing IFR via the SID and transitioning to MVFR upon entering Israeli airspace.

  • Instructor supervision is not required.
  • This flight must be recorded in SmartCARS with active flight following for the duration of the flight.
  • The trainee must submit a PIREP, a brief, and a debrief at the end of the flight.

 

In order to continue to the next stage, an instructor must approve all PIREPs, briefs and debriefs submitted by the trainee.

Fast Track (Prior Learning)

This pathway is generally only open to an existing VSO Certified Pilot who is active with another VSOA Partner. It also requires prior approval from the Special Operations Chief Flight Instructor (VSODCFI).

Certification as VSO Certified Pilot

Upon completion of Stage 2 training, the candidate must complete a Checkride assessed by a vIAF instructor. The checkride evaluates all competencies covered across Stage 1 and Stage 2. Only upon a passing assessment will the instructor recommend to the assigned Wing Leader that the candidate is acceptable as a VSO Certified Pilot and awarded the Military Pilot Rating. The candidate will be notified if successful.