My fellow pilots!

I’m excited to officially roll out our 2020 re-boot of AFKLM ATC Operations. Led by @Jamal [ATC Operation Manager], we’ve restructured our ATC platform feature (1) a new event series for IFATC-rated Airmen, (2) to help non-IFATC pilots to learn more about ATC and provide coverage for VA events on TS Server, and finally (3) to provide a direct communication channel to give VA pilots constant feedback on best practices for flying/communicating properly with IFATC.

How It Works: 

1. New Event Series: — AFKLM IFATC Airmen Tag Team: This new series launching in December 2020 will feature coordinated tag team operations at two or more airports based on the IFATC schedule.  The idea is that on a give a day and time range, IFATC-rated Airmen will open up multiple frequencies (Tower, Ground, Radar) throughout the day. We will organize flash flights and or designated event routes for pilots to enjoy flying while their fellow pilots control. More details on the first event to follow soon. 
2. ATC on TS: Non-IFATC pilots will have the opportunity to increase their # of ATC Control Ops by providing coverage for VA events on TS, including our T&G Sundays series which is returning this month [spoiler alert]. Similarly, Pilots can also provide ATC coverage for Flash Flights and Group flights on TS. If you are interested, contact @Jamal [ATC Operation Manager] to coordinate.  DISCLAIMER: This offering is not intended to serve as OR in place of official IFATC Training. Jamal and our IFATC-rated pilots are more than happy to share guidance on the process works, and give you feedback based on your TS sessions, but we are not trainers! If you want to become an official IFATC team member (and we encourage you to do so), you must apply via the IFC Recruitment Thread and follow the IFATC Certification Training process. To learn more about IFATC Training, click here.
3. New ATC Lounge + IFATC Ambassadors: In order to help organize ATC operations, we are launching a new #atc_lounge public channel here on Slack. The channel will serve as a lounge for IFATC-rated Airmen and as our hub for coordinating ATC events. It will also serve as the designated place for pilots to ask questions about ATC knowledge or about how to properly communicate with IFATC on Expert Server. We plan on inviting non-AFKLM pilots from IFATC into the VA Slack as our guests with the goal of providing a communication to give our members constant contractive feedback to correct mistakes. Our goal is to continuously improve our airmanship standards, to reduce the number of violation/ghosting infractions, and to improve the overall quality of the IF experience for our pilots, the IFATC controllers, and the pilot community in the skies around us. 

We hope you enjoy these new updates, seek out knowledge, and that you take advantage of the platform to improve your overall flight experience.

​Here’s to an amazing 2020 for AFKLM and for all of us together in the Infinite Skies!

​Hello to all AFKLM Airmen,

Here's a summary of the re-worked AFKLM Events platform under our new Event Manager Alex V. Some events will continue, some will be suspended, and other new events will also be added.

Here's everything you need to know!

 Team,

Please be advised that beginning February 1st we are making several changes to our AFKLM Classic and AFKLM Career Mode flight operating systems. Among these, include:

AFLKM 2020 Flight Operations Changes

• Hubs and the 4x Non-Hub Flight restriction per month will be eliminated in AFKLM Classic. This means you will have more freedom to explore the full breadth and depth of the AFKLM route database ! Hub selection/restrictions will still apply to Career Mode.
• Required hours to pass between ranks will increase.
• New Pilots in CF Training will be allowed to log flights after reaching CF2. They will be allowed to operate select Regional routes and receive credit, meaning that they can begin flying as an AFKLM Airman sooner.
• Career Mode 2.0 will be introduced and has been restructured to provide maximum realism and efficiency for pilots and Staff. We will be appointing a new Career Mode manager to oversee operations. More details on this to follow.
• New Rank badges and a Rank system will be introduced on February 1.
• Minimum age requirements and qualification criteria will take effect that are designed to increase the overall maturity level and professionalism of pilots.

I hope you are excited for these changes as we continuously seek to improve the overall quality of the VA experience we offer you.

Cheers and keep flying!

​Our two main hubs — LFPG and EHAM — will be featured as the departing airports. From there, you will have the option to fly either a quick flight to LFPG or EHAM, or long-haul to several of the amazing destinations across the globe that are serviced by AFKLM. I hope you are excited! All routes details with gates, aircrafts and flight informations are posted on the IFC thread, here you go! 

EVENT DETAILS:

• Departing Airports: EHAM-LFPG
• Aircraft AFKLM Fleet
• Date: 1.February 2020
• Time: 2030Z

NOTAM:

• I invite you to look at the featured routes, select which of them you want to fly on, and tell me that!
• All routes details are in, just select the route that you are looking for and all details follows!
• RSVP directly on IFC Thread or in DM me in Slack, both ways are good!
• When you submit your RSVP, please send me the following details: *Callsign (AFKLMXXX), Route (ICAO-ICAO), Aircraft, Gate
• All pilots, regardless of rank, will receive a special 3x flight time bonus in honor of our 3YR milestone. 

​
That's it! You are ready for departure! I hope you will have a good time flying our colors together and celebrating the AFKLM spirit. Let's keep aiming for the future!

RSVP Now on IFC Event Thread

​Cheers,
Your Event Manager
Alex V - AFKLM010

My Fellow Airmen,

The New Year is here and with it comes a new hope for the continuation of our glorious VA journey together! 2019 was an amazing year overall, and through the ups and downs I believe that we came out on top. Most importantly, we had fun doing it together.

​Your leadership team, myself included, remains committed to taking us to new and better heights this year. In doing so, we are implementing a series of Staff changes and operational shifts that we believe will continue improving the experience that we deliver to you, our valued pilots! I’m excited to share with you several updates and announcements as part of our AFKLM 2020 Master Plan.

New Staff Appointments & Changes: 

I’d like to welcome a few additions to our Staff Team, including:

• HR Manager: @Cheeseburger [HR Manager] will be bringing his talents to the Staff team to take on this very important role. He will be reporting to @Philip. Ben has matured tremendously over the past year and is the epitome of dedication to AFKLM Virtual. We couldn’t think of anyone better to take on this extremely vital and forward-facing role to act as an ambassador of our VA to all pilots. 
• Digital Marketing Manager: AFKLM Veteran @Babacar l'A320[Digital Marketing Manager] has been back in action for several weeks now and bringing our Instagram account back to glory. We’re excited to have him back on the team. He’ll be reporting to me while I handle acting Interim CMO duties
• Events Manager: The ever-present @Alex V [Events Manager] will be applying his innovative thinking and dedication to our Events Department to take over for our good friend Matt. Alexandre is bringing his passion and commitment to the all important Events operation and is already well underway in planning our 3YR anniversary party for the end of this month. Details to follow. 
• ATC Manager: @Jamal [ATC Operation Manager] has been promoted from Deputy ATC Manager to head honcho of the ATC Department. He’s done a tremendous job with the revamp and we’re looking forward to seeing more great work from him in the near future. 
• TBA: Another AFKLM Veteran and Staff All-Star @Tristan [HR MANAGER - VACATION] is expected back this January. Once he returns we will get him up to speed and allocate him into a leadership position accordingly based on needs. 

I’d also like to extend a special thank you to @Emil [Deputy President] @Teddybrooo [ATC Operations Manager] @carrots4luke1 and Matt [Director of Events] for their months and years of service to the Staff team. Their time and committment to previous advancements for the VA have helped us get to where we are today.

Flight Operations Updates:

Below is a brief summary of imminent changes and updates taking effect to our primary flight modes by February 1, 2020:

• CF Training: Upon passing CF1, Trainee pilots will have the opportunity to fly certain approved Regional routes and log them for hours. This will keep new pilots motivated while they go through the CF process. 
• AFKLM Classic: We are doing away with the Hub  requirement!! This will free up flexibility and variety for pilots within AFKLM Classic. No longer will you be bound by EHAM or LFPG or other as you explore the world as an AFKLM Classic. Route type requirements (e.g. Regional, Short-Haul, Medium-Haul, etc) will remain, and we will be increasing the required flight hours to progress through the ranks.
  
• AFKLM Career Mode: It’s back, come February 1, 2020! The New Career Mode will feature a refined rank progression system, new automation process for type rating exams, assigned flight routes and the addition of a new Career Mode Manager Staff Position. More details on this to follow. 
  
• New Entrance Exam Requirements: In order to keep our maturity level and professionalism at the highest possible standard, we will be increasing our minimum age to 16 effective February 1, 2020. In addition to this, a stricter minimum requirement of violations; flight hours, and more will be introduced.    

Coming Soon:

Here are some other fun news items and updates to keep an eye out for!

• 3YR Anniversary Party: This will be held at the end of the month and more information will be shared by @Alex V [Events Manager] in the new future.
• Suggestion Box: Will finally be live by the 15th of January to make sure that we always have our ears to the ground on ways to continue improving our beloved VA.
• New AFKLM 2020 Promotional Trailer Video: Will be making its premiere at the end of the month along with the debut of our AFKLM YouTube Channel. Start getting your best video clips and footage ready to contribute!
• AFKLM Website + Crew Centre 2.0 Update: Lot’s of cool stuff coming to a website near you!
• More Dynamic Charts: For all of our AFKLM and Codeshare destinations. These will be added to each destination in the Hub tabs of the Route Table so that you can get all the resources at your finger tips as you plan your next flight!
• New Air Commodores and Leading Commanders: Stay tuned for the next batch of ACs to replace the vacancies created by the promotion of @Cheeseburger [HR Manager] and @Alex V [Events Manager] to Staff. We’ll also be welcoming a new set of Leading Commanders later this Quarter to round out our Elite Airmen club. These gents (and ladies) and the future of the VA!

Hope you all are excited for an amazing 2020 together. This third year will be our biggest and brightest yet! 

Best,
Omar [President]