The new AFKLM Career Mode – Career Mode 2.0 – is here! Starting at Rank 8, it is designed to provide you with the most realistic simulation of a commercial airline pilot career on Infinite Flight.
 
Here is everything you need to know about how it works and getting started on your new AFKLM Virtual Career. 

Pilots will select to fly for either Air France or KLM and will choose an AFKLM hub airport to serve as their primary base of operations.

​Pilots will fly routes delivering passengers to and from their AFKLM hub, earning aircraft hours along the way as work their way up the ranks from regional jets to super heavies.

​Before taking the helm on their first CM flight, pilots must complete an aircraft type rating to demonstrate their capacity to operate the aircraft safely during all phases of flight. Type Ratings will be carried out by an AFKLM Academy Flight Instructor based on the pilot's region.

Regional & Small Body Jets:

• Consists of pattern work at an AFKLM Training Center (EHRD for KLM, LFBO for AF) if possible or as designated by the FI.
• The FI will take ATC and follow all steps carried out by the pilot. Pilots will also be tested on their ability to handle the plane and also their response to unexpected situations, e.g. runway change, go-arounds, etc. 

 
Heavies & Super Heavies:

• Consists of a short-distance route between two airports on TS.
• AFKLM Flight Instructors will open ATC frequencies for the take-off and the landing.

​Similar to real world commercial airline pilots, CM pilots receive individual Flight Lines (i.e. assigned routes) for the upcoming month based on their hub and type rating.
 
Flight lines are determined  by the Career Mode Flight Manager under the supervision of AFKLM’s Chief Pilot. Pilots can view their assigned routes in the new Career Mode Crew Centre. Pilots, Hubs, Total Hours, Ranks, Flight Lines, Recent Legs, and Status (Active Duty or Certification Required) can be found here.

• Pilots must complete their Flight Lines within 30 days or the new calendar month to remain active. 
  
• If you complete your assigned routes for the month before the new calendar month, you can request additional routes. If you cannot complete your routes within the calendar month, you can receive an extension by informing your CM Manager to receive an extension.
• Every Sunday, the CM Flight Manager will update the assigned routes, so if you completed all your routes you will receive new Flight Lines on Sundays.
• Once assigned routes for the month, pilots can begin flying immediately.

 
All Career Mode flight assignments will bring you back to your primary hub via round trip or multi-leg routes, such as Fifth Freedom routes.

All Career Mode flights should be operated with maximum realism and professionalism, including use of proper flight plans, SIDs, STARS, AFKLM terminal parking, and taxi procedures.

File your logs using the new Career Mode PIREP, which will require pilots to record the number of passengers flown, cargo delivered, and fuel carried in their log.

Logs will reflect immediately. Pilots do not have to wait for verification before beginning a new leg.

Additional type ratings will be required prior to converting to a new aircraft. Type Rating exams must be initiated by the pilot by filling out a new Type Rating Registration form via the AFKLM Career Mode Crew Centre. 

The new AFKLM Career Mode Crew Centre will feature easy access to pilot hours, assigned routes and other useful tools and resources, including: 

• Career Mode Handbook
• Career Mode Type Rating Registration Form
• Career Mode PIREP
• Career Mode Rank Badges
• Aircraft Performances Database
• AFKLM Route Table & Destination Charts
• Guide to Career Mode "Slack" Commands"

Within 24hrs of registration, you will be added to the private #Career_Mode channel in AFKLM Slack.

​You can use the channel to connect directly with Flight Instructors, discuss anything related to Career Mode with fellow pilots, and general speaking as a hub for all CM activity. Pilots will also be notified of promotions via this channel.

​To start your new AFKLM Career use the Career Mode Registration form in the AFKLM Crew Centre.
 
After you complete the Career Mode registration, you will be immediately re-directed to the Career Mode Type Rating form. Within 48hrs, you will be assigned a Flight Instructor and notified via Slack to schedule your Type Rating practical exam.
 
Ok, that’s it. You’re ready to get to work aviator!

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]

My Fellow Airmen!

​The AFKLM2020 overhaul is underway and we’re bringing you the first of many exciting changes -- AFKLM Custom Callsigns! AFKLM Custom Callsigns allow non-Staff pilots to select their unique designation from AFKLM100 to AFKLM999. 

​Your new callsign will be unique to you indefinitely. This means that if you go inactive or take an extend leave, when you return to active pilot duty you will retain your unique callsign. Choose wisely, because your new custom callsign cannot be changed once it’s requested!

 How It Works:

• Current Members have the first option on new callsign requests. You can either keep your current callsign or request a new one by completing this form: https://airtable.com/shrSovXyUc66xKBS2
• Callsign Requested will be processed by the COO. Allow 72hrs for processing.
• Once your request has been processed, a notification will appear in #pilots and your new callsign will be available in the PIREP logging form. DO NOT USE use your new callsign until this has occurred.
• To view the list of available callsigns, click here: https://airtable.com/shreNKsm9iKXA7GrG
• AFKLM Staff callsigns are not affected by this change and will be assigned between AFKLM001 and AFKLM020. They are used by active staff. When a Staff member returns to regular pilot duty, they will return to using their Custom Callsign.
• If you have any questions, contact @Philip

Dear AFKLM Airmen – ladies and gents,

Last Summer 2018 I took the helm as President/CEO of this great VA. We set out together to raise the bar. And boy, did we raise it. Over the last 12 months here is a snapshot of some of the major accomplishments:

AFKLM 2018-2019 Snapshot:
•    SkyTeam Launch
•    New Route Table, Codeshare Connection Routes, Fifth Freedom Routes & Hub System
•    New PIREP System & Crew Centre
•    AFKLM Events Committee Launch  + ATC Operations Reboot
•    New Website Launch
•    New IFC Thread Launch
•    AFKLM Academy Launch
•    Pilot Entrance Exam Automation

We’re not stopping there though. Your staff leadership team is committed to keep the VA aiming towards the future as we begin our 4th year in operations and we have an exciting plan in place to make that happen.

AFKLM 2020 Strategic Plan:

Our mission is clear: to propel the love of flight for those who fly with us, alongside us, or control the Infinite Skies.

And we will accomplish this by focusing on {a] maximizing REALISM,  [b] fostering LEARNING, [c] forging HUMAN CONNECTION [d] and sustainable GROWTH in 2020.

Many, many exciting projects are in the works to support the plan. Here is a preview of some of major changes, upgrades, and new additions that you can look forward to in Q4 2019 and  2020:

• AFKLM Classic Revamp -- focused on realism and taking advantage of the extended AFKLM feeder hub network)
  
• New Career Mode -- we’re reviewing three unique concepts and proposals to re-imagine Career Mode)
  
• New Pilot Challenges -- Rewards Program – coming in 2020
  
• Route Table Upgrades-- including updates to  AFKLM and codeshare connection routes. As well as dynamic charts for all hubs and destinations.
  
• Custom AFKLM Callsigns – coming soon, AFKLM100 to AFKLM9999, you’re choice!
  
• Regional Pilot Lounges – for all major regions, i.e. France, Holland, Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania
  
• Air Commodore – for each region, an elite pilot rank addition above Leading Commander.
  
• New Rank Badges – for all pilots and staff.
  
• New Member On-Boarding Optimization - including automated emails for welcome, orientation and satisfaction survey.
  
• Website | Crew Center Upgrades – including Live Destination Map, videos, and NOTAM archive for major VA announcements
  
• AFKLM YouTube – channel launch and AFKLM Cocktail Tales series
  
• Events + ATC Platform Re-Fresh – coming January 2020
  
• New SkyTeam Thread – coming Q1 2020
  
• Innovation Suggestion Box (Slack Channel) – for pilots to submit new ideas and requests
  
• Quarterly Virtual Townhall Video Conference Meetings - for AFKLM Staff and Air Commodore/Leading Commanders. Updates on major projects and feedback on VA direction.
  
• AFKLM Organizational Chart + New Department Mechanics – for sustained growth and expansion of staff roles. Attached you’ll find more information on this and staff openings, including  Digital Marketing Coordinator, PR Manager, HR Manager. To learn more about any of these, contact Philip COO.

As you can see, your dedicated Staff team has a lot in the pipeline. We hope you are excited because we definitely are! This is your VA, and we’re going to do everything possible to make it the best it possibly can be.

Onward to 2020! 

Best,
Omar [President]

​
The new AFKLM Academy Certification Flight program is now in effect, led by John P [Chief Pilot] and a talented team of flight instructors, including Joslley [AFKLM014] and Jeremy [AFKLM015]. A special thank you to Michael [AFKLM215] ]and our friends/partners at Delta Virtual for providing the framework and guidance that made it possible! 

Objective:
Our goal is to ensure that every pilot who bears the “AFKLM” callsign does so professionally, creating a better experience for you and all those around you.

How It Works:

• New Pilots enter AFLKLM at the Rank of Trainee. You must complete a three-tiered Certification Flight (CF) process before being cleared for flight as a Cadet (Rank 1).
• Similarly, any pilot Rank 1 to 6 that incurs a Ghosting infraction will be "grounded" and required to complete certification before being cleared to return to flight operations.
• Pilots are responsible for initiating the flight training, not the instructor.  
• To get started, go to the Certification Flight page in the Crew Centre and submit your registration form.