VATSIM has updated its Code of Conduct to clarify permitted connection types and the requirements surrounding military, paramilitary, and civilian government agency operations on the network.
Article A13(a) – Permitted Connection Types
Users may only connect to VATSIM as an observer, pilot, or air traffic controller. Fictional and/or unrealistic aircraft and vehicles are not permitted on the network.
Article A13(b) – Special Operations
Military, paramilitary, and civilian government agency operations must be conducted through an approved Virtual Special Operations Association (VSOA). Pilots must meet the relevant membership requirements and use their VSOA-approved pilot identification, callsign, and flight plan.
The article also clarifies that certain activities are restricted to active VSOA members in good standing with both their VSOA and VATSIM. These include:
- Joint training exercises between approved VSOAs
- War games and air-to-air refuelling
- Carrier operations and low-level military routes
- Escort missions and air combat manoeuvres
- Interceptions and scrambles
- Operations in special-use airspace
- Search and rescue and firefighting operations
- Air displays and races
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations
Non-VSOA pilots may be invited to participate in joint VSOA exercises, but are not authorised to independently conduct restricted activities.
All members are encouraged to review the updated Code of Conduct and ensure their activities comply with VATSIM policies.
Thank you for helping maintain a safe, realistic, and enjoyable environment for everyone on the network.