A320 cockpit lined up on the runway at Zurich

Pilot Application · Home Base ZRH

Let your passion for virtual aviation take flight.

VELA is a virtual airline on VATSIM modelled on a real operation. You fly by real procedures, with realistic dispatch and a roster that challenges you - from Zurich to the most challenging airports in europe. If you are looking for realism, SOP discipline and a professional operation, this is the place for you.

Apply now

How we fly at VELA

A realistic operation

SimBrief dispatch, correct loading and procedures, clean radio discipline on VATSIM. Not just A to B — a flight like the real cockpit.

A demanding network

Our 2020-era route network includes challenging fields such as Florence (LIRQ) and Bilbao (LEBB) that demand clean handling.

A real crew

Roster, rotations and an active community on Discord. You are part of a team, not flying on your own.

Two ways into the cockpit

You apply based on your experience on the A320 family — evidenced at a previous virtual airline.

Right seat

First Officer

150hrs on the A320 family

You join as an F/O, fly our ZRH network and build towards Commander within a structured operation.

Left seat

Commander

250hrs on the A320 family

You take command responsibility on board — for the crew, the flight and the demanding fields in our network.

Requirements

Hard requirements

150 hrs (F/O) or 250 hrs (CMD) on the A320 family at a previous VA — with proof.
VATSIM account in good standing, no active suspension.
A320 as a study-level add-on (Fenix, ToLiss or FlyByWire).
SimBrief account for dispatch and flight planning.
An iPad running iOS 17.0 or later for our vIFM electronic flight bag.
Working radio English to ICAO standard phraseology.

Your profile

You fly out of a passion for realism — procedures matter more to you than quick miles.
You are a dependable team player the crew can rely on.
You bring regular activity so the roster and rotations work.
You are present on Discord and communicate openly.
You are willing to demonstrate your skills in a check flight.

The application process

Application

You complete the form and attach your proof.

Review

The admin team reviews your details and your hours.

Check flight

You show your handling and SOP discipline in the cockpit.

Line

Activation, employee ID and your first roster entry.

Your application

Take the first step.

Applying as

First name

Last name

Password (min. 8 characters)

VATSIM CID

Discord name

Simulator

A320 study add-on

Experience & proof

A320-family hours

Previous VA

Screenshot of your logbook (proof)Click to upload a screenshot (PNG, JPG or WebP, max 8 MB)

Upload a screenshot of your A320-family hours from your previous VA (e.g. your pilot logbook or profile page).

Previous virtual airlines

Why VELA?

Declarations

I fly the A320 with a study-level add-on (Fenix, ToLiss or FlyByWire).I am willing to demonstrate my skills in a check flight.I am at least 16 years of age.I will not share internal VELA data, documentation or operational information with third parties without authorization.I confirm that all information in this application is truthful to the best of my knowledge.

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