How Flying for FDXVA Works, from Sign-Up to Flight Report

FDXVA (FedEx Express Virtual Airline) is a virtual cargo airline for Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane. Flying for it follows a four-step loop: create a free account, pick a real FedEx route from the route database, fly it in a supported aircraft, and report the flight through the airline's custom ACARS to get performance feedback. You need a compatible simulator and, for the full experience, a willingness to fly cargo profiles rather than passenger schedules. Flying on VATSIM is common among members but not required.

Step 1: Sign Up

The site's "How It Works" section lists signing up as the first step: create your free account and join the FDXVA community. The page presents this as a free account; no pricing or payment details appear on the page, so treat cost beyond sign-up as unconfirmed and check the site directly if that matters to you.

Step 2: Pick Your Route

FDXVA's route network is built on real-world FedEx domestic and international flying, described on the site as "thousands of flights" ranging from short hops to long-haul overseas adventures. Route selection works like this:

• Search tools: The site points to "advanced search tools" for finding real FedEx routes worldwide.
• Hub structure: Memphis (KMEM) is the headquarters and the main gateway, with additional busy hubs in Asia, North America, and Europe.
• Route types: Standard scheduled routes plus charter and ferry flights, which the site says open more options for dedicated members.
• Flight planning support: Custom flight plans, fuel, and routing are provided as part of the route experience.

A practical approach for a first flight: filter for a short domestic sector into or out of KMEM, since short hops let you complete the full sign-up-to-report loop quickly and see how the feedback works before committing to a long-haul.

Step 3: Choose an Aircraft and Fly

The fleet mirrors the real FedEx operation and then some. Current types include the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777; MD-11 and DC-10; ATR-42/72; Airbus A300 and A310; and the Cessna Grand Caravan. Historic aircraft are also available to members: Boeing 747, Boeing 727, Dassault Falcon 20, and Douglas DC-8. An extensive substitution list covers cases where you want to fly a route with a different type.

The site frames aircraft choice as open: fly the Caravan on short sectors or the 777 on long-haul, in conditions from visual flight to CAT IIIc autoland. Weather matters because FDXVA states it is the first virtual airline to track weather and award all-weather operations certificates — so the conditions you fly in feed into your record, not just the flight itself.

Step 4: Report and Get Feedback

Reporting runs through FDXVA's custom ACARS, which the site describes as easy to use. After a flight, the feedback covers:

• On-time status
• Departure and arrival weather
• Fuel and payload
• Landing performance
• A full financial analysis of the flight

This is the part that distinguishes the experience from simply flying a route: each report produces a performance and economics review, so fuel and payload decisions on the planning side show up as scored outcomes afterward.

What Else Comes with Membership

Beyond the core loop, the site lists:

Common Sticking Points

• VATSIM expectation: The site notes a strong VATUSA connection and that most members fly on VATSIM, but explicitly does not require it. If you fly offline, you can still participate.
• Weather tracking: Because weather is tracked and certificates are awarded for all-weather ops, check conditions before you fly if a particular certificate is your goal.
• Aircraft substitution: If your simulator lacks a specific type, check the substitution list before assuming a route is off-limits.

To start, go to fdxva.org and use the "Get Started Today" link, then work through the four steps above in order.