What Features and Activities Does FDXVA Offer Virtual Pilots?

Updated

FDXVA (FedEx Express Virtual Airline) offers virtual cargo pilots a route network built around a Memphis (KMEM) headquarters, a large real-world FedEx route database, a fleet spanning Caravan to 777, charter and ferry flights, a Global Visa Program, organized tours, all-weather operations tracking, and a Discord community. It is built for Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane pilots who want structured cargo flying with performance feedback. Membership is free to sign up according to the site, and flying on VATSIM is not required.

Route Network and Headquarters

FDXVA's operations center on Memphis, Tennessee (KMEM), described on the site as the gateway to worldwide cargo. From there, members get:

  • Custom flight plans, fuel, and routing for each flight.
  • Thousands of real-life domestic and international routes, from short hops to long-haul overseas flights.
  • Busy hubs in Asia, North America, and Europe, so pilots can fly outside the U.S. network as well.

Routes are selected through the site's advanced search tools, which let you filter the real FedEx route database rather than inventing your own city pairs.

Fleet Options

The fleet mirrors the real FedEx operation and adds historic and substitute aircraft:

Category Aircraft
Current FedEx types Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777; MD-11, DC-10; ATR-42/72; Airbus A300, A310; Cessna Grand Caravan
Historic aircraft (member option) Boeing 747, Boeing 727, Dassault Falcon 20, Douglas DC-8
Substitutions An extensive substitution list for flying routes with alternative types

This range means a new pilot can start with the Caravan on short sectors and work up to the 777 on long-haul, while historic-aircraft fans can fly the 747 or DC-8.

Beyond Standard Routes: Charters, Ferries, and Tours

Two features extend the schedule beyond scheduled cargo runs:

  • Charter and ferry flights — open to dedicated members and described on the site with the line "We Have Pandas!", a reference to the special cargo charters FedEx is known for. These add options that regular route flying does not cover.
  • Tours (new in 2026) — organized aviation adventures across the globe, giving pilots a themed sequence of flights rather than single sectors.

Global Visa Program

Also new in 2026, the Global Visa Program awards a collectible recognition for every country a pilot flies to. It turns the international route network into a long-term goal: the more countries you serve, the more awards you collect.

Flight Feedback and All-Weather Operations

Every flight is tracked through FDXVA's custom ACARS, which the site describes as easy to use. After each flight, pilots receive:

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

FDXVA also states it is the first virtual airline to track weather and award all-weather operations certificates, so pilots can pursue CAT III-style qualifications alongside normal route flying.

Community and Online Flying

FDXVA runs an active Discord community and cites a strong connection with VATUSA, noting that its members include experienced air traffic controllers. Flying on VATSIM is not required, but the site says most members do. That makes the community a practical place to find controllers, ask about routes, and coordinate group flights.

How to Start Using These Features

  1. Sign up for a free account on fdxva.org.
  2. Pick a route using the advanced search tools.
  3. Fly and report through the custom ACARS, then review the feedback on weather, fuel, payload, landing, and finances.

From there, you can branch into charters and ferries, work through tours, and build toward Global Visa awards and all-weather certificates.