Community Rules

Community rules, pilot standards, flight operations, and simulation guidelines for Coastal Peaks Air Service.

General Conduct

1. Respect and Professionalism

Treat all members with respect and courtesy.
Maintain professional conduct in all communications.
Avoid offensive language, harassment, or discrimination of any kind.
Remember there are real people behind the screens.

2. Virtual Aviation Etiquette

Follow realistic procedures and checklists for an immersive experience.
Fly responsibly within the simulation to ensure enjoyable operations for everyone.
Share knowledge and tips to help others improve their skills.
Learn from mistakes and encourage others to do the same.

3. Collaborative Spirit

Help new pilots learn and integrate.
Participate in community events and group flights.
Provide constructive feedback to help others improve.
Respect diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels.

Community Structure & Operations

1. Virtual Charter Concept

Service Code: CPAS (Coastal Peaks Air Service)
ICAO Code: CPX (used in all flight planning and communication)
Focus: Realistic general aviation and helicopter operations in New Zealand’s South Island
Bases: Canterbury Aero Club (NZCH), GCH Aviation (NZCH), Helicopter Line at Aoraki/Mount Cook (NZMC/NZGT)

2. Core Principles

Virtual First: Focus on enjoyment and learning over perfection
Community Spirit: Supportive environment for all skill levels
Realistic Boundaries: Fly within your skill level and aircraft capabilities
Progression System: Advance through ranks based on experience and training

Pilot Requirements & Standards

1. Minimum Requirements

Age: 16 years or older
Software: Legitimate copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Communication: Active Discord account for coordination
Weather: Live weather mandatory for all flights
Participation: Regular engagement in community activities

2. Rank System

🟢 Pilot in Training     - Initial training phase, local area familiarization
🟡 Charter Pilot         - Basic charter operations, VFR/IFR
🟠 Senior Charter Pilot  - Advanced operations, multiple aircraft certifications
🔴 Lead Pilot            - Full fleet access, mentoring role
🟣 Instructor            - Training authority, checkride administration

3. Endorsement System

Mountain Flying: Required for alpine routes
Multi-Engine: Required for Piper Seneca V operations
Turbine Helicopter: Required for R66, H125, H145 operations
Special Operations: Glacier landings, confined area operations

4. Performance Expectations

Flight Activity: Members may fly and log flights at their own pace.
Event Participation: Group events are optional. Participation is encouraged but never required.
Training Compliance: Complete required training updates
Documentation: Maintain accurate flight logs and PIREP submissions

Flight Operations

1. Flight Planning Requirements

SimBrief: Primary flight planning tool (free account required)
Live Weather: Mandatory for all CPAS operations
Route Planning: Prepare routes before departure, plan alternates
Aircraft Familiarity: Know your aircraft systems and limitations

2. In-Flight Conduct

Fly realistically according to aircraft capabilities
Follow proper radio procedures if using VATSIM/IVAO
Maintain situational awareness of terrain and airspace
Complete appropriate checklists for each phase of flight

3. Flight Reporting

Standard Flights: Use /pirep [pilot_id] Discord bot command
Special Operations: Use /missionreport for SAR, MEDEVAC, tours, training
Screenshots: Capture and share key moments of your flights
Accuracy: Report flight times, routes, and details truthfully

4. Specialized Operations

Glacier Heli-Hike Tours: Special procedures apply from Mount Cook/Glentanner
Mountain Flying: Additional training and awareness required
Confined Area Landings: Certified pilots only
Night/IFR Operations: Appropriate simulated ratings required

Communication & Discord Usage

1. Discord Structure

Info Channels: Rules, rank structure, arrivals/departures
Operations Channels: PIREP submission, flight planning, technical help
Training Channels: Fleet discussion, training questions, tips
Community Channels: General chat, aviation talk, media sharing
Voice Channels: General lounge, flight operations, training sessions

2. Communication Standards

Use appropriate channels for different types of communication
Keep aviation terminology professional and clear
Respect others in voice channels, keep communication concise
Report issues to appropriate channels or staff members

3. Support Channels

Technical Issues: #tech-support channel
Training Questions: #training-questions channel
Member Concerns: Direct message to moderators or admin
Suggestions: Use designated suggestions channel

Simulation Standards

1. Realism Expectations

Fly within realistic aircraft performance parameters
Use live weather settings for all flights
Follow checklists and standard operating procedures
Use quality add-ons to enhance immersion when possible

2. Acceptable Modifications

CPAS-approved or authentic aircraft liveries
New Zealand scenery enhancements
Utilities: Navigraph, SimBrief, Little Navmap (encouraged)
Approved aircraft in the CPAS fleet or alternatives

3. Unacceptable Practices

No cheating or unrealistic assists (except for training purposes)
Avoid exploiting bugs or glitches
Unauthorized or unrealistic mods are prohibited
Keep role-play realistic and respectful

Training & Progression

1. Training Philosophy

Learning Environment: Encourage questions and exploration
Mistakes as Learning: Treat errors as opportunities to improve
Knowledge Sharing: Experienced pilots help newcomers
Self-Paced Progression: Advance at your own comfortable speed

2. Checkride Format

Conducted via MSFS shared cockpit
Private Discord voice channel for communication
Practical assessment of skills and knowledge
Constructive feedback and debriefing

3. Advancement Requirements

To Charter Pilot: 3 local familiarization flights, basic knowledge check
To Senior Charter Pilot: 10 passenger charters, navigation checkride
To Lead Pilot: 25 total charters, multiple endorsements
Instructor Role: By invitation based on knowledge and teaching ability

Rules & Enforcement

1. Zero Tolerance Violations

Harassment or discrimination of any kind
Threatening or offensive behavior
Deliberate disregard for simulation rules
Malicious or disruptive actions

2. Progressive Discipline

Verbal Warning - Minor first offense
Written Warning - Repeated or moderate offense
Temporary Suspension - Serious or repeated violations
Permanent Removal - Severe or unrepentant behavior

3. Appeal Process

All disciplinary actions can be appealed
Contact senior administration for appeals
Provide evidence and context for review
Decisions reviewed by admin team

Community Events

1. Regular Activities

Weekly group flights and scenic tours
Training sessions for aircraft and procedures
Special community events and challenges
Glacier heli-hike tour operations

2. Event Participation

Sign up in advance when required
Prepare aircraft and flight plan beforehand
Arrive on time for briefings
Follow event-specific procedures and roles

3. Event Conduct

Respect organizers and fellow participants
Maintain professionalism throughout
Ensure positive experience for all involved
Share experiences and screenshots afterward

Technical Requirements

1. Minimum Specifications

MSFS 2020 Standard edition or higher
Discord for voice and text communication
Headset/microphone for voice communication
Stable internet connection for multiplayer events

2. Recommended Add-ons

CPAS fleet aircraft (CowanSim, Just Flight, Carenado)
New Zealand scenery enhancements (NZA Simulations)
Utilities: Navigraph, SimBrief, Little Navmap
Weather enhancement packs for realism

3. Performance Standards

Maintain stable frame rates for enjoyable simulation
Ensure clear voice communication quality
Keep simulation software updated
Report technical issues promptly for community support

Community Values

1. Inclusivity

Welcome pilots of all skill levels and backgrounds
Create space for everyone to participate and learn
Value different perspectives and experiences
Foster supportive and encouraging environment

2. Balance of Realism and Fun

Pursue realistic operations while maintaining enjoyment
Challenge yourself while having fun
Appreciate the beauty of virtual flight
Share memorable experiences with the community

3. Learning Culture

Encourage continuous skill improvement
Share knowledge generously with others
Support fellow pilots in their development
Celebrate achievements and milestones

Leadership & Support

1. Leadership Team

Founder/Owner: Chalwk (Jericho Crosby)
Training Staff: Certified instructors for various aircraft
Moderators: Community support and rule enforcement
Senior Pilots: Mentoring and operational guidance

2. Support Channels

Primary Platform: Discord server for real-time communication
Website: Information, resources, and documentation
GitHub: Applications and technical resources
Email: For formal or emergency communications

3. Contact Points

General Questions: Appropriate Discord channels
Training Inquiries: Training staff or #training-questions
Technical Issues: #tech-support channel
Personal Concerns: Direct message to Chalwk or senior admin
Rule Violations: Report to moderators immediately

Agreement

By participating in Coastal Peaks Air Service (CPAS), you agree to:

Follow all community guidelines and operating procedures
Maintain professional and respectful conduct at all times
Fly realistically and contribute to positive virtual experiences
Support and help fellow community members in their development
Report violations or concerns through appropriate channels
Respect the rank and endorsement system for safe operations
Use live weather for all CPAS flight operations
Submit accurate flight reports via Discord bot commands

Updates to Guidelines

These guidelines may be updated periodically to reflect community evolution. Changes will be announced in our Discord server and documented on our website. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of updated guidelines.

Last Updated: October 2026

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