Faq - Capitol Logistics

Capitol Logistics Frequently Asked Questions

1) General Questions

1.1) How did this all start?

Capitol Logistics started in January 2018 as a proof of concept of cargo only operations. The original intent was to showcase improvements that were possible to an existing legacy carriers website. However, differences of opinion led to the establishment of Capitol as a wholly separate operating entity. But it was more than just a testbed. We wanted to establish a realistic virtual airline servicing those pilot wishing to emulate a realistic company utilizing best available modules and backend systems. We also were tired of those older VAs that tend to rest on their laurels and stop moving forward. Our goal here is to constantly evolve, and be a dynamic environment for all skill levels and interest factors

1.2) Why is the main hub in Miami?

The main hub is located in Miami to capitalize on the failure of others as any good business would do. In August 2018, after months of maneuvering with the Department of Transportation, Centurion surrendered it's operating certificate to the FAA. At the time of its closure, Centurion had other largest privately owned warehouse facility located at the Miami international airport. For the purposes of our virtual company, we seized on this opportunity and entered into a lease agreement for warehouse and ramp space in Miami.

1.3) So our headquarters is in Miami? What happened to Dulles?

Not necessarily. Though the main logistics hub is in Miami, Capitol’s main office remain where we started adjacent to Dulles International airport. We also maintain a presence at Dulles, however the available warehousing required for a modern freight company was insufficient. This arrangement is beneficial given the vast amount of scheduled passenger service, both domestic and international, and Capitol intends to be uniquely situated to be a freight forward provider to the major passenger only carriers. We intend to operate several flights in an out of Dulles, and the Washington area will remain our stepping off point for freight service to Europe and the Middle East.

1.4) The fleet seems old school. Why can't we add type X?

That's real cargo ops. Real world freighter operators rely significantly on former passenger aircraft that have been converted to freight use and so do we. As older aircraft are retired and become feedstock for conversion providers, we will evaluate their effectiveness in our fleet. Additionally, real operators would never have one or two aircraft of several types on such a small scale. This is inefficient and noticed effective. For example, by having a mixture of 757 and 767 aircraft, we are able to virtually maintain a common type rating between the two. In the real world, this means cost savings in training and maintain a pilot crew base. And no, if it's not in the real world in sufficient numbers, then we won't use it here, so no A380F's…

1.5) Why do we fly to the airports listed? Some seem small or odd.

That's to emulate real world operations as we well. A lot of the major airports in the US are great for passenger service, however often lack cargo facilities to make it cost effective to operate there. Several cargo airlines are operating in minor facilities near major population centers to capitalize on lower landing fees, better ramp and warehouse space availability, and less congestion. As an example, look at a major online sellers operations and you will find that there logistics hubs are commonly away from the major airport in an area. We try to do the same.

2) Flight Operations Questions

2.1) What platforms are supported?

All… seriously. We want to be inclusive to all, so we try our best to support all the major flight simulation software. However, we do tend to favor tailoring our operations towards users of X-Plane 11. Our ACARS logging software supports both MSFS/P3D and X-Plane ecosystems using Fsuipc and Xpuipc respectively. Linux and Mac users are supported to the best of our ability, but be advised we are restricted to what is publicly available for those platforms.

2.2) Speaking of ACARS, which should I use?

Our preferred client is smartCARS. Although we realize the unlimited possibilities of combinations of user hardware and software that may make one work better than the other. We post all supported software in the downloads section. If you have a particular preference or taste, then we don't want to restrict you since all get reporting in generally the same format.

2.3) Do I have to fly on VATSIM?

No. Although we strongly encourage and recommend VATSIM as the premiere pilot experience, it is not required to fly or be an active member of the network. However please be advised that in the event of a manual PIREP submission, having an online record of your flight to fall back upon greatly expedites the flight approval process.

2.4) Why do I have to fly at 1x time speed?

Since our backend systems calculate financials for factors such as fuel burn, as well as proper calculation for statistics logging on each aircraft leading to proper maintenance simulations, we request all pilots adhere to 1x time.

2.5) I have a great idea!

Awesome! Please let us know either in the discussion forum or on Discord. We love to hear new ideas and ways to improve, and you will never be chastised for bringing something to our attention for review and consideration.

3) Booking System Questions

3.1) What's the booking system all about?

To strive for realism and in order to maintain a realistically small fleet, our booking system operates on the principle that the virtual pilot and virtual aircraft must be in the same location in order to fly. Pilots can jumpseat to another location, however the aircraft are locked to their last flown destination. Unfortunately a Star Trek transporter is still only science fiction in reality, as it is here virtually. This might limit options on occasion but we feel this is the best way to produce a realistic airline experience. On the contrary, we hope it leads to additional interaction between the pilots in order to coordinate aircraft movements in an immersive environment.

3.2) That's a little too hardcore for me…

We understand and respect that. All of our time is valuable, and if you don't like being restricted or want a much more wide open experience, I highly recommend our partner airline Metro Air. They are an outstanding and friendly bunch. However we strive to cater to the same type of crowd that enjoys an immersive game-play such as Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen, meaning we want you to feel a member and employee of a living company even if that means we will only be for a smaller segment of the flight sim community.

3.3) What do I do?

All new pilots start at the main hub with a balance of $1000 in their bank account. Those funds can be used to jumpseat to additional locations. The best method is to review the fleet tracker to find available aircraft at a given airport. If necessary, use the jumpseat feature, then book the aircraft and flight on the schedule. Then you fly as any other virtual airline and file a pirep. After filing, the aircraft position is updated, you get your pilots pay to increase your virtual bank account, and the cycle repeats. So pilots don't prevent others from flying a particular aircraft and squat on an air frame long term, bids are cleared after a set time.

3.4) Doesn't this mean if I fly in one day, take a few days off, when I come back my plane will be gone?

Potentially yes. Just like the real world, we can't stop our operations. You are free to grab any other available flight, and coordinate with other with other members in our Discord server.