¶ Welcome
Here at VFA-81, we are more than a squadron; we are a community of passionate aviators united by a love for flight simulation and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned virtual pilot or just taking your first steps into the virtual skies, you are an essential part of our squadron family. Take advantage of the resources available, from training sessions to mission debriefs, and feel free to reach out to our experienced members for guidance. Remember, each flight is an opportunity to learn and excel, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Anytime, Anyplace!
¶ Squadron Administration
¶ Commanding Officer (CO)
| Current Officer | CDR C. “Joker” Binder |
The CO is an O-5 ranked individual responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the squadron.
Current responsibilities include:
- Setting squadron policy
- Setting training and readiness standards
- Management of documentation
- Management of VFA-81 liveries
¶ Executive Officer (XO)
| Current Officer | CDR Marauder “Flatline” |
The XO is an O-4 or higher ranked individual responsible for the day-to-day operations of the squadron.
Current responsibilities include:
- Management of the roster/flight compositions
- Managing training schedule
- Maintenance of checkride missions
- Managing member promotion eligibility
¶ Pilot Standards
¶ Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications required to fly in a mission will be the Basic Type Rating (BTR) checkride and CV-1 CASE I Recovery Qualification (CV1). All new Officer Candidates will have thirty (30) days, not to exceed sixty (60) days, to pass the BTR and CV1 or they will be removed from the active roster.
The intended qualification to lead a Section will be the Section Lead Upgrade (SLUG). All Ensigns with the minimum Cumulative Score (CS) for LTJG, and at minimum two (2) official operations, can attempt the checkride at any point they feel ready to be proctored.
The intended qualification to lead a Division will be the Division Lead Upgrade (DLUG). All LTJG’s with the minimum required Cumulative Score (CS) for Lieutenant can attempt the DLUG.
If a suitable amount of qualified individuals are not present for a mission, a lower rank may be tasked with greater responsibility.
¶ Minimum Participation
Members are required to fly in official Saturday operations, in an F/A-18C, with the squadron once every 60 days. Past 60 days your next operation must be in the F/A-18C flying with the squadron. Failure to communicate with squadron leadership during an absence longer than 90 days will likely result in demotion for O-3 and above down to O-2 or removal from the roster past 90 days for O-2 and below.
¶ Leave of Absence
If you know you are going to be absent for longer than 30 days please drop a message in LOA Notifications. No reason is necessary.
While on LOA, you do not need to mark your attendance for operations.
For absences in excess of 90 days, members will be automatically placed into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Roster.
¶ Promotion Requirements
¶ Rank Progression
The above image shows the basic progression of rank from entry into the squadron, to a senior member. These ranks are primarily an indication of how much time and effort a member has available to participate in the squadron, and not necessarily a reflection of their authority over other members.
Basic Type Rating (BTR)
VFA-81 Basic Type Rating
The BTR is meant to be taken within 30 days of joining the unit. Most players who have flown on Hoggit a couple times and have a basic understanding of theory should be able to pass the BTR.
¶ Objectives
- Show basic understanding of weapons employment in the F/A-18C
- Show basic understanding of navigation in the F/A-18C
- Show basic understanding of sensors
CASE I Qualification
The CASE I Qualification, along with the BTR is meant to be taken within 30 days of entry to the squadron. This qualification will ensure new members are able to safely operate in and around carrier airspace during large operations using the standard CV-1 procedures.
The qualification minimums and rubric are outlined here under Pilot Qualification.
Reference material for standard radio communications procedures and approach pattern can be found here
Officer Cadets will be eligible to participate in official operations only after these minimum competencies are met.
Promotion to Ensign will be automatic after completing an official operation with the squadron. Once at this rank, members will require the following checkrides prior to becoming eligible for Lieutenant Junior Grade.
TACFORM
The TACFORM qualification is aimed at ensuring members are able to operate as a wingman in a tactical formation. This checkride can be proctored by any LT or higher, on the CSG-8 server.
The rubric for the qualification can be found here
¶ Objectives
Demonstrates proficiency in the following maneuvers:
- Check Turns
- Tactical Turns
- In-place/Hook Turns
- Cross Turns
- Shackles
AAR
Ensigns will be expected to be proficient in Air-to-Air refueling prior to promotion to LTJG. This checkride can be proctored by any LT or higher, on the CSG-8 server.
The following can be used as reference AAR Training
¶ Objectives
Ensigns will demonstrate the following proficiencies:
- Safe/efficient intercept/rejoin of tanker
- Initiates in Rejoin Area
- Safe transition to pre-contact position
- Greater than 2000 lbs transfer in single plug in
- Safe departure from contact area into abort area
- Safe transition to observation area
CASE III Qualification
This qualification will allow members to participate in night operations and poor weather operations. This can be proctored by any LT or higher on the CSG-8 Server.
¶ Objectives
The rubric and criteria for this qualification can be found here
| Required Time in Grade | 60 Days |
| Required Score in Grade | 12 pts |
| Required Qualifications | TACFORM, AAR, CASE III |
Members of this rank form the core of the squadron, and are expected to be well-versed in the technical operation of their aircraft, the Standard Operating Procedures, and the Standard Contract. LTJG’s do not hold any responsibility to train other members or are under any expectation to aid in squadron administration.
Section Lead Upgrade
Members are eligible to perform the Section Lead Upgrade checkride at any point after achieving the rank of LTJG. This will be a proctored evaluation by any Lieutenant or higher with the Section Lead qualification, and ideally a volunteer with AIC and CATCC qualification to act as the support agencies during the evaluation.
The checkride instructions can be found here
| Required Time in Grade | 120 Days |
| Required Score in Grade | 24 pts |
| Required Qualifications | SLUG |
| Personnel Limits | 15 |
Lieutenants form the backbone of the squadron and are expected to be able to proctor qualifications for all junior members as well as be qualified to lead sections in official operations, and divisions if required.
Division Lead Upgrade
The Division Lead Upgrade (DLUG) will certify Lieutenants are prepared to lead a 4-ship formation.
This qualification is in the process of being constructed and will be added when criteria are finalized.
| Required Time in Grade | 180 Days |
| Required Score in Grade | 36 pts |
| Required Qualifications | SLUG, DLUG |
| Personnel Limits | 5 |
Reserved for the most dedicated of vCSG-8 members who consistently participate in the betterment of the squadron and/or group at large. This rank is presented by a squadron’s Community Admins based on needs or exceptional merit.
¶ Group 1 - Competency
The member must hold all of the following qualifications:
- CASE III (Navy)/IR (AF)
- All of the member’s squadron’s relevant aircraft competency checkrides
- Including NFO qualification if available in two-seater aircraft
¶ Group 2 - Support Roles
The member must be proficient in at least one of the following support role qualifications:
- Air Intercept Controller (AIC)
- Landing Signal Officer (LSO)
- Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
- Airborne Forward Air Controller (FAC-A)
¶ Group 3 - Administrative Duties
The member must participate in at least two of the following administrative duties in either their squadron and/or vCSG-8 at large:
- Schedule and host group training nights, or consistently produce training products
- Roster administration, including attendance, event flight composition, and promotion chart
- Recruitment administration
- Mission making or regular CAOC participation
- Systems administration
¶ Group 4 - vCSG-8 Values
The member must demonstrate all of the following:
- Actively helps those that seek assistance with their aircraft, training, technical issues, or questions
- Upholds all vCSG-8 rules and helps to present vCSG-8 in a mature and welcoming light
- Drives discussions about the group’s current state and future state and is an active voice in the group
¶ Proctoring and Checkrides
Any individual with the rank of Lieutenant (O-3) or higher, with the pre-requisite qualification, can proctor any given checkride. If a checkride requires more than one proctor (i.e. Division Lead Upgrade), the proctor and candidate can utilize any other member O-1 or higher to facilitate the checkride.
Each checkride or qualification will have rubric or criteria attached for proctors to grade and evaluate candidates. The proctor is ultimately responsible for making the decision to pass or fail a checkride or qualification, and may waive minor discrepancies if debriefed appropriately.