04 / Fleet
Aircraft introductions
Choose the aircraft for the mission, then learn the logic behind its cockpit.
The pilot standard
Operational brief
Choose the aircraft for the mission, then learn the logic behind its cockpit.
A role-first introduction to the Icelandair Virtual fleet and the habits that make transitions between types deliberate.
By the end
01 / Dash 8 family
Short sectors demand disciplined workload management.
The Dash 8-200 and Dash 8-400 connect shorter and more operationally demanding airports. Their sectors move quickly: configuration, descent and approach preparation begin soon after climb.
Expect hands-on power management, propeller-specific flows and different automation depth from the jet fleet. Learn the exact variant before assuming the -200 and -400 behave alike.
- Brief terrain, runway length and weather early
- Know propeller, icing and autoflight logic
- Stay ahead of the short descent timeline
02 / 737 MAX family
The network workhorse rewards mode awareness.
The 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 cover much of the European and North American network. The cockpit is familiar to many pilots, but reliable operation depends on understanding the active and armed autoflight modes rather than simply programming the route.
The MAX 9 carries different performance and handling considerations from the MAX 8. Use the right airframe profile, weights and performance data for the booked aircraft.
03 / 757 and 767
Classic Boeing capability with two distinct missions.
The 757-200 brings strong runway and transatlantic capability in a narrowbody package. The 767-300ER adds widebody mass, inertia and capacity. Their shared design language does not make their performance interchangeable.
Plan descent early, manage energy deliberately and verify the exact avionics simulation installed. Older cockpit logic can expose weak mode awareness quickly.
- Match the performance profile to the exact variant
- Anticipate energy rather than correcting it late
- Review hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel-system differences
04 / A321LR
Long-range efficiency through Airbus logic.
The A321LR is a modern long-range narrowbody suited to thinner transatlantic sectors. Its managed guidance, protections and electronic checklist philosophy require an Airbus mindset rather than translated Boeing flows.
Understand the flight-mode annunciator, managed versus selected targets and the consequences of changing a mode. Automation should reduce workload only after the pilot understands what it is commanding.
Before you fly
Five checks.
Then connect.
Exact aircraft variant and add-on identified
Normal checklist and limitations available
Autoflight modes reviewed
Takeoff and landing data calculated
Offline approach and go-around completed before VATSIM
Primary references
Go to the
source.
Operational details change. Verify revision dates and use current charts, aircraft documentation and active ATC instructions for every flight.
