Questions about NordFly
Key answers about registration, simulators, fleet, online networks and our concept.
Updated November 2026 · Reviewed by the NordFly Group Airlines team
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General information & Concept
What NordFly is, how our concept works and what to expect.
What is NordFly and how does a virtual airline work?
NordFly is a virtual airline from Germany, connecting flight simulator pilots around the world since 2020.
As a member, you fly virtual scheduled services in your own simulator using realistic timetables. Alternatively, you can choose both departure and destination airports on free flights.
You'll have access to our extensive route network, in-house software and active community.
Your flights are recorded and documented in your personal pilot profile. Every completed flight becomes part of your virtual airline career.
What is NordFly Group Airlines?
NordFly Group Airlines unites four virtual airlines under one umbrella: NordFly, NordFly Cargo, FlyHoliday Airlines and EuroFly.
Each airline follows its own concept and focus. Together, they offer pilots varied flying experiences and numerous options for enjoying flight simulation on their own terms.
What makes NordFly different from other virtual airlines?
NordFly combines realistic airline operations with maximum flexibility.
You decide when to fly, which routes to choose and which aircraft to use from our fleet. We deliberately avoid mandatory training and complex economic simulations.
Instead, we offer our own software infrastructure, high-quality liveries, an extensive network and an active community united by a love of flight simulation.
Our basic philosophy is simple: More airline. Fewer restrictions.
Is NordFly membership really free?
Yes, of course! NordFly membership is completely free.
You can also use our OperationCenter, ACARS software and all liveries we provide at no cost. There are no membership fees or hidden charges.
All you need is your own flight simulator. Whether you use paid add-ons is entirely up to you.
What are the benefits of joining NordFly?
As a NordFly member, you enjoy over 1,700 bookable flights to more than 180 destinations, varied summer and winter timetables, high-quality liveries and our own software infrastructure.
You'll also get a personal pilot profile with detailed flight statistics, flight-hour-based ranks, awards, changing seasonal tours and our monthly Destination of the Month.
Group flights, in-person community meetups and helpful fellow members make NordFly much more than a virtual airline.
Our aim is to make flight simulation more varied and social without unnecessary restrictions.
Is NordFly a real airline?
No. NordFly is a fictional virtual airline for flight simulation. We do not offer real tickets or real-world flights.
Learn more about how virtual airlines work and what NordFly stands for.
Explore our conceptRegistration & Requirements
Everything about signing up, minimum age, experience, Discord and your first steps.
Do I need virtual airline experience?
No – you don't need any previous virtual airline experience.
However, you should be confident with at least one aircraft in our fleet and have basic IFR knowledge, including SID and STAR procedures and instrument approaches.
Once registered, you won't be left alone. Detailed SOPs, an AI assistant, experienced mentors and a dedicated Discord area for new members help you settle in quickly.
What requirements must I meet to become a NordFly pilot?
You must be at least 16, confidently operate at least one aircraft from our fleet and have basic IFR knowledge.
You'll also need current charts and a valid Discord account.
We also expect you to familiarise yourself with our SOPs and rules.
To stay active, you normally need five accepted flights per quarter. Your first accepted flight must take place within seven days after your account is activated.
How old must I be to register with NordFly?
The minimum age for NordFly membership is 16.
You cannot register before your 16th birthday. Once you reach that age and meet the other requirements, we'll be happy to welcome you.
How does NordFly registration work?
We've made registration straightforward, in three clear stages.
First, read our requirements and join our Discord server. There you receive a personal registration code that you will need to sign up.
Next, complete and submit the registration form.
After your details are reviewed and your account activated, you can access the OperationCenter and prepare your first flight.
Remember that your first accepted flight must take place within seven days of activation.
How long does it take to review and activate my account?
Registration is usually checked and, if approved, your account activated within 24 hours.
Once activated, we'll notify you by both Discord message and email.
Do I need experience with flight simulation or virtual airlines?
You do not need prior experience with a virtual airline to register.
You should already know your simulator, confidently handle at least one aircraft from our fleet and understand the fundamentals of IFR flight.
You can learn NordFly-specific procedures with our documentation, mentoring programme and community.
Do I have to join the NordFly Discord server?
Yes. Our Discord server is the central meeting and communication place for our virtual airline.
You'll find important information, announcements, problem-solving support and direct conversations with other members.
Our registration process is also linked to Discord.
Since much of our community activity and internal communication happens there, you must remain on our Discord server throughout your membership.
Do I need special radio communication or flight-planning skills?
You don't need formal pilot or ATC training, and flying on VATSIM or IVAO is not mandatory.
However, we do require basic knowledge of IFR flight planning and common procedures so you can fly independently.
If you later decide to use an online network, you can develop your skills gradually.
Our community and mentors are happy to help.
Do I have to pass a test before registering with NordFly?
No. NordFly has no entrance or aptitude test.
What matters is that you meet our requirements and honestly assess your own flying knowledge and skills. We deliberately do without mandatory entrance exams.
Do I have to read the SOPs completely before my first flight?
Yes. Before your first flight with NordFly, you need to familiarise yourself with our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
They contain important requirements and procedures for our flight operations and form the basis for carrying out your flights safely and in line with the rules.
From registration code to first flight: our guide takes you through every step.
View the getting-started guideMembership & Account
Real name, your first seven days, breaks and languages – and how to manage or end your account.
Do I have to use my real name when registering?
Yes. At NordFly you can only register with your real first and last name. Sign-ups under pseudonyms or made-up names are not permitted.
Among other things, we need your full name to register you for our community meetups and for orders from our merchandise shop.
What happens if I don’t complete my first flight within seven days?
After your account has been activated, you have seven days to complete your first accepted flight with NordFly. During this period you will receive three reminders from us.
If you have not submitted an accepted flight by the deadline, your pilot account will be deleted in accordance with our rules.
What happens if my registration with NordFly is rejected?
If your registration is rejected, you will receive personal feedback from a member of our team.
In it, we explain the reasons for the rejection in detail so that you can understand our decision.
Can I register with NordFly again after my account has been deleted?
Yes, registering again is generally possible.
The condition is that you did not violate our rules during your previous membership and that you still meet our requirements.
Can I register with NordFly from outside Germany?
Yes, of course! NordFly is a virtual airline from Germany, but membership is not limited to Germany. Flight simulation enthusiasts from all over the world are welcome.
Our website, the OperationCenter and the most important information are available to you in both German and English.
In which languages can I talk to other members at NordFly?
Communication within our community generally takes place in German and English.
This way both German-speaking and international members can take part in our flight operations and community life. Our website and the most important information are also available in both languages.
What is the quarterly deletion protection and how do I activate it?
Our quarterly deletion protection lets you take a break from regular flight operations without having to meet the required minimum number of flights.
You can use this protection once a year and activate it easily in your personal profile settings in the OperationCenter. This way your membership remains active even if you temporarily have less time for flight simulation.
How can I end my NordFly membership and delete my account?
You can end your NordFly membership on your own at any time. You will find the corresponding function directly in the NordFly Group Installer™ under your account settings.
There you can request the deletion of your pilot account yourself, without having to contact a team member.
Everything you need for your registration is summarised on our requirements page.
View the requirementsFlight operations & Flexibility
Free choice of flights, fleet, bases and the most common questions about day-to-day operations.
Can I choose when and where to fly?
Yes! At NordFly you make your own flight plan.
You are not tied to fixed flight times and can choose any suitable route from our extensive network.
Alternatively, you can create your own flight plan and freely choose departure and arrival airports.
Whether it's a short flight after work or a longer weekend journey, you decide when and where to fly.
Do I have to choose a specific base or hub?
No. NordFly does not tie you to a particular base.
Our bases are in Hamburg, Berlin, Munich and Stockholm. You can still plan and fly from anywhere, regardless of your chosen home base.
You are not required to start at a specific airport or return regularly to a particular hub.
Which aircraft can I fly at NordFly?
Our fleet includes many aircraft types from well-known manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing.
Depending on your route, you can fly aircraft ranging from the Airbus A319 to the A380, or the Boeing 737 to the 787.
We aim for a varied fleet that covers many of the most popular flight simulator aircraft.
You can find the currently available aircraft in our fleet overview.
Can I fly my own routes outside the published route network?
Yes! In addition to scheduled services, we offer free flights.
You can plan your own route and decide completely independently where you depart from and where you go.
This means you're not restricted to the published network and can fly your own favourite connections.
Our general flight and reporting rules also apply to free flights.
Can I fly an Airbus or Boeing model that isn't in the official fleet?
Unfortunately not. Only aircraft types in our official fleet may be used at NordFly.
However, we aim to maintain a varied, balanced fleet that covers popular flight simulator models.
The current list is always available in our fleet overview.
What happens if I land too hard or make a mistake?
Don't worry – not every error results in an automatic rejection.
Landings are accepted up to a maximum descent rate of 650 ft/min. Exceeding this limit counts as a crash under our evaluation system and the flight is not accepted.
The same applies to a G-load above 2.0 G.
Other mistakes or deviations result in point deductions but do not automatically cause a flight to be rejected.
These evaluations are primarily for your own improvement, helping you develop your flying skills.
Are there type ratings or rank-restricted aircraft?
NordFly does not lock aircraft behind ranks. You should still be able to operate the aircraft you choose safely.
Must I always depart from my previous destination?
No. NordFly does not require you to follow a particular hub or location. Choose your departure airport freely.
Discover our four bases and how much freedom you have when choosing where to start.
Explore our basesFlight Planning & Flight Rules
Your first booked flight, the three types of flights, seasonal schedules and what applies if something goes wrong.
How do I plan and book my first flight with NordFly?
After your registration and activation, a detailed onboarding guides you through your first steps at NordFly.
Among other things, you will learn how to use our OperationCenter, how to choose and book a flight and how to prepare your flight recording. This way you will quickly find your way around and can start your first NordFly flight.
What is the difference between scheduled flights, free flights and tour flights?
NordFly offers you three different ways to fly.
Scheduled flights are regular connections from our seasonal summer and winter schedules.
With free flights you choose your departure and destination airports yourself and can plan your preferred route independently of the official route network.
Tour flights consist of several consecutive flight segments, so-called legs. Once you have successfully completed all legs of a tour, you receive a corresponding award.
How do the summer and winter schedules work at NordFly?
NordFly has two seasonal schedules, which change with the official clock change in spring and autumn.
When the summer or winter schedule period begins, our route network is adjusted accordingly. This means different connections and seasonal destinations await you over the course of the year.
What happens if my flight simulator crashes during a flight?
An unexpected simulator crash does not automatically mean that your entire flight is lost.
If you have already covered more than 60% of the planned route, you can still submit your flight report via the dashboard of our OperationCenter after a simulator crash. It is then assessed according to our current flight rules.
May I pause my flight or increase the simulation rate?
At NordFly you may pause your flight for a maximum of 30 minutes. Longer interruptions are not permitted under our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Increasing the simulation rate is not allowed. This ensures that our flights are carried out under conditions that are as realistic as possible.
What happens if my flight report is rejected?
A rejected flight report has no further consequences for your membership at first.
The flight in question simply does not count as an accepted flight and therefore does not count towards your required minimum number of flights. You can then carry on with your next flight as usual.
See which connections the current summer or winter schedule offers in our route network.
View the route networkSimulators, Software & Technology
Supported simulators, OperationCenter, Stratos, liveries and online networks.
Which flight simulators does NordFly support?
NordFly supports Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane.
We provide Stratos ACARS to record your flights.
Support for individual simulator versions depends on software compatibility.
Why does NordFly not support Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX)?
Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) is now one of the older flight simulators and is based on a technically outdated platform.
As its development has largely been discontinued and hardly any new content is released for it, we focus on modern flight simulators. Support for FSX is therefore not planned.
Why does NordFly not support Prepar3D (P3D)?
Prepar3D (P3D) is based on simulator technology that is now outdated and for which hardly any new aircraft, add-ons or other content are being developed.
As the flight simulation industry is increasingly focusing on more modern platforms, we have also decided to no longer support Prepar3D. Instead, we rely on Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane, which are actively developed and offer a long-term perspective for our virtual airline.
Do I need extra software to fly with NordFly?
Yes. To operate and record flights, you need our free NordFly Group Installer™ and Stratos ACARS.
Our browser-based OperationCenter is your central platform for flight planning, managing flights and viewing your pilot career.
The NordFly Group Installer™ was developed entirely in-house and makes it easy to install and manage our software and liveries.
All NordFly-provided software is free.
Do I need to be on VATSIM or IVAO, or can I fly offline?
No. Membership in VATSIM or IVAO is not required.
You can fly offline or online on VATSIM or IVAO. AI-based ATC services such as SayIntentionsAI are also possible.
Choose between relaxed offline flights and the extra realism of an online network.
Do I have to use the official NordFly liveries?
Yes. Where a suitable NordFly livery is available for your aircraft model, it must be used for our flights.
We provide a selection of high-quality custom liveries so you can fly in our airline's consistent visual identity.
All liveries are free and can be installed through the NordFly Group Installer™.
Are my flights recorded and evaluated automatically?
Yes. Stratos ACARS automatically records your flight once you start recording in the application.
Various flight data and events are recorded while you fly.
After landing, simply submit the recorded flight report for your flight to be officially evaluated.
Evaluation then takes place automatically, and you can view the result in your OperationCenter pilot profile.
What is the OperationCenter?
The OperationCenter is the central crew portal for flight planning, SimBrief integration, flight tracking, statistics, tours, SOPs and more.
Can I use NordFly with Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox?
No. Taking part in NordFly flight operations with the Xbox version of Microsoft Flight Simulator is not possible.
To fly and record your flights, you need a supported flight simulator on a compatible computer and our ACARS software Stratos.
Do the NordFly Group Installer™ and Stratos ACARS also work on macOS or Linux?
Yes. Both the NordFly Group Installer™ and our ACARS software Stratos can be used on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Which flight simulators and add-ons are available on your operating system depends on their own compatibility.
What should I do if I have technical problems with the NordFly Group Installer™ or Stratos ACARS?
If you run into technical problems, our support team is happy to help. On our Discord server you can get support at any time and talk to experienced members.
Together we will help you solve the problem so that you can get back in the air as quickly as possible.
Our fleet overview shows the aircraft types currently used by NordFly in detail.
Explore the fleetRules, Activity & Airline Group
Activity requirements, training and your options within NordFly Group Airlines.
Is there a minimum number of flights I must complete?
Yes. To keep operations and our community active, we generally expect at least five accepted flights per quarter.
We understand that work, family, holidays and personal responsibilities always come first.
You can therefore use quarterly deletion protection once per year, and the third quarter is our official summer break.
This gives you the flexibility to fit your hobby around everyday life.
Do I need to complete exams or mandatory training?
No. NordFly generally has no mandatory training courses or exams.
If you want to develop your knowledge further, our Academy is available on a voluntary basis.
There you can upgrade your flight-hour-based ranks by taking suitable courses.
After completing a course, you can demonstrate what you've learned in a 20-question test and receive the corresponding rank upgrade.
What happens if I don't fly for a while?
If you haven't reached the required minimum by the final month of a quarter, we will send a total of three reminders.
This gives you time to complete outstanding flights or use your available quarterly deletion protection.
If you fail to meet the minimum by quarter-end without valid protection, your account will be deleted according to our rules.
Can I also be a member of another virtual airline?
Yes. Membership in other virtual airlines is generally permitted.
However, alongside NordFly you may join no more than two other virtual airlines.
This ensures members have enough time to be active at NordFly while remaining free to explore other airlines.
Why am I limited to two other virtual airlines?
We've found that members active in many virtual airlines often use our offer temporarily and are less involved in our community.
Our goal is a committed, active community for the long term, made up of people who appreciate NordFly's concept and want to participate.
The limit creates a balance between personal freedom and long-term commitment to NordFly.
Can I switch between NordFly, NordFly Cargo, FlyHoliday and EuroFly?
Yes. Switching between our group's airlines is generally straightforward.
You don't have to choose just one airline.
After ten accepted flights, you can request access to another group airline and fly for more than one airline.
Your minimum of five accepted flights per quarter does not increase; flights count across the group.
Do the rules apply equally to all members?
Yes. Our rules are equally binding for all members. Fairness, transparency and equal treatment are very important at NordFly.
That is why the same rules apply to everyone – regardless of flying experience, rank or position within our airline group. We do not grant special treatment.
May I take on a team or management position at another virtual airline?
No. While you are a member of NordFly, taking on a team or management position at another virtual airline is not permitted.
A regular membership in up to two other virtual airlines, on the other hand, is generally possible. This helps us avoid conflicts of interest and keep organisational responsibilities clearly separated.
All binding rules for fair and smooth operations are available in our rulebook.
Open the rulesCommunity & Flying Together
Discord, group flights, real-life meetups and ways to get to know the community.
Can I join group flights without using Discord voice chat?
Yes, of course!
You're always welcome on our group flights, even if you don't want to join a Discord voice channel.
Voice chat is optional. Decide whether to talk with others or simply fly alongside the group.
Can I fly with other NordFly pilots outside official group events?
Absolutely! Flying together is not limited to officially organised group flights.
You can arrange shared flights at any time. Discord makes it easy to find fellow pilots, plan routes and explore the virtual world together.
Shared-cockpit flights are also possible, allowing two pilots to operate an aircraft together.
You don't need to wait for the next official group flight to fly with NordFly friends.
Do you organise group flights and real-life community meetups?
Yes! Sharing our hobby is an important part of our community.
During the winter quarters, we organise regular group flights alternating between VATSIM and IVAO.
We also hold an annual late-summer community meetup where members can meet in person.
Over the years, these meetups and our shared hobby have led to many lasting real-world friendships.
Can I get to know NordFly before registering?
Yes, absolutely!
You can join our Discord server at any time, even without a registered NordFly account.
Meet the community, ask questions and get a feel for our hobby and airline concept.
Then you can decide at your own pace whether NordFly is right for you.
We look forward to meeting you!
Explore Discord, group flights, real-life events and everything that takes our community beyond the virtual cockpit.
Discover our community