2026 – Pilot Survey and Updates
Welcome to a new year! We are excited about some things that we have in the works behind the scenes which should begin rolling out to you over the next 2-4 months, but we also need your help. We want to hear from you to help us serve you better and make sure that we put effort into the correct places to ensure that your experience with us is second to none.
Our 2026 Pilot survey has just opened and will remain open for two weeks (survey will close at 2359 Central on February 27, 2026). To take the survey please utilize this link (https://forms.gle/qhkAXv27Y1yngbYE7) or utilize the links posted on the main website, our forums, and Discord. This survey is completely optional and anonymous, but will help us greatly with ensuring that we are keyed in to specific areas while we continuously look to improve!
Staff Updates
We have some exciting news and updates regarding some new additions to our team, as well as a few moves with members already on our team.
Former Vice President of Training, Eric T., has been named the new Vice President of Technology. He will help oversee the finalization of web and development projects that have been ongoing for the past year as we gear up for a web refresh and some additional exciting technology.
Current DC-9 Chief Pilot, Matt M., has been promoted to the first ever Director of Flight. He will be in charge of overseeing the FlightAcademy upgrade courses and ensure that uncovered courses are being handled in a timely manner to ensure your progression within the VA is smooth. Matt will remain the DC-9 Chief Pilot as well.
We have two new additions to the Chief Pilot room with Eric B. joining us as the E175 Chief Pilot, and Jay H. joining us as the new DC-10 Chief Pilot.
Please congratulate all four of these gentlemen when you see them on Discord!
We are currently still hiring as well for Chief Pilots in the following programs; ERJ-145, CRJ-200/700/900, Saab 340, ATR-72, B707, DC-3, and A330. Please note that by volunteering for one of these positions, you are not limited to flying only in that program and will not lose any previously held ranks or type ratings (for example, a Group III Captain with a B777 type rating could be the ERJ-145 Chief Pilot). If you are at all interested in any of those positions, please utilize the “Career Opportunities” under the “Headquarters” tab on the main website, or visit the forums at https://forums.aalva.org for more information!
Brand Store
We have finally completed the move over to a new brand store supplier after many issues with the previous one (I am still waiting on an order from the previous store). The new store keeps active in stock tracking and not only communicates to us when a product is out of stock, but marks it as “Out of Stock” on the store so that you aren’t buying something they don’t have the ability to make right then and there for you. I have personally purchased items from the new store as well and can say that the quality of items are even better while pricing is even more competitive than before. Feel free to check it out at https://shop.aalva.org.
I’ll leave with this teaser image of something cool we have been working on with the website refresh aimed at expanding your options, bringing more features, and incorporating more into the main website to make your life easier! Stay tuned for more, and blue skies to you in the meantime.
