Code of Conduct & Community Engagement

4.0 Code of Conduct

To succeed at meeting our goal of providing the most realistic and enjoyable virtual aviation experience to every pilot, we have established a General Code of Conduct. This code serves to set minimum standards of conduct to which all members of American Virtual (AAVA) are required to adhere to. The code is not designed to confine or restrict our member's activities, but rather ensure that AAVA remains a safe, friendly, and fun environment for all.

Submission of a pilot application and acceptance into the organization signifies your agreement to read, review, and abide by all parts of our code of conduct. Failure to follow any section will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination.

It is important to note that this code is not all-inclusive; no listing of rules can cover every conceivable circumstance. Therefore, members should always use common sense in any situation they find themselves in. Should a member conduct him/herself in a disruptive/inappropriate manner, disciplinary action will be taken following published guidelines throughout this document.

4.1 Our Core Values

Above all, AAVA will always strive to create and maintain an excellent reputation within the community with specific regard to Professionalism, Integrity, and Trust.

Professionalism: We will maintain an atmosphere of professionalism through our website, forums, and other communications, conducting our operations in an efficient and business-like manner.
Integrity: We will present ourselves with honesty and disclose to all members of the public truthful and reliable information about our operations and organizational goals. We always maintain respect for others.
Trust: We will focus on operating an organization that others can trust. At the same time, we will trust our members and members of the community without prejudice.

4.2 Code of Conduct Contents

We understand there may be differences in opinions. While we respect these differences and promote active discussion, the following are classified as unacceptable behavior. Participation in any of the following constitutes a violation of the AAVA Code of Conduct.

Use of foul or unsuitable language toward ANY member of the AAVA community via any means of communication (including the forums, e-mail, Discord, etc.)
Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten, or otherwise violate the legal rights of others.
Publish, post, upload, distribute, or disseminate any inappropriate, profane, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, or unlawful topic, name, material, or information to any AAVA venue. (To include pornographic/sexually explicit materials)
Upload files that contain software or other material protected by intellectual property laws (or by rights of privacy of publicity) unless you own or control the rights thereto or have received all necessary consents.
Upload files that contain viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another's computer.
Restrict or inhibit any other member from utilizing and enjoying the communication services available to them by AAVA.
Harvest or otherwise collect persona/identifiable information about others (including e-mail addresses), without their explicit consent.
Violate any applicable US/local laws or regulations.
Hacking, or attempting to hack, any of AAVA's online systems will result in immediate termination of membership.

4.2.1 Forums

The forums are a place for friendly discussion, debate, and making new friends. They are not the place for inappropriate or aggressive arguments of any sort. Any persons found to be engaging in aggressive arguments on the forum will be subject to receipt of a code of conduct violation.

4.2.2 Discord

All members of the organization are welcome and encouraged to utilize Discord. During your chatting and discussions on Discord, you are expected to respect all members participating in the conversation. We encourage free thought and free expression (you may discuss your personal views) but need to know when to stop and what is appropriate or not.

Comments classified as derogatory to any group of people, including by not limited to any race, sexual orientation, political/religious affiliation, and/or nationality, will not be tolerated. Harassment, name-calling, constant channel switching, spamming, etc. will not be tolerated. Always be positive, be friendly, and be helpful. Bring to the community, do not subtract!

If your conversation is limited to only certain members connected to the server, you should move to another channel. In other words, try to have one conversation per channel.

If you are unable to follow the rules on Discord, you will be warned, kicked from a channel, or banned from the server entirely for a period. That period will vary in length depending on the nature of the offense. Abusing Server Administrator (SA) privileges will result in an immediate suspension.

Members deciding to use Discord must use their Pilot I.D. along with the name registered with American Virtual as their "nickname" on the Discord server (EX: AAL123 John Smith). personal nicknames and/or other names not registered with American Virtual will not be allowed. Any member who's not in compliance will have their nickname changed to comply or could result in being kicked from the Discord server and action taken will be noted in the pilot's personnel file.

4.3 Disciplinary Procedures

If any member intentionally violates any sections of the AAVA Operations Manual or Code of Conduct, the following actions will occur:

FIRST OFFENSE --- A verbal warning that comes from the offender's Vice President of Operations. (The VP will notify HR of the action taken, and it will be noted on the offender's personnel file)
SECOND OFFENSE --- A 14-day account suspension will be issued by the Chief Human Resources Officer and a written letter of reprimand sent to the offender informing them of the repeat violation and the consequences of a 3rd offense
THIRD OFFENSE --- Automatic suspension form the Website, Forums, Discord channel, ACARS, and all other company-related resources until reviewed by the Disciplinary Board.

The Disciplinary Board, appointed by the CEO and rotating regularly, will meet within one week of the offense and will request the presence of the offending member on Discord in a private room. *The board will interview the members and consider all mitigating circumstances of the offense. Once the interview is complete, the Board will determine the necessary consequences (if any) that should be taken against the member. The board will draft and forward its recommendations to the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Executive Officer for review. The CEO will make a final decision on the matter within 24 hours.

The CEO has the authority to execute any level of punishment (up to and including termination) but will primarily consider the recommendations of the board. Once a decision is made, the CEO will notify the CHRO who will contact the member to inform him/her of the final decision, executing the consequences as published.

*The offender must meet with the Disciplinary Board on Discord if he/she desires to defend him/herself and present any evidence or testimony on the issue. E-mail correspondence is not permissible. If you waive your right to an interview, you are signifying your acceptance of whatever disciplinary action is levied against you and understand that you will not be able to appeal the final decision.