Typhoon fighter jet in flight

The virtual home of UK military flight simulation on IVAO.

From the Tutor to Apache, Poseidon or Typhoon, we deliver realistic training and operations on the International Virtual Aviation Organisation network.

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😥 Our training pipelines are currently full, but we will re-open applications soon. Please check back for updates!

Who are we?

Founded in 2009 as the Virtual Royal Air Force and restructured in 2014 as the Virtual Ministry of Defence, we bring together the three flying arms of the UK’s MoD in a dynamic online environment. We operate primarily on the IVAO network to deliver realistic and enjoyable military flight simulation.

Our mission is to create a friendly, inclusive community where pilots of all skill levels progress through a structured mentorship programme and confidently fly daily sorties at home and across the globe.

The Virtual Ministry of Defence is in no way associated, affiliated, endorsed or supported by the Ministry of Defence or UK Government. Our organisation exists solely for entertainment and simulation purposes.

Aircraft on ramp at dusk

What do we fly?

Fast Jet

Being a Fast Jet pilot requires speed, precision, and responsibility. Flying aircraft like the Typhoon FGR4 and F-35B Lightning, every sortie - from supersonic flight and low-level manoeuvres to quick reaction missions and overseas operations - is thrilling and demanding. It’s a career of skill, teamwork, and purpose - defending skies while living the ultimate adventure.

Multiple Engine

Flying multi-engine aircraft is about reach, reliability, and impact. Pilots of the Atlas C1, Envoy IV CC1, Globemaster, P-8 Poseidon and Voyager enable global operations - delivering troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid, or providing essential air-to-air refuelling. Each mission requires precision and teamwork, ensuring support reaches its destination.

Rotary

Operating our Rotary aircraft is about agility, versatility, and support. Pilots of the Chinook, Wildcat, Merlin, and Apache operate across the RAF, Fleet Air Arm, and Army Air Corps. From troop transport and battlefield lift to reconnaissance and attack, rotary missions demand skill and teamwork-delivering vital capability anywhere it’s required.

How can I join?

To us, our pilots are more than just a number - the process is personal. From the moment you apply, a member of our training team will be assigned to guide you through your training pipeline all the way to being assigned your Squadron.

  • 1

    Register on our website.

  • 2

    Enter our training pipelines and be guided through a realistic process.

  • 3

    Train & fly daily sorties finally joining an operational squadron.

Apply Today
Typhoon rolling on runway

READY FOR A NEW ADVENTURE?

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GDPR/ Privacy Policy

Last updated: 7th September 2025

1. Introduction

The Virtual Ministry of Defence (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled in accordance with the UK GDPR, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and other applicable privacy laws. This Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you interact with us, including when using our website, participating in our virtual aviation activities, and communicating with our organisation.

2. Who we are

Founded in 2009 as the Virtual Royal Air Force and established as the Virtual Ministry of Defence in 2014, we are a non-profit virtual aviation organisation operating primarily on the International Virtual Aviation Organisation (IVAO) network.

3. Data we collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Identity Data – Name, date of birth, country of residence and email address.
  • Membership Data – IVAO IDs, rank, training progress, and activity logs.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process your data only where there is a lawful basis, including:

  • Contractual necessity – managing your membership and providing services.
  • Legitimate interests – improving our services, safeguarding our community, ensuring network security.
  • Legal obligations – responding to lawful requests by authorities.
  • Consent – for optional communications such as newsletters or media use.

5. Data Sharing

We may share limited data with:

  • IVAO (International Virtual Aviation Organisation) – to verify membership, activity, and training records.
  • Service providers – e.g., hosting companies, IT security, email systems.
  • Authorities – where legally required.

6. Data Storage & Security

We may share limited data with:

  • Data is stored on secure servers located within the EU.
  • We implement technical and organisational security measures to prevent loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.
  • Data is retained only for as long as necessary for membership purposes or as legally required.

7. International Transfers

If data is transferred outside the UK/EU (for example, where servers are located abroad), we ensure that adequate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses or reliance on adequacy decisions.

8. Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your data.
  • Rectify inaccurate data.
  • Erase data (“right to be forgotten”).
  • Restrict or object to processing.
  • Data portability.
  • Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting prior lawful processing).
  • Lodge a complaint with the UK ICO or your national data protection authority.

9. Cookies

We use necessary cookies for site functionality only. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 16 without parental consent.

11. Policy Updates

We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website with a new “Effective Date”.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Policy or your personal data rights, please contact us via email: [email protected].

Organisational Rules and Regulations

The Virtual Ministry of Defence is in no way associated, affiliated, endorsed or supported by the Ministry of Defence or UK Government. Our organisation is solely for the entertainment and simulation purposes only.

Section 1 - Membership

  1. Requesting admittance to the Virtual Ministry of Defence confirms you have read and agreed all points of the regulations and will abide by them at all times.
  2. Members must be at least 18 years of age on date of registering with the Virtual Ministry of Defence.
  3. Members must have a legally owned version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or 2020, Laminar Research's X-Plane 12 or 11, and all necessary aircraft and addons.
  4. Members must provide factual, valid, personal information when registering. Utilising false or incorrect information at any time will result in immediate termination from the organisation without warning.
  5. Members must partake in an element of flying training before being transferred to an active Squadron.
  6. Admission to the Virtual Ministry of Defence is at the sole discretion of the Administration Wing who hold the right to dismiss any registration without the need to provide a reason.
  7. On successful acceptance to the organisation all pilots shall hold the associated rank of OF-1 in the force they have selected (Second Lieutenant for vAAC, Midshipman for vFAA and Pilot Officer for vRAF).
  8. Unless agreed upon in writing prior to registration, all pilots must enrol in the first available flying school associated with their requested pipeline (Fast Jet, Multiple Engine or Rotary) within thirty (30) days of being accepted to join the Virtual Ministry of Defence.
  9. All ranks issued within the Virtual Ministry of Defence bear no real-life responsibility or right. They are for simulation purposes only and must not be utilised outside of the organisation.
  10. Any individual is only eligible for one (1) account registered with the Virtual Ministry of Defence.
  11. Members must not be part of any other military-orientated organisation to mitigate any conflict of interest. Any member found operating with another organisation will be suspended from duties pending a decision from the member to choose their preferred organisation. This decision must be made within 72 hours of suspension of duties.
  12. Members are required to join the Virtual Ministry of Defence Discord server. Nicknames shall be set as [First Name] [Initial of Last Name] ([Station Callsign]) e.g. John S (CWL03)

Section 2 - Activity

  1. All members, with the exception of those on approved leave, must undertake a minimum of two approved sorties each month totalling a minimum of 60 minutes to maintain an active status. Each member is allowed to be authorised not to achieve this requirement once per annum. Failure to maintain an active status twice or more each year will have their membership status reviewed and decided upon by their Station/Group Commander.
  2. A notification of leave should be made to the Defence Council, by email, for periods of more than 4 weeks. Should a member require leave approval for less than or equal to 4 weeks, and knows in advance they will not be able to obtain their activity requirements, they may seek approval from their Squadron, Station or Group Commander (whichever is lowest). This, in all instances, should be completed in writing by email.
  3. Any members who fail to maintain an activity status in line with the expectations stated above will have their account suspended and authority to fly revoked. Failure for the member to contact the Defence Council within two (2) of receiving their suspension email will be deemed as non-effective and shall be removed from the organisation with no further communication. All data related to the member will be deleted and non-retrievable.

Section 3 - Training

  1. Prior to commencing an approved training programme, pilots are approved to operate locally, within a 15nm radius centred on their assigned base and must not enter controlled airspace. This should be done using the aircraft they have been approved to fly and for the sole purposes of training or familiarisation.
  2. All members must pass through one of our Flying Training Schools unless authorised otherwise by the Defence Council or Air Officer Commanding No. 22 Group. On completion of all relevant training for the member's chosen pipeline they will be posted to an active Squadron for Operational Conversion.
  3. Members are allowed to terminate their training at any point and move to a different training pipeline. Members must begin that training pipeline from the start unless a course is shared between multiple courses e.g. Elementary Flying Training School. Members who have already completed an Operational Conversion, and are effective on an active Squadron, may also re-train on a new pipeline.
  4. Members who are passing through a Flying Training School are not permitted to fly outside of the remit of which they have been taught. Members shall be advised by their Qualified Flying Instructor the extent of their remit and are categorised as follows:
    1. Solo Circuits. The ability to fly a circuit pattern within a 5nm radius of the aerodrome to which the pilot is currently based.
    2. Local Area. The ability to fly within 50nm of the aerodrome to which the pilot is currently based operating outside of controlled airspace and using Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only.
    3. Navigation Exercise. The ability to fly a prescribed route issued by your Qualified Flying Instructor, solely navigating using VORs, NDBs and TACANs remaining clear of controlled airspace and under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only.
  5. Members passing through a Flying Training School are not permitted to operate outside of the United Kingdom unless written permission (in the form of an email) has been issued by AOC 22 Group or the Defence Council.
  6. Members who hold a Pilot Rating on IVAO are allowed to partake in a reduced training syllabus if authorised by a member of the Defence Council approves so. The following is authorised:
    1. Private Pilot (PP). The member may by-pass sorties 1 to 4 and undergo the two-part assessment flight immediately.

Section 4 - Daily Operations

  1. Members shall adhere to all IVAO Rules & Regulations, specifically all Special Operations Regulations.
  2. The Defence Council reserves the right to transfer or re-assign any member to a new unit as long as a valid reason can be supplied and with advance notice to the member being given fourteen (14) days notice.
  3. Members who are passing through a Flying Training School are not permitted to partake in any military exercise or operation unless they have written confirmation (in the form of an email) from Air Officer Commanding 22 Group or an Officer based on the Defence Council prior to deployment.
  4. Members who are passing through an Operational Conversion Unit are not permitted to partake in any military exercise or operation unless they have written confirmation (in the form of an email) from Air Officer Commanding 22 Group or an Officer based on the Defence Council prior to deployment and are authorised to do so by their Squadron Commander.
  5. Members (except those stated below) are not permitted to intercept nor tamper with any civilian operations (events or traffic) on the IVAO network. The exception(s) are as follows:
    1. QRA North. No. 3 and No. 11 Squadron (Coningsby).
    2. QRA South. No. 1, No. 2 and No. 6 Squadron (Lossiemouth).
  6. Members are prohibited to simulate, on the IVAO network, any operational sortie which mirrors, or has similarities, to any previous or current real world conflicts or operations motivated by political, social or religious unrest.
  7. In the interest of the Organisation, weapons must not be visibly loaded onto aircraft operated on the IVAO Network. This includes videos, screenshots or reports posted onto any area of communications containing the ivao.aero domain.
  8. Members flying on the IVAO network are required to file a suitable flight plan using the provided software and website. Under Section 18 (Other Information) all crews must place "OPR/VMODUK IVAOSOG/RFR" in the box provided.
  9. Members may only file hours for the aircraft type(s) they are approved to fly which are noted on individual profiles.
  10. Members may share cockpits as long as both pilots are authorised and current to fly the aircraft type. Hours may be submitted by both pilots. If connected to the IVAO network, the member connected as the primary connection shall take all responsibilities for the actions of the aircraft.
  11. When operating on the IVAO network, it is the interest of the pilot to contact air traffic controllers when inside controlled airspace and, where appropriate, civilian air traffic controllers to minimise any potential conflicts.

Section 5 - Organisational Structure

  1. The senior roles listed below, forming the Defence Council, hold the following responsibilities:
    1. Chief of Defence Staff. An individual appointed to this role holds an OF-9 rank and is responsible for overseeing the Virtual Ministry of Defence.
    2. Commander of the 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team. An individual appointed to this role holds the rank of Brigadier (OF-6) and is responsible for overseeing the Virtual Army Air Corps.
    3. Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Aviation, Amphibious Capability & Carriers) An individual appointed to this role holds the rank of Rear Admiral (OF-7) and is responsible for overseeing the Virtual Fleet Air Arm.
    4. Chief of Air Staff An individual appointed to this role holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal (OF-9) and is responsible for overseeing the Virtual Royal Air Force.
  2. Further roles throughout the organisation shall hold the title of a real-world equivalent and the appropriately associated rank.
  3. Promotions are available through a member's time within the organisation and progress up the hierarchy is actively encouraged.
  4. The ranks of the organisation are as follows:
    Code Army Air Corps Fleet Air Arm Royal Air Force Notes
    OF-1 Second Lieutenant Midshipman (Mid) Pilot Officer (Plt Off) Issued to approved applications starting their first training school.
    Lieutenant Sub Lieutenant Flying Officer (Fg Off)
    OF-2 Captain Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt)
    OF-3 Major Lieutenant Commander Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) Given to Squadron Commanders in the Virtual Army Air Corps. Requires a successful completion of the Initial Leadership and Management Course.
    OF-4 Lieutenant Colonel Commander Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Given to Squadron Commanders in the Virtual Fleet Air Arm and Virtual Royal Air Force. Requires a successful completion of the Initial Leadership and Management Course.
    OF-5 Colonel Captain Group Captain (Gp Capt) Given to Squadron Commanders in the Virtual Fleet Air Arm and Virtual Royal Air Force. Requires a successful completion of the Initial Leadership and Management Course.
    OF-6 Brigadier Commodore Air Commodore (Air Cdre)
    OF-7 Major General Rear Admiral Air Vice Marshal (AVM)
    OF-8 Lieutenant General Vice Admiral Air Marshal (AM)
    OF-9 General Admiral Air Chief Marshal (ACM)
    OF-10 Field Marshal Admiral of the Fleet Marshal of the Royal Air Force (MRAF) Not actively used on a day-to-day basis, primarily an honorary role.

Section 6 - Removal/Resignation From Service

  1. Members may resign from the organisation at any point by emailing the Defence Council. Accounts will be deleted within 48 hours and the actions are irreversable as personal information and progress is wiped from our systems.
  2. Any form of misconduct, a lack of activity or a failure to abide by the rules and regulation set out within the document will result in removal from service and may be requested (with factual written evidence) by the following:
    1. Squadron Commanders. Squadron Commanders may request the removal of members based on their Squadron. Should a member wish to object a decision made by the Squadron Commander they should contact their Station Commander (or next highest officer).
    2. Station Commanders. Station Commanders may request the removal of members based on their Station. Should a member wish to object a decision made by the Station Commander they should contact their Group Commander (or next highest officer).
    3. Group Commanders. Group Commanders may request the removal of members based on their Group. Should a member wish to object a decision made by the Group Commander they should contact their Force Commander (or next highest officer).
    4. Senior Officers (OF-6 and above). Any senior officer may request the removal of members. Should a member wish to object a decision made by a senior they should contact the Defence Council.
    5. Defence Council. The Defence Council may remove any member. The Defence Council holds the final decision and therefore cannot be objected.