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I am excited to announce the release of my custom phpVMSv7 theme! I created this theme because I know that not everyone has the budget for an expensive custom design, and I want to support the community by providing a high-quality, modern, lightweight and efficient, accessible alternative. SPTheme is fully customizable and designed with privacy in mind, as it contains no external content and is 100% GDPR-compliant. It features a built-in admin module, allowing for easy management, and includes both dark and light mode for a flexible user experience. To enhance functionality, SPTheme offers live network statistics and a "Who is Online" display, ensuring users always stay informed. Additionally, a registration exam mode allows for extra verification of new pilots. For added convenience, the package includes 42+ placeholder images, making it easy to set up a visually appealing site. With multi-language support and over 226 translatable additional phrases, the theme is ready to be used worldwide. And that’s not all—there are even more features and enhancements included to provide a seamless experience. I hope SPTheme helps virtual airlines achieve a professional and modern look without high costs. More details are available at https://shop.sass-projects.dev. Check also the live demo for additional information and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

As you may have noticed, phpVMS v7 comes with built in SimBrief API integration and aircraft can be configured in some different ways to achieve better planning results. Below you can find some key instructions and settings with their effects. Main Requirement is a valid SimBrief API key, to get one kindly check SimBrief documents (website/support forum) and complete your application, when you have your key ready, just insert it in settings. While waiting for your API key you can define your Subfleets and Aircraft as below; Subfleet Definitions; Here only important field is "SimBrief Type", when it is defined it will be used for all aircraft under this subfleet. And it simply overwrites the Aircraft ICAO code during planning. If your pilots are using only one simulator (like X-Plane) and only one aircraft addon for this subfleet (like Zibo), then you can simply add your Zibo B737-800X SimBrief Airframe ID here at this field. Aircraft Definitions; This is the most important part, as it allows fine tuned planning compared to a generic subfleet airframe definition. As you can see, we do have the same "SimBrief Type" field here too. This affects only the aircraft, and has priority over the subfleet definition. So if you have a really specific SimBrief Airframe for a particular aircraft and want it to be the default, then you can enter the id here. (Also it is possible to use this field as a replacement ICAO code. Imagine you are using an Airbus CEO but want this aircraft to use Airbus NEO standards at SimBrief, so you define A321 as the ICAO code, but use A21N as the SimBrief Type.) FIN, SELCAL and HEX CODE (ICAO 24-bit, transponder identification code) are optional and have no direct effect on the flight plan you will generate but the weights below are important. When defined, these weights are passed to SimBrief for flight planning purposes, so better define them according to the aircraft you are trying to simulate within phpVMS. You can see that the DOW is empty (0) in the example, this is not a mistake but done on purpose. You will see it later. Using SimBrief Airframes (sb airframes) ; phpVMS is able to get and store all publicly available SimBrief Airframes / SimBrief Layouts during install and update them weekly (with cron), also it is possible for admins to manually trigger an update whenever they wish to. Also it is possible to add your own / custom airframes to the system easily. As like SimBrief itself, airframe definitions are "ICAO Code" based, once you define and save your custom airframe at SimBrief, you can simply copy the airframe ID and add it to phpVMS by giving it a nice looking unique name and the aircraft ICAO type code you wish to use. Also, if you do not want to use the built in SimBrief airframes and have only your custom airframes listed, then you need to enable the respective setting from Admin > Settings. This logic also applies to passenger and baggage weights being used for planning. Imagine you have an airframe definition (either created by you, or a public one provided by SimBrief), using 100 kg for passengers and 20 kg for their bags. But you do not want to use those weights because you have some custom weights for scheduled/non-scheduled flights, even better you control your baggage weights per airport with some custom code etc. Then you need to enable the respective setting to pass in your weights to SimBrief. How does it work, how is the priority logic defined ? Why the DOW is empty in the example ? Subfleet SimBrief Type = Empty Aircraft SimBrief Type = Empty Aircraft ICAO Code = A321 Aircraft DOW = Empty Aircraft MLW = Empty SimBrief Provided Airframes = Fenix A321 IAE, Fenix A321 CFM, ToLiss A321, Your Custom A321 As you know, each addon aircraft have their own basic empty weights and mostly they are hard coded (for SimBrief it is the DOW - Dry Operating Weight / OEW - Operating Empty Weight). So we leave it empty, to be able to use the DOW from SimBrief Airframe definitions. When planning, the dropdown will show you 5 items, the list is above and there will be a "SimBrief Default" entry (which is the basic definitions of SB). If you select Fenix A321 IAE, then its DOW will be used, along with its performance definitions (like fuel factor, engine thrust rating and others), equipment etc. But the weights you defined will be sent to SimBrief to overwrite those values. If you do not select one, it is ok too as the defaults provided by SimBrief along with the data you are sending (like weights and other stuff) will be used. But if you are after precise flight planning, then it is better to either have your main types defined at SimBrief and a matching airframe should be selected. Subfleet SB Type > Aircraft SB Type > Selected Airframe > Aircraft specific details (like weights, SELCAL, HEX, FIN, VA specific custom RMK field) With this order and logic you can have base airframes for your fleet, like PMDG B738, Zibo B738, LevelUp B738 (same example can be extended to Fenix, ToLiss, Aerosoft, Flight Factor group) and then define aircraft specific changes at phpVMS because in a fleet some aircraft have different MZFW or MLW's but they do share the generic specifications. Like a B738 can have 79013, 77000 or 75000 KG MTOW depending on the certification, instead of defining different airframes at SimBrief, you can simply pass that info during planning. Recent changes at SimBrief allow pilots to have precise performance calculations, specific limitations and if certified some nice ETOPS abilities, to be able to use them with phpVMS, defining airframes at SimBrief and using their ID's during planning will be the best option (considering some items still not available at api access, this method will eliminate those cases too). Climb / Cruise / Descent Profiles and Layout Options All these are also obtained from SimBrief and tied to Aircraft ICAO type codes, so when you select an A321 from your fleet to generate a flight plan, you will see the profiles SimBrief offer for that type in general. Additionally the layout is automatically selected if an airline match is found, if not SimBrief Default (LIDO) is used. What about General Aviation and Really Custom Airframe Support GA is supported by SimBrief up to a point, so we do have the same, even though the examples above are based on airliners, logic remains same for GA aircraft too. And you can still define your custom (non-existing airframe at SimBrief) as per their documentation, have a profile for it and use it at phpVMS. Considering that nothing offered by SimBrief, your custom airframe will be the only option at the dropdown. Hope this help, safe flights.

Note: If you own all packages then please note the update order! SPTheme -> DBPack -> DSPack Note 2: If you changed the colors, for example, just backup the following file: /resources/views/layouts/SPTheme/config.json 05.APRIL.25 (v1.3.0 / 1.3.0 / v1.3.5) (v1.3.0 SPTheme) Fixed an issue where incorrect fuel/weight units were displayed Fixed an issue where users could not change their password Fixed some style discrepancies on macOS devices Fixed issues with VATSIM/IVAO user fields and OAuth link Fixed an issue where fares could not be entered when changing aircraft (v1.3.0 DBPack) Fixed an issue where some fleet images were not responsive Fixed an issue where cards did not have space between them Fixed a condition where the cruise profile CI/LRC could not be changed Fixed a label that had some typos Added a failsafe to the SimBrief form in case a profile could not be found Added a failsafe to the random flights Widget (v1.3.5 DSPack) Added a failsafe to the assignments if a flight was deleted Fixed a missing route to the missions area for flight details Fixed an issue with multiple airlines and the selected fleet on free flights Fixed name for the airline on assignments

Note: If you own all packages then please note the update order! SPTheme -> DBPack -> DSPack 11.MARCH.25 (v1.2.2 / 1.2.2 / v1.3.1) Some minor fixes for the award-widget, userrole and pireps table (v1.2.2 SPTheme) Changed blades for Hub/Airline Transfer v1.8 module (v1.2.2 SPTheme) Changed menu links for Hub/Airline Transfer v1.8 module (v1.3.1 DSPack) Changed menu links for Hub/Airline Transfer v1.8 module (v1.2.2 DBPack)

Thanks, everything worked smoothly after deletion 🙂

SPTransfer v1.3 for phpvVMS7 Thanks to ProAviaAZ, for the suggestions. Added an option for different charge types Added a widget for showing pending requests

Hey, first I want to mention that this is not a personal commercial promotional post. My goal is simply to encourage people to explore and use phpVMS 7. It's a powerful platform with great customization options for virtual airline management. Yes, I have a lot of experience but nothing is impossible. Creating themes and designs for phpVMS version 7 with Laravel offers great flexibility without needing WordPress for custom homepages. Since phpVMS is built on Laravel, you can leverage modern tools to craft unique, responsive designs directly within the platform. Themes are built using Blade, Laravel's templating engine, which allows for easy separation of logic and presentation. This makes it simple to create reusable layouts, such as headers and footers. Additionally, you can integrate CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Tailwind to ensure the design is mobile-friendly and visually appealing. For dynamic features, JavaScript libraries such as jQuery or Vue.js can be added, enhancing interactivity. Laravel also supports efficient asset management with tools like Webpack or Laravel Mix, optimizing CSS and JavaScript files for performance. Overall, phpVMS 7 allows for full customization of both the homepage and the entire user interface, eliminating the need for external systems like WordPress. The flexibility of Laravel ensures that you can create engaging and functional themes directly within phpVMS. As I am a long-time user of phpvms version 5 I know how similar virtual airlines are designed, so I want to show just a few different examples, of how different your work can be end.

/resources/views/layouts/ is where the theme folders are.

Great theme! highly recommended!

You realize you are recruiting to a forum full of VA owners?

Resolved on discord Hi there I love this add on. It looks really well but something has happened to my dashboard page. It was working fine but now i get a 500 error. I checked the logs and got the following. I had changed the name of the airline yesterday in the admin section and all was working. Same airline just added a little. I have since changed it back to the original as the error on the page shows. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

Dear all, version of my VMSAcars is Version: 2.0.629; Stable Here are my logs https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_bbiALSf5HeAhAiHWwiW1tQLuHYXEV0C/view?usp=drive_link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i2zQeLY6jBPvjhK3sByAJyTSISn-X7-Y/view?usp=drive_link This is not applicable, i never go to sim menus while flying, i just noticed a drop of frame rate when pause is detected. Also VMS has been freshly reinstalled deleting both software and appdata and XP subfolders too, also i have created by scratch the configuration to my VA. As i said, never did that, the only thing i have changed is that i keep VMS open in a secondary screen while before it was always in background. Also i did some flight with FS2020 and i never got those pauses. Thanks you Luca

Hi, yeah I can add a failsafe this isn't a problem, but the source of this, like Disposable already said, is a missing or deleted flight. I'll send you the files tomorrow,

Hi @IFL442, Of course I know the error, it is generic one and the logic of it is already posted in "most common errors" topic. Basically it says that you have a problem in your assignments (like a deleted / missing flight) and that blade of SPTheme is missing a failsafe. Just check line 27 of SPTheme/modules/DisposableSpecial/widgets/assignments.blade.php and if possible try renaming that file (which will allow the default blade I shipped with DispoSpecial to be used). If the error comes up with my original blade, I can try to debug but if it is only happening on the modified ones shipped by @PaintSplasher, he may need to investigate too {{ optional($as->flight->dpt_airport)->name ?? $as->flight->dpt_airport_id }} This is from my original blade, it checks for the airport and uses its name, if not it uses the dpt_airport_id. But before all these optional stuff I do have a generic @if($as->flight) check, which eliminates deleted / missing flights. Looks like SPTheme version may be missing this. Unfortunately I do not see that generic check in SPTheme version of the blade. Either you may need to wait for Thorsten to publish an update or you can replicate my wider check manually on that blade too. https://github.com/FatihKoz/DisposableSpecial/blob/main/Resources/views/widgets/assignments.blade.php Hope this helps

This is a vmsACARS item - it doesn’t belong in phpVMS v2/v5 Support section. it belongs in phpVMS 7, vmsACARS forum. I’ll move it as a one time courteously - please use the correct forum moving forward. Additionally, when needing to post more than a few lines of a log file, upload the log file and provide a link in the forum. It is difficult to read a long log in the forum itself.

Thanks I'm trying to set my subfleets and fares and need to figure out how to define the simbrief defaults.

No, those are all just warnings and may get removed in further versions of php/laravel.

Hi, Original/default file is at "your phpVMS Root\modules\DisposableBasic\Resources\views\web" folder https://github.com/FatihKoz/DisposableBasic/blob/main/Resources/views/web/blank.blade.php I would suggest using "Duplication Procedure" or logic to have your own/edited blade files. https://github.com/FatihKoz/DisposableBasic#duplicating-module-bladesviews Good luck @ProAvia would you please move this topic to Disposable Addons section Thanks

Hi @William Looks like you added "SES_ENDPOINT" only to services https://github.com/phpvms/phpvms/blob/main/config/services.php#L26-L30 Technically the "MAIL_FROM_ADDRESS" and "MAIL_FROM_NAME" are already defined and can be controlled from .env itself, no need to modify mail.php for them, as it will revert back to defaults during an update. We can add that additional AWS SES Enpoint to phpVMS itself, so future updates will have it and you will not worry about updates Safe flights

https://www.latlong.net/

Hi, If you want to use SimBrief's internal random load generation logic then you need to either disable capacities in your fares (so phpvms can not generate any load) or you can disable pax, baggage and cargo amount transfer in SB form (so phpVMS will be able to generate but not send anything to SB) In any case there will be a mismatch between SB and phpVMS. Also there may be logical problems, mismatches in your phpVMS financial data. You may need to check SimBrief API documentation to better understand what to disable and how it behaves, also you may need to alter simbrief_form.blade.php if you want to select the second option. Good luck

Thanks @DisposableHerohopefully everything works out. Thanks for all the work you have done.

I have the code for V5.x if you're interested. $c['pid'] = PilotData::GetPilotCode($c['code'], $c['pilotid']); $fieldvalue1 = PilotData::GetFieldValue($c['pid'], 'IVAO ID'); $fieldvalue2 = PilotData::GetFieldValue($c['pid'], 'VATSIM ID'); if($c['online'] == "ivao" OR $c['online'] == "IVAO"){ $c['online'] = '<a crossOrigin="anonymous" href="https://www.ivao.aero/Member.aspx?ID='.$fieldvalue1.'" target="_blank"><img src="https://status.ivao.aero/'.$fieldvalue1.'.png?dark=true" width="150px" height="auto"/></a>'; } if($c['online'] == "vatsim" OR $c['online'] == "VATSIM"){ $c['online'] = '<a href="https://stats.vatsim.net/stats/' . $fieldvalue2 . '" target="_blank"><img src="https://my.vatsim.net/indicators/' . $fieldvalue2 . '" width="150px" height="auto"/></a>'; } if($c['online'] == "offline" OR $c['online'] == "Offline"){ $c['online'] = 'Offline'; } Place the above in your: Make sure the field values are spelled exactly the same as yours in your system. This will show the pilot badge for either IVAO or VATSIM on live flights table and on the badge it shows if the pilot is "online" or "offline". This will work for both smartCARS2 and smartCARS3. Let me know if you need help implementing this.

Hey all, Very long time since I have posted about any of my modules. I have been working extremely hard on what could be a revolutionary product for phpVMS, and now I'm finally ready to show it off. Introducing Apex Flight Ops, a next generation flight center for phpVMS, featuring a map at the center of it all, just like Volanta, Elavetex, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and other trackers with a map centric UI. You can now try it out FOR FREE and experience Apex, relatively risk free, by signing up at https://apex.cardinalhorizon.com/ Read our announcement for a bit more info too: https://medium.com/@taylorbroad/hello-apex-flight-ops-63386b5c7540 Here are a few screenshots for the UI.

Beautiful awesome work!

Awesome... Thanks for your continuous support to the community and efforts.

Great news! I’ll be checking for changes and updates in Disposable Basic. Untill then I’ll check out the files and try to find solutions. Airline ICAO’s checking will be a great feature.

Yeah, if you are providing custom liveries which you have full control and sure that they are ok then you will have less problems By the way, I am adding some checks to Disposable Basic for this purpose, be aware that X-Plane will be excluded from those checks as it does not report back the livery name like MS/P3D etc. And to allow multi airline setups, people doing sub-charter flights for another supported airline I will be checking both the flight's and aircraft's airline, if one matches then it will not be rejected. Imagine like you are simulating both DLH and KLM at the same phpvms v7 setup and a KLM aircraft is allowed to operate DLH flights, then it is perfectly normal for the flight's and aircraft operator's airline icao code will be different. So in this scenario, a livery containing DLH or KLM will not be auto rejected, but if someone flies with a livery containing FDX for example, it will. Safe flights

View File FlightTools *** DETAILS *** This is version 1.0.9 of a series of aeronautical tools for your Va. Includes V1.0.9 : - Transition Level Calculation - Top Of Descent Calculation - Aero metrics Calculation ========================= - Years of Service Award - Legs in One Day Award - Total Distance Award - Landing Rate Award Check online repository & ReadMe for detailed upgrade Submitter Aciv Submitted 06/17/24 Category Add-ons  

Dear @Toyuko, First of all, I wish success to your virtual airline, hope you can find talented staff members to fulfill your wishes and success. I just want to kindly remind you that, your crew center is clearly violating license terms of my addons (Disposable Basic and Disposable Special). They are both installed and active but there are no attribution links visible on your website, which is clearly stated on the license with some usage examples provided in the readme. So, you have two options; 1. Either remove my addons from your crew center (which is based on phpVMS v7) 2. Or fulfill license requirements and provide attribution links in footer (like you do for the rest) If the frontend is developed by any third party company/individual, inform them immediately about the issue and request their support as they may be responsible for the install/management. Good luck

Clowns - they have been advised to NOT install beta 5. I believe Taylor Broad provided them with a link to the correct phpVMS download to install. Personally, I'd never go asking them to install or fix anything phpVMS related. It's not that they are incompetent, but phpVMS isn't their specialty. In the phpVMS Discord, visit the #v7-releases channel. Scroll to the bottom. The last entry (from 12/6/24) presently shows 7.0.46. Click on the 'zip' to download the file to your desktop. Filezilla is fine for editing files and moving addons into phpVMS - But it's easier and quicker to use cPanel's included File Manager to upload the phpVMS dev zip file. Here is a link to the docs for phpVMS 7 https://docs.phpvms.net/ Since you have an existing install, click on 'Installation', then 'Updating'. https://docs.phpvms.net/installation/updating Read thru that short section on updating. You will be uploading the entire zip file to the root of your phpVMS 7 install (the one with the .env file in it. Make a backup of your site! Skip this at your own peril. At a minimum, make a backup of the .env files. Also, make note of any changes you made to files in the /config folder - I recommend making a backup of this as well and checking to see if there are changes to any of those files which might need to be copied over. On your remote site (through your FTP client or SSH), delete the vendors folder On your remote site (through your FTP client or SSH), delete all of the files in bootstrap/cache and storage/framework/cache (delete the contents, NOT the folders) Upload all of the files (or upload latest build via your file manager and unpack), and overwrite everything. If you are using composer, then run composer install command via shell/terminal Visit the /update URL of your site (e,g http://myva.com/update) to complete the update/installs Check the changelog for template changes so you can update your skin Follow the instructions - except #5 as you are uploading the entire zip - to the letter. The final step is to go to admin, maintenance and clear the cache. This should bring your phpVMS up to date. Airports, aircraft, flights (schedules) will need to be added manually. I believe you can upload a few airports, aircraft and schedules - then export them and edit/add to them using Excel (or similar) in the CSV file format and then re-import them with your changes/additions. Be sure to follow the format in the CSV files exactly or you will have issues with missing data. I'd suggest getting the base phpVMS system working first and then concern yourself with addons (theme, modules). As for SC3, there should be a Web or Module folder included which you (as the site admin) would upload to the phpVMS 'modules' folder. This will allow you to test SM3. The above should at least get you started with the basic system and SM3.

Your best bet would be to read thru each readme (phpVMS, Disposable Theme, modules). If you understand the functions of the program and addons, you can easily install them all as well. It’s really just a matter of reading and understanding the instructions - and then (in phpVMS install) basically a copy/paste, /update and clear cache. Inserting the image you posted in place of one of the default images is easy to do as well. If TFDI installed phpVMS, hopefully they installed the latest dev version and not beta 5 (which is way out of date). They should also have installed the SM3 module if you ordered it at the same time as your hosting with them. Be aware that presently SM 3 isn’t fully compatible with phpVMS v7.

affirm, i'll do that next time it occurs

Works just fine now on PHP 8.3. The issue was a mismatch of the Apache user and the owner of all the phpVMS files.

Since the OP hasn't posted an update to this in almost 6 years and hasn't visited the forum in over 4 years, I'd consider the projected dead and abandoned. Even if it was completed 4-6years ago, chances are it wouldn't be compatible with the latest dev release of phpVMS v7.

Additionally, be sure your cron command is running the exact same php version with your hosting account/domain where phpvms runs. Running phpvms with php8.1 but trying to run cron with php8.0 or php8.2 will cause failure. So whenever you try different php versions, or update them be 100% sure that cron is using the same php executable. Good luck

Hi @DisposableHero, I really apreaciate your help. I could split awards into groups using this code: @if(str_contains($award->ref_model, 'Modules\Awards\Awards\PilotHoursAwards')) Thus I just have to change the award type in order to show all the awards which belong to the same category. Kind regards!

Ok, Now disable (dash out) the dump by adding two dashes before it followed by a space as below. // dd($point, $attrs); Map should be working now

I have resolved this issue with the help Disposable Hero and colleagues in the Discord Channel. It resolution is stated in the fix links, be sure to check carefully. In the permissions link above, Ian from Navigraph refers to the Usercfg.opt and to ensure the last entry in the file shows the path to you Community Folder. I had checked this, but not closely enough as it was pointing to the Localcache not to the Community Folder. Once changed, everything worked! If this issue suddenly occurs to you, I strongly recommend this is your first port of call to resolve. Regards, Keith

Ah gentlemen, forgive my ignorance, I didn't understand correctly, I thought this was defined in a general way, and however it is in the classification, so thank you all very much, success always!

That is why it was suggested to check your ranks in the admin panel. You can set auto approve ACARs or manual PIREPs there. You must do this for each rank.

Check your ranks

Well it was as you mentioned an issue with the correct address, being new to web development and VA management had me checking every setting and not finding a single issue in the website, thank you for the input! I appreciate you all.

oh wow, thanks, it's already solved, thanks for the information

There is a setting at admin side for this, works only if your cron is working properly. Admin > Settings ... Acars group, Live Time Set it to something like 2 or 3 (hours) according to your needs.

sorry I always come up with stupid questions, you're a life saver though, thank you Disposable Hero, it's fixed now

My pleasure. At least you learnt the importance of cache by the hard way (maybe the hardest way) around, you will never forget it again Congratulations, enjoy your mails (free for 3 months) with mailgun. By the way, API is the fastest and safest way to implement it, glad it worked as expected and you did not used the smtp solution. Have a nice day Addition; 2022 Jan / Academy award winner screenshot name "An important moment in the history"

In administration, you must have the option marked: BIDS Allow multiple bids Whether or not someone can bid on multiple flights. I understand that this option was to be able to reserve a multiple bids pilot. But this option makes multiple riders book one bids.

I do get lots of personal messages/questions about this, "ok I installed v7 what next ?" Here you may find your answer, if not do not hesitate to ask (not personally but via forum so everyone can benefit from the answer) 0. Which version should I download and install ? Definitely NOT beta4 or beta5 ! Please download and install LATEST DEVELOPMENT ( in short terms dev or latest dev) build, it is much more stable compared to any beta builds and have many improvements. If you install beta4 and have some errors (you will have them for sure), the first reply to your support question will be "install latest dev". 1. How do I install v7 ? Please do check docs.phpvms.net , it is pretty well documented. And make sure you are meeting all the requirements, then apply the instructions there for uploading. 2. Where to install v7 ? This is up to you, considering that Laravel does not like being installed under folders it is still possible with some tricks to htaccess file. But I think best location is a new subdomain, it will cost you nothing (if you are not using a strange host) and will save you from further troubles for sure. yourdomain.com ops.yourdomain.com crew.yourdomain.com opscenter.yourdomain.com 3. What next ? Define at least two airports I do prefer defining my hubs first. Hubs are your main bases of operation. Do this manually , admin -> airports , add new airport . Write the ICAO code and click lookup, phpVMS v7 will get the correct data in correct format for you. Click save. No need to enter Ground Handling Costs or Fuel Prices at this moment, you can do that later (or can use default / fixed prices for all your airports) Define at least one Fare ( details can be found at other guides ) Define at least one Subfleet ( details can be found at other guides ) Define at least one Aircraft Define at least one Flight Optionally you may Assign your subfleet(s) to your flight(s) Go to settings, disable below checks during initial setup (you may alter them later according to your wishes) Disable Pireps : Restrict Aircraft to Ranks ( enabled by default ) Disable Pilots : Auto Accept New Pilot ( enabled by default ) Disable Pireps : Restrict Aircraft At Departure Disable Pilots : Flights from Current Disable Pilots : Restrict the flights to company While you are at settings, check below items are enabled/active , if not enable them Check General : Automatic airport lookup ( should be enabled by default ) Check Pilots : Hubs as home airport You are basically ready now ... Rest is admin work and needs time, having and managing a virtual airline is not an easy task. phpVMS v7 is only here to help you, it can not do things for you 4. How can I block bots being registered to my VA ? Well, you can not block them totally but using hCaptcha reduces their amount. And phpVMS v7 is ready for this, just check hCaptcha docs and obtain your site keys, then enter them to your phpVMS v7 settings. Also disabling Auto Accept New Pilot option is a good way to block them reaching content of your VA. 5. Where the hell are airports ? ( "Why I am forced to enter them, this software is crap !" etc.) PhpVMS v7 is capable of looking up airport details when requested, so calm down. There are more than 40k airports around the world and populating your database with them just slows things down. MySQL is capable of handling them, but it will make your phpVMS slower for sure. You can import airports, there is a feature for that BUT before importing make sure that file is containing valid data without any errors and is fully compatible with v7. Importing a file with incorrect data make things worse and let you have unexpected errors during usage. For example, importing airports directly from sources like OurAirports is not a solution. It does not provide time zones for airports, locations (cities) are not compatible with v7 location logic and have errors in it (i do checked some countries I know, found really strange errors and wrong ICAO codes being used for airports). Simply it is not a good source to start with. "What about i do get an export of some other v7 user's airports and insert them to mine ?" If you know that the other user's database is populated with correct data and you intend to use the same airports this may be a starting solution. Best way to add airports to v7 is importing flights (or some call them schedules or routes). With the `Automatic airport lookup` option enabled, missing airports from the flights you imported will be added to your database, and with correct/reliable information in the correct format. By using this method, you will get what you need and when you need. To import flights, just do an export of your current flight(s), you will have a proper csv file. Then you can edit it, "I am insisting on having lots of airports even when they are not needed, I do want to populate my database with useless entries. What should i do ?" You can use flight import trick to get there. Just add fake flights to all of the world airports in a csv file, then import it. After importing the flights you can safely delete them (not the airports but the flights). And to do a mass delete operation you need to use a database workbench tool like phpMyAdmin. 6. Which ACARS software should I use, which is the best one ? Currently, you have only one choice ... it is called vmsACARS and developed by the same person developing phpVMS v7. There are no demo versions for it, there are no other (free/paid) solutions either. So if you are not a developer yourself, you need vmsACARS. "What about kAcars, smartCARS v2, cACARS ?" etc. Nope, they are not compatible with v7, only smartCARS v3 can work with phpVMS v7 with some custom plugins. 7. Where are the skins or addons for v7 ? "I do want to spend some cash on them" You can find some at Downloads section of the forum, be sure that the addon (be it a skin or a widget or a module) is fully compatible with the version you installed. Do not try to install older version files to v7. This logic applies to both v7 addons developed for beta4 and addons developed or phpVMS v5/v2 etc. As far as I know, the only paid addon for v7 was a tour module, which is not working properly (and people bought it had problems, tried refunding their money back). And there is only one paid skin (as of the date this is written), you can find its topic at this forum too. ---------- We may add more questions and answers in time, for now above items should be enough for start I think. Happy installs and safe flights