Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct and Admissions Terms establishes the rules, obligations, and standards governing participation in the Virtual NASA Organization (vNASA). By submitting an application for membership, participating in vNASA activities, or accessing vNASA platforms, each individual acknowledges and agrees to be bound by this Agreement in its entirety.
vNASA is committed to maintaining a professional, safe, and respectful environment that reflects the standards of real-world aerospace operations and NASA-inspired missions. All Members and Applicants shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these standards at all times.
Purpose & Scope
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to:
- Define clear expectations for member behavior and professionalism
- Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment
- Ensure realistic and responsible operations consistent with vNASA's mission
- Protect the integrity and reputation of vNASA and its members
1.2 Scope of Application
This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals associated with vNASA, including but not limited to members and pilots, staff and leadership, trainees and applicants, and guests participating in vNASA activities.
1.3 Covered Platforms and Activities
The Code of Conduct applies to all vNASA-related spaces and operations, including vNASA Discord servers, JoinFS sessions and group flights, vNASA websites and services, and official training, missions, and public events.
1.4 Agreement to Comply
Participation in vNASA constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of this Code of Conduct. Members are responsible for understanding and adhering to these standards at all times while representing or participating in vNASA.
Core Values
2.1 Professional Conduct
All members shall conduct themselves in a professional, orderly, and respectful manner at all times. Conduct that undermines the professionalism, credibility, or operational integrity of vNASA is strictly prohibited.
2.2 Respect and Non-Discrimination
vNASA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, or exclusionary behavior of any kind. All interactions shall be conducted with respect, regardless of rank, experience level, or personal characteristics.
2.3 Operational Realism
Members shall strive to uphold realistic and accurate simulation practices consistent with vNASA's NASA-inspired mission profile. Reckless, negligent, or intentionally unrealistic behavior that detracts from organized operations is prohibited.
2.4 Safety and Responsibility
Safety shall be treated as a primary operational principle. Members shall not engage in conduct that creates unnecessary risk, disruption, or instability during vNASA operations or events.
2.5 Integrity and Accountability
Members are individually responsible for their actions and omissions. Any attempt to evade responsibility, mislead staff, or manipulate vNASA systems or processes shall be considered a serious violation.
Member Conduct Requirements
3.1 General Behavior
Members shall act in a courteous, respectful, and lawful manner at all times; comply immediately with lawful instructions issued by vNASA staff; and maintain conduct appropriate for a professional aviation organization. Members shall not engage in behavior that is disruptive, abusive, threatening, or otherwise detrimental to vNASA or its members.
3.2 Representation of vNASA
Members representing vNASA in public or third-party environments shall do so in a manner consistent with vNASA standards. Actions that bring reputational harm to vNASA may be subject to disciplinary review, regardless of where the conduct occurs.
3.3 Compliance With External Rules
Members operating on third-party platforms, including but not limited to VATSIM, shall comply fully with all applicable rules, codes of conduct, and operational requirements. Violations of external platform rules may constitute violations of this Code of Conduct.
3.4 Language and Conduct Standards
The use of offensive, abusive, discriminatory, or inflammatory language is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal, written, or symbolic conduct conveyed through any vNASA platform.
Flight and Operational Conduct
4.1 Adherence to Operational Procedures
Members shall adhere to all published vNASA procedures, training standards, and operational guidance. Failure to follow established procedures without justification may result in corrective or disciplinary action.
4.2 Air Traffic and Network Compliance
While operating on VATSIM or any other network, members shall comply with all ATC instructions, use proper call signs, frequencies, and phraseology, and operate aircraft in a safe and controlled manner. Intentional disruption of air traffic services, events, or network operations is strictly prohibited.
4.3 Prohibited Operational Conduct
The following actions are expressly prohibited: reckless or intentionally unsafe aircraft operation, intentional disregard for ATC or event coordination, unauthorized use of vNASA call signs or credentials, and actions designed to interfere with or degrade the experience of others.
4.4 Operational Authority
During organized vNASA operations or events, designated staff and event leadership shall have final authority over operational decisions. Failure to comply with such authority may result in immediate removal from the operation and further disciplinary review.
Communication Standards
5.1 Professional Communications
All communications conducted on vNASA platforms or during vNASA operations shall be professional, clear, and respectful. Informal conduct that undermines operational effectiveness or organizational professionalism is prohibited.
5.2 Radio and Text Discipline
Members shall maintain proper radio discipline and text conduct, including clear, concise, and appropriate phraseology; no intentional frequency congestion, mic abuse, or disruptive transmissions; and no spamming, trolling, or excessive non-operational chatter.
5.3 Prohibited Communications
The following are strictly prohibited: harassment, threats, or intimidation; hate speech or discriminatory remarks; sexually explicit, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate content; and provocation intended to disrupt or inflame conflicts.
Integrity and Fair Use
6.1 Truthfulness and Accuracy
Members shall not knowingly provide false, misleading, or incomplete information to vNASA staff, systems, or other members.
6.2 Records and Qualifications
Falsification, alteration, or misrepresentation of flight logs, training records, or qualifications, ratings, or experience shall constitute a serious violation of this Code of Conduct.
6.3 Impersonation and Misuse of Authority
Impersonation of vNASA staff, air traffic control, real-world agencies, or other members is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized assumption of authority or misuse of vNASA credentials is prohibited.
6.4 System Abuse
Members shall not exploit bugs, bypass safeguards, or misuse vNASA systems, services, or processes for personal advantage or disruption.
Restricted and Prohibited Content
7.1 Inappropriate Content
Members shall not distribute, display, or promote sexually explicit or NSFW material, graphic, violent, or disturbing content, or content unsuitable for a professional aviation organization.
7.2 Political and Extremist Content
Use of vNASA platforms to promote political ideologies, extremist views, or divisive advocacy is prohibited.
7.3 Privacy and Safety Violations
Doxxing, unauthorized sharing of private information, stalking, threats, or encouragement of harm toward any individual or group is strictly prohibited.
7.4 Unauthorized Promotion
Advertising, solicitation, or promotion of external services, products, or organizations without explicit staff approval is prohibited.
Staff Authority and Governance
8.1 Authority of vNASA Staff
vNASA staff are authorized to interpret, enforce, and apply this Code of Conduct. Staff decisions made in good faith shall be considered final unless otherwise provided herein.
8.2 Compliance Requirement
Members shall comply promptly with lawful instructions issued by vNASA staff. Refusal or obstruction may result in immediate disciplinary action.
8.3 Abuse of Authority
Staff members who abuse their authority shall be subject to internal review and corrective action.
Admissions Terms
Age Requirement
Applicants must be 15 years of age or older at the time of application. Submission of false or misleading information regarding age will result in automatic disqualification.
Responsible Online Conduct
Applicants must demonstrate responsible behavior on social media and other public platforms, avoiding harassment, threats, or discriminatory speech, maintaining a professional and respectful online presence, and ensuring that content associated with the applicant does not bring disrepute to vNASA.
Commitment to vNASA Standards
Applicants must agree to abide by all vNASA policies, including the Code of Conduct, operational procedures, and staff instructions. Failure to comply may result in revocation of membership.
Safety and Responsibility
Applicants must commit to safe, responsible, and realistic operation of all aircraft and participation in events. Reckless or disruptive behavior during training, missions, or operations will not be tolerated.
Communication and Cooperation
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, follow instructions, and cooperate effectively with staff and other members during all vNASA activities.
Representation of vNASA
Applicants must understand that membership carries the responsibility of representing vNASA positively in all public and virtual settings, including social media, VATSIM, and third-party platforms.
Eligibility Verification
vNASA reserves the right to verify any information submitted during the application process, including age, identity, and conduct history. Failure to provide accurate information may result in rejection or removal.
Acceptance and Revocation
Membership is conditional. vNASA reserves the right to deny, suspend, or revoke membership at any time if the applicant or member fails to meet these terms or violates the Code of Conduct.
Reporting and Investigations
10.1 Reporting Violations
Members are encouraged to report suspected violations through designated reporting channels. Reports should be factual, accurate, and made in good faith.
10.2 Investigation Process
vNASA reserves the right to investigate any alleged violation. Investigations may include review of logs, communications, recordings, and third-party data.
10.3 Confidentiality
All reports and investigations shall be handled with reasonable confidentiality. Retaliation against individuals who report violations is strictly prohibited.
Disciplinary Actions
11.1 Range of Actions
Disciplinary measures may include, but are not limited to: verbal or written warnings, mandatory retraining, temporary suspension of privileges, and permanent removal from vNASA.
11.2 Immediate Action
vNASA reserves the right to impose immediate interim restrictions where necessary to protect operations, safety, or community integrity.
11.3 External Referral
Where applicable, violations may be referred to external platforms or authorities, including VATSIM staff.
Appeals Process
12.1 Right to Appeal
Members may appeal disciplinary actions in writing within a reasonable time frame as determined by vNASA.
12.2 Review Authority
Appeals shall be reviewed by designated leadership. Decisions issued following appeal review shall be final.
Amendments and Modifications
13.1 Right to Amend
vNASA reserves the right to modify this Code of Conduct at any time, with or without prior notice.
13.2 Continued Participation
Continued participation in vNASA following amendments constitutes acceptance of the revised Code of Conduct.
Acknowledgment and Acceptance
14.1 Binding Agreement
This Code of Conduct constitutes a binding agreement between vNASA and its members.
14.2 Condition of Membership
Acknowledgment and compliance with this Code of Conduct are mandatory conditions of participation in vNASA activities and services.