Manual PIREPs After an ACARS Failure
What evidence to save when an approved tracking client cannot submit a flight.
When is manual filing allowed?
Manual PIREPs are a backup for legitimate flights that could not be submitted because an approved ACARS client failed, disconnected, crashed, or otherwise could not file the report.
Manual reports are not the normal way to log everyday flights.
What evidence should I collect?
Provide whatever reliable evidence you have, such as:
- Simulator or ACARS screenshots.
- ACARS or simulator logs.
- Flight ID, airports, aircraft, date, and approximate times.
- VATSIM or IVAO flight records.
- Volanta or SimToolkitPro tracking data.
- Another trustworthy flight-tracking record.
No one evidence type is mandatory in every case. Pilot Operations decides whether the available information reasonably supports completion of the flight.
Recommended steps
- Document the ACARS issue as soon as possible.
- Preserve the flight record and evidence without altering it.
- Use the Crew Center's manual PIREP option, if available for your account, or contact Pilot Operations for the correct submission process.
- Clearly explain why automatic submission failed and what flight you completed.
- Wait for a review before assuming the flight has been credited.
Technical problems and fairness
Pilots should not be penalized solely for confirmed beta software defects outside their control. Staff will review credible evidence and unusual flight data fairly.
Policy reference: Delta Virtual SOP v4.0, sections 6.5 and 7.2-7.4.
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