We turn virtual airlines into learning communities.

SimLabs manages virtual airlines where participants learn by planning flights, working as a team, serving their community, and taking on real responsibility in a structured aviation environment.

Explore our virtual airlines Support the work
Organization
501(c)(3)
What we manage
Virtual airlines
Who participates
Members & learners
Learning focus
STEM & leadership

Who we are

SimLabs Innovation exists to make aviation, science, and leadership meaningful through active virtual airline communities.

We are a nonprofit organization supported by pilots, engineers, educators, technologists, and community volunteers. We create, operate, and support virtual airlines that give participants a structured place to learn, contribute, and grow.

Participants use commonly available flight simulation software as one part of the experience, but the program extends far beyond flying. Members plan operations, interpret weather and performance data, organize events, mentor others, lead teams, and help sustain the community.

How the program works

Join → Learn → Lead → Give back

01

JoinEnter a learning community

Participants join one of our managed virtual airlines and begin with guided onboarding, clear expectations, and access to a welcoming community. Each airline provides a realistic structure without losing sight of learning, accessibility, and fun.

02

OperateApply science and aviation

Members plan and complete simulated airline flights while working with routes, weather, fuel, aircraft performance, navigation, and operational procedures. Science and mathematics become practical tools used to make informed decisions.

03

CollaboratePractice teamwork and leadership

A virtual airline depends on people working together. Participants communicate with peers, support new members, coordinate events, solve problems, and contribute to departments such as training, operations, technology, communications, and community engagement.

04

GrowLearn, serve, and lead

As members gain experience, they can mentor others, lead projects, help shape programs, and take on staff responsibilities. The goal is not simply to log flights, but to develop confidence, judgment, accountability, and a lasting commitment to community.

Why a virtual airline, and not just a game

A virtual airline turns individual interest into a shared learning experience. Every flight connects to a larger operation, and every member has opportunities to ask questions, solve problems, contribute ideas, and see how their decisions affect other people.

The environment is realistic enough to make learning relevant, but flexible enough to let participants experiment, make mistakes, receive feedback, and try again. That cycle encourages curiosity and builds the resilience needed in technical and leadership roles.

It is also a pathway into service and leadership. Members can move from participant to mentor, event organizer, instructor, developer, or organizational leader while learning from volunteers with experience in aviation, education, engineering, and technology.

  • LEAD
    Leadership and responsibility — making decisions, supporting others, and following through on commitments.
  • COMM
    Community and belonging — building inclusive teams, welcoming new members, and contributing to a shared mission.
  • SCI
    Applied science and mathematics — weather, physics, navigation, performance, rates, ratios, and data-informed decisions.
  • AVN
    Aviation knowledge — airline operations, aircraft, airports, flight planning, procedures, and safety-minded thinking.
  • TECH
    Technology and systems thinking — using software, interpreting information, and understanding how connected systems work together.
  • SERVE
    Service and mentorship — helping others succeed, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the broader community.

Where learning happens

Programs and pathways

Each virtual airline creates multiple ways to learn, contribute, and lead.
Program area What participants do Skills developed
Flight operations Plan and complete simulated airline routes using real-world weather, procedures, schedules, and aircraft performance considerations. Science, math & aviation
Training Learn from structured resources, instructors, and experienced members, then help guide others as knowledge and confidence grow. Communication & mentorship
Events Participate in group flights, challenges, educational activities, and community events designed around shared goals. Teamwork & belonging
Staff teams Support operations, training, communications, technology, member services, and organizational planning. Leadership & accountability
Community projects Build resources, improve systems, create outreach programs, and work with partners to expand access to aviation-centered learning. Service & career exposure

Get involved

Every community takes people to run

Our virtual airlines and educational programs are sustained by donors, volunteers, members, and partners who believe aviation can be a platform for learning, leadership, and connection.

Give

Donations support technology, hosting, educational resources, outreach, organizational operations, and access to our programs. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Donate

Volunteer

We welcome pilots, educators, engineers, developers, mentors, community leaders, and aviation enthusiasts who want to share their knowledge and help others grow.

Email volunteer@simlabs.org

Partner with us

Schools, youth organizations, aviation groups, sponsors, and community partners can work with us to create new learning opportunities and expand participation.

Email programs@simlabs.org