How to use the Discord

Quick Guide to Using the VWA Discord

The VWA Discord is the main hub for the community. It is where members ask questions, chat with other virtual pilots, access learning resources, contact staff or instructors, sign up for classes and events, and check server information before flying. Because the Discord can be large and active, it is a good idea to customize which channels you follow and which notifications you receive.

Finding your way around

Channels are organized by topic, branch, or both. The most important places for new members to pay attention to are Announcements, General, Cycle Students, Support, and their branch-specific channels. Not every channel is visible by default, so members should use Browse Channels and follow the ones relevant to their airframe, branch, or interests. Some channels are role-restricted, which means access depends on the student or graduate roles assigned to you. In Discord, # refers to a channel and @ refers to a user or role.

Getting help

If you need help, the support channels are the right place to use. #Contact-Staff is the main way to reach VWA staff, and #Contact--Instructor is the best place to reach instructors or assistants, especially for catch-up sessions or training questions. Staff and instructors prefer that communication stay inside the VWA Discord, so members should use support channels instead of sending direct messages. If there is a Discord or game server emergency, moderators can be reached with the -911 command or by tagging @military police.

Signing up for events and classes

VWA uses Discord to organize classes, events, and community activities. General events are commonly posted in the Events section or #event-announcements, while branch-specific classes are usually announced in branch channels such as #frs-announcements. Members should react to event posts, even if they cannot attend, because that helps with planning. Marking yourself as Interested on Discord Events is also useful because it enables reminders and notifications when the event starts. The deck also notes that Discord timestamps display in each member’s local time.

Checking if the game server is online

Before getting in game, members can use the Discord to see whether the VWA servers are online, which map or mission is running, who is flying, the server IP, whether a password is set, and when the next restart is coming. The guide notes that VWA servers restart every six hours, so checking the Runtime | Restart information before flying is recommended. That helps avoid joining just before a restart.

First thing to do!

A good first step is: accept the rules, get your roles sorted out, introduce yourself in #general or your branch general channel, browse and follow the channels you care about, use the support channels when you need help, and keep an eye on events and server status before you fly.