Flight Sim Central Virtual Airline

GDPR Privacy Policy & Data Protection

1. Introduction

Flight Sim Central Virtual Airline ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, and safeguard your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.

This policy applies to all personal data we process about our members, website visitors, and anyone who interacts with our services through www.flightsimcentral.org.

2. Data Controller Information

Flight Sim Central Virtual Airline

• Website: www.flightsimcentral.org

• Email: paul@flightsimcentral.org

3. Personal Data We Collect

3.1 Registration and Membership Data

• Full name and preferred name

• Email address

• Date of birth

• Country of residence

• IVAO/VATSIM ID numbers

• Discord usernames

• Flight simulation Discord server level

3.2 Flight Operations Data

• Flight logs and reports

• Aircraft type ratings and certifications

• Training records and assessments

• Performance metrics and statistics

• Route preferences and flight history

3.3 Communication Data

• Messages sent through our platforms

• Forum posts and comments

• Support ticket communications

• Event participation records

3.4 Technical Data

• IP addresses and browser information

• Website usage analytics

• Login timestamps and session data

• Device and connection information

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

4.1 Legitimate Interest

• Managing virtual airline operations

• Maintaining flight records and statistics

• Improving our services and user experience

• Network security and fraud prevention

4.2 Contractual Necessity

• Processing membership applications

• Providing access to our services

• Managing training and certifications

• Facilitating network integrations

4.3 Consent

• Marketing communications (where opted-in)

• Optional data sharing with partner organizations

• Non-essential cookies and tracking

4.4 Legal Obligation

• Compliance with aviation simulation network requirements

• Responding to legal requests

• Maintaining records as required by law

5. How We Use Your Data

5.1 Primary Purposes

• Membership Management: Processing applications, maintaining member records, managing active/inactive status

• Flight Operations: Tracking flights, maintaining logbooks, processing certifications and ratings

• Communication: Sending operational updates, training notifications, and community announcements

• Training & Development: Providing instruction, tracking progress, issuing certifications

• Network Integration: Facilitating connections with IVAO, VATSIM, and other simulation networks

5.2 Secondary Purposes

• Analytics: Understanding usage patterns to improve our services

• Community Building: Facilitating member interactions and group events

• Quality Assurance: Monitoring compliance with our rules and regulations

• Support Services: Providing technical assistance and resolving issues

6. Data Sharing and Third Parties

6.1 Partner Networks

We may share limited data with:

• IVAO: Member IDs and callsign information for network integration

• Partner Virtual Airlines: Basic contact information for joint operations (with consent)

6.2 Service Providers

We work with trusted service providers who process data on our behalf:

• Web Hosting Services: For website and database hosting

• Communication Platforms: Discord, TeamSpeak, or similar services

• Analytics Providers: For website usage analysis (anonymized where possible)

6.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal data when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations

• Protect our rights and property

• Ensure member and community safety

• Respond to valid legal requests

7. Data Retention

7.1 Active Members

• Personal data retained while membership remains active

• Flight records maintained for operational continuity

• Communication data kept for 2 years unless legally required longer

7.2 Inactive/Former Members

• Essential records retained for 3 years after account closure

• Flight logs may be anonymized and retained for statistical purposes

• Personal identifiers removed after retention period

7.3 Legal Requirements

Some data may be retained longer when required by:

• Legal obligations

• Legitimate business interests

• Dispute resolution needs

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

8.1 Right of Access

• Request copies of your personal data

• Understand how your data is being processed

• Receive information about data sharing

8.2 Right to Rectification

• Correct inaccurate personal data

• Complete incomplete personal data

• Update outdated information

8.3 Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten")

• Request deletion of your personal data

• Subject to legal and legitimate business requirements

• May impact ability to provide services

8.4 Right to Restrict Processing

• Limit how we use your personal data

• Temporary restriction during dispute resolution

• Permanent restriction in specific circumstances

8.5 Right to Data Portability

• Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

• Transfer data to another service provider

• Applies to data provided with consent or for contract performance

8.6 Right to Object

• Object to processing based on legitimate interests

• Object to direct marketing communications

• Object to automated decision-making

8.7 Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making

• Not be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing

• Understand the logic behind automated decisions

• Request human intervention when appropriate

9. Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of your rights:

1. Submit a Request: Email privacy@flightsimcentral.org with your request

2. Verify Identity: Provide sufficient information to verify your identity

3. Specify Your Request: Clearly state which right you wish to exercise

4. Response Time: We will respond within 30 days (may be extended in complex cases)

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data:

10.1 Technical Measures

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest

• Secure hosting with reputable providers

• Regular security updates and patches

• Access controls and authentication systems

10.2 Organizational Measures

• Staff training on data protection

• Access limitation on a need-to-know basis

• Regular security audits and assessments

• Incident response procedures

11. International Data Transfers

When we transfer data outside the European Economic Area (EEA):

• We ensure adequate protection through appropriate safeguards

• We use Standard Contractual Clauses or other approved mechanisms

• We conduct transfer impact assessments where required

12. Cookies and Tracking

12.1 Essential Cookies

• Required for website functionality

• Session management and security

• Cannot be disabled without affecting service

12.2 Analytics Cookies

• Website usage statistics (anonymized)

• Performance monitoring

• Requires consent - can be managed in cookie preferences

12.3 Third-Party Cookies

• Social media integration

• External service functionality

• Subject to third-party privacy policies

13. Children's Privacy

Flight Sim Central does not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16 without parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected such data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our practices

• Legal or regulatory updates

• New features or services

Significant changes will be communicated through:

• Email notifications to members

• Prominent website notices

• Updated version dating

15. Contact Information

General Privacy Inquiries:

Email: privacy@flightsimcentral.org

Supervisory Authority:

You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we have not handled your personal data appropriately.

16. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of May 25, 2025, and replaces any previous versions.

Document Information:

• Last Updated: May 25, 2025

• Version: 3.0

• Next Review Date: May 25, 2026

Flight Sim Central Virtual Airline is committed to transparency and protecting your privacy. If you have any questions about this policy or our data practices, please don't hesitate to contact us.