Privacy Policy

1Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to describe how Ross Carlson (“I,” “me,” or “my”) collects, uses, and shares personal information in connection with my flight simulation community projects.

2Covered Projects

This policy applies to the following projects (collectively, “the Services”):

• The vPilot client application
• The vPilot website
• The model matching database

Additional projects may be added to this list from time to time. Your use of the VATSIM network itself is governed separately by VATSIM’s own Privacy Policy and User Agreement.

3Information I Collect

3.1Sign-In via VATSIM Connect

Certain features of the Services require you to sign in using VATSIM Connect, VATSIM’s single sign-on service. When you sign in, VATSIM provides me with your VATSIM Certificate Identification (CID) number and, depending on the permissions you approve during sign-in, your name and email address. I do not receive or store your VATSIM password; authentication is handled entirely by VATSIM.

This information is used to identify you within the Services, associate your contributions and activity with your account, and contact you if necessary regarding your use of the Services.

3.2Information Sent by the vPilot Client

Each time the vPilot client application is started, it sends the following information to the vPilot website:

• Your VATSIM CID
• The callsign you most recently used
• The version number of the vPilot client you are running

This information is used to deliver software updates appropriate to your installation, to understand which versions of vPilot are in use, to gather aggregate usage statistics, and to assist with troubleshooting and support.

3.3VATSIM Credentials

3.4Log Files

Like most websites and online services, the Services record IP addresses in their server logs. IP addresses are used to analyze trends, administer the Services, diagnose problems, and protect the security of the Services. IP addresses may be linked to personally identifiable information for the purposes of security and abuse prevention.

3.5Cookies

The Services may use cookies. A cookie is a small piece of data stored on your device. Cookies are used to keep you signed in and to maintain your session while you use the Services. They are not used for advertising.

4How I Use and Share Information

I am the sole owner of the information collected through the Services. I will not sell, share, or rent this information to others in ways different from what is disclosed in this Privacy Policy.

I may share aggregated statistical information (for example, the number of users running a particular vPilot version) with third parties. Aggregated information is not linked to any personal information that can identify an individual person.

Please note that information you transmit to the VATSIM network while using the Services — such as your name, callsign, flight plans, and connection times — is collected and handled by VATSIM under its own Privacy Policy, and may be visible to other users and the general public via VATSIM data services. I have no control over how VATSIM or third parties handle that information.

5Links to External Websites

The Services contain links to third-party sites, including VATSIM. I am not responsible for the privacy practices or policies of other sites. I encourage you to read the privacy statements of every website that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by the Services.

6Security

I take every reasonable precaution to protect user information. Access to personally identifiable information is restricted to those who need it to operate and maintain the Services.

7Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time, including to add newly covered projects. Material changes will be reflected in an updated version number and effective date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

8Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or the information I hold about you, contact me at ross@metacraft.com.