Data Handling & Privacy Policy

Who is responsible

Dutch Virtual Airlines (DutchVA) operates dutchva.com and the DVA Tracker. Questions, privacy requests and deletion requests can be sent to [email protected].

Information we process

• Account and profile: name, email address, DutchVA pilot ID, password hash, security settings, preferences, SimBrief Pilot ID and verified VATSIM CID or IVAO VID.
• Flights and operations: bookings, routes, OFP data, aircraft, timestamps, position reports, altitude, speed, fuel information, landing rate, PIREPs, operational checks, points, ranks and badges.
• Tracker and device: a separate pairing token, a hashed device fingerprint, simulator telemetry needed to track a flight, and diagnostic information needed to detect faults or rule violations.
• Technical and security: IP address, browser or client information, session and authentication records, application logs and essential cookies.
• Messages: information you submit through contact forms or in correspondence with DutchVA.

The tracker does not receive your DutchVA password and does not inspect unrelated files on your computer.

Why we use this information

We use the information to provide accounts and flight operations, generate and review PIREPs, show live and historical flights, calculate progress and awards, verify online-network participation, prevent abuse, secure and maintain the service, answer messages and meet legal obligations. Processing is based on providing the service you request, our legitimate interest in operating a safe and reliable community, and consent where you choose to link an optional external account.

VATSIM and IVAO account verification

When you choose to link an online-network account, you are sent to that network to sign in and approve access. DutchVA never receives your VATSIM or IVAO password. We request only the minimum identity information needed to confirm account ownership, then store the verified CID or VID and the verification date. Temporary OAuth codes, state values and access tokens used for the linking request are discarded when the link is completed and are not used to act as you on the network.

Linking is optional. You can unlink a network account through your DutchVA profile. Unlinking stops future verification and network-specific progress, but does not rewrite flight and badge history already earned legitimately.

Service providers and external services

Data is shared only where needed to operate a feature. This may include VATSIM or IVAO for account and network-presence verification, SimBrief for flight planning, Cloudflare for delivery and security, Zoho for operational email, and infrastructure providers that host or back up DutchVA. CARTO and OpenStreetMap provide map data and tiles. These providers process information under their own terms and privacy policies.

We do not sell personal information and do not use it for third-party advertising.

Visibility within DutchVA

Your pilot name or display name, pilot ID, public profile, flights, statistics, ranks and earned badges may be visible to other users. Email addresses, authentication details, device identifiers and security logs are not shown publicly.

Retention and security

Account, flight and achievement records are kept while your account is active and for as long as reasonably required to maintain an accurate operational history. Security and diagnostic records are retained only as long as needed for troubleshooting, abuse prevention and legal obligations. Backups are protected and expire through a rotating retention process.

DutchVA uses encrypted connections, access controls, hashed passwords, optional two-factor authentication and passkeys, restricted administration, monitoring and protected backups. No online service can guarantee absolute security.

Your choices and rights

You can update most profile information yourself and unlink optional network accounts. You may ask for access, correction, export, restriction or deletion of your personal information. Some flight records may need to be anonymised rather than removed where they are required for operational integrity, security or legal obligations.

Send requests to [email protected]. We may ask you to confirm your identity before completing a request.

Cookies and policy changes

DutchVA uses essential cookies and local browser storage for login sessions, security, preferences and functional map controls. We do not use advertising cookies. Material changes to this policy will be published on this page with a revised effective date.