Pre-Flight Operations Management Online Training Simulation Game

Designing Digitally, Inc. partnered with Virgin Galactic to develop a comprehensive one-hour, 3D real-time strategy (RTS) game that simulates the intricacies of the 14-day pre-flight maintenance process. In this immersive, single-player simulation, learners take on the crew chief and head engineer role, responsible for orchestrating every aspect of pre-launch operations. The game puts players at the helm of the entire pre-launch team, including space wrenches (technicians), inspectors, managers, and support staff, all while managing shifts, processes, and potential risks.

Players are tasked with allocating and managing their team’s resources wisely. They must assign the right personnel—each with specific skills and experience levels—to handle Maintenance Task Cards (MTCs) that span different systems on both SpaceShip and MotherShip. Effective leadership is crucial: players balance various factors such as team fatigue, individual expertise, and the complexity of tasks.

Beyond personnel management, the simulation challenges learners to make critical decisions that impact timeframes, budgets, and overall mission readiness. Every choice, from deploying more experienced engineers to specific tasks to scheduling shift rotations, affects the efficiency and safety of the operation.
Risk management is central to the gameplay. As the head engineer, players must anticipate and mitigate risks, including mechanical issues, distractions, resource shortages, and time pressure.

The game introduces real-world error-producing conditions, such as a sudden influx of tasks or high-priority maintenance emergencies, that force players to adapt their strategy on the fly. Managing costs and resources effectively is another vital element, as learners must decide when to allocate an extra budget for specialized tools or additional shifts to stay on schedule.

The game intricately weaves the principles of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) “Dirty Dozen” human error preconditions into its scenarios. By addressing factors like lack of communication, pressure, and fatigue, the simulation creates a highly realistic learning environment that mirrors the most impactful issues faced in the aerospace and aviation industry. These elements compel players to understand the real-world consequences of human error and take proactive measures to prevent them.