Developing a High-Fidelity Simulation Lab: Challenges and Lessons Learned

With a decade of experience, the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) NASA FOCUS (Flight Operations Center- Unified Simulation) lab is a vital part of the educational experience for senior aerospace students. The NASA FOCUS Lab is a high fidelity simulation of a flight dispatch center in a collegiate setting. Students are trained in specific positions in the lab and must operate within a complex team environment to run the virtual airline within their shift. The purpose of the lab is to provide a learning platform for students to practice the requisite teamwork skills necessary to effectively work in airline operations. Designing effective simulation experiences and providing adequate performance feedback is complex. This paper discusses some of the challenges we encountered and lessons learned through a ten-year span of operation and refinement. By presenting this information, it may help future researchers in the design and development of high-fidelity simulation labs