Make aerial maneuvers at 600 knots while fighting air-to-air combat in a fighter jet, or take the controls of a Boeing 737. No, this is not the next action thriller, it’s the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center in Anaheim, Calif.
“After receiving a classroom briefing, guests don flight suits and climb into F-16 cockpits implemented with a user-controlled system, including a throttle, joystick and headset to communicate with ‘command’ and fellow pilots,” said Paul Wigboldly, CEO at Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center. “Looking at a twelve-foot-wide projected image, they are immediately transported into their own virtual world of flight.”
With capacity for up to 64 participants, groups are divided into squadrons of six to eight and start by suiting up, then they have a quick cockpit lesson and take to the skies. After the missions are complete, there is a group debriefing, scoring review and awards presentation.
For teambuilding, there are six competitive options to choose from on either the eight fighter jets or the Boeing 737. There are also options for programs before or after flight, like Aviation Jeopardy, which is modeled after the TV gameshow and Aircraft Factory Challenge that has teams assemble an aircraft model in stages. Each person has a piece and the leader is the only one with instructions.
While not channeling your inner Maverick, the Officers Club, or “O” Club, is a lounge space to watch teammates, listen to the aerial action and review your performance.
“Teams, or squadrons, strategize on the mission and work together to attack and defend against other in a full out dog fight. They use our state-of-the-art technology like real life aircraft detection and watch their missiles fly toward the enemy,” Wigboldly said.