NFA The Facility

Simulation & Immersion Center

Joint Operations Centers (JOC)

Fully one half of the flight simulation experience – the command and control element designed to be absolutely critical to achieving mission objectives – will be found in six Joint Operations Centers, or JOCs (pronounced “jocks”). One squadron of 11 student aviators will sit in an ultra-realistic and technologically advanced shipboard style command and control environment, complete with subdued blue lighting, tiered seating, and large projection screen situational awareness displays. Students will be given the opportunity to take charge as the Watch Captain and Tactical Coordinator (TACO, pronounced “tack oh”), helping their fellow squadron-mates command and control – all in real time through voice and data streams – virtual aircraft flown by their peers in up to 42 networked flight simulators. Although this all will occur under the watchful eye of a dedicated facilitator per squadron, the NFA experience is designed to maximize self-directed execution and open-ended decision-making which will assist students in developing real-time problem solving strategies, polishing communications skills, and honing their leadership potential in, at times by design, a hectic and stressful but fun and engaging synthetic learning environment.

All six JOCs are located on the second deck of the National Flight Academy, in immediate proximity of the other Carrier Air Group (CAG) workspaces. The space is designed to fit comfortably one squadron that is centered around multiple computer work stations and graphics displays. Detailed set design and artistic treatment will lend a shipboard look and feel, complete from ergonomically-designed computer work stations, to multiple large-format video displays and interactive smart boards like one would find on a modern U.S. Navy warship.

Ready Rooms (RR)

An important aspect of the overall experience is holding academic seminars, but instead of using traditional methodologies in a classroom-like setting, the NFA will cloak its academics in “mission briefs” and “mission debriefs,” held in ultra-realistically simulated and technologically advanced aircraft carrier Ready Room environments. To this end, six Ready Rooms – referred to as “Ready One” through “Ready Six,” as fully electronic classrooms are designed to facilitate quick and effective instruction within the framework of a wider, overall synthetic learning environment, complete with full distance learning broadcasting capability.

All six Ready Rooms are located on the second deck of the National Flight Academy, in immediate proximity of the other Carrier Air Group (CAG) workspaces. A Ready Room is designed to fit comfortably a total of 25 people. Detailed set design and artistic treatment will make it an archetypical naval aviation ready room, complete with ergonomically-designed and integral chairs/desk units, advanced technology video displays and interactive smart boards.

Joint Intelligence Centers (JIC)

The NFA experience is designed to be fully and intensively immersive, using latest multi-modal technologies, simulation engineering, and artistic set design to deliver a captivating “best-in-the-world” learning experience rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

The Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) provides a facilitated and themed work environment to encourage and enhance creative problem-solving. These “digital laboratory” environments contain reference materials and storage, ample horizontal work space, dedicated internet-enabled work stations, large screen static and digitally interactive status boards, and the latest in Smart Technologies white boards. Two squadrons will comfortably plan fun and exciting missions here after briefing and prior to execution in the Joint Operations Centers and flight simulation bays.

The centerpiece and focal planning tool of each JIC is a standup D-PIMP – a Digital Personally Interactive Mission Planning table, a fully touch controlled and digitally manipulated tabletop that replaces traditional paper charts, protractors and rulers in a truly paperless environment. Missions planned interactively on the D-PIMP can then be projected on the JIC bulkhead for group review, shared with other squadrons or teammates in other spaces throughout the NFA with a simple flick of a hand, and even downloaded directly to simulator cabs in preparation for actually flying that mission.

All JICs will be fully outfitted with theatrical effects and set design consistent with similarly functional spaces one would find aboard modern aircraft carriers.

Other Facility Features

Recreation & Leisure Rooms

The National Flight Academy (NFA) will house up to 264 persons during a week-long, in-residence educational program. The NFA experience is designed to be fully and intensively immersive, using latest multi-modal technologies and simulation engineering to deliver a captivating “best-in-the-world” experience rooted in education.

An important aspect of the overall experience, is social networking and development, coupled with team-building activities. To this end, various spaces have been designed into the NFA to facilitate social interaction and allow for leisure and recreational activities during down-time outside of the formal NFA program.

On each berthing deck there are two Recreation & Leisure Rooms. These rooms, one each per berthing quad and serving up to 66 students, is centrally located but not in immediate proximity to berthing spaces. Large store-front windows look out over each berthing quad’s lounge area, and engineered walls serve as a sound buffer. Inside, students will find extensive vending, recreational activities such as Foosball and tabletop shuffleboard, and leisure activities such as pinball and card tables. In summary, the Recreation and Leisure Rooms are designed to allow NFA students to have fun with other shipmates in a designated and custom-designed area during their stay.

Sick Bay

The NFA will provide basic sick-call services through a full-time Registered Nurse and additional part-time Licensed Practical Nurses. The Sick Bay will include medicinal storage, including refrigeration and secured facilities, for those students who require specialized medicines.

The nurse’s station will be broken into two areas: reception and sick bays. Reception will have guest seating and a typical reception transaction countertop. Holding capacity is three bunk-beds with waterproof mattresses, each with a guest chair and privacy curtain. Safety and medical care will be based on requirements set forth by the American Camping Association.

NFA staff will be trained and certified in American Red Cross CPR and Emergency Response. Naval Air Station Pensacola can provide 24/7 trained medical professional response for any actual emergency situations.

Security

As the central monitoring space for the entire facility, the NFA Security Office will house two work stations for security staff, with ceiling and/or wall-mounted CCTV monitors and electronic storage devices. Guest seating will be provided to serve as a temporary holding area separate and secure from the rest of the facility.

Full-time, 24/7 physical and virtual security will be provided throughout the facility when programs are in session. Access to the NFA, especially the berthing and academic floors, are monitored and closely controlled by proximity card readers. Common areas and all hallways will be monitored by security cameras. Safety and medical care will be based on requirements set forth by the American Camping Association.

Galley & Mess Decks

The Galley & Mess Decks include a large servery, a modern full-service kitchen and a fully simulated shipboard 168-seat dining facility. The dining area has large storefront windows overlooking the plaza and into the National Naval Aviation Museum’s “Blue Angel Atrium,” creating a unique, fun, and enjoyable experience. While the actual seating is complete with full ship scenic design and treatment, the focus of the kitchen and servery is on functionality and efficiency during meal service. The galley will also include a large screen audio-visual projection system for large audience presentations.