High Training Costs for Air Force Maintainers Stagnated Growth and Caused Frequent Quality Escapes
Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (ALC), located at Warner Robins Air Force Base, faced critical workforce challenges in its aircraft maintenance operations. Traditional recruiting methods failed to capture the advanced, technical nature of the work, making it hard to attract top talent. Training approaches were outdated, leading to disengagement and high attrition among skilled maintainers.
Additionally, the organization struggled with high costs and safety risks: transporting personnel for live aircraft training was both expensive and logistically impractical. Inadequate or hazardous training environments increased the likelihood of errors, quality escapes, and operational delays; impacting both mission readiness and employee morale. Workers also had limited options to explore different maintenance specialties, stalling professional growth and weakening long-term retention.
Increase in Training Output
Better Training Opportunities Improve Outcomes Across the Board
To address these pain points, Warner Robins ALC partnered with Moth+Flame to implement virtual reality–based training as a transformational approach to recruiting, upskilling, and workforce development.
Recruitment: VR tools showcased advanced maintenance operations in a compelling, hands‑on format. Prospective recruits could virtually troubleshoot aircraft systems and experience depot-level responsibilities early, positioning the role as a dynamic, high-tech career path.
Training & Retention: Maintainers participated in adaptive VR modules enabling repeated practice of complex procedures in risk‑free settings. This led to quicker learning and stronger retention, reporting up to 50% reductions in training time and marked improvements in skill accuracy and preparedness
Safety & Cost Efficiency: VR-driven simulations reduced dependencies on physical aircraft for training—minimizing wear-and-tear, avoiding hazardous live drills, and lowering material and logistical costs.
Career Growth: Moth+Flame offered a low-barrier method for cross-training in specialty roles without requiring additional hardware or aircraft, empowering maintainers to explore new career avenues and enhancing employee engagement
Reduction in Training Time
Big Efficiency Gains in Time and Money
By implementing Moth+Flame, Warner Robins ALC saw measurable improvements in workforce outcomes and operational efficiency:
↑ 400% Increase in Training Output
↓ 50% Reduction in Training Time
↓ 85% Reduction in Quality Escapes (i.e., post-inspection defects)
↓ 20% Reduction in Training Costs