I have formed a company with a couple of cockpit builders and we are opening a flight sim centre next year.
Initially we are planning to have a B777-200 simulator and possibly a Hawk simulator and if the venture takes off we will be adding an A320 series sim and a virtual cabin. The cabin will be used for "fear of flying" courses where customers can experience a virtual flight without actually leaving the ground.
Back to the sim - it will be accurate to the last dial, with quality authentic replica parts for everything from the throttles to the overhead back-lit switches - nothing homebuilt here!
Whilst the sim won't be full-motion (yet) it will incorporate a 180 degree visual system and motorised seats which respond to bumps on the ground etc so the feeling of motion will be there.
The sim will be hired out at a fraction of the cost of the existing glass-cockpit simulators on the market today and will be available 7 days per week.
The location of our flight centre is likely to be in the North-west of England but not confirmed yet.
We will be advertising in the spotter mags as well as Pilot magazine once we are open.