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Real cockpit simulators are hugely expensive. Are you contemplating new or used equipment? Are you looking for the latest simulators say for B757, 767, 777, A320, A340 or would you be happy with some old DC10 or 727 simulators? Entertainment is entertainment....

As far as the second plan to have 'training and briefing rooms' you may need to think twice as you could be entering into FAA regulated areas (such as flight training). Without an FAA flight training certificate (then you would be a flight school) you cannot conduct simulator sessions for pilot training purposes. Even the APPEARANCE of flight training could land you in super hot water.

When you mention 'higher fidelity simulators' are you talking about the latest and greatest? Simulators cost upwards of several million dollars.

Being a newbie is OK....however you really need to get some real 'aircraft world' advice. It seems like you want to do a lot of things...some of which you are not certificated (yes it's a word in my world) to do.

If it was me....I would look into purchasing one DC10 and one 727 simulator. These aircraft each have three engines and the DC10 has an odd gear configuration. Skip the 'briefing rooms', training rooms, and high fidelity simulators. I am not even sure that you can purchase these at this time. The object is for people to have fun...not you getting caught in a regulatory nightmare...which is where you are headed.

In case you are wondering...I used to work at a little airline called Braniff in Aircraft Maintenance Planning and Records.

Yes i heard about deregulation and HUBS.

Braniff went bankrupt in Dec of 83. When did you fly with them??

LUCKIEST

Additional connections/considerations for your early planning might be museums and schools. For instance, if you have an air museum or hands-on science center in your area, either one might be a good place to contact -- you could help draw visitors (because you'd be something new to experience), so they could help promote you and get the word out. It sounds like there could be an educational "middle ground" that lies between regulated flight training and carnival ride amusement -- in which case local school districts may be interested. Texas (and especially your area where so much rebuilding is in progress), may not be the best place to find public funding or support for something like that right now -- but if you know of a local company that sponsors things like math and science fairs, Discovery channel and PBS broadcasts, magnet school programs, etc. you might approach that firm with a proposal seeking private sponsorship (which would also give you a corporate connection for your second stage expansion). Hope that helps. Best wishes.