Three years ago, Aerial Engagement opened a public flight simulator studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since then, we have opened a second location at the Deer Valley Airport in nearby Phoenix. Our assumption was that instrument rated GA pilots would appreciate (and patronize) a place where they could shoot and log approaches for currency, do most of an IPC, or participate in training for their IFR rating. The cost is a fraction of plane rental and, because there is no taxiing or transit time, training is efficient and safe.

Here is the hurdle. Behavior is VERY hard to change. Once pilots and students visit and we demonstrate our capabilities, they say "I had no idea you could do this on a simulator!" (ours have authentic Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits, force feedback on the yokes - the real deal). Problem is cutting through all of the "noise" to get our message to the people who can benefit from our place. We really need independent CFII's (private contractors who aren't just 1,500 hours away from the airlines) to know about us and bring us students. I just lost 8 instructors who hit 1,500 and left.

Any suggestions how we can build to scale?