Simcom, has just expanded into a former Lockheed Martin facility in Orlando. The company also has sites in Vero Beach (for Piper Aircraft) and in Arizona. The company operates 30 simulators, all manufactured in-house, covering an array of small to medium-size aircraft, from the obscure (Extra 400 and Mitsubishi Diamond) to current Cessna Citation, Hawker, Pilatus and Socata models. Established in 1989, and with 170 employees, the company's focus remains the owner-flown, single-turboprop market. The 7,000 pilots who pass through its doors each year are typically experienced pilots who are stepping up to larger aircraft or want a Simcom training certificate to validate their insurance. "We are at the value end of the market, personalised for the customer. That's our differential," says chief executive Wally David.However, the company is looking at other markets. It recently began offering training on two niche regional aircraft: the Dornier 328Jet and BAe Jetstream 41 - housed at the former Lockheed Martin facility. Very light jets are another opportunity. It already operates seven business jet simulators and David believes VLJs such as the Eclipse 500, Cessna Mustang and Embraer Phenom 100 are a logical next step for many of the company's customers.
