Yep, it’s complicated the minute you sit down and start writing up some notes;
A320/ B738 cockpit build will steal £75K - at least - of that. Premises, Premises Insurance, Public Indemnity Insurance, Public Liability Insurance. Office Staff - manning the booking phone, meeting and greeting, etc.
Maybe a retired Airline Pilot or two to host the sim sessions from the right seat when you’re tired and are bogged down with paperwork.
Advertising, Web/ Social Media fees. Outreach to local/ National press to get the coverage and thus the bookings. . .the list goes on. Ask me how I know?
I built 3 on the P3D Commercial Licence Platform for flying schools.
It’s something you’ve got to be in to long term for you to make some cash - or you’re going to go bust really quite astonishingly quickly.
On the plus side - it’s a lovely way to make your passion your living. I’m kind of getting there but it’s taken me six years so far and there’s still a lot to do.