Last spring you guys helped me pick out a high-def projector system,
with the intention of showing aviation movies in the hotel, for free,
every Tuesday night. Armed with your advice, I converted our meeting
room into a small, 25-seat theater, with surround-sound, for a very low
cost -- right around $2,000.

I also added a computer with MS Flight Simulator and X-Plane, with the
intention of letting folks "fly" the 104-inch screen as an in-house
flight simulator.

Just wanted to give you an update on how it's going:

We've shown 14 feature-length films (we've taken a few Tuesdays off),
an equal number of "specialty" aviation videos (documentaries, mostly),
and had one major "live" presentation (Bill Fox, the SR-71 Blackbird
expert who donated lots of stuff for our Blackbird Suite).

"Movie Night" has attracted a small group of dedicated aviation movie
regulars, and a larger number of occasional drop-ins, mostly from the
pilot community. Attendance has ranged from 4 to 30, depending on the
night. (A real trick, given our 25-seat capacity!)

The flight simulator has been a success, too, and has proven to be
quite popular. I haven't had time to add the "cockpit" and
yoke/pedals, but hopefully that will be added this winter.

Strangely, someone has always managed to smuggle adult beverages into
the theater, so no one is thirsty. We always provide snacks and soft
drinks, and someone usually leaves a few bucks on the table for us,
which generally covers the amenities.

In short, it's been great fun, and we've met a lot of great people
through this little side venture. Best of all, I was informed today
that our Chamber of Commerce is awarding us their coveted "Innovative
Business Award", at least partially because of our "Movie Night at the
Inn" program.

Has their been any downside? Well, some of the movies haven't been
great. "Blackhawk Down" was violent and depressing (and, of course,
that was the night we attracted some kids), and Frank Capra's "Prelude
to War" was almost unwatchably propagandistic. No one complains when
it's a free movie, but we still feel bad when the movie ends with a
groan.

On the other hand, Howard Hughes' "Hells Angels" was very well
received, as was "One Six Right" and the newly remastered "Spirit of
St. Louis". So things tend to even out.

I'm truly disappointed that Movie Night hasn't attracted younger folks.
As with general aviation as a whole, our regular crowd is older,
probably averaging 50+ years old. This is NOT the market we need to
attract, if we want GA to remain viable. We're hopeful that the
crowds will get younger over the winter, since there will be less
things to do in the evening when the weather gets cold.

As always, many thanks to everyone here for help and advice. The
equipment has proven to be easy to use and durable, the picture and
sound are hard to beat, and -- as always -- we're having a great time
with it!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"