Flight Simulator [Link Trainer]
Maker and role
Link Aviation Devices, Incorporated, Manufacturer
National Airways Corporation, Commissioned by
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Object detail
Accession number
2004.300
Production period
Description
An aviation trainer, not resembling a particular type of aircraft, it is used to train pilots of all types of aircraft. Box-shaped fuselage with monoplane wings and a tail assembly. The cockpit is enclosed with a clear Perspex canopy. The trainer is fixed to a black revolving drum and this sits on a black metal box filled with electrical circuitry. The aircraft is linked to an instrument panel located nearby on a table. There are 4 dials on the rectangular, grey wooden box. From left to right the dials are: Air Speed, Landing Path, Altitude, Vertical Speed.
Colours: Blue, red, silver, white, black. (Blue fuselage, silver wings, red rudder).
Colours: Blue, red, silver, white, black. (Blue fuselage, silver wings, red rudder).
Brief History
The Link Trainer was used for the instruction of visual flight, teaching the pilot how to fly in situations where he or she could not see, including fog, darkness and blizzards. It would have been used by most trainee pilots in Air Forces all over the world, especially during the World War II period.
The Link Trainer was used in New Zealand to train both military and civil pilots, and this one was used by an aero club and by the National Airways Corporation.
Before the Trainer was invented ‘blind flying’ was taught hands-on in the air, with the pilot, an instructor, and a hood over the cockpit of the plane. This would take 8 to 10 hours. With the Trainer, pilots learned blind flying safely, by themselves, and in half the time.
It was designed in the 1930s by American Edward Link who operated a flying school. His father ran a factory which made organs and Edward adapted the techniques of pumps and bellows to simulate the pitching, turning and banking of an aircraft. So realistic was the Trainer’s representation of rough flying that some trainee pilots had to be helped out of the cockpit, airsick.
This Link Trainer had been used by National Airways Corporation.
The Link Trainer was used in New Zealand to train both military and civil pilots, and this one was used by an aero club and by the National Airways Corporation.
Before the Trainer was invented ‘blind flying’ was taught hands-on in the air, with the pilot, an instructor, and a hood over the cockpit of the plane. This would take 8 to 10 hours. With the Trainer, pilots learned blind flying safely, by themselves, and in half the time.
It was designed in the 1930s by American Edward Link who operated a flying school. His father ran a factory which made organs and Edward adapted the techniques of pumps and bellows to simulate the pitching, turning and banking of an aircraft. So realistic was the Trainer’s representation of rough flying that some trainee pilots had to be helped out of the cockpit, airsick.
This Link Trainer had been used by National Airways Corporation.
Marks
LINK Printed
"KOLLSMAN INSTRUMENT COMPANY / ELMHURST, NEW YORK". Maker's Mark
"WESTERN ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENT CORP., NEWARK. N.J., U.S.A." Maker's Mark
LINK AVIATION DEVICES, INC. / BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - U.S.A. / TRAINER No D-SP 2296R1464 / CONTRACT No BAM 669 EX 76 Maker's Mark
LINK AVIATION DEVICES, INC. / BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - U.S.A. / TRAINER No D-SP 1493 / CONTRACT No BAM 669 EX 76 Maker's Mark
"C/O / RNZAF / AUCKLAND / WIGRAM / WT 18165" "HANDLE CARFULLY" Label
SPENCER TURBO - COMPRESSOR / MADE BY / THE SPENCER TURBINE COMPANY / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / LOT No 31649 SERIAL No 37498 / [...]" Maker's Plate
"KOLLSMAN INSTRUMENT COMPANY / ELMHURST, NEW YORK". Maker's Mark
"WESTERN ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENT CORP., NEWARK. N.J., U.S.A." Maker's Mark
LINK AVIATION DEVICES, INC. / BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - U.S.A. / TRAINER No D-SP 2296R1464 / CONTRACT No BAM 669 EX 76 Maker's Mark
LINK AVIATION DEVICES, INC. / BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - U.S.A. / TRAINER No D-SP 1493 / CONTRACT No BAM 669 EX 76 Maker's Mark
"C/O / RNZAF / AUCKLAND / WIGRAM / WT 18165" "HANDLE CARFULLY" Label
SPENCER TURBO - COMPRESSOR / MADE BY / THE SPENCER TURBINE COMPANY / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / LOT No 31649 SERIAL No 37498 / [...]" Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Link Aviation Devices, Incorporated et al. Flight Simulator [Link Trainer], 2004.300. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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