The Link Trainer, such as the one in the CATP Museum, was an attempt to train pilots on the ground rather than in the air. The relative cost saving was significant, and the Link could duplicate most of the manoeuvres of a flying plane, including climbs, dives, banks and even spins.
The Link was used at Initial Flying Training School to test coordination and again later, at Elementary and Service Flying Training Schools as a teaching aid for instrument (blind) flying by using the hood to provide isolation.
The Link Trainer, manufactured by Link Aviation Devices in New York, was developed in the 1930’s. The Link was used even after the Second World War until it was succeeded by more sophisticated simulators. The complexity of this new generation of trainers paralleled the development of modern aircraft.
Follow these links to learn more about the use of the Link Trainer. Below the links are 2 videos and photos of the Museum’s Link Trainer Display
- Story of Margaret Littlewood, Link Instructor
- Flight simulators (Dunnville Museum)
- Wikipedia entry on the Link
- About the Link from Vintage Wings
Photos of the CATP Museum’s Link Trainer
A few videos about the Link Trainer
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial 