Link Trainer Flight Simulator

The Link Trainer Flight Simulator

Link Trainer Flight Simulator on Exhibit © NAS Fort Lauderdale Museum.

The Link Trainer, also known as the Blue Box and Pilot Trainer was a flight simulator produced between the early 1930's based on technology pioneered in 1929 by Edwin Albert Link. These simulators became famous during World War II, when they were used as a key pilot training aid by almost every combatant nation. More than 500,000 U.S pilots were trained on Link simulators, many of them at the NAS Fort Lauderdale. The Link Flight Trainer has been designated as an Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The Link Company is now a part of L-3 Communications and continues to make aerospace simulators.

The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale was instrumental as thousands of men and women who went off to war received their training here. Most importantly, was the use of the Naval Air Station for training pilots and air crews on the specialized Grumman Avenger TBF/TBM torpedo bomber, which was the largest single engine plane used during the war. The Avenger was the first design to feature a new wing-folding mechanism created by Grumman, intended to maximize storage space on an aircraft carrier. Ground school at NAS Fort Lauderdale included extensive instruction in navigation, relating to the TBF/TBM Avenger. This was done on the "Link Trainer Building #8" (which houses this Museum). The building had eight Link Trainer Flight Simulators during the course of World War II. At this school, an Ensign (cadet) learned to navigate Avenger aircraft with the help of this simulator. Ensign George H.W. Bush (former U.S President), and also the crew of Flight 19, were instructed to navigate TBM/TBF Avengers in this same Building. A preserved Link Trainer is on exhibit at this Museum. Capt. Carl Bork, a former Naval Aviator, located and purchased a WWII Link Trainer in New York. It was retrieved by Davie Police Officer Mike McGee, who traveled to Long Island and then delivered it to the Museum in August 2007.

A 1945 Link Trainer Flight Simulator - Restoration
by Navy Heritage Project: June to July 2008

Participants from the VTU0808G Navy Reservist Unit: CAPT Scott Hahn , CAPT Stephen Schaffer, CAPT Michael McGehee, Chief Deborah Kriege, CDR Rey Horta, CDR Mike Fleming (Ret), CDR Rich Silva, HM2 Richard McGowan, CAPT Jeff Jerome (Ret), Catherine Weidman USN, MAC Patrick Bowden, also NASFL Museum volunteers John Casey, Ray Rivera, Karl Bork, Mike McGee, and Walter Houghton.

CLASSROOM FLIGHT - The ubiquitous Link trainer is the airman's cockpit-on-the-ground. Beneath its hood he learns to navigate by instrument. The flight simulator is used by veteran and fledgling alike at every Naval Air Station. To some extent, the Link is likewise utilized as a primary training aid for aviation cadets. When the hood is in place, the pilot simulates actual flight "flying" by instrument as his "course" is recorded on the operator's desk.

- Click on images to enlarge and read descriptions -

Allan McElhiney: One Man's Vision

This Museum began with the vision of one man, who was a sailor in World War II. Nothing in the history of the City of Fort Lauderdale had greater impact in its growth and prosperity than its Naval Air Station, which was established in 1942. After the war, returning veterans created a population explosion in the area that dwarfed the 1920's land boom. This naval base provided an important catalyst for the growth and economic expansion of South Florida. Recognizing this fact, the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Historical Association can be traced to one man: Allan McElhiney who devoted much of his life to preserve a part of its history. When the war ended, the base closed its doors and the buildings were all but forgotten. Progress was about to eradicate the past to make way for a new Airport, but thanks to the long fight of a visionary man who saw the significance of safeguarding a bygone era, a Naval Museum was established.

With more than 100 vintage images from the WWII Period. This book is the inspirational story of one man who's commitment to the cause of preservation has encouraged many to look into our past, to safeguard our future.

The book is available in Softcover for $16.99 and Hardcover for $24.99 from Lulu Press and it's now available at AMAZON. You can also order it from your local bookstore. All proceeds from this book will go directly to the Museum, a Non-Profit Organization.