This gallery focuses on the development and use of flight training aids to advance the safety and reliability of manned flight. Flight simulators are used for a variety of reasons, including flight training (mainly of pilots), for design and development of the aircraft itself, and for research into aircraft characteristics and control handling qualities. Several different devices are utilized in modern flight training. Cockpit procedures demonstration trainers are used to practice basic cockpit procedures, such as processing emergency checklists, and for cockpit familiarization.
Flight Trainer Gallery

Did you know?
Edwin Link invented the first flight simulator in 1929 using bellows parts borrowed from his father's organ (the musical instrument) manufacturing company to complete his machine. During World War Two, Link sold more than 10,000 trainers to the military. Today fewer than 140 are thought to remain.
About this gallery
The Link Army-Navy Trainer model 18 (AN-T-18) is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. All other artifacts are on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

