The term Link Trainer, also known as the “Blue box” and “Pilot Trainer” is commonly used to refer to a series of flight simulators produced between the early 1930s and early 1950s by the Link Aviation Devices, Inc, founded and headed by Ed Link, based on technology he pioneered in 1929 at his family’s business in Binghamton, New York. During World War II, they were used as a key pilot training aid by almost every combatant nation.
July 2003: Donated by Robert L. Doerr or St. Clair Shores, MI. Robert’s father purchased the trainer at a Government auction WWII. It was damaged, in storage and in need of repair.
2006 – 2007: It was refurbished by Roy Dietz and Dan Wheaton
Displayed in memory of Roy Dietz. Roy lived in Oscoda Villages and had a pristine workshop in his garage. It was there that many hours were spent working on the Link Trainer, with the assistance of Bob Sanderson.
