Link, Edwin Albert (1904-1981), an American inventor and businessman, developed the mechanical trainer, a machine that imitates many of the conditions of aircraft flight, yet is permanently attached to the ground. He built his first trainer in 1929, and received his first military order for six units in 1934. During World War II, thousands of Link trainers taught aviators to fly “blind.” This ground training saved millions of dollars by reducing the flying time required to train a pilot. Link’s company also produced elaborate trainers used by the crews of jet aircraft. He was born at Huntington, Indiana.
