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Link trainer

Link trainer

7.7
A machine that copies how a plane moves to train pilots
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : Link trainer
  • During World War II, thousands of pilots trained using the Link trainer before flying real aircraft.

Examples

  • The museum had a restored Link trainer on display, highlighting its importance in aviation history.

  • Learning to operate a Link trainer was often a pilot's first step toward getting their wings.

  • The Link trainer was crucial in pilot training during the 1950s.

  • Many link trainers were used in flight schools across the country.

  • During World War II, thousands of pilots trained using the Link trainer before flying real aircraft.

  • Learning to operate a Link trainer was often a pilot's first step toward getting their wings.

  • The museum had a restored Link trainer on display, highlighting its importance in aviation history.

Synonyms

trainer
vsLink trainer
  • Specialized
8 5.8

A machine on the ground that simulates flying to teach pilots

is older mechanical equipment focusing on basic controls and motion
flight simulator
vsLink trainer
  • Specialized
5 3.5

A machine on the ground that copies the feeling of flying a plane for training

is an older mechanical system emphasizing basic controls and movement

How Realistic

flight simulator
  • Specialized
5 3.5
Link trainer
  • Archaic
7.7

Surface Forms

link trainer singular
link trainers plural

Morphology

Link + trainer

The second element 'trainer' transparently signals a device used for training (so a learner can infer it is some kind of training apparatus), but the capitalized 'Link' is a proper name/brand (the inventor/company) and does not convey the device's function or historical sense. Because learners can guess it is a type of trainer but cannot derive the specific meaning (‘early mechanical flight simulator’) from the parts alone, the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Link trainer is named after its inventor, Edwin Link, and was a small moving cabin called a trainer that copied how a real plane felt. Pilots sat inside and practiced the controls, so the name now means 'a machine for training pilots'.