Warren Dunning

yelled Sams Valley area resident Warren Dunning, a pilot who owns of the old Link trainer simulator that was originally used to prepare fighter pilots for aerial battles in World War II.
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"The old airplanes had needle, ball and compass - that was flying by the seat of your pants," explained Dunning, 71.

He bought two trainers from a fellow in Ashland, then worked with the local chapters of the Civil Air Patrol and the Experimental Aircraft Association to put together a simulator.

Mardell Day, 75, a member of the EAA, was helping set up the simulator this week at SOHS.He and fellow EAA members have spruced up the simulator a bit, adding a propeller and wheels.

Day also replaced some old parts to keep the trainer functioning properly.For instance, he put in a small air compressor to replace an old vacuum pump.

"This was a great tool for training during World War II," Dunning said."They had short ground schools in those days because there was such a demand for pilots.

"Originally, it was an instrument-rated trainer with a canopy and door that enclosed you in complete darkness," he added.

Outside were controls for the instructor to put the trainee through his or her paces.

"The instructor could program different scenarios - lightning, wind, probably a blown out tire," he said.