Flying aircraft is an activity that requires a high degree of skill, exceptional concentration and confidence. These qualities must be gained before a pilot can execute them intuitively and deal with the pressure that comes with piloting aircraft. The high risk of fatality involved in gaining these skills by practical methods has seen the quest for human flight -- and the industry of flight -- create simulations in which the skills can be gained.

Flight simulation goes back as far as human flight itself. Indeed, it has even been suggested that the mythical story of Icarus could be seen as a warning that the skills of flight must be gained before one can attempt it. Ground based flight simulators, known as Sanders Teachers, were used prior to World War One, consisting of actual aircraft components, but tethered to the earth. During Word War One, the 'penguin system' was developed where trainee pilots would make gradually longer hops on the runway until they felt they had the confidence of achieve full flight. World War Two, where air superiority was paramount, saw much more advanced and comprehensive training for pilots, and simulators that mimicked real conditions more effectively and safely. Between 1926 and 1930 Edwin Link designed and built the first simulator using pneumatic mechanisms he obtained from his father's piano and organ company.

As aircraft became more sophisticated, and indeed commercialised, more sophisticated simulators were developed. The Museum holds a Link simulator from 1955 that was used by the RAAF to train pilots of Vampire jets (Powerhouse Museum object number B2472-1). The GAT-1 simulator was initially developed and produced in 1965; however, this example has been modified with more modern technology -- particularly digital computer technology, and even expanded from a single engine simulation to a twin engine simulation.

Reference: Page, Ray L, 'Brief History of Flight', www.siaa.asn.au/get, P1

Damian McDonald
April 2008

Produced by and for Link Group of General Precision Systems Inc, Binghamton, New York, USA, and other unknown manufacturers between 1965 and 2005.

These manuals were used with a GAT-1 flight simulator, which the early history of use is unknown, although it is thought to have been in use in a flying training school in Cessnock before being sold to the aviation college in Tamworth. It was purchased by Canberra-based electronics expert Rick Geary and sold to Basair Australia in 1997. Basair maintained it in use training advanced instrument flight students until 2004 when they retired it due to the difficulty and expense of keeping it serviceable. Basair have moved on to a purely digital IFT PRO instrument training program which, while not simulating aircraft motion, adequately synthesises instrument flight. During its period of ownership with Basair, Rick Geary continued his association with it carrying out a number of modifications, such as the addition of the digital computer and the change to twin engine configuration. It is understood that Rick Geary carried out specialised maintenance when required.

Manuals and ephemera (17), for GAT-1 Flight Simulator, paper / plastic / various makers and publishers, Australia / United States of America, 1965-2005

Various manuals and printed information for the operation of the GAT-1 Flight Simulator.

The manuals include:

2 x GAT 1 Operation and Maintenance manuals
1 x GAT G.A.T.A manual
1x GAT 1 System Board Layout Component Specification manual
1 x GAT 1 Detailed Descriptions manual
2 x Circuit Designs, System Descriptions, Test Point, Wave Forms manuals
1 x GAT 1B Operation and Maintenance manual
1 x Flight Map of Adelaide, SA, Australia
1 x Real Emergencies Checklist
1 x advertising material for International Simulations Corporation, Texas, USA
1 x advertising material for Jaycar Electronics, Australia
1 x GAT 1 Specifications for Flight and Navigation manual
1 x Roland Sketchmate Graphics Machine RP - 21G RP - 21W manual
1 x Roland X - Y Plotter DXY 1300/1200/1100 manual
2 x Computer Boards Inc. Utility Disk manuals

Made: General Precision Systems Limited; New York, New York, USA; 1965 - 2005


Used: Tamworth, New South Wales

2008/172/2

1965 - 2005