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Oddball flying simulator seen in old movie

Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:00 pm

I am referring to the "Flight Tutor" seen in the 1932 movie "Emma" which was on TCM recently.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022854/

The first part of the movie had some great flying scenes with lots of old biplanes. Not sure where they were taken, perhaps Glendale/Grand Central?

Anyhow, in one scene, Emma is coerced into sitting in an odd gimaballed 3-axis flying simulator. It seems to be powered by an electric motor turning a fan at the front, features a 2-seat tandem cockpit, and has the normal style empennage with stub ailerons on the side of the fuselage. It is able to loop, roll and spin freely from the aerodynamic forces as demonstrated by "Emma" in the film.

Anyone have more info on this simulator? It looks like it would make a great amusement park ride!
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