Flight Tutor (1) - Revision history

Parkadmin at 05:44, 18 December 2025

2025-12-18T05:44:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:44, 18 December 2025
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	[[Category:Closed in 1931]]		[[Category:Closed in 1931]]

	{{#seo:\|description=The first Flight Tutor was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that were designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.}}		{{#seo:
	~~{{#seo:~~\|keywords=Flight Tutor, Aerotrainer, Orientator, Airplane Instructor, W. E. Hoffman, Springfield Welding and Supply Co., Air Craft Appliance Co., Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Columbus, Clintonville}}		\|title = Flight Tutor - Olentangy Park Wiki
			\|description = The first Flight Tutor was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that were designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.
			\|keywords = Flight Tutor, Aerotrainer, Orientator, Airplane Instructor, W. E. Hoffman, Springfield Welding and Supply Co., Air Craft Appliance Co., Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Columbus, Clintonville
			}}

Parkadmin: Updated SEO

2025-12-02T21:16:57Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 2 December 2025
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	Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/ "How to Fly Without Flying."] ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania).'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/ "Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills."] ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona).'' Sept. 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> double-tripod frame {{Tooltip \|text = 20 feet\|tooltip = 6.1 meters}} tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of {{Tooltip \|text = 70-150 mph\|tooltip = 113-241 kph}}.<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor ride was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />		Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/ "How to Fly Without Flying."] ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania).'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/ "Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills."] ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona).'' Sept. 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> double-tripod frame {{Tooltip \|text = 20 feet\|tooltip = 6.1 meters}} tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of {{Tooltip \|text = 70-150 mph\|tooltip = 113-241 kph}}.<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor ride was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />

	It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the Midway.<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Co. (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/ "Entertaining the Multitude."] ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/ "Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots."] ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).'' Nov. 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>[https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885 "Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation."] ''Open Corporates.'' Last modified Aug. 20, 2024.</ref>		It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the Midway.<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Co. (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/ "Entertaining the Multitude."] ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/ "Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots."] ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).'' Nov. 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>[https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885 "Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation."] ''Open Corporates.'' Last modified Aug. 20, 2024.</ref>

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
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	{{#seo:\|description=The first Flight Tutor was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that were designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.}}		{{#seo:\|description=The first Flight Tutor was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that were designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.}}
	{{#seo:\|keywords=Flight Tutor, Aerotrainer, Orientator, Airplane Instructor, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, ~~Olentangy Park~~ Columbus~~, Columbus amusement park, amusement park~~, Clintonville~~, defunct amusement park~~}}		{{#seo:\|keywords=Flight Tutor, Aerotrainer, Orientator, Airplane Instructor, W. E. Hoffman, Springfield Welding and Supply Co., Air Craft Appliance Co., Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Columbus, Clintonville}}

Parkadmin at 06:13, 1 December 2025

2025-12-01T06:13:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:13, 1 December 2025
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	Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/ "How to Fly Without Flying."] ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania).'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/ "Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills."] ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona).'' Sept. 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> double-tripod frame {{Tooltip \|text = 20 feet\|tooltip = 6.1 meters}} tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of {{Tooltip \|text = 70-150 mph\|tooltip = 113-241 kph}}.<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor ride was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />		Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/ "How to Fly Without Flying."] ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania).'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/ "Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills."] ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona).'' Sept. 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> double-tripod frame {{Tooltip \|text = 20 feet\|tooltip = 6.1 meters}} tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of {{Tooltip \|text = 70-150 mph\|tooltip = 113-241 kph}}.<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor ride was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />

	It was installed near the entrance to the Red Devil, south of the Midway.<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Co. (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/ "Entertaining the Multitude."] ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/ "Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots."] ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).'' Nov. 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>[https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885 "Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation."] ''Open Corporates.'' Last modified Aug. 20, 2024.</ref>		It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the Midway.<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Co. (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/ "Entertaining the Multitude."] ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/ "Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots."] ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).'' Nov. 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>[https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885 "Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation."] ''Open Corporates.'' Last modified Aug. 20, 2024.</ref>

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==

Parkadmin: Updated links

2025-10-04T22:55:27Z

Updated links

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:55, 4 October 2025
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	The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian, No. 1.'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">"New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com ~~https://www.newspapers~~.~~com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/~~</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>"Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere." ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio).'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/~~107108176~~/~~dressed~~-up-~~features~~-~~added-to-airplane/<~~/~~ref><ref>~~"Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'." ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio).'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com ~~https://www~~.~~newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/~~</ref>		The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian, No. 1.'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/ "New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes."] ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108176/dressed-up-features-added-to-airplane/ "Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere."] ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio).'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/ "Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'."] ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio).'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref>

	The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931.<ref>"Olentangy's Official Opening Set for May 23." ''The Billboard.'' Vol. 43. Issue 16. April 18, 1931. Page 48. Accessed through the Internet Archive. ~~https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1931-04-18_43_16/page/48/mode/2up~~</ref> It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>		The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1931-04-18_43_16/page/48/mode/2up "Olentangy's Official Opening Set for May 23."] ''The Billboard.'' Vol. 43. Issue 16. April 18, 1931. Page 48. Accessed through the Internet Archive.</ref> It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>

	Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">"How to Fly Without Flying." ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania).'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com ~~https://www.newspapers~~.~~com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/~~</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>"Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills." ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona).'' Sept. 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com ~~https://www.newspapers~~.~~com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/~~</ref> double-tripod frame {{Tooltip \|text = 20 feet\|tooltip = 6.1 meters}} tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of {{Tooltip \|text = 70-150 mph\|tooltip = 113-241 kph}}.<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />		Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/ "How to Fly Without Flying."] ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania).'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/ "Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills."] ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona).'' Sept. 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> double-tripod frame {{Tooltip \|text = 20 feet\|tooltip = 6.1 meters}} tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of {{Tooltip \|text = 70-150 mph\|tooltip = 113-241 kph}}.<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor ride was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />

	It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the [[Midway]].<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Co. (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>"Entertaining the Multitude." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com ~~https://www~~.~~newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/~~</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value,<ref>"Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots." ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).'' Nov. 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com ~~https://www~~.~~newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/~~</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>"Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation." ''Open Corporates.'' Last modified Aug. 20, 2024. ~~https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885~~</ref>		It was installed near the entrance to the Red Devil, south of the Midway.<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Co. (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/ "Entertaining the Multitude."] ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/ "Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots."] ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).'' Nov. 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>[https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885 "Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation."] ''Open Corporates.'' Last modified Aug. 20, 2024.</ref>

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==

Parkadmin at 02:22, 4 July 2025

2025-07-04T02:22:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:22, 4 July 2025
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	\| opened = 1931		\| opened = 1931
	\| closed = 1931 (Sales company went out of business)		\| closed = 1931 (Sales company went out of business)
	\| manufacturer = Springfield Welding and Supply ~~Company~~<br />Air Craft Appliance ~~Company~~		\| manufacturer = Springfield Welding and Supply Co.<br />Air Craft Appliance Co.
	\| designer = [[W. E. Hoffman]]		\| designer = [[W. E. Hoffman]]
	\| height = 20 feet (6.1 meters)		\| height = 20 feet (6.1 meters)
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	}}		}}

	The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E~~. 1984~~. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">"New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>"Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere." ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108176/dressed-up-features-added-to-airplane/</ref><ref>"Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'." ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/</ref>		The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian, No. 1.'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">"New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>"Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere." ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio).'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108176/dressed-up-features-added-to-airplane/</ref><ref>"Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'." ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio).'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/</ref>

	The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931.<ref>"Olentangy's Official Opening Set for May 23." ''The Billboard,'' ~~April 18, 1931.~~ Vol. 43. Issue 16. Page 48. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1931-04-18_43_16/page/48/mode/2up</ref> It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>		The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931.<ref>"Olentangy's Official Opening Set for May 23." ''The Billboard.'' Vol. 43. Issue 16. April 18, 1931. Page 48. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1931-04-18_43_16/page/48/mode/2up</ref> It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>

	Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">"How to Fly Without Flying." ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania),'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>"Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills." ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona),'' ~~September~~ 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/</ref> double-tripod frame 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of 70-150 mph (113-241 kph).<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod~~. 1931~~. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />		Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">"How to Fly Without Flying." ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania).'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>"Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills." ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona).'' Sept. 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/</ref> double-tripod frame {{Tooltip \|text = 20 feet\|tooltip = 6.1 meters}} tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of {{Tooltip \|text = 70-150 mph\|tooltip = 113-241 kph}}.<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />

	It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the [[Midway]].<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance ~~Company~~ (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>"Entertaining the Multitude." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value<ref>"Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots." ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana),'' ~~November~~ 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>"Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation." ''Open Corporates,'' Last modified ~~August~~ 20, 2024. https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885</ref>		It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the [[Midway]].<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Co. (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>"Entertaining the Multitude." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio).'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value,<ref>"Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots." ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).'' Nov. 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>"Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation." ''Open Corporates.'' Last modified Aug. 20, 2024. https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885</ref>

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
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	[[Category:Closed in 1931]]		[[Category:Closed in 1931]]

	{{#seo:\|description=The first Flight Tutor was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that ~~was~~ designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.}}		{{#seo:\|description=The first Flight Tutor was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that were designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.}}
	{{#seo:\|keywords=Flight Tutor, Aerotrainer, Orientator, Airplane Instructor, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park}}		{{#seo:\|keywords=Flight Tutor, Aerotrainer, Orientator, Airplane Instructor, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park}}

Parkadmin at 01:28, 30 May 2025

2025-05-30T01:28:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:28, 30 May 2025
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	\| othernames = Aerotrainer<br />Orientator<br />Airplane Instructor		\| othernames = Aerotrainer<br />Orientator<br />Airplane Instructor
	\| type = Rotating ride		\| type = Rotating ride
	\| ~~parksection~~ = East~~<br />~~central		\| section = East, central
	\| built = 1931		\| built = 1931
	\| opened = 1931		\| opened = 1931

Parkadmin at 01:27, 30 May 2025

2025-05-30T01:27:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:27, 30 May 2025
Line 3:		Line 3:
	\| othernames = Aerotrainer<br />Orientator<br />Airplane Instructor		\| othernames = Aerotrainer<br />Orientator<br />Airplane Instructor
	\| type = Rotating ride		\| type = Rotating ride
	\| parksection = East, central		\| parksection = East<br />central
	\| built = 1931		\| built = 1931
	\| opened = 1931		\| opened = 1931

Parkadmin at 01:27, 30 May 2025

2025-05-30T01:27:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:27, 30 May 2025
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	\| closed = 1931 (Sales company went out of business)		\| closed = 1931 (Sales company went out of business)
	\| manufacturer = Springfield Welding and Supply Company<br />Air Craft Appliance Company		\| manufacturer = Springfield Welding and Supply Company<br />Air Craft Appliance Company
	\| designer = W. E. Hoffman		\| designer = [[W. E. Hoffman]]
	\| height = 20 feet (6.1 meters)		\| height = 20 feet (6.1 meters)
	\| vehicletype = Airplane		\| vehicletype = Airplane

Parkadmin at 05:35, 10 January 2025

2025-01-10T05:35:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:35, 10 January 2025
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	The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E. 1984. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">"New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>"Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere." ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108176/dressed-up-features-added-to-airplane/</ref><ref>"Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'." ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/</ref>		The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E. 1984. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">"New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>"Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere." ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108176/dressed-up-features-added-to-airplane/</ref><ref>"Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'." ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/</ref>

	The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931. It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>		The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931.<ref>"Olentangy's Official Opening Set for May 23." ''The Billboard,'' April 18, 1931. Vol. 43. Issue 16. Page 48. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1931-04-18_43_16/page/48/mode/2up</ref> It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>

	Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">"How to Fly Without Flying." ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania),'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>"Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills." ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona),'' September 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/</ref> double-tripod frame 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of 70-150 mph (113-241 kph).<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. 1931. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />		Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">"How to Fly Without Flying." ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania),'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>"Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills." ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona),'' September 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/</ref> double-tripod frame 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of 70-150 mph (113-241 kph).<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. 1931. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />

Parkadmin at 02:01, 27 December 2024

2024-12-27T02:01:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:01, 27 December 2024
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	\| closed = 1931 (Sales company went out of business)		\| closed = 1931 (Sales company went out of business)
	\| manufacturer = Springfield Welding and Supply Company<br />Air Craft Appliance Company		\| manufacturer = Springfield Welding and Supply Company<br />Air Craft Appliance Company
	\| designer = [[W. E. Hoffman]]		\| designer = W. E. Hoffman
	\| height = 20 feet (6.1 meters)		\| height = 20 feet (6.1 meters)
	\| vehicletype = Airplane		\| vehicletype = Airplane
Line 16:		Line 16:
	}}		}}

	The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">~~Barret~~, Richard E. 1984. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">"New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>"Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere." ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108176/dressed-up-features-added-to-airplane/</ref><ref>"Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'." ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/</ref>		The first '''Flight Tutor''' (sometimes called an '''Aerotrainer''', '''Orientator''', or '''Airplane Instructor''')<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E. 1984. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref><ref name="newconcern">"New Concern to Make 'Orientator' to Teach Flying Without Planes." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' June 9, 1929. Page 23. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108977/new-concern-to-make-orientator-to/</ref> was one of two devices at Olentangy Park that was designed after flight simulators used by the U.S. Flying Service at the time.<ref name="invention">"Circus Thrillers: Army's 'Green' Flyers Get Stunt Training Near the Ground." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' October 6, 1929. Page F9.</ref><ref name="teacher">"On the Rialto: Flight Teacher." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 3, 1931. Page 22A.</ref><ref>"Sunday Only." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 11, 1931. Page 8.</ref><ref name="new">"New Flight Machine." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 17, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another">"Another Tutor Picked For Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 19, 1931. Page 60.</ref><ref>"Dressed Up: Features Added to Airplane Which Goes Nowhere." ''The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 23, 1929. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108176/dressed-up-features-added-to-airplane/</ref><ref>"Mechanical Flight Tutor Recent Development At Field 'Real Instructor'." ''Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio),'' April 28, 1929. Page 4. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107108369/mechanical-flight-tutor-recent/</ref>

	The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931. It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>		The Flight Tutor, a unique addition to Olentangy Park, was unveiled on the park's Easter Sunday opening in 1931. It marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to be permanently installed, having previously been a temporary attraction at only four other locations.<ref name="feature">"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 10D.</ref><ref>"Leviathans Play at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 20, 1931. Page 10A.</ref><ref>"On the Rialto." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 24, 1931. Page 20A.</ref>
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	Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">"How to Fly Without Flying." ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania),'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>"Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills." ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona),'' September 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/</ref> double-tripod frame 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of 70-150 mph (113-241 kph).<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. 1931. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />		Invented by Wright Field aeronautical and mechanical engineer [[W. E. Hoffman]] in 1929,<ref name="howto">"How to Fly Without Flying." ''The News-Herald (Franklin, Pennsylvania),'' Photograph. June 29, 1929. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109257/flight-tutor-photo-and-details/</ref> it looked like a wingless plane with a fuselage body, with rudder, elevator, and aileron control surfaces, mounted on a steel<ref>"Flight Tutor Gives Student 'Safe' Thrills." ''Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona),'' September 8, 1929. Page 26. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107109482/flight-tutor-gives-student-safe/</ref> double-tripod frame 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall.<ref name="invention" /> The propeller in front was controlled by a 15-horsepower electric motor, and a circle of fins behind it blew air onto the rider to simulate an airspeed of 70-150 mph (113-241 kph).<ref name="newconcern" /> Stairs led up to a nearby platform where riders could board the ride using a gangplank held by one of the two ride operators. Riders would get strapped in and control the plane with realistic controls to loop, spin, roll, dive, and stall without risk.<ref name="teacher" /><ref>"First Sunday at the Biggest Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 5, 1931. Page 62.</ref><ref name="feature" /><ref>"Western Band." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 8, 1931. Page 16A.</ref><ref>"Another Sunday At Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 13, 1931. Page 12A.</ref><ref name="shifting1">Raper, Tod. 1931. "Shifting Scenes." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 15, 1931. Page 2B.</ref><ref name="another" /> The inventor claimed a half hour in the tutor was equal to three hours in the air.<ref name="howto" />

	It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the [[Midway]].<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (~~Second~~)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Company (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>"Entertaining the Multitude." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value<ref>"Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots." ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana),'' November 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>"Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation." ''Open Corporates,'' Last modified August 20, 2024. https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885</ref>		It was installed near the entrance to the [[Red Devil]], south of the [[Midway]].<ref>"Flying to Be Park Feature." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' April 7, 1931. Page 14A.</ref><ref name="shifting1" /><ref>"That Busy Place, Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' May 10, 1931. Page 56.</ref> Its success led to a [[Flight Tutor (2)\|second version]] of the ride being installed further north.<ref name="new" /><ref name="another" /> The rides were manufactured by the Springfield Welding and Supply Company and Air Craft Appliance Company (both in Springfield, Ohio) and sold through the Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation in Delaware. <ref>"Entertaining the Multitude." ''Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio),'' April 13, 1931. Page 12. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107183824/entertaining-the-multitude/</ref> The Army Flying Corps later found it obsolete, which had little if any practical value<ref>"Air Corps in Need of More Ship Pilots." ''The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana),'' November 13, 1932. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107184439/air-corps-in-need-of-more-ship-pilots/</ref> and the sales company went out of business in 1932, so this ride was only at the park for one season.<ref name="feature" /><ref>"Aircraft Appliance Sales Corporation." ''Open Corporates,'' Last modified August 20, 2024. https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_oh/145885</ref>

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
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	<references />		<references />

			{{Rides}}
	{{Park Sections}}		{{Park Sections}}
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	[[Category:Rides]]		[[Category:Rides]]