Sky Coasters.
Good news for FL residents about the Old Town Skycoaster. There is a coupon in the Orlando Weekly (a local newspaper) for $5 skycoaster rides per person!!! That is a deal that can't be beat. Hurry because it's only good during December. I guess this makes up for the overrated B&M's and lack of Intamins....
Matt "hoping that someone big in FL hears my cry for an Intamin" D.
*** This post was edited by Matt D on 12/4/2002. ***
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Is that a Q-bot in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
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Is that a Q-bot in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
I've ridden two: SFMM's 180 footer, with friends Bassistist and Coasterbuf, and the 300 footer in Kissimmee - with my 65-yr-old Dad, no less! Both had a brief moment of freefalling that scared the living crap outta me, followed by a gentle swinging action.
I'd do another one in a heartbeat!
Moosh
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I've never done a Skycoaster (too darn expensive when there's free rides around you), but I have bungee jumped. I want to do it again, because the one I did was only an 80-foot tower, and had a chest harness rather than an ankle harness.
I have also done the Ejection Seat, but we hardly got any upside-down action at all... lame. Both the bungee and this were in Gatlinburg, btw.
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A day is a drop of water in the ocean of eternity. A week is seven drops.
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Fav Steel: Millenium Force Fav Wood: Viper
I woulnd't say that the script is 100% followed every time, at every park. There is a lot of explanatory stuff, like explaining that you have to lock arms until you pass through the arch the first time, explaining how to release the ripcord, explaining to not release until you hear the verbal cue, etc. Stuff that once the operator sees you have done this before tends to leave out..
My favorite spiel while being loaded was "You know the drill, any questions?" (This usually happens when as soon as you change places with the group getting unloaded you have already turned to face the correct direction, stood as close together as possible, dropped footbars, and already have feet in footbars.....)
Personally, I would prefer NOT to warn flyers the floor is about to drop, it adds so much to the experience.
I have also, while in the prone, being loaded flying position heard the phrase "Hey, toss me that roll of duct tape!" uttered.
It all boils down to, some operators inject more humour into the whole experience than others, and as long as nobody gets hurt, its all fun and games. Of course, Mr. Safety in me says that if the manual states "Thou shalt warn the flyer about the floor dropping", then the riders must be warned
From what i've read, one of the reasons why Skycoaster is so safe is that Sky Fun 1, or Thrilltime or whoever owns them now is EXTREMELY strict about all aspects of their operations: preventive maintenance, parts, maintenance, cleaning of flight suits, training etc. From what I recall each location that has one has to send a representative every year for refresher training, and they in turn have to train all subordinates, using materials furnished by SkyFun.
They might be one of the most hands-on manufacturers in assuring their ride is run properly, but considering the risks its well in their best interest.
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David Bowers
Mayor, Coasterville
*** This post was edited by Coasterville Dave on 12/4/2002. ***
Does anyone here operate(d) a skycoaster? If so, I'd like to know how much training you must go through, what the age limit is, and if just anyone can do it (after training, course). Thanks in advance.
--Ryan
Training to operate a Skycoaster is a very long, intense and thourough (for obvious reasons) process...Training requires a period of 8 hours at each location and some sites have more than others...for example, PCW (my home park) has 4 total and a 32-hour period to reach the highest, the Controller. After that level has been reached a site has to further train a few to reach a level called Site Controller (one of this type of person must be on site during operations since they have to have a profound knowledge of the ride itself). As for age... I know some who have worked at a Skycoaster as young as 17 in say a video camera position, but in order to work at a flight line postion (ie. Controller, Assistant Controller)... 18 is the necessary age (for legal reasons). I believe 19 is the necessary age for a Site Controller but I may be off since its been a while.....Anyways, fun experience, I would recommend doing it for a summer.
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Able to Operate: Vekoma SLC, TOGO Stand-Up Coaster, Huss Giant Enterprise, Wave Swinger, PTC Shooting Star, Mondial Splash-Over, Arrow Double Looper, Mondial Giant Frisbee, Sky Fun 1 Skycoaster
You know you've worked too long at a theme park when....
NewYorkSuperman said:Apparently I forgot Step #4, which is- DON'T SCREW UP! =) Also, you have to prove that you're willing and able to fly solo in order to be a Site Controller. That was probably the hardest part of the whole thing for me!
-Chris K-
Nice. Would you recommend it to someone that loves to ride it and loves theme parks? :) And what is the reason behind being willing to ride it solo?
--Ryan
BATWING FAN SFA said:
Well don't keep us waiting,come on & tell us just what happened on Jazzland's/SFNO's skycoaster.
Let's just say I was prepared for the dropping of the floor when the crew wasn't and I took a "mini flight" right into the front side of the box.
-Sean
Feel the Strike said:
GP, do you always bad mouth a park's manager? Remember, what goes around can come around.
And what are you talking about? And why do you care about the consequences it may have? I'm not planning a career in the industry.
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Is that a Q-bot in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
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