ST. LOUIS, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyScreamer, the newest sensation in swing rides, has taken flight at Six Flags St. Louis! Famed pilot Erik Lindbergh and Wings of Hope pilots took the inaugural first flight. Standing at 236-feet, SkyScreamer is the tallest ride in the park and the centerpiece of Six Flags St. Louis' 40th anniversary season.
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Each of the double, open air swings provides a front row seat for the 32 guests that climb to the top of the SkyScreamer during each flight. Spinning round and round, with feet dangling, guests soar in a 98-ft. circle at speeds up to 43 mph. The massive "world" globe that sits atop the bright, multicolored SkyScreamer tower can be seen from miles away. SkyScreamer is the first swing ride manufactured by Funtime to be built in the United States. Funtime is based in Austria and has been a leader in unique thrill rides since 1972.
Experienced flyers Erik Lindbergh and Wings of Hope pilots took the inaugural flight on SkyScreamer. The grandson of Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Erik Lindbergh is a commercial rated pilot who in May 2002 recreated his grandfather's historic 1927 solo flight from Long Island to Paris. Lindbergh's love of aviation inspired him to found LEAP whose mission is to inspire, showcase and leverage innovation for a resilient future. Lindbergh is also an accomplished artist, entrepreneur and professional speaker and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Aviation High School in Seattle, WA and the Olympic Park Institute. Wings of Hope is the largest and oldest aviation charity in the world, founded by four St. Louis business executives in 1962. The charity has over 3,000 volunteers around the world, more than 600 alone in the St. Louis global headquarters. Nominated for the Nobel Peace prize in 2011, Wings of Hope focuses strictly on humanitarian efforts. One of the charity's endeavors is the Medical Air Transportation Program which provides a way for those locally and from surrounding states who could not otherwise afford it or secure it, access the best healthcare that is available to them.
SkyScreamer opens to the public Saturday, May 14 and makes its home in the Illinois section of the park near the Screamin' Eagle roller coaster. Six Flags St. Louis is celebrating 40 years of providing world class thrills and family fun through innovative rides and new and exciting experiences.
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest regional theme park company with 2010 revenue of nearly $1 billion and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Six Flags Over Texas, the company's flagship location, is celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2011.
SOURCE Six Flags Saint Louis
