EXPLORE LAGOON: RIDES: Flying Aces

Opened: 19 Apr 1986

Originally Operated: 1954?-1982

Location: North Midway

Manufactured By: Bisch-Rocco

Ride Model: Flying Scooter

Max Height: 25 feet

Number Of Planes: 10

Ride Capacity: 20 (2 per plane)

Height Requirement: Children under 46" must be accompanied by an adult.

history & info

On this classic ride, you control your plane by moving the fin left or right as you spin around in a circle. Lagoon's model originally turned counter-clockwise, but is now one of only two that turn clockwise. The other is the Flyer in Knoebel's Amusement Park in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.

This ride has a pretty confusing timeline. According to information from Lagoon ride named Kiddie Planes opened in 1954. Not many other rides could have gone by that name, but if that was this ride the name changed to Flying Jets at some point. One of the first locations was south of the Roller Coaster station. But the Rock-O-Plane was located there starting in 1954 also. It's doubtful that the rides would've been so close together at that time, but I haven't found any other information about a different location. The Lagoon Music Theatre and an eating area was built here in 1982 so the Flying Jets were moved to the south end of the Midway for one season. Across from Musik Express you'll see an oddly-shaped bench near the concessions and game buildings. It was built like this to hide the power panel used for the Flying Jets during the 1982 season. During that year, Space Scrambler and Musik Express were located next to the fence between the park and the campground and Paratrooper was on the corner where the Shooting Water game is now. In 1983, this area was expanded even more with the addition of Colossus and Flying Jets was removed completely.

Apparrently the ride has many fans. However they responded, they convinced Lagoon to bring the ride out of retirement. In 1986, it returned as the Flying Aces and was placed on a newly expanded North Midway where The Rocket stands now. The Rocket opened in 1999 and the Flying Aces moved once again to the southeast, next to the Meadow Pavilion.

In 2001, the planes were repainted - each in a single solid color. The names and designs that had once made each plane unique (such as Chris Robin, Stearman P.T. 17, Piper Cub and Phantom) were gone. The fans responded again and they opened the very next year with new designs and names.

Alvin Bisch invented the Flying Scooter in the 1930's. It's very possible Lagoon's model operated at another park or two before coming to Lagoon.

photos

Armstrong Whitworth Siskin / Photo: Braden Miskin Arvo 504 Series / Photo: Braden Miskin Curtiss Falcon / Photo: Braden Miskin

Curtiss Helldiver / Photo: Brian Reichow Vickers Vildebeast / Photo: Braden Miskin

The current paint schemes with new names including Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, Arvo 504 Series, Curtiss Falcon, Curtiss Helldiver and Vickers Vildebeast.

Photos: Braden Miskin / Brian Reichow

Photo: Braden Miskin