Overview
Superman: Ultimate Flight is a B&M (Bolliger & Mabillard) flying coaster located at Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Great America. The first installation was at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2002; installations at the other two parks followed in 2003. This was the second flying coaster model designed by B&M, preceded by Air (now known as Galactica) at Alton Towers. I’ve ridden only the installation at Six Flags Great Adventure so will confine the remainder of my review to that.
Layout, Elements and Theming
Overlooking the parking lot and themed after the DC Comics superhero, Superman: Ultimate Flight features an out and back layout with 2, 759 feet of twisting track. It incorporates two inversions, a pretzel loop and in-line twist. It operates with two trains, suspended from the track, containing eight cars seating four across for a total capacity of 32 riders. The restraints consist of over the shoulder harnesses plus restraints to secure the riders’ legs/ankles.
Ride Experience
Once the restraints are locked, the train is pronated so that riders are facing down, in a position intended to simulate the sensation of flight. For a first time rider this position is likely to feel somewhat awkward and uncomfortable. That’s certainly how I felt when I first rode Superman. When the train is dispatched it makes a right turn out of the loading station and ascends a 106-foot chain lift hill. The ascent had me squirming, as I felt as if I was going to pitch forward and be ejected. From the top of the lift hill the train plummets 100 feet to the right and goes up into the pretzel loop, an element unique to this coaster model when it opened but subsequently incorporated into other B&M flyers. For me this was by far the highlight of the ride because the train accelerates suddenly, reaching its maximum speed of 51 mph, and plunges to the ground while the riders are on their backs. This is followed by a sweeping left turn and drop through the pretzel loop. The remainder of the course consists of two horseshoes, helix and in-line twist. And I must say that the in-line twist was pretty cool. Unfortunately, I could not get a photo of that which didn’t come out as a blur.
Final Thoughts and Rating
It’s a very long walk from the entrance of Superman to the loading station and I’m not at all convinced that it’s worth the walk. Apart from the pretzel loop and in-line twist the ride struck me as meh. I found Galactica at Alton Towers, which features the lie to fly and fly to lie elements found on Vekoma flyers, far superior. Also, because the loading process is somewhat slow, I found myself stuck outside the station in the prone position, hair hanging down over my face, for several minutes while waiting for the loading train to be dispatched.
Final Rating – 5 out of 10 (Average)
What’s your take? Have you ridden Superman at Great Adventure and if so, what did you think of it?
(Video courtesy of Six Flags Great Adventure — always receive permission before filming on rides!)
This was a part of our 12 Days of Coasters special! Every day from Christmas until January 5th, we gave away a roller coaster review for you to enjoy. You can check them all out here. We thank you for reading, hope you’ve had a merry holidays, and wish you a happy New Year!