News: Tatsu takes flight

Posted at 6:03 AM EDT (1003 GMT)

May. 13th, 2006 -- Six Flags Magic Mountain unleashed the world's tallest, fastest and longest flying roller coaster today to thrillseekers. To celebrate the unveiling, nearly 1,000 people camped overnight outside the park, waiting to be the first to experience the park's 17th roller coaster.

Astronaut Rick Searfoss attested to the technical side of the ride as he introduced it during the grand-opening event. Searfoss, who has involvement in more than 30 days in space and participation in three different shuttle missions, said the aerobatic maneuvers on Tatsu were nothing too far from what he experiences as a test pilot. “It is incredible,” he said. “In its own way, it’s as equally exciting as some of the things I’ve done.”

Designed around the park's natural terrain, Tatsu boasts speeds up to 62 mph and four inversions, including a record-breaking 124-foot pretzel loop, 103-foot flat spin and a 360-degree inline roll over the park's Revolution roller coaster.

"Clocking in at two minutes, it’s the world’s longest flying coaster and aims to reach beyond traditional thrills to bring the coaster-riding experience to the next generation," said Six Flags Inc. CEO Mark Shapiro, who attended and delivered a speech during the opening ceremony.

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