Flying Ace Aerial Chase facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flying Ace Aerial Chase |
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Previously known as Rugrats Runaway Reptar, Flying Ace Aerial Chase | |
![]() Flying Ace Aerial Chase when it was known as Rugrats Runaway Reptar at Kings Island
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Carowinds | |
Park section | Camp Snoopy |
Coordinates | 35°06′07″N 80°56′26″W / 35.102070°N 80.940689°W |
Status | Operating |
Opening date | March 22, 2003 |
at at RCDB | |
Kings Island | |
Park section | Planet Snoopy |
Coordinates | 39°20′30″N 84°16′09″W / 39.341773°N 84.269114°W |
Status | Operating |
Opening date | April 7, 2001 |
General statistics | |
Type | Steel – Family – Inverted |
Manufacturer | Vekoma |
Model | Suspended Family Coaster 342m |
Lift/launch system | Tire propelled lift hill |
Height | 49 ft (15 m) |
Length | 1,122 ft (342 m) |
Speed | 26 mph (42 km/h) |
Inversions | 0 |
Duration | 1:30 |
Capacity | 650 riders per hour |
G-force | 2.2 |
Height restriction | 44–76 in (112–193 cm) |
Trains | Single train with 10 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 20 riders per train. |
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The Flying Ace Aerial Chase is an exciting Suspended Family Coaster built by a company called Vekoma. This type of roller coaster hangs from above, giving riders a unique feeling of flying!
The first Flying Ace Aerial Chase opened at Kings Island park in 2001. A second, identical ride opened at Carowinds park in 2003. Both rides were originally called Rugrats Runaway Reptar. They were themed after the popular Nickelodeon cartoon show Rugrats.
After 2006, the parks changed owners. The rides were then re-themed to fit the Snoopy vs. the Red Baron comic strip from the 1960s. This classic comic was created by Charles Schulz. This re-theming meant new names for the coasters! The ride at Carowinds got another new name in 2018: Kiddy Hawk.
Contents
Roller Coaster History
Kings Island's Coaster Journey
The Flying Ace Aerial Chase first opened at Kings Island on April 7, 2001. Back then, it was known as Rugrats Runaway Reptar. This was the fourth kids' roller coaster at Kings Island. It helped the park earn the nickname "Kid's Coaster Capital of the World!"
In 2001, a new area called Nickelodeon Central was created. This area featured the Rugrats Runaway Reptar ride. Later, in 2006, the entire children's area at Kings Island became Nickelodeon Universe.
In 2010, Nickelodeon Universe changed themes again. It became Planet Snoopy. To match this new theme, the ride's name changed to Flying Ace Aerial Chase. Even the support beams of the ride were repainted from green to orange!
Carowinds' Coaster Journey
Because Rugrats Runaway Reptar was so popular at Kings Island, the park owners decided to build a copy at Carowinds. The Rugrats Runaway Reptar ride opened at Carowinds in 2003. It was exactly the same as the Kings Island version, even with the same paint colors.
The only small difference was the shoulder restraints. At Carowinds, the restraints were red and a bit bulkier. At Kings Island, they were yellow and had more padding.
From 2010 to 2017, the Carowinds ride was also called Flying Ace Aerial Chase. Then, in 2018, the children's area at Carowinds changed from Planet Snoopy to Camp Snoopy. With this change, the ride's name became Kiddy Hawk. It was also repainted light blue and tan.
Ride Experience
When your train leaves the station, it makes a sharp 90-degree turn to the right. Then, it starts climbing up the lift hill, pulled by special tires.
Once you reach the top of the lift hill, the train goes into a double helix. This means it twists around twice to the left. After that, the train swoops under the lift hill. It then goes over the top of the station, making you feel like you could almost touch it with your feet!
Next, the ride turns right and travels alongside the lift hill. It then makes another big 180-degree turn to the right. At this point, you'll be very close to the ground. Finally, the train turns 180 degrees to the left and enters the brakes, bringing your adventure to a smooth stop.