From the park:

Greetings from Knoebels

Unfortunately the rumors are true. Although the high speed thrill coaster has served the park well since 1955, we are sad to say we can no longer feel confident that it can continue to thrill the public in a safe manner. On a positive note, there are currently plans on the table to replace it with a similar, but not identical coaster.

Thank you for interest and feedback in the park. As always, it is much appreciated!

Knoebels Amusement Resort, America's Largest Free Admission Park!

http://www.knoebels.com/!

Another one bites the dust....And another one gone and another one gone hey! Another one bites the dust!

What a shame though!

That thing looked pretty rusty... in a 10yr old magazine. I shudder at the thought of what it looked like at the end of this season.

That thing was among the most fun of all the coasters I have ever ridden. I have had many fun filled rides on it. And it had VERY intense airtime. Especially when it was revved up well past normal speed for early Phoenix Phall PhunPhest events....

I, for one, will miss it. Terribly.

http://www.rcdb.com/ig146.htm?picture=2

The supports almost look like they are made of PVC pipe.

Ha, and you all think that Flight Deck needs painted...

Wow, that seriously doesn't even look safe, like it may fall apart at any given minute.

Which is probably why the park said, as quoted in the first post:

...Although the high speed thrill coaster has served the park well since 1955, we are sad to say we can no longer feel confident that it can continue to thrill the public in a safe manner....

. The thing was over 50 years old. It had obviously been well cared for, but was at the end of its useful life.

When is the Flying Turns going to open, or has it? RCDB.com has it to open in 09, but I thought I remember it being slated to open at an earlier date some time ago.

Flying Turns is very much a work of art, as opposed to a known commodity. It is one of a kind, and a re-creation. As such, Knoebels has had to make many modifications as it goes along. It MAY open in 2009, and probably will, but there can be no absolute guarantees. I know Dick Knoebels. Dick is a close friend. He will open the ride when he KNOWS it is ready and safe to operate. Not one moment before. Trust me, the park wants that open even more than you do!

Flying Turns is very much a work of art, as opposed to a known commodity. It is one of a kind, and a re-creation. As such, Knoebels has had to make many modifications as it goes along. It MAY open in 2009, and probably will, but there can be no absolute guarantees. I know Dick Knoebels. Dick is a close friend. He will open the ride when he KNOWS it is ready and safe to operate. Not one moment before. Trust me, the park wants that open even more than you do!

Absolutely! While I'm still questioning the Flying Turns and what the payoff will be, there is a lot of respect for Knoebels trying to resurrect a piece of history. As for as High Speed Thrill Coaster, this is perhaps the most devasting ride removal news I've read in a LONG time. It may not look like much, but god what a terribly fun ride at PPP! That thing produced killer airtime, no joke, when they cranked it up to full speed. It will most DEFINITELY be missed by many people!

- Todd

Flying Turns will open when Cliffhanger does!!