Abstract: A flying vehicle ride includes an upstanding tower and a plurality of flying vehicles suspended from the tower for rotation about a vertical axis. The flying vehicles each include a pair of wings that are movable under the control of the rider between a neutral position, a first lift generating position in which the wings generate outward lift, and a second lift generating position in which the wings generate inward lift. As such, manipulation of the wings during rotation of the vehicle about the tower generates lift that alters the path of travel of the vehicle, permitting the rider to move the vehicle higher or lower relative to the tower than would otherwise be possible.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided in which passengers can be simultaneous subjected to three different types of movement. A circular motion is provided by the circular rotation of the head which mounts the passenger seats. A tilting motion is provided by mounting the head for tilting movement as it rotates in the circular path. The third type of motion is provided by mounting the passenger seats so that they rotate about an axis tangential to the circular path in which they travel.