- Air-time
Air time is the feeling of
weightlessness or negative gravity force experienced on aroller coaster or otheramusement ride s. On roller coasters this feeling is usually achieved by the train going over a hill.Hypercoaster s such asMagnum XL-200 atCedar Point andNitro atSix Flags Great Adventure are known for their large amounts of air time. In addition, manywooden roller coaster s, such as Balder atLiseberg , The Voyage atHoliday World , and Shivering Timbers atMichigan's Adventure are known for their air-time.Air-time is caused by
inertia of the train and the riders. As the train goes over a hill, the mass of the riders tends to resist the downward motion of the ride vehicle, resulting in riders being briefly lifted out of their seats. The amount of airtime caused by a ride is dependent on the velocity of the train, gravity, and the radius of the track transition. Zero gravity is achieved when the downward acceleration is equal to that of gravity, while negativeG-force s are caused when the downward acceleration is greater than that of gravity.Roller coaster enthusiasts differentiate between different types of air-time. "Floater air-time" is caused by the riders experiencing weightlessness or zero gravity while "ejector airtime" is caused by negative G-forces.
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