X-Flight – Sascha Ernst
Sascha Ernst's rotating high-swing ride
Operator: Sascha Ernst (Leer)
X-Flight Ernst combines a high-swinging motion with an additional rotation of the passenger seats. The ride travels with showman Sascha Ernst from Leer. Even when watching, you can see that the movement is not limited to a single plane. This is exactly why X-Flight appeals to fans of pendulum rides who want more than the usual forward-and-back swinging.
Learn more – pick a topic:
What to expect
- Multi-axis rotation
- High ride with a view
Highlights & records
According to Ride-Index, the passenger group has a total of 16 seats.
Swinging and rotating combine in a dynamic high-altitude ride.
What to expect on X-Flight Ernst
At the start, you sit in a shared passenger group carried by a large swing arm. As the arm swings out, the seating unit also rotates. This means your view keeps changing: one moment you are looking at the fairground, then at the opposite rows of seats, and shortly afterwards in another direction again. The combination of these two movements is what makes the ride appealing.
The intensity comes not only from the height. The timing of the swinging and rotation also affects how you experience acceleration and changes of direction. That is why the ride can feel much livelier than its compact footprint might initially suggest. If you enjoy pendulum rides but prefer smooth movements, watch a full ride from the outside first.
What makes X-Flight Ernst special
The ride database lists this attraction as a version of a Freak-Out-style concept built by Woatt Rides. Its compact design makes it look relatively unobtrusive on fairgrounds. Even so, the movement extends far above the height of the seats when boarding. This also makes it attractive to spectators: from a little distance, you can follow the swinging movements particularly well.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Woatt Rides (Germany)
- Model
- Freak-Out-style swing ride
- Year built
- 2012
- Premiere
- 2012
Ride
- Height
- 22 m
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 15 × 15 m
- Power rating
- 80 kW
History of the travelling swing ride
According to Ride-Index, the ride made its debut in April 2012 at the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Volksfest in Hohenfels. It initially travelled with Uebel & Sachs, followed by Patrick Sachs. The ride later passed to Sascha Ernst. These stages are part of the history of this particular ride. They also help you identify older photos and videos correctly, as footage from earlier years may still show different operator signage.
Timeline
Debut at the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Volksfest in Hohenfels in April 2012.
- Operator
- Sascha Ernst (Leer)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
2012–2015 Uebel & Sachs (Niederwerm); 2016–2019 Patrick Sachs (Niederwerm).
Who is X-Flight suitable for?
If you enjoy dynamic swing rides and changing views, X-Flight could be a good fit for you. The ride may not suit you if even moderate rotation makes you feel dizzy. The applicable height, age and safety requirements are displayed at the ride. Always follow the instructions on site and those given by staff to find out whether you can ride.
Tips before you board
If possible, watch a full ride and note how much the seating unit also rotates. Secure loose items and follow the boarding instructions. For photos, choose a spot to the side of the swinging motion where you can capture the entire arm. Find more ideas for your funfair visit in our attractions overview.
Sources: Ride-Index: X-Flight (Ernst). The information given refers to this specific travelling ride; it does not automatically confirm that it is currently attending a particular fairground.
