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Six Flags Magic Mountain Press Release
The newest Six Flags "Species of Fear" revealed

Six Flags Magic Mountain Unleashes Yet Another Monster Into Its Unequaled Coaster Dynasty ...TATSU ... The Tallest, Fastest, Longest Flying Beast on Planet Earth!

VALENCIA, CA. (November 17, 2005) – Marking the renown Thrill Park's 35th anniversary, Six Flags Magic Mountain unleashes another monster addition to its supreme coaster dynasty with TATSU, a "flying beast" to soar into the record books as the tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster on Planet Earth! This new species of fear is slated for a Spring 2006 invasion.

"Six Flags is known world-wide as the industry leader in next generation thrills. And, bar none, Six Flags Magic Mountain leads the pack always adding the biggest and the best," stated Del Holland, vice president and general manager of Six Flags California. "There's no better way to commemorate the Park's 35th anniversary than to continue to live up to our reputation – give our guests a stunning one-of-a-kind ride experience only Six Flags can deliver!"

Reaching far beyond traditional thrills, this one-of-a-kind flying beast will take the coaster riding experience to the next generation. Fearless riders will brave a never-been-done-before completely integrated flight pattern – up, down, over and through -- the Park's distinct mountainous terrain with nothing but the sky above and the ground below in a unique "horizontal to earth" flying position.

The flight begins with great anticipation as riders board sleek dragon-like vehicles and ascend TATSU'S 170-foot tall lift with arms stretched forward, feet trailing behind and eyes intensely focused on the landscape below. Once reaching the crest, riders will fly like never before, plummeting straight down the mountain, soaring over Roaring Rapids, before entering a sharp 180-degree turn back up the hillside to round the Park's landmark bright orange Sky Tower. The heart-pounding sensation continues as riders race up and down the mountainous terrain, darting in-and-out of looming trees, blazing over the tops of four inversions while dodging Roaring Rapids, Ninja, Orient Express and crossing an opposing Revolution train high above Valencia Falls.

Aboard the wings of TATSU, riders will fly at speeds in excess of 62 miles-per-hour through a series of "butterflies-in-your-stomach" plunges, huge sweeping spirals, stomach wrenching loops and sharp dives, high speed banked curves all deliberately designed to enhance the ultimate sensation of flight. With more than 3,602 feet of blazing red, orange and yellow twisted steel track barely visible intertwined through the mountainside, TATSU'S intense three-and-a-half minute flight faces a dramatic 263-foot change in elevation from its highest peak to inches off the ground and spans four separate areas of the Park.

"Six Flags Magic Mountain exemplifies the powerful Six Flags thrill brand," stated Paul Ruben, North American editor of Park World magazine and noted roller coaster historian. "Besides strapping yourself onto a jet fighter, no where else can you experience this unique acrobatic flying experience. Tatsu is a tremendous addition to this renown thrill park and the missing link to their remarkable world-class coaster collection."

Representing one of the largest capital investments in recent years, TATSU will make a dramatic change to the Park's skyline situated high atop the mountain at SamuraiSummit – where time-honored customs of the Far East welcome the newest species into Six Flags' supreme coaster dynasty. The myth and legend of the great Japanese dragon TATSU will come to life when fearless riders board its wings and fly at the speed of fear!

Details from Joel: Tatsu is Japanese for "Flying Beast" This flying coaster from B&M reportedly cost $21 million. It will have four inversions: a 103 foot tall corkscrew (flat spin), zero-G roll, 124 foot tall pretzel loop, and an in-line twist. It will have dual loading stations and three trains.