The Flying Skooter (05-19)

Historical narrative

The Flying Skooter ride was installed at Glen Echo in 1940 and featured ten stylized airplane-like cars suspended 30 to 40 feet above the ground. Passengers could steer their planes up and down as they circled the central tower, giving riders an unusual feeling of controlling their own flight. As a young boy, Steve learned to work the controls rhythmically, timing his movements with the ride's rotation. To him, this made the experience feel less like simply riding an amusement attraction and more like piloting his own aircraft. He would steer his plane toward the trees, missing the large branches by what seemed like inches. From high above the park, the sensation of swooping and diving must have been exhilarating. For Steve, the Flying Skooter combined imagination, motion, and just enough danger to make the experience unforgettable. This was, perhaps, Steve's favorite Glen Echo experience.

Watercolor

© Stephen B. Hales — All Rights Reserved