Flight Deck Review, California's Great America B&M Invert | Short but Powerful

Flight Deck at California's Great America is one of the oldest Bolliger & Mabillard inverted coasters. The ride originally opened as Top Gun back when Paramount owned the park. This coaster is on the shorter side, but it's a powerful invert with some snappy inversions and forceful helixes. But will this ride be saved when Great America closes?
Video Credits
Flight Deck POV (California's Great America)- • Take a Virtual Ride on...
Nemesis (Alton Towers)- • Nemesis Like You've Ne...
Top Gun Off-Ride (psyclonesteve)- • Top Gun at Paramount's...
Background Music
Cinematic Drone Documentary by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Flight- • Cinematic Drone Docume...

[@KillJoy83]

Thanks for covering this awesome coaster. I've grown up coming here as it's my home park and surprisingly to me have never tired of this B&M Invert. A lot of time I feel that home park fatigue where you might undervalue what you get to ride all the time but this coaster still manages to surprise me nearly every time I ride it. Despite being short, it has a perfect layout, great pacing, forces, and visuals - just a total masterpiece.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a great ride.

[@D00rHandleMedia]

For a lot of Bay Area locals growing up, this was the elite coaster for awhile. So sad that it’s days are numbered :(

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad the Bay Area got some reinforcements.

[@Kittyhat]

this is still lowkey an elite coaster lmao, right now i think i prefer it to every norcal coaster except Giant Dipper

[@paulanderson5356]

Thank you so much for this great, informative review. I remember the hype behind this ride when it opened, and how it lived up to it. Today, my son and I always look forward to riding Flight Deck. The pacing and forces are incredible. The first helix always gets me and the train always slams to a halt in the final break run. This coaster and this park will always be special to my son and I.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It must have been truly incredible just after it opened.

[@brucegibson1813]

I went to an Elton John concert next door, and if you walk around the perimeter of the stadium you can still hear the roar of the invert as well as some footage of the park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I thought there was a walking path that would give nice views.

[@brucegibson1813]

@@CanobieCoaster yes there is, but you could also take shots from up there

[@michaelpatten315]

It truly is short but sweet

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@GavHern]

this ride has a lot of meaning to me. growing up riding this, i’ve always seen it from the parking lot and thought “no way”. now it gets some attention every time i visit due to the short line, really hope this one has a future, it runs pretty well for its age.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a great ride for its age.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I agree that it's one of the most powerful inverts, but is held back by the short length. It's still my 5th favorite invert, ahead of ones that many people would find offensive. It would probably be my # 2 if it were a bit longer. My only visit here came on Halloween 2019, and there were no lines. All 4 of my rides came at night, and I didn't know the layout ahead of time, so I was surprised as we went out over the water. I was so shocked at how powerful it was, while also not giving headbanging.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's still surprisingly smooth for its age.

[@rickym7380]

The transition at 2:28 is really cool!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@AmusementLabs]

It regularly runs 5 minute + dispatches so I often don't ride it cause ops do not seem like they are interested in working with any sense of efficiency.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I did notice the dispatches slower than other inverts, but it still has a shorter wait most days than the other big 2 coasters.

[@alkankondo89]

Excellent edit at 2:26!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@travispettipiece2331]

This was my first inverting inverted coaster! I absolutely loved it! I rode it 19 times on my trip and it had no line hardly I personally rank it second above railblazer. But this ride is one of my favorites of all time. This ride will be missed it it doesn't get relocated!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it lives on.

[@moosepickles1882]

Very cool! How would you rank this against Silver Bullet?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer this. Silver Bullet has more length, but this has more power.

[@mateoalvira3514]

As it stands, both California's Great America and Canada's Wonderland are open with their rides, coasters and attractions. Imagine trying to ride again, Flight Deck at Canada's Wonderland and Flight Deck at California's Great America. Those two are inverted coasters, one from Vekoma and one from B&M. Both still have over the shoulder restraints.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd ride the Great America Flight Deck again.

[@605coasters]

Having ridden Flight Deck many many times and experienced every row a couple times... Row 5 (right side specifically) has provided my most powerful rides. Almost black out coming out of the loop and into the first helix every time. It's short, but the power is insane!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Interesting!

[@605coasters]

@@CanobieCoaster yeah, it's an odd spot for that, but something about that row is just crazy

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

On RailBlazer, I've heard of some greyout cases. Did you greyout on RailBlazer? I've blacked out on Wonder Woman: Flight of Courage's first drop, high turn, and the final valley.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes I do on the drop pullout and turnaround.

[@maxhagenauer24]

Originally themed to Top Gun, this B&M Invert is a classic. As the 2nd one ever, it's short but sweet. Intense positive Hs and whip. Considering there are other older Inverts with simular intensity but more to their layouts, this is probably one of the weaker ones, but still a really really good coaster. The helix over the water with the positive Gs must be so cool and weird to experience especially on that left seat.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It really has good forces.

[@thequackenscoasterchannel2927]

Depending on how long it is until CGA closes, Flight Deck may have a few more years in it after the park shuts down since CGA was a seasonal park for a long time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree it was a seasonal park for most it's life, but it still had a longer season than most other seasonal parks.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Canobie Coaster, what would you prefer to do with this ride, that they would remove it or that they would refurbish it to keep it going, relocating to a park like Michigan's Adventure or Valleyfair?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I want it to live on.

[@humfree6436]

If you are on a coaster and it breaks down on the 2nd launch (maverick, RTH, something like that) and that’s the only ride you get, does it count as a credit, does it not count as a credit, or does it count as half a credit?

[@triple7marc]

Not a credit.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've counted situations like that as a half credit. Happened to me midway through Sandy's.

[@SlimFury]

I like the uncovered station on Flight Deck. It reminds me of a convertible

[@CanobieCoaster]

To each their own.

[@RaquelSánchez-z4i]

How many Top Gun coasters were there built in the world? At which parks? Opening years? Which model and manufacturer were those Top Gun coasters?

[@CanobieCoaster]

3 coasters named Top Gun were built. A B&M invert at the now California's Great America in 1993. An Arrow suspended coaster at the now Kings Island in 1993. A Vekoma SLC at the now Canada's Wonderland in 1995. A B&M invert at the now Carowinds in 1999. And Vekoma also has 5 Top Gun (model name) launch coasters.

[@jrax1713]

Weird thing about b&m inverts, I might just be crazy, but it feels like the oldest inverts have way tighter restraints than the ones built past the year of maybe 95 or 96 because the restraints came down so tight on flight deck and Batman the ride at Magic Mountain for me where as other inverts like Montu afterburn, and even Batman the ride at Over Georgia I could sit in any seat and have a good amount of room between me and the restraint or maybe it’s a California thing

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think the older ones may have tighter restraints and they usually don't have big boy seats either.

[@mateoalvira3514]

How would you prefer, that the park would close (2033 as possible) as announced, or that the park would remain open without the planned closing?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it stays open, but I worry it won't.

[@NorthernRidesYaBoi]

This ride better be purchased or relocated. I need to ride this

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it is.

[@RaquelSánchez-z4i]

Did all those Top Gun coasters opened as acclaimed by most, California's Great America, Kings Island, Canada's Wonderland, and Carowinds?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The Wonderland one got a negative reception.

[@josecastro2332]

Flight Deck is the definition of short and sweet. I miss the Jet Black color it had but of course as a 49ers fan I will not complain one bit haha.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like the new colors.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Canobie Coaster would say: However, I hope I'm wrong and wish Cedar Fair and B&M can refurbish this ride to keep it going. This ride would fit perfectly at a park like Michigan's Adventure or Valleyfair that desperately needs a good inverting coaster. Why, if Valleyfair has one inverting coaster and Michigan's Adventure has two inverting coasters?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Neither has an inverting coaster this good.

[@char._mainss]

Hey canobie! Was just wondering if u knew why six flags great adventure has ka temporarily closed and zumanjaro is closed for the rest of the season, Thanks.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Ka probably broke. Zumanjaro can be closed for staffing on quieter days/periods.

[@char._mainss]

@@CanobieCoaster aaa gotcha. Thanks lol my stupid mind coudent figure out-

[@wittypseudonym]

Praying daily that we get Flight Deck or Rail Blazer here at Valleyfair. I know it would be a huge undertaking & a controversial choice, but taking out Excalibur, grading the land, and slapping Flight Deck in that back corner with some specially moulded terrain elements would be otherworldly. I think that would be their best bet against flooding... Unfortunately, I find them relocating anything here quite unlikely, since they're obviously trying to draw attention to the Route 73 area with the Larson Loop being a critical part of their recent branding. Doubt they'd smack something new in the least visible area of the park... BUT I'LL KEEP DREAMING, DAMMIT! It's only been, what, 15 years? I'll hold out hope!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've heard they won't get approval to build anything else on that Excalibur plot due to it being a flood plain.

[@ianmortimer5325]

I do think this coaster will be heading to Valleyfair as they don't have an inverted or suspended coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be a great fit.

[@frankthecat1660]

My favorite invert, even over Montu.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wow!

[@aldoparise1224]

Not too sure how accurate this is but the B&M invert that was planned for Canada's Wonderland in the mid 90's was going to be a clone of CGA'S

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would've been better than their Flight Deck.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster would say: I think these two factors, especially the ride's age, will make it an unlikely relocation candidate, so I suspect Flight Deck will ultimately die with Great America. However, I hope I'm wrong and wish B&M and Cedar Fair can refurbish this ride to keep it going. This ride would fit in perfectly at a park like Michigan's Adventure or Valleyfair that desperately needs a good inverting coaster. It would inmediately become the best steel coaster at either of those parks. If I ask you, but Michigan's Adventure has two coasters with inversions, Corkscrew and Thunderhawk. Valleyfair has one, Corkscrew. But... Canobie Coaster would say:

[@CanobieCoaster]

Valleyfair could use another.

[@SlimFury]

Shout out to the crew working Flight Deck on 21/6. They gave the train I was on a double ride at the end of the operating day after we all shouted one more ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Awesome! I love when parks do that.

[@mateoalvira3514]

The roughest coaster for you in the world was Afterburn at Carowinds?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No

[@OOFUS4103]

Even if this coaster does get saved and relocated, I doubt that other parks can replicate the iconic finale over the pond.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's true.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Flight Deck at California's Great America, how would you prefer, that it would be removed with the park closure, or that it would be relocated to another park after the park closure?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd prefer if it is saved

[@chargedonpc9989]

Do the vertical loop, zero g roll, and corkscrew feel like those elements on a Batman: the Ride clone?

[@Kittyhat]

they're all slightly different than batman, the loop is rounder and has less whip into it but more power, and the more rigid transitions in the corkscrew gives it a different feel. the zero g is just taken faster with less airtime

[@chargedonpc9989]

@@Kittyhat interesting

[@CanobieCoaster]

To me they're comparable.

[@billclinton984]

Definitely a great ride but probably my least favourite b and m invert. But this ride is still world class, all that proves is that b and m are great at making rollercoasters

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's short but great.

[@AmazingElevatorsandClaws]

I really hope this gets relocated to Valleyfair when CGA closes

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish!

[@mateoalvira3514]

But as it stands, the park is still open with all their rides and attractions. I would prefer that the park would be open and would cancel or delay the announced closure.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it doesn't close.

[@mateoalvira3514]

If I ask you if Valleyfair has one inverting coaster in Corkscrew, but... Canobie Coaster would say Valleyfair could use another. And if I ask you if Michigan's Adventure has two inverting coasters in Thunderhawk and Corkscrew, but... Canobie Coaster would say:

[@CanobieCoaster]

They are not that great

[@mateoalvira3514]

See in RCDB: Flight Deck at California's Great America Flight Deck at Canada's Wonderland Based on how they currently run, imagine trying to ride those two inverted coasters again. What would you think and how would you compare between the two in terms of tolerance, pacing, forces, intensity?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like CGA's, but not Wonderland's.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Between Flight Deck at California's Great America and Flight Deck at Canada's Wonderland, both coasters were originally named Top Gun, and they are and were themed to a jet. But what are the most notable differences do you know between the two in ride experience for you? Canobie Coaster would say: California's Great America's Flight Deck... Canada's Wonderland's Flight Deck...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Great America's is a smooth B&M. Canada's is a rough Vekoma.

[@mateoalvira3514]

What do you think about all coasters at California's Great America and Canada's Wonderland, do you think they were all tolerable?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The Flight Deck at Canada's Wonderland is awful.

[@mateoalvira7826]

How many coasters were there in the world originally named Top Gun? At which parks, which models and manufacturers were them? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

4- B&M invert at California's Great America, B&M invert at Carowinds, Arrow suspended coaster at Kings Island, and Vekoma SLC at Canada's Wonderland.

[@Kittyhat]

Also do you think this is the most intense b&m?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No

[@GweGwe-lu9ob]

Now with the six flags and cedar fair merger it could be possible to see it relocated to maybe a six flags park hopefully discovery kingdom I hope railblazer goes somewhere close as well they could scrap Kong and put railblazer there so much room for such a great coaster. I just went today to CGA and let me tell you flight deck is a short but sweet ride I nearly grayed out on the loop and my vision was blurry for the rest of the ride same with railblazer as well ever since then CGA got some killer additions with goldstriker and railblazer In my opinion CGA is better than discovery kingdom now. I hope these rides get relocated

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope this ride can be saved!

[@mateoalvira7826]

But these years California's Great America is operating. So would you like to go again there?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@alkankondo89]

Ah, that perfect Canobie-Coaster timing -- preparing me for my CGAm trip THIS weekend! Many thanks! 😁

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@urbex_coasters]

I thought Flight Deck was pretty good. I wouldn't be concerned about service life personally. From what I understand Hulk was mostly an excuse to update the theaming, Dueling Dragons was about profitability (unfortunately. As if I needed more of a reason to not like JK Rowling), and Nemesis is a result of substructure issues (ie footers). I wouldn't be too worried about Flight Deck. It may need a some mechanical parts replaced but I would say it's a fairly safe bet to get relocated. Also, a lot can change in 10 years so maybe it doesn't get relocated because it continues to operate at CGA. Especially since it seems the 49ers seem to want the park to continue to operate given cross promotions like Gold Striker and the painting Flight Deck their colours.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it still has many years left.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I would hope it will be saved

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish.

[@MagnusTheGreat]

The park will close but the park will be handed to the city and they will find a prospective owner. The park is here to stay

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope the park stays.

[@MagnusTheGreat]

@@CanobieCoaster the city wouldnt allow it :) the mayor even worked there in high school. Its a tremendous cultural place and one of the only few outings left in the bay

[@alexlents4689]

I feel like this ride would fit best at Kings Dominion if it does get saved. They have fairly low attendance, and they’ve lacked any kind of inverted coaster since Volcano closed.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Would work there!

[@marcocampos2332]

You forgot six flags Great Amercia also has a drop tower like California’s great America Lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does.

[@marcocampos2332]

It dose look it up

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Hey, Canobie Coaster! This is the first custom B&M Invert to be built!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@Uncle_Nate]

This coaster is nasty!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it's saved.

[@markrobinowitz8473]

Also, if Cedar Fair relocates this, my guess is Kings Dominion. No invert of any kind plus they could fit it over the lake. They could market it as a substitute for Volcano.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think Valleyfair could use it most.

[@markrobinowitz8473]

Would be nice if the football team would consider this a nice complement to their stadium. It's much nicer than most of the "newer" B&M inverts (Silver Bullet, Banshee, etc). Short and sweet. Patriot, on the other hand, won't be missed.

[@Kittyhat]

*by you

[@CanobieCoaster]

Patriot has the better name though since it's inspired by the best football team lol

[@mateoalvira3514]

I would like that the park would not close 2033, I would like to remain the park open

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@CipherSpectral]

if great america is gonna close they could relocate this to darien lake and railblazer to so it could provide an elite top 3 with ride of steel

[@evan_headley]

Kings dominion also needs an invert in their lineup.. but this was built for the terrain so it’d be hard to relocate I think

[@rixrobin]

Railblazer would fit perfectly at dorney in the old stinger plot

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think a relocation to another Cedar Fair park is more likely IF it even gets relocated.

[@MrNnacheta]

First!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

I Think Flight Deck Is The Worst Name For A Coaster It Just Sounds Horrible

[@CanobieCoaster]

Carowinds got a better name with Afterburn when their Top Gun was renamed.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: A candidate so I suspect Flight Deck would close with Great America, but I hope I'm wrong and wish Cedar Fair and B&M can refurbish this ride to keep it going. This ride would fit in perfectly at a park like Michigan's Adventure or Valleyfair that desperately needs a good inverting coaster. Why? Because Valleyfair had an Arrow looper in Corkscrew, but Corkscrew... Because Michigan's Adventure had an Arrow corkscrew in Corkscrew and a Vekoma SLC in Thunderhawk, but both Corkscrew and Thunderhawk...

[@CanobieCoaster]

None of those rides are standouts.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

What do you think about: Flight Deck at California's Great America Flight Deck at Canada's Wonderland Bat at Kings Island (which was also Flight Deck) Raptor at Cedar Point Batman the Ride at Six Flags Great America Afterburn at Carowinds

[@CanobieCoaster]

Flight Deck at Canada’s Wonderland is awful. Like the others.

[@aarusharya5658]

@@CanobieCoaster Lol I thought you said all of them were awful

[@Shockzone1495]

Don't be sad this park will be gone. Just be glad that it was here for us to enjoy.🥲

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad I had it for a home park one summer.