The Complete Guide to Procuring Flying Chair Amusement Rides

Core Certifications Buyers Must Verify

In addition, buyers should require the manufacturer to provide design document appraisal reports, non-destructive testing (NDT) reports for critical load-bearing components, and material certificates and mechanical performance reports for wire ropes and chains. These documents are not only required for inspection but also serve as important evidence for future maintenance, modification, and insurance claims.

Passenger Restraint System

According to GB/T 18161-2020 General Technical Requirements for Fly-Tower Amusement Facilities, when the equipment’s designed acceleration falls within higher zones as defined by GB 8408, two independent passenger restraint devices or one fail-safe restraint device shall be provided. Common restraint configurations for flying chairs include:

• Safety Restraint Bar (Safety Bar): Uses a ratchet-and-pawl locking mechanism. Premium equipment features two interlocking ratchet-and-pawl sets that engage alternately, so that if one set fails the other still maintains locking. The bar should be adjustable to accommodate passengers of different body sizes.
• Safety Belt: Serves as secondary protection, typically a lap belt with a lock that can only be opened with a special tool, preventing passengers from unfastening it themselves. Some high-end models use five-point harnesses.
• Secondary Confirmation Button: After the operator secures the restraint bars and fastens the seat belts, the platform safety confirmation button must be pressed before the ride can start, creating human-machine dual confirmation.

Braking and Emergency Systems

The braking system of a flying chair directly relates to passenger safety in emergency situations. Buyers should focus on:

• Dual Redundant Braking: The mainstream configuration combines mechanical band brakes with electromagnetic brakes. Since 2025, newly delivered mid-to-high-end equipment has generally been equipped with dual redundant braking systems, significantly reducing failure rates.
• Emergency Stop Button: Both the control console and the platform should be equipped with red mushroom-head emergency stop buttons, allowing the operator to cut power and activate braking instantly when an abnormality is detected.
• Speed and Limit Protection: The equipment should be equipped with rotational speed sensors and angle/height limit sensors that automatically trigger protection when operating parameters exceed the design range.
• Manual Release Device: In the event of a power outage or system failure, a mechanical device should be available to manually release the brake and lower passengers slowly.

Structural Safety

The main load-bearing components of a flying chair include the central column, rotating arm, suspension chains/wire ropes, seats, and connecting pins. Buyers should require the manufacturer to provide:

• Strength calculation reports and fatigue life analysis for main load-bearing components;
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT) or Ultrasonic Testing (UT) reports for critical welds;
• Suspension wire ropes shall comply with GB/T 8918, with mechanical performance reports provided with the equipment;
• All high-strength bolts shall have material certificates, and alignment marks shall be applied after installation for daily inspection.

Reference Technical Specifications for Common Models

Note: The above parameters are reference values for common industry models; specific values are subject to each manufacturer’s official technical documentation. According to GB/T 18161-2020, the deviation of dynamic parameters such as rotational speed from design values shall be controlled within -10% to +5%.

Key Selection Decision Points

• Capacity and Throughput: A 36-seat flying chair with a 3–4 minute cycle has a theoretical hourly throughput of approximately 500–700 passengers, suitable for medium-to-large parks and popular scenic areas. A 16-seat compact model suits community playgrounds, commercial complex atriums, and other space-constrained settings.
• Functional Differences: Standard flying chairs only rotate and swing outward under centrifugal force. Wave Swingers feature a tilting/undulating canopy that adds motion variety but require more space and cost.
• Target Audience: Large flying chairs typically require a minimum height of 1.2m and age of 6+. Compact models may accommodate younger children, but the manufacturer’s passenger restriction design must be confirmed.
• Operating Environment: Equipment is typically rated for ambient temperatures of 0–40°C, humidity ≤90% (at 25°C, non-condensing), and must stop operating when wind speed exceeds 15 m/s. At altitudes above 1000m, electrical components require derating.

Structural Steel and Anti-Corrosion Treatment

The main load-bearing structures of a flying chair — column, rotating arm, base — are made of high-quality carbon structural steel or low-alloy high-strength steel. Buyers should pay attention to the following process stages:

• CNC Cutting and Machining: CNC plasma/laser cutting and CNC machining centers ensure dimensional accuracy of structural parts, enabling smoother assembly and more stable operation.
• Shot Blasting: All mechanical steel components should undergo surface rust removal by shot blasting to Sa2.5 grade or above before painting, ensuring firm adhesion between anti-rust paint and the steel substrate. Equipment without shot blasting is prone to paint bubbling and peeling within 1–2 years, with steel corroding from within.
• Multi-Layer Coating System: Premium equipment uses a three-layer coating system of “epoxy zinc-rich primer + epoxy micaceous iron oxide intermediate coat + polyurethane topcoat,” with an outdoor service life of 8–10+ years. Some manufacturers use automotive paint processes involving three rounds of sanding, three rounds of putty, two primer coats, topcoat, and clear coat, producing a glossy, durable finish.
• Heat Treatment of Critical Pins: All load-bearing pins should undergo quenching and tempering with hardness test reports to ensure adequate strength and toughness.

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Craftsmanship

Flying chairs extensively use FRP parts for seats, canopy decorations, and central column cladding. FRP quality directly affects appearance and safety:

• Multi-Layer Layup Structure: Quality FRP uses a multi-layer layup of “chopped strand mat layer + 0.3mm platinum cloth + 0.5mm platinum cloth,” with additional iron-cloth reinforcement at critical areas and special reinforcement at embedded metal fittings.
• Resin and Curing System: Weather-resistant isophthalic unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin should be used; cheap orthophthalic resin should be avoided as it causes rapid outdoor aging, fading, and cracking.
• Thickness and Uniformity: Load-bearing FRP parts such as seats should be no less than 5mm thick, with uniform thickness and no bubbles, delamination, or whitening defects.
• Surface Gel Coat: High-quality gel coat resin with UV resistance and good weatherability ensures long-lasting color.

Suspension Components

The chains or wire ropes that suspend the seats are among the most critical safety components of a flying chair. Buyers should confirm:

• Chains should be made of high-quality alloy steel with galvanized or blackened surface treatment, and each batch should have a factory inspection report;
• Wire ropes should comply with GB/T 8918, with a recommended construction of 6×19 or 6×37 and diameter no less than the design calculation value;
• Suspension connection points should be equipped with anti-disengagement devices to prevent accidental unhooking of chains or wire ropes during operation.

Core Electrical Configuration

• PLC Brand and Model: Quality equipment uses well-known brands such as Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron, with clear program logic and fault self-diagnosis capabilities. Some small factories use no-name PLCs or microcontroller controls with programs that cannot be modified, making troubleshooting difficult.
• Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): A VFD controls the main motor to achieve smooth startup, acceleration, and deceleration, reducing mechanical shock and lowering energy consumption. The VFD should be a reputable brand with power margin.
• Motor and Reducer: The drive motor should be a well-known brand three-phase asynchronous motor or servo motor; the reducer should be a hard-tooth-face reducer for smooth operation, low noise, and long service life.
• Safety Interlock Circuit: The control system should have an independent safety interlock circuit including restraint bar position detection, platform safety confirmation, emergency stop circuit, overspeed protection, and limit protection. The equipment cannot start or will stop immediately if any condition is not met.

Electrical Safety Requirements

• Electrical cabinet protection rating should be no less than IP54, and IP55 for outdoor use;
• Insulation resistance of all motors must not be less than 1 MΩ, and protective earth resistance must not exceed 10 Ω;
• The distribution cabinet should be equipped with complete electrical protection elements including leakage protectors, overload protectors, and short-circuit protectors;
• The control panel should have clear labels, well-defined button functions, and key switches to prevent unauthorized operation.

Site Requirements

• Footprint: The actual space required is the equipment’s rotational diameter plus surrounding safety clearance. For a 36-seat flying chair with a φ12m equipment diameter, a φ18m circular site is typically needed after adding safety clearance. Buyers should request formal foundation drawings and site layout plans from the manufacturer.
• Ground Bearing Capacity: The foundation soil bearing capacity should meet design requirements, typically no less than 150 kPa. Soft soil foundations require reinforcement.
• Surrounding Environment: The equipment must not be installed under high-voltage power lines; there should be no buildings, trees, or other obstacles intruding into the operating envelope; the passenger boarding/alighting area should be flat and slip-resistant.
• Drainage and Flood Prevention: The site should have a proper drainage system to avoid long-term submersion of the foundation.

Foundation Construction

Flying chairs typically use a reinforced concrete independent foundation. The manufacturer should provide detailed foundation construction drawings including:

• Foundation plan dimensions, depth, and concrete strength grade (typically not less than C30);
• Anchor bolt specifications, quantity, positioning dimensions, and embedding method;
• Reinforcement arrangement drawings and grounding electrode requirements;
• Foundation curing period and acceptance criteria.

Foundation construction should be performed by a qualified civil engineering team. After completion, it must be inspected and accepted by the manufacturer’s technical personnel before equipment installation begins. Foundation quality directly affects the smoothness and safety of equipment operation and must never be treated casually.

Power Supply and Ancillary Requirements

• Large flying chairs typically require a 3N+PE 380V/220V 50Hz three-phase five-wire power supply, with total installed capacity of approximately 30–50 kVA;
• Voltage fluctuation should not exceed ±10% of rated value, and frequency fluctuation should not exceed ±2%;
• The equipment should have an independent distribution box separate from other electrical equipment;
• If night operation is planned, additional power for lighting, audio, and LED lighting systems must be considered.

Customizable Elements

• Themed Styling: The canopy can be customized in various styles such as opera facial masks, marine creatures, cartoon IP, European palace, or aerospace technology. For example, integrating Chinese opera mask styling into a flying chair design both preserves traditional culture and creates a unique visual identity.
• Color Schemes: FRP component colors can be customized to the theme; the manufacturer should provide color swatches and confirm paint weatherability.
• Lighting Systems: LED colored lights, chase lights, and spotlights can be configured with multiple lighting mode switching. Premium equipment lighting systems are integrated with the control system to present different effects at different operation stages.
• Audio Systems: High-power audio can be integrated with Bluetooth/USB/broadcast input for background music or safety announcements.
• Seat Styling: Seat shape, color, and material can be customized; some high-end models offer faux leather cushioning for improved comfort.

Customization Considerations

When requesting customization, buyers should note the following:

• Customization increases production lead time and cost; custom content, delivery time, and fees should be clearly specified in the contract;
• Request 3D renderings or 1:1 prototypes for confirmation before mass production to avoid finished products not matching expectations;
• Custom decorations must not compromise equipment safety performance or maintenance access; all added components must undergo strength verification;
• For customization involving IP imagery, buyers must ensure they hold legal authorization to avoid infringement disputes.

Total Cost of Ownership Breakdown

Return on Investment (ROI) Calculation Key Points

• Revenue Side: Hourly throughput × ticket price × daily operating hours × annual operating days = annual revenue. Also consider holiday premiums, bundled ticket revenue sharing, and secondary consumption stimulation.
• Cost Side: The above total cost of ownership allocated annually.
• Payback Period: A quality flying chair in a medium-sized park with stable visitor flow typically has an investment payback period of 1.5–3 years; the design service life can reach 15–25 years.
• Sensitivity Analysis: It is recommended to perform pessimistic/neutral/optimistic scenario sensitivity analysis on visitor flow, ticket price, and operating days to avoid decision errors caused by over-optimism.

Standard After-Sales Service Content

• Installation and Commissioning: The manufacturer should dispatch professional technicians to the site to guide or perform installation and commissioning, ensuring the equipment meets design performance and passes inspection.
• Operator Training: Systematic training for operators and maintenance personnel covering equipment structure, operating procedures, safety precautions, daily checks, and common troubleshooting. Training certificates should be issued upon completion.
• Warranty Period: The industry standard warranty is 12 months from the date of installation, commissioning, and acceptance. Some manufacturers offer extended warranty services. During the warranty period, failures caused by manufacturing quality defects should be repaired or parts replaced free of charge.
• Lifetime Maintenance: After the warranty period, the manufacturer should provide paid lifetime maintenance services including periodic inspections, fault repair, and technical upgrades.
• Spare Parts Supply: The manufacturer should guarantee original spare parts availability for at least 5–10 years after equipment discontinuation. Key spare parts (motors, reducers, PLC modules) should be recommended for appropriate inventory.
• Response Speed: Quality manufacturers commit to responding to fault requests within 2 hours and on-site resolution within 48 hours (domestic). For exported equipment, the methods and costs of remote support and on-site service should be clearly defined.

Maintenance Schedule Reference

Buyers should treat the manufacturer’s Operation and Maintenance Manual as an important operational management reference, establish equipment ledgers and maintenance record archives, and retain records for no less than 3 years.

Manufacturer Capability Evaluation Dimensions

• R&D and Design Capability: Does the company have an independent R&D team? Can it provide complete technical documentation including structural calculations and electrical schematics? Does it hold independent intellectual property and patents? Leading industry enterprises typically hold dozens of patents.
• Production Scale and Equipment: Factory area, production workshops, CNC machining equipment, shot blasting equipment, paint booths, and testing facilities. Manufacturers with their own factory buildings and complete production lines offer far greater quality controllability than trading companies that assemble from outsourced parts.
• Industry Standing and Reputation: Is it a member or president unit of the industry association? Has it received provincial/municipal famous trademark, technology enterprise, or contract-honoring honors? While not mandatory, these reflect the company’s standardization and credibility.
• Project Case Studies: Request a list of similar equipment installations from the past 3 years, including client names, equipment models, and installation dates. When possible, visit operating equipment to assess actual performance and customer feedback.
• Export Experience: For buyers with export needs, the manufacturer’s export experience is particularly important. Manufacturers with years of export experience are familiar with international certifications, sea-freight packaging, and overseas installation, significantly reducing export risks. Manufacturers whose products have been exported to Russia, the USA, France, the UAE, Kazakhstan, and other countries typically offer more reliable product adaptability.
• Financial Stability: Check the manufacturer’s business registration, legal risks, and operational anomalies through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System to avoid companies on the verge of closure or entangled in disputes.

On-Site Inspection Recommendations

For large procurement amounts, on-site inspection is strongly recommended:

1. Review actual production conditions in the workshops to confirm the manufacturer is not a “shell” or “private-label” company;
2. Inspect the raw material warehouse to confirm brands and specifications of steel, FRP, and electrical components;
3. Examine equipment under production, observing welding quality, rust removal processes, and painting procedures;
4. Review the quality control department’s testing equipment and inspection records;
5. Engage with technical and after-sales personnel to assess their professional level and service attitude.

Common Traps

• Specification Cuts After Low-Bid Award: Some manufacturers win bids at low prices, then cut costs during production by reducing steel wall thickness, using no-name motors and electrical components, or reducing painting processes. Prevention: specify brand, specification, and material standards for major components in the contract, and conduct item-by-item acceptance upon delivery.
• Qualification Borrowing or Out-of-Scope Production: Small factories bid using large companies’ qualifications, while actual production is done by unqualified workshops. Prevention: verify that the production address matches the license address, and conduct on-site factory inspections.
• Unfulfilled After-Sales Promises: “Lifetime free maintenance” is promised before signing, then excuses or high fees are charged afterward. Prevention: clearly specify after-sales terms (warranty period, response time, spare parts pricing, on-site service fees) in the contract.
• Delivery Delays: Manufacturers delay delivery due to insufficient capacity or poor management, affecting project opening schedules. Prevention: specify delivery time and delay penalties in the contract, and follow up on production progress regularly.
• Inspection Failure: Equipment fails special equipment supervisory inspection due to design or manufacturing defects, making legal operation impossible. Prevention: select mature models with valid type test certificates, and promptly submit for inspection after installation.
• Vague Technical Parameters: Parameters in promotional materials do not match actual equipment — for example, actual rotational speed is lower than advertised, reducing the ride experience. Prevention: use the technical parameter table as a contract attachment, and conduct measured acceptance after installation.

Key Contract Clause Checklist

The procurement contract should include at least the following key clauses:

1. Equipment model, technical parameters, and configuration list (as contract attachment);
2. Material and component brand/specification detail sheet;
3. Delivery time, delivery location, and transportation method;
4. Installation/commissioning scope and acceptance criteria;
5. Warranty period, warranty scope, and after-sales service terms;
6. Payment method and schedule (typically 30% deposit, 60% before shipment, 10% after acceptance);
7. Liability for delayed delivery and quality issues;
8. Intellectual property and confidentiality clauses;
9. Dispute resolution method (recommend jurisdiction at the buyer’s location court).