Six Flags' Texas Chute Out Floating Down To Earth

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Picture an 8-year-old standing in the shade of 100 degree heat at Six Flags Over Texas, in line for the most terrifying theme park ride he can think of.

No, it wasn't a roller coaster, it was a parachute-type ride, and the boy was about to step into the basket and fly up into the air.

The ride, called the Texas Chute Out, would raise you up to the heights of the Arlington sky, and would linger at the top just long enough to catch a glimpse of an outbound plane from DFW or a look inside Arlington Stadium.

If you remember your screams turning into laughter as you floated back to earth, then you have just over a month to say goodbye to your old friend.

The Texas Chute Out will be gone after September 3, altering the Arlington skyline.   The neighboring Flashback, an equally terrifying but thrilling roller coaster that arrived in 1990, will also be closing.

Both are being dismantled this fall to make way for a new yet-to-be named attraction.

Six Flags spokeswoman Sharon Parker said she expects the news the ride is going away will come as a surprise to fans of the park. "SInce the ride has been here 36 years, we anticipate some nostalgia, we know that many people are going to want to visit and reflect on the ride before it's taken down."

News of both rides coming down brought out emotion in many North Texans. On Six Flags' facebook page Thursday morning, fans reflected on life moments that happened on the ride, and about their memories of sitting on the chair side, trying to 'race' friends or using the time in the air to steal a kiss.

Parker said the announcement was "definitely one of those things that has pulled on the heartstrings of people."

She also added the park will work with places like the National Roller Coaster Museum to help preserve the history of the two rides. "I'm sure there will be a couple of things that will be saved," she said, adding that the park would also work on preserving the memory of the rides.

But, when asked what would be going in place of the rides, Parker would only say "Stay tuned."

And we will.