BMX Term
Flyout
A flyout is a BMX ramp that riders roll up and launch off, flying out from the top of the curve and landing on a deck or flat area beyond it.
Updated 2 min read397 words
A flyout is a ramp that riders roll up and launch off, flying out from the top of the curve and landing on a deck or flat area beyond. It is one of the most common ways to learn air tricks.
Meaning
Most flyouts are built like a quarter pipe with a deck behind it. The rider rolls up the transition, leaves the coping in the air and lands on the deck instead of turning back down the ramp. The deck is often a large flat area or a gentle slope, so the rider can keep rolling.
The reason it works for learning is simple. On a normal quarter the rider must stop, turn and drop back in, which adds difficulty. On a flyout the rider just goes forward. This allows the rider to focus on the trick, and the landing is more natural. Riders often learn bunny hops to air, tabletops, barspins, tailwhips and 180s on a flyout before taking them to a full quarter or spine.
Flyouts come in many sizes. Small ones are around knee height and suit beginners. Taller ones are used by more experienced riders for bigger tricks and more air.
Origin and usage
The name is a simple description of the move. The rider flies out of the ramp. The exact origin of the term is not well documented, and spellings vary: "flyout", "fly out" and "fly-out" are all used.
Flyouts are found in skateparks, BMX parks and backyard builds. In some places they are built with a resi landing, a soft surface that makes trying new tricks safer. As a verb, riders say "fly out" for the move itself, as in "fly out of the quarter".
The flyout is often a stepping stone. A rider who is comfortable on a flyout can move on to a spine, a hip or a euro gap, where the landing needs more control.
Examples
- "I'm learning tailwhips on the flyout before I try them on the big quarter."
- "He flew out of the quarter and landed a clean 360."
- "The park has a small flyout into a bank, perfect for warming up."
Related terms
- Quarter pipe: a ramp with one curved wall.
- Transition: the curved part of a ramp.
- Resi: a ramp with a soft landing surface.
- Euro gap: a gap down to a bank or landing.
- Boost: height or air on a jump.
Frequently asked questions about Flyout
Why do riders learn tricks on a flyout?
A flyout is a forgiving place to learn air tricks. The rider has a clear take-off, travels forward and lands on a flat or sloped surface, which is easier than turning back into a steep wall.
What is the difference between a flyout and a quarter pipe?
On a quarter pipe the rider normally turns back down the same face. On a flyout the rider leaves the top of the curve and lands on a deck or landing area beyond it.
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