Flying System
flying system, fly system, stage flying system
What is a Flying System?
A flying system (or "fly system") is the complete rigging system used to raise and lower scenery, curtains, and lighting above the stage. It includes the hoists or counterweight mechanisms, ropes/cables, pulleys, battens, and all associated hardware.
How It Works
Two main types: Counterweight System (manual operation using a rope / purchase line, load on the batten is balanced by steel weights in an arbor / carriage, operator pulls the rope to move the batten up or down, minimal effort required when properly balanced) and Motorized System (electric hoists replace manual counterweights, controlled from an operator console, variable speed with precise positioning, can be automated via cue-based control).
Key Concepts
Related Standards
- EN 17206:2021 — Powered flying systems
- ANSI E1.4 — Counterweight rigging safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Counterweight or motorized — which flying system makes sense for a new build?
A: For greenfield theater projects, we almost always recommend a motorized flying system. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term benefits stack up quickly: one operator can control the entire system from a console instead of needing a fly crew on the loading gallery, cue programming eliminates human timing errors, and the variable speed control means scenery moves can be choreographed to music with millisecond precision. Counterweight systems still have a place in budget-conscious renovations or educational theaters where hands-on training is part of the curriculum — but even there, BRD often designs a hybrid setup: motorized battens for the main scenic elements, and a few manual counterweight linesets for simple borders and legs.