So, is there a "learning curve?"

The amusement park near my town is constructing a new roller coaster.

I don't ride roller coasters.
I don't like to think about riding a roller coaster.
I don't really even like when the Mr. goes over a hill fast and it takes my stomach away.
Roller coasters: bad.

I used to ride roller coasters when I was younger, but only to impress boys. Sad, but true. I've done loops, drops and rickety wooden coasters zipping along a 6" rail all in the name of "Please notice me." Now that I'm an ADULT (kind of) I refuse to willingly regurgitate my lunch just so people will belive I'm adventurous. I'm not. And that is the undisputed truth.

Moving on...

Every time I drive down I-35 I see the big "Steel Lasso" going up piece by piece. Cranes, ropes, and people in hard hats scurry to snap together tons of steel so they can delicately balance a tiny train of carts full of people and send them soaring through the air in every imaginable angle. I'll pass.

How do they test roller coasters? I'm sure they give it umpteem dry runs without real humans before they deem it safe. How do they assume the weight of a dozen screaming ninkompoops can be supported by the oh-so-tiny nuts and bolts? I simply don't trust the company offering the lowest bid for that construction job.

HOWEVER, some, if not most, of you like the thrill of a gravity -defying ride. I'm wondering if you have an opinion on this new coaster? How long would it have to be operational before you'd put your little hinnie in the seat of a brand spankin' new roller coaster? Would anyone be willing to go on the first "manned test run?" I mean, when you're a roller coaster engineer and operator, is there a learning curve?

Do tell.