Flying theater motion base and related methods

A flying theater motion base comprising:

• a support structure configured for mounting over an underlying surface in front of a viewing area;
• a pivot structure pivotably connected to the support structure about a pivot axis;
• a first row of seats pivotably connected to the pivot structure about a first row pitch axis;
• a first pivot drive operable to pivot the pivot structure about the pivot axis over the underlying surface;
• and
• a first pitch drive operable to adjust a pitch of the first row of seats about the first row pitch axis;
• wherein the first pivot drive is operable to pivot the pivot structure to move the first row of seats between a load/unload position adjacent the underlying surface and a show position elevated above the underlying surface in front of the viewing area;
• wherein, while in the show position, the first pivot drive is further operable to pivot the pivot structure to move the first row of seats up and down to simulate heave motions;
• wherein the first pitch drive is operable to maintain the first row of seats in a neutral pitch in the load/unload position and to pitch the first row of seats forward and backward while in the show position;
• wherein the pivot structure includes a pivot shaft supported by the support structure and engaged by the first pivot drive, and a pair of outside side supports connected to the pivot shaft, each of the outside side supports having a first end tine, the first row of seats being pivotably connected between the first end tines of the outside side supports;
• and
• wherein at least one of the first end tines has a hollow interior and the first pitch drive is connected between the first row of seats and one of the outside side supports within the hollow interior.