During progress in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, the Airport level provides numerous exclusive challenges along with standard collectibles. One of them is a skill objective trick challenge: Airwalk Over an Escalator. The challenge demands the performance of tricks and sense of space, which while it can be easily narrated, takes some experience to time just right.
To do this task is not only necessary for 100% level completion but also a rewarding way to test your trick timing and air control.
Goal Breakdown
The goal itself is simple enough to envision: do an Airwalk trick while walking over any of the airport’s escalators. But due to the specific trick input, angle, and air time required, some setup choices are more favorable than others.
An Airwalk is a grab trick done by inputting the proper grab + directional combo in mid-air (usually → + Grab / Right + Circle on PS, or Right + B on Xbox, depending on control layout).
Where to Do the Airwalk
There are several sets of escalators throughout the Airport level, but not all of them are safe to use as a solid launching point. Here is the location of the good one and how to do the trick:
1. Main Terminal Escalators
Start from the beginning, head straight down and slightly to the left towards the huge main hall. There are two level escalators here between two corridors. While theoretically possible to perform the Airwalk here with decent speed and ollie timing, it is not a practical place because there isn’t much air time.
2. Good Spot – Curved Ramp Near Baggage Claim
If you’re having trouble with the flat routes, the curved ramp near baggage claim is your best option. How to get there:
- Begin where you begin and make your way down the first line of escalators on your left.
- Roll forward until you arrive at the baggage claim zone (you will see conveyor belts and luggage stands).
- On one side of it you will have a curved ramp leading towards an escalator gap.
Drive onto the ramp, pop off the turn, and time out your Airwalk trick as you slide across the escalator. If all goes well, the game will tally the trick and note the challenge done.
Tips for Execution
- Customize your trick to your preference: Since the Airwalk isn’t attached to a natural direction, resetting it in the pause menu will allow it to be easier to land.
- Use Special Meter. (Optional): You don’t have to have a full special meter, but it will give you extra jump and extra hang time for tricks if you’ve been chaining combos previously.
- Speed Is Key: Have a strong enough speed prior to the ramp so you can cross the gap.
- Hold the Trick: Be sure to commit to the Airwalk early in the jump and hold it in the center of your airtime. Bailing too early will not reward the trick as attempted over the escalator.
The Airwalk Over an Escalator challenge is one of Tony Hawk’s classic combinations of style and precision. While not the most complicated goal in the Airport level, it still calls for players to pay attention to trick placement and select the appropriate geometry in the level to complete it. With the right launch ramp and proper timing, it’s one of the more rewarding challenges in your Airport to-do list.
