Ever wondered how the iconic Goodyear Blimp actually flies? Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of aviation’s most unusual aircraft during its appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Discover what makes this semi-rigid airship tick—from its massive 246-foot helium envelope and fly-by-wire controls to its dedicated ground crew operations and 32-ton support truck. You'll learn how the Goodyear Blimp USA takes off, hovers, lands, and even handles long cross-country trips—all while doubling as a spectacular flying billboard.
Celebrating 100 years of Goodyear blimp heritage, this video offers a rare insight into an engineering marvel that’s part aircraft, part spectacle. It's also a perfect example of an aircraft that doesn’t need runways, operating more like a helicopter in many phases of flight. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, aspiring pilot, or simply curious about how the Goodyear Blimp flies, this blimp flight experience is one airship adventure you won’t want to miss.
Very interesting. Years ago I let myself get outbid at a golf outing for a ride on the blimp. It didn't go for much money and I'm still kicking myself at that missed opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThat's not the original Goodyear blimp we all remember from our youth, seen at most every sporting event. Those were all made by Goodyear and had the animated sign board on the side.
ReplyDeleteThe one in the video is a semi-rigid airship made by Zeppelin. If I recall correctly they have Porsche engines.
Do they run on Leded gas?
DeleteWe were blessed to host Wingfoot 3 in our field for 2.5 days last month. They couldn't get work permits settled into Canada, so they had the Canadian dealers & big customers come across the line to our place.
ReplyDeleteSince we are not a gated property, the public got to come and get up close & personal. Many a youngster & the old Young at heart got a thrill. Long into the night, even early in the morning, folks were out, checking it out.
One of the neighbor private pilots actually got to fly it and go with them the day they left. They were doing pilot training, and they had it rocking side to side aggressively more than you would with customers on board! He was thrilled, and he had been a fighter pilot in his youth.
I welcome them back anytime they'd like to come.
Jerry
Even if you aren't a fan of Cleetus McFarland, you should watch his youtube video when he got to fly a Goodyear blimp.
ReplyDeleteThey used to hangar them at El Toro in Orange County, CA but the best photos I've gotten were when we just happened to see in landing in Lubbock TX while traveling through a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteCC
It was at MCAS (H) Santa Ana. I was there in 1973 they had the huge blimp hangers from WW2. They would come by once in a while. Supposedly they might give the guys a ride.
ReplyDeleteI would often see a Goodyear blimp alongside the 405 in Long Beach.
Paul J