Goodyear Blimp

Assistant Chief Pilot - Michael Dougherty took us up in the Spirit of Goodyear Blimp and shared a little about how to fly the iconic airship!

The Goodyear blimp has an amazing history and it's a unique opportunity to have a chance to take a ride in what is essentially a giant helium balloon. 

The Blimp has some common controls to maneuver the airship like foot peddles allow you to steer. The ship has some more unique controls as well, like a series of cords that control air valves and a large wheel to control the elevator.

The trip inspired David to customize a Goodyear Helium RC airship that maneuvered more like the real thing! 

Switching out some motors and customizing the ship with tail fins and a servo track setup which allows the balloon to change it's pitch. The balloon has a flight time of about an hour!

The customized servo moves up forward and back on the track and allows the RC Blimp to fly more like the actual Goodyear Blimp (sorta).

We'd like to thank Goodyear for the chance to ride in the Spirit of Goodyear and to learn more about these amazing airships!

Learn more about the Goodyear Blimp at their website: 
http://www.goodyearblimp.com 

More photos available in the Forum Post!  Click the "Join the Discussion" link below 

Here's some bonus video from the Goodyear Blimp - Hall of History: