Have you ever wondered what it looks like from the best seat in the house? We’re not talking about courtside tickets or a penthouse balcony. We’re talking about cruising at 500 feet in one of the world’s most recognizable icons, the Goodyear Blimp, which, by the way, is filled with 98% helium!
Recently, LJ, Jon and Jason from the Houska Automotive management team had the incredible honor of experiencing aviation history firsthand. Bags got packed and they flew down to sunny Pompano Beach, Florida, and boarded the legendary Goodyear Blimp for an unforgettable hour-long ride.
Why is this such a big deal? Well, aside from being an absolute blast, it’s remarkably rare. Statistics show that only 0.0006% of the population has ever been inside the blimp.
We want to take you along for the ride and share what it’s really like to float on air in the Goodyear Blimp.
A Cruising Altitude Like No Other
When you think of flying, you usually think of pressurized cabins, tiny windows, and the roar of jet engines. The Goodyear Blimp flips that script entirely.
Once we reached our cruising altitude of just 500 feet, the experience was shockingly peaceful. It wasn’t the sterile environment of a commercial airliner. It felt intimate and connected to the world below. Because the blimp moves at a leisurely pace, the ride is incredibly smooth. The sensation was less like being on a plane and more like floating on a boat in the sky. The “ship of the sky” nickname suddenly made perfect sense to us. The most surprising part? We could open the windows!
Here’s an interesting tidbit: when you’re at a major sporting event and you hear that the aerial shots are “provided by the Goodyear Blimp,” those amazing photos and videos are actually taken by the Goodyear Aeiral Broadcasting team right there inside the blimp. So, not only are you seeing race tracks, golf tournaments and stadiums from a unique vantage point, but you’re also getting a true blimp-eye view captured by the crew floating above the action.
Take-off and landing require all passengers to be seated (safety first!), but once you’re up in the sky, you can get up and move around the blimp’s spacious cabin, exploring the views from every angle.
The Fascinating Science Behind the Goodyear Blimp
While we were busy soaking in the views, we also learned some fascinating details about how this massive airship operates. The logistics behind keeping the Goodyear Blimp in the air are just as impressive as the flight itself.
One of the most interesting facts we learned is that the blimp needs constant attention. If the blimp is outside of its hangar, someone must be in the pilot’s seat at all times.
Because it is lighter than air, it doesn’t just sit on the tarmac like a 747. It hovers and when “parked” outside, a pilot has to be ready to manage the ship against the wind and elements to keep it stable near the ground. It also has to land where it can be rotated a full 360 degrees – absolutely crazy to think about.
The Critical Role of the Support Vehicle
You might think an airship can just fly wherever it wants, but it actually has a very important travel partner. The blimp’s travel range is strictly limited by its ground support truck.
The blimp cannot travel faster, or slower, than this support truck can drive. They are a tethered pair, moving in sync across the country. This support vehicle isn’t just carrying luggage; it’s a mobile airport. It features a large mast or tower attached to it. If the blimp needs to land unexpectedly or moor for the night away from a hangar, it lands and attaches directly to this tower on the truck.
Beyond just its role in movement, the support vehicle is fully equipped for maintenance. If anything goes wrong with the blimp, the vehicle is right there, allowing the crew to perform necessary repairs quickly.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
For the team at Houska Automotive, this wasn’t just a fun afternoon out of the shop. It was a reminder of how amazing engineering and mechanics can be. Whether it’s the car you drive every day or a massive helium-filled airship, we love anything with an engine that moves people.
We returned from Florida with a newfound appreciation for the Goodyear brand, not just for their tires that keep our customers safe on the road, but for their incredible contribution to aviation history.
Joining the 0.0006% club was an honor we won’t soon forget. The next time you see that blue and yellow icon floating over a track or stadium, give a little wave. It’s probably quiet enough up there that the pilot might just see you.
If we’ve tweaked your interest in the Goodyear blimp, take a moment to view this historical video, compliments of Business Insider.