Zeppelin over Long Beach

[NikonGuy]

Cool, thanks for the heads up. I will be looking for her tomorrow

You got it.. 

[gfydad]

A few from yesterday. The final one shows the company's owner, Brian Hall, enjoying the view.
They surprised me by giving a flight that went up before the regular schedule as the regular flights were booked solid.

[rander]

Great pics, Jim, must have been quite a ride!!

[gfydad]

Thanks! I've gone up in the Goodyear Columbia and the blimp and Zeppelin are two different animals.
Since the blimp is an envelope with gas, the engines are connected to the gondola. Sound is similar to being on board a copter. Also, take off is usually at a high angle of attack which raises a little concern until you remember that you're in a blimp and not a fixed wing.
The Zeppelin's framework for the envelope allows the engines to be mounted onto that structure and eliminates most of the noise and also any vibration.
The engines swivel 120 degrees so the huge craft can take off vertically and even back up on its own.
The sensation if very smooth and you can see the outstanding visibility in the gondola. Occasionally, there was only the slightest rolling motion such as being on a large boat on a lake. Also, it was very easy to get up and walk around. 

[GTagami]

Thanks! I've gone up in the Goodyear Columbia and the blimp and Zeppelin are two different animals.
Since the blimp is an envelope with gas, the engines are connected to the gondola. Sound is similar to being on board a copter. Also, take off is usually at a high angle of attack which raises a little concern until you remember that you're in a blimp and not a fixed wing.
The Zeppelin's framework for the envelope allows the engines to be mounted onto that structure and eliminates most of the noise and also any vibration.
The engines swivel 120 degrees so the huge craft can take off vertically and even back up on its own.
The sensation if very smooth and you can see the outstanding visibility in the gondola. Occasionally, there was only the slightest rolling motion such as being on a large boat on a lake. Also, it was very easy to get up and walk around. 

Hey Jim,

Great shots. Are they allowing people to take photos while the Zeppelin is on the ground like they did with the Collings birds? Which way do they depart? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it to go down there to get some shots.

[CHILIBEAN]

Nice Pics Jim 

[GTagami]

After being inspired by Jim's shots I headed down to see what I could see.

[GTagami]

If you go, each flight is about an hour. The Zep passes by the east side of Signal Hill on it's way out and on the way back in so you can get some great shots from Panorama Promenade Park. If you want to get it on the ground, take Wardlow from Cherry all the way to the end. Park on the right. There is a wooden guard rail you can stand on to shoot over the fence. The turn-around is pretty quick in between flights. I would say no more than 10 minutes so you will probably have to shoot a couple of flights in order to get it from different locations. I tried to head down from Signal Hill after it passed to get it on the ground but it was already on it's way out before I could get there. If you don't get it this time, it will be back in July.

[Midnight Mover]

I got to see her on the way back from San Diego around 6:16 PM today (no pix, too far away) Great shots everyone

[rander]

Great shots Glen!!

[CHILIBEAN]

GOOD PICS GLEN

[gfydad]

Those are sweet Glen!

I was shooting (before even knowing they'd be taking me up) from the Air Flite parking lot and, even though I had my credentials and their visitors sticker, was denied from that location by Air Flite personnel. I couldn't blame them, though as they were following their guidelines.

Good chance for you guys to get more shots tomorrow as they are booked solid for fights. 

I'd go back in a heartbeat, but have to save gas $$ for Madera.

[NikonGuy]

Good looking shots, Jim & Glen.           

[rander]

I get A monthly newsletter from www.airshipventures.com and The Zeppelin "Eureka"  will return to the Los Angeles area on July 1st and return to Moffet Field July 8th. They are offering rides from Moffet Field to Los Angeles for a fee. Contact http://www.airshipventures.com/tours-los_angeles.php for more info.

Eureka returns to LA to celebrate July 4th with the stars. Fly with us from Moffett Field to Los Angeles July 1st for the ultimate tour down the California Coast, or return home with us July 8th. Join us on the evening Fireworks flight on July 4th. Limited seats available.

[Midnight Mover]

Eureka returns to LA to celebrate July 4th with the stars. Fly with us from Moffett Field to Los Angeles July 1st for the ultimate tour down the California Coast, or return home with us July 8th. Join us on the evening Fireworks flight on July 4th. Limited seats available.

Dates (weather permitting)
Moffett Field to Long Beach - July 1st
Long Beach to Moffett Field - July 8th

http://www.airshipventures.com/tours-promos.php