The Frequently Asked Questions listed here will be expanded over time. For basic information about airships, we recommend Wikipedia.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us and we will respond as soon as we are able.
All images are courtesy ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG und Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH, and may not be used without permission.
The Zeppelin NT07
The Experience
More About Us
The Zeppelin NT07
What is the difference between an "airship," a "Zeppelin," and a "blimp?"
Zeppelin as in "Zeppelin"? They're still around?
How is the Zeppelin NT different than "historic Zeppelins," like the Hindenburg?
Are airships dangerous?
When was the last time a Zeppelin flew in the United States?
How many Zeppelins are there in the world?
Is this the largest Zeppelin?
How fast does it go?
Where was the Zeppelin made?
How will you get it to the United States?
When will it get here?
Where will the Zeppelin be based?
Do you have to "park" it in the hangar every night?
What happens if it gets a puncture?
What airships offer passenger rides in the U.S.?
The Experience
Where will the rides go? How long will they last?
What will I be able to see on a Zeppelin ride?
What will I be able to do during the flight?
Can it fly in any weather? What happens if weather cancels my flight?
When will rides start being offered?
How much will flights cost?
How can I purchase a ticket?
Can I book an entire flight for a private party?
What will my friends/family be able to do if they come with me to the terminal?
More About Us
Who is "Airship Ventures?"
How can I get more information?
How can I partner with you to offer flights with other travel packages, or to sell your tickets.
Who can I contact if I'm interested in using the Zeppelin for media purposes.
Who can I contact if I'm interested in using the Zeppelin for scientific or surveillance purposes?
Who can I contact if I'm interested in advertising/promotions/appearances of the Zeppelin?
I'm interested in buying a Zeppelin NT07.
What is the difference between an "airship," a "Zeppelin," and a "blimp?"
An airship is an aircraft where most or all of the lift comes from a lighter than air gas, rather than from the movement of a wing or rotor through the air. Modern airships use the inert gas helium for lift. Airships have a fascinating history in both general aviation and military aviation, including a number of 'firsts' such as the first circumnavigation of the globe by air.
While externally Zeppelins and blimps look quite alike, and its not uncommon to hear people talking about Zeppelins when they mean blimps - there is, however, a significant difference.
Today’s Zeppelins have a light, rigid metal and carbon fiber framework that is covered with a synthetic canvas hull, inside of which is the lifting gas. This framework allows the engines to be located where they operate most efficiently – on the sides of the hull and at the tail end of the airship, far from the gondola – providing a quiet, vibration-free ride.
A blimp does not have an internal rigid frame. They maintain their shape due to the internal pressure of the lifting gas. Because there is no framework above the gondola, the engines have to be mounted directly to the sides of passenger cabin.
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Zeppelin as in "Zeppelin"? They're still around?
Yes. The Zeppelin Foundation was 100 years old in 2008. From the beginnings of building airships, the Zeppelin Company's multi billion dollar manufacturing empire was born, although only in 1997 did they start to fly airships again.
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How is the Zeppelin NT different than "historic Zeppelins," like the Hindenburg?
The external shape is similar to historic Zeppelins like the Hindenburg, but the technology of the Zeppelin NT is of course, much more advanced (thus the "NT" – meaning New Technology).
The old Zeppelins had completely rigid hulls with the lighter-than-air gas contained in separate giant gas bags inside the hull. Today’s Zeppelin NT has a semi-rigid structural framework with three longitudinal beams (longerons) to hold the engines, tail and gondola. The fabric skin of the ship contains the lifting gas. Separate bags called Balonets are then suspended within this framework, filled with regular air that expand and contact to help the airship maintain its shape.
The old Zeppelins also carried passengers differently. Historic Zeppelins were much larger and were designed to accommodate passengers in many areas of the airship. The giant passenger Zeppelins of pre- 1940 had rooms built within the hull, and passengers could travel, dine and sleep within the massive structure. Passengers aboard the Zeppelin NT ride only in the luxurious cabin (gondola). The Hindenburg was 803 feet long, and carried roughly 50 passengers and 50 crew. The Zeppelin NT is 246 feet long and carries one pilot, one flight attendant, and up to 13 passengers.
Another major difference, of course, is the lifting gas. The Hindenburg used hydrogen and, like today’s blimps, the Zeppelin NT uses helium, an inert non-flammable gas.
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Zeppelins are most commonly linked with the Hindenburg accident in 1937. That airship used hydrogen as its lifting gas, and lacquer materials in the fabric of its hull, which contributed to the explosion. Airships today use non-flammable helium, a gas that is safe enough to be used in party balloons. The Zeppelin-NT also features a tear-proof outer envelope composed of high strength, multi-layer fabric, and has an unmatched global safety record – carrying more than 80,000 passengers since August 2001, without a single incident.
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When was the last time a Zeppelin flew in the United States?
The Hindenburg, in 1937, was the last time the giant Zeppelins were seen in the U.S. – ending the "golden age of airship travel." Airship Venture’s Zeppelin NT arrival marks the first time in 71 years that Zeppelins have flown the skies over the United States.
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How many Zeppelins are there in the world?
Currently, there are only three Zeppelins in the world, one based in Germany, one in Tokyo, and their newest sister ship – the Airship Ventures Zeppelin – which will be permanently based in the U.S. at Moffett Field.
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The Airship Ventures Zeppelin is the largest airship currently flying anywhere in the world. At 246 feet in length, the airship is 15 feet longer than a Boeing 747, and 50 feet longer than the largest blimp currently operating.
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The Zeppelin has a top speed of 77 mph, an average cruising speed of 35 mph, and maximum flight range of 500 nautical miles. The Zeppelin NT’s flight capabilities are impressive, as is its ability to land, exchange passengers and take off again in under five minutes.
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The Zeppelin was designed and manufactured in Friedrichshafen, Germany by Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH – a modern-day offshoot of the historic Zeppelin company that manufactured the original Zeppelins, including the Hindenburg. It took 18 months to build the Airship Ventures Zeppelin NT.
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How will you get it to the United States?
Unlike the original huge transatlantic Zeppelins, the NT doesn't carry enough fuel to make it non-stop. Thus, it was ferried from Europe to America. The airship traveled from the port of Hamburg, Germany onboard a 530 foot-long roll on/roll off container ship, secured to the deck for the voyage across the Atlantic. Now that it has arrived at the port of Beaumont, Texas, the airship will be flown overland to its new home base in the Bay Area.
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The Zeppelin has arrived in the U.S. and made it's way home to Moffett Field, CA. Check the Tracking page for the arrival route and current live updates.
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A 'full circle' in airship history, former home to historic Naval blimps and the Navy Zeppelin Macon, Moffett Field contains three of only 12 historic airship hangars remaining in the U.S. – one of which will serve as the Zeppelin’s new home.
In addition to passenger facilites, the Moffett Field operations base will also soon feature a luxurious guest check-in building, with a café and gift store, where we will be able to offer themed tours, special events, and product displays. We will offer similar facilities at our satellite locations.
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Do you have to "park" it in the hangar every night?
When not in flight, the airship is moored to its 62,500 pound mast truck – a mobile vehicle equipped with a 20 ton hydraulic mast system, which raises the mast vertically to a height of 42 feet. The Zeppelin is then attached via a "ball hitch" on its nosecone, into a rotating coupling mechanism on the top of the mast – securing the airship while allowing it to pivot 360 degrees and "kite" above the ground in changing wind directions. It also allows the ship to be on the mooring mast in wind speeds up to 80 knots.
Since the mast truck is mobile, it also offers the opportunity to move to a variety of airfields, or large clear parcels of ground for flight operations. The airship is moved into the hangar in cases of extreme weather, for major mechanical maintenance, or to change graphics on its envelope.
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What happens if it gets a puncture?
The airship hull is full of helium gas under a very slight positive pressure to maintain the shape of the hull. What this means is that if there is a puncture, the gas exits slowly under low pressure, giving the pilot plenty of time to bring the ship down safely using the its highly maneuverable engines.
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What airships offer passenger rides in the U.S.?
No other airships offer the opportunity for paid recreational passenger flights. Most are either rented by a corporation for promotional purposes, or wholly-owned by a owner/operator company. Thus, most only offer limited flights, exclusively to their own VIP guests. Airship Ventures will be the only Zeppelin operator in North America, and the only company offering public airship flights.
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Where will the rides go? How long will they last?
A variety of "Flight-seeing tours" will be offered, departing and returning to select Bay Area airports. Rides will be offered in several durations (typically 60, 90 or 120 minutes), and will feature a variety of stunning routes. Itineraries will include South Bay, San Francisco skyline (day and night flights), Sonoma/Napa Valley, and Monterey/Big Sur. Flights will be conducted 7 days per week, weather permitting. See the tours page on our website for more details.
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What will I be able to see on a Zeppelin ride?
Flying at 500 to 1,300 ft above the ground, you will have a bird's-eye view of famous landmarks (such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and sports stadiums in the San Francisco Area). The ride is scenic, serene and unhurried. Depending on our route, if you are local, it may even be possible for you to see your house or business!
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What will I be able to do during the flight?
You only have to remain seated for take off and landing. Other than that, you will be able to walk around the cabin, sit in the large rear window seat, open the windows, take pictures and video and converse with the pilot and your fellow passengers. The Zeppelin is very quiet – you won't have to wear ear protection like you do in a helicopter or a blimp. And yes, there is an onboard restroom (with a window for its own view!).
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Can it fly in any weather? What happens if weather cancels my flight?
While a Zeppelin can operate in conditions similar to that of a small airplane, we will only fly the Zeppelin when it is possible to enjoy the view. We will not fly tours on very windy days, in heavy fog, or during a rainstorm. Every passenger will be required to give a contact number so that they can be reached on the day of their flight (or before if we have good enough confidence in the weather information) and informed about their flight status. In many cases there could simply be a short delay while the weather passes. If the flight has to be cancelled, all passengers will be rescheduled at the earliest possible date.
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When will rides start being offered?
Round-trip rides from historic Moffett Field are slated to begin in late-October, 2008, with flights from North Oakland and Sonoma County Airports starting in November.
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Prices for flights will vary based on flight duration and destination, with an average hourly price of around $500 per person, with lower and higher prices available.
Rates and details on itineraries can be found on our website tours page.
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We know that a large number of people will want to be among the first to experience the Zeppelin NT in the USA. As the passenger capacity is 12 people per flight, there will be a limited number of tickets available in the first year. Flights can be purchased by calling (650) 969-8100. There are also gift cards available on our website.
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Can I book an entire flight for a private party?
Yes! You and 11 of your friends, family or colleagues can enjoy a private, unparalled experience by reserving all 12 seats on the same flight. Special corporate events and other chartered flights are also available.
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What will my friends/family be able to do if they come with me to the terminal?
Depending on which airport you are flying from there may be a range of activities and refreshments available. Before each flight, passengers will undergo a safety and information briefing before traveling on the airship.
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We are a group of individuals with a common enthusiasm for airships and particularly the Zeppelin NT. We also are users of high end visitor experiences ourselves, and we have a vision to provide an intimate and high quality experience for all our passengers. You can get a feel about the things that excite us by reading our blog and you can read more about us professionally on our company web page.
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How can I get more information?
Visit www.airshipventures.com, or get on our mailing list, and we'll send you the latest updates.
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How can I partner with you to offer flights with other travel packages, or to sell your tickets?
Please send us information on your travel/experience company, and ideas on how we can partner with you.
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Who can I contact if I'm interested in using the Zeppelin for media purposes.
The Zeppelin is a stable, slow-moving and nearly vibration-free camera platform. Please send us your information and details about your specific interest and we will get back to you.
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Who can I contact if I'm interested in using the Zeppelin for scientific or surveillance purposes?
Please send us your requirements, and we will get back to you.
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Who can I contact if I'm interested in advertising/promotions appearances of the Zeppelin?
Please send us your information and details about your specific interest and we will get back to you.
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I'm interested in buying a Zeppelin NT07.
Please send us your information and details about your specific interest and we will get back to you.
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