What's It Like to Fly on a Goodyear Blimp? "Like Floating on Air!"

A Unique Experience in the Skies

For aviation enthusiasts, there's no better way to experience the thrill of flight than from the inside of a Goodyear Blimp. This year’s AirVenture event in Oshkosh offered an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to witness history in the making by flying in one blimp while another glided nearby. The rare occurrence has left many participants with unforgettable memories and a sense of awe.

A Historic Moment for Goodyear

Goodyear has never before flown two blimps at the same airshow, and this year marked a significant milestone. Celebrating 100 years of flying branded airships, the company brought its dynamic duo of Wingfoot One and Wingfoot Two to the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport. Dan Smith, senior airship communications specialist at Goodyear, emphasized that the decision to bring both blimps was made to honor the biggest event in aviation.

Limited Access to the Experience

It's important to note that the general public is not allowed to purchase rides on a Goodyear Blimp. Instead, the company offers flights through tire sellers or media invitations. This exclusivity makes the experience even more special. Last month’s CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show only featured one airship, which was tied to the ground for the entire event. In contrast, Goodyear managed to transition from static displays to a once-in-a-lifetime view in just weeks.

A Journey Like No Other

Passengers who took part in the flight described it as "floating on air." The 40-minute journey aboard Wingfoot One was unlike anything they had experienced before. Unlike helicopters, the blimps have vertical takeoffs and landings, but their gentle movement and quiet ride set them apart from other aircraft. The 246-foot-long airship traveled at around 35 knots while hovering over the AirVenture landscape, offering a serene and unique perspective.

A Unique Perspective from the Sky

Jack Tulloch, a licensed pilot and passenger, noted that the experience felt like being on a boat or ship. He highlighted the great visibility and the ability to hear planes flying by. But the real highlight for many was the chance to see Wingfoot Two from inside the airborne blimp. Wingfoot Two took off shortly after its companion, eventually pulling up behind Wingfoot One to give passengers a glimpse of aviation history.

A Special Experience for New Pilots

Meg Burns, a first-time attendee of AirVenture, shared her excitement about the experience. She mentioned that she is training to be a pilot and often gets up in the air, but this was a different experience altogether. "It felt like you were floating, just floating on air," she said.

A Significant Milestone

Smith estimates that around 250 people at this year’s AirVenture convention flew aboard the two blimps before they returned to their respective bases in Ohio and Florida. Goodyear airships have been regular participants at Oshkosh since the legendary “America” made its first appearance at the 1971 convention. However, the company hadn’t appeared at AirVenture since 2021, marking the end of a three-year hiatus.

Upcoming Events and Tickets

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh runs through July 27. Daily tickets are $49 for adult EAA members and $68 for adult non-members. Veterans and active military members pay $49, while kids 18 years and younger are free. Patrons can access the daily schedule online for more information.

Airshow Lineup for 2025

The Goodyear Blimps are featured in the AirVenture airshows. Here's the remaining lineup of airshows scheduled at this year's EAA AirVenture:

• Thursday, July 24: 2:15-6:15 p.m.: Daily air show
• Friday, July 25: 2:15-6:15 p.m.: Daily air show
• Saturday, July 26: 2:15-6:15 p.m.: Daily air show; 8-10 p.m.: Saturday Night Air Show
• Sunday, July 27: 1-5 p.m.: Daily air show

For more details, contact Justin Marville at jmarville@gannett.com or follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.