In the picturesque skies over Mogadore, Ohio, the renowned Goodyear blimps are making their presence felt this week, celebrating a remarkable milestone. These iconic airships, proudly associated with the Akron-based tire giant, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of their first flight with the original blimp, “Pilgrim,” which took to the skies just beyond the city on June 3, 1925. The blimps soared again on Tuesday, with more scheduled flights set for Wednesday and Thursday, gliding over the land that once housed Goodyear’s original hangar.
Jim Crone, the diligent manager overseeing airship maintenance, shed light on why this region was chosen back in 1917. “It was a quiet area,” said Crone. “It lay away from the city’s bustling parts, offering ample space to construct airships.” Goodyear’s foray into building lighter-than-air vessels began in the early 1900s, and since then, their blimps have become more than just a part of the brand’s identity. They are a nostalgic symbol for some, while for others, they represent a fascinating chapter in advertising history.
Notably, Crone remarked on the enduring appeal of the blimps both locally and nationally, dubbing the airships’ aficionados a “cult following.” In the Akron area, this connection is particularly strong. “People here resonate with Goodyear and the blimps. They’ve woven themselves into the local fabric,” Crone noted.
Among the fans drawn by the airships’ allure was Madison Hayberg, who, along with her 2-year-old son Levi, viewed the blimps on Tuesday. “It’s something very cool, and sometimes we, locals, might take it for granted,” she explained. “When I was a kid, I vividly remember when one of the blimps was retired. My mom took us out of school so we could witness it. I wanted Levi to have a similar experience.”
An exploration of Goodyear blimps’ history reveals numerous key milestones:
**1910**
Goodyear established an Aeronautics Department to craft lighter-than-air machines, producing its first balloon by 1912. By 1930, the “Defender” blimp was notable for being the first to incorporate a neon sign, an innovative step in nighttime branding. The company began constructing airships for the U.S. Navy in 1917, with the first helium-powered commercial non-rigid airship debuting years later as a marketing marvel.
**World War Contributions**
From 1942 to 1944, Goodyear built over 150 airships for World War II, aiding in naval patrols without any ships lost under their watch.
**Sports and Media**
Since first appearing at the 1955 Rose Bowl, the Goodyear Blimp has become synonymous with major sporting spectacles, doubling as a tool for television coverage and a standout advertising fixture. Over the years, technological advancements have greatly enhanced blimps, from steering and safety to camera systems and reduced noise levels.
**Current Fleet**
Today, four Goodyear Blimps are active, stationed across the United States and in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Modern blimps are semi-rigid, featuring an internal frame for agility and speed, a shift introduced with the New Technology airship platform in 2014.
**Specifications**
Spanning 246 feet (75 meters) in length, the Goodyear Blimp covers roughly 80% of a football field, while its height stands at 58 feet (18 meters). It supports helium sufficient to fill three Olympic pools, sourced and meticulously purified every six to eight weeks due to helium’s finiteness.
A typical year sees the blimp airborne for over 100 days, with varied tours accompanied by a dedicated crew of nearly 20. These blimps cruise between 1,000 and 1,500 feet (305 to 457 meters) and can reach speeds up to 73 mph (117 km/h).
**Elite Pilots**
Goodyear employs just 10 full-time blimp pilots, less common than astronauts. These aviators must hold a commercial pilot’s license and undergo roughly 250 hours of training for a specialized lighter-than-air airship rating from the FAA.
**Eventful Flights**
Over its illustrious service, the blimp has graced more than 2,500 events and accommodated over 500,000 passengers. Notably, former President Ronald Reagan was a passenger, but rapper Ice Cube gave the blimp a cultural nod with a nod in his 1992 song “It Was A Good Day.”