Goodyear Airships Unite over akron for Centennial Celebration
CITY – May 9, 2024 –
Akron, Ohio, will witness a rare aerial spectacle as the Goodyear airships gather to celebrate their centennial. This unique event marks a historic occasion, with all three U.S.-based airships-*Wingfoot One, Wingfoot Two*, and *Wingfoot Three*-converging. The public can catch a glimpse of the majestic Goodyear aircraft; see the FAQs for best viewing spots.
Goodyear Airships Unite over Akron for Centennial celebration
Akron, Ohio, is set to witness a rare spectacle as all three U.S.-based Goodyear airships converge over the city this week.This aerial rendezvous commemorates the centennial of the first Goodyear-branded blimp flight, which took place june 3, 1925.
A trio in the Sky: The Airships’ Itinerary
Typically stationed across the country,the Goodyear airships are temporarily united for this special occasion. Wingfoot Two usually calls Florida home, while Wingfoot three is based in California. Wingfoot One, however, is a local resident, based in Suffield Township, Ohio.Goodyear also maintains a relationship with an airship launched in 2020 near Essen, Germany.
Did You Know?
The Goodyear blimp isn’t really a blimp anymore. The newer models, such as Wingfoot One, are technically airships because they have an internal frame, meaning they no longer fully deflate.
Weather permitting, here’s where you can catch a glimpse of the Goodyear fleet:
- Tuesday, June 3: The airships are scheduled to fly over Wingfoot Lake State Park starting at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, June 3: They will also grace the skies above downtown Akron during the mayor’s State of the City address, scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Lock 3, located at 200 South Main St.
- Tuesday, June 3: Keep an eye out over Canal Park for the akron RubberDucks game, which begins at 6:35 p.m.
- Wednesday,june 4: The airships are expected to make another appearance over the general Akron area starting at 10 a.m.
A Pilot’s Outlook: More Than Just a Billboard
senior pilot Joe Erbs,a Northeast Ohio native,shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming flights. We’re ultimately a billboard selling tires, but over the years we’ve become so much more than that.It’s just such a unique way to watch the world go by.
Pro Tip
Bring binoculars for a closer look at the airships! Also, check local weather forecasts before heading out, as the schedule is weather-dependent.
Jerry Hissem, Goodyear’s Chief Pilot and another Northeast Ohio native, has dedicated 28 years to piloting the airships. If you told me I’d be back in Akron flying an airship, I wouldn’t believe you,
Hissem said, reflecting on his career.
Erbs, a retired Air Force pilot, is particularly excited about the formation flying.I’m retired air force, so I get to fly formation again – perfect,
he said.
A Storied History: From Navy blimps to Aerial Icons
Goodyear’s involvement with airships dates back to World War I, when the company began building blimps for the Navy for surveillance purposes. during World War II, these blimps escorted ships, ensuring their safe passage. Afterward, Goodyear introduced its own blimps, which quickly became a popular attraction, carrying notable passengers such as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart.
Reader Question
What is the difference between a blimp and an airship?
an airship has an internal frame,while a blimp does not. This means airships can maintain their shape even when not fully inflated,unlike blimps.
Despite the advent of drones and other aerial technologies, the Goodyear airships continue to captivate audiences. We’ll land and there will be hundreds of people along the fence at the airport watching us,
Erbs noted, describing the public’s captivation with the airships.