Up, up and away in a beautiful zeppelin

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(Hey Mods, please do not move to the California forum; what happens in California, or, for that matter, in New Jersey, is of interest to many)

latimes.com/news/local/la-me-zeppelin25-2009nov25,0,518564.story

Up, up and away in a beautiful zeppelin
A Bay Area company is ferrying passengers in a 246-foot airship called the Eureka. In January, the ship will begin a two-week visit to the Southland.

By Bob Pool

November 25, 2009

The last time something like this was seen in Los Angeles was 1929, when the Graf Zeppelin dropped in on Westchester's Mines Air Field before starting its nonstop Pacific crossing during its record-setting around-the-world flight. The era of the rigid-framed zeppelin came crashing to an end in 1937, when the hydrogen-filled Hindenburg exploded as it attempted to land at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey. Thirty-six people were killed. But now the zeppelin is back and filled with non-explosive helium.

A privately run company based at the Bay Area's Moffett Field has returned the German-made craft to California skies. Although airships such as the Goodyear blimp are a common sight in the Los Angeles area, blimps are smaller than zeppelins and carry only six passengers. The 246-foot zeppelin, called the Eureka, can carry 13 passengers and a crew of two. Those on board have unobstructed views of landmarks through giant plexiglass windows that line all sides of its cabin. So far, the Eureka has made four trips to Los Angeles, and its operators plan more for next year, starting with a two-week visit in mid-January.

They offer flights over the coast and the city and hope to add excursions over Palm Springs and San Diego. Sightseeing rides are spectacular, but spendy. A half-hour trip costs $199; a two-hour flight $950. A daylong excursion between Los Angeles and San Francisco runs $1,500. The craft can also be chartered for events such as birthdays or weddings for $5,500. So far, 5,500 paying passengers have climbed aboard the Eureka, using rolling steps to enter as the craft hovers.

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So far, revenue from the sale of advertising space on the sides of the zeppelin has been disappointing, but that could change as the economy improves and the zeppelin's manufacturer perfects a lightweight LED electronic billboard for the airship, she said. The airship's third revenue stream comes from its use as a platform for scientific research, photography and filmmaking, Hall said. But it's the passenger service that is creating the most buzz. Those who sign up for Eureka rides undergo airline-type screening before being allowed on board.

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Once off the ground, passengers are encouraged to move about the cabin, which is equipped with a small lavatory. They can chat with the pilot and co-pilot, who invite them to open two of the windows and stick their heads -- or camera lenses -- out into the rushing air. The craft normally moves at about 35 mph, although it can reach 77 mph. The slower the better, say those who have ridden aboard the Eureka.

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Oh, the humanity.

[Vincardog]

1. bout time

[question everything]

2. I would love to take a ride in it (nt)

[question everything]

3. Kick for the night crowd (nt)