Verna and I were out and about today. We happened to pass the Carson Goodyear Airship Operations Facility and saw the airship “Spirit of America” moored on the landing pad. Sensing a photo opportunity, we stopped in the parking lot and went to the observation deck on the west side of the base. Verna took this photo of the “blimp” from the deck. Click the image to enlarge.
The Goodyear Blimp Website describes the operations at this site:
Four pilots direct operations of the California-based Goodyear airship — the Spirit of America — Jon Conrad -Pilot-in-Charge, Matthew St. John – Assistant Pilot-in-charge, Kristen Davis – Senior Pilot and Nathan Brooks – Senior Pilot.
In addition to the four pilots, the Spirit of America operation has a crew of 16 including aircraft mechanics, radio and television technicians, riggers, heavy-duty maintenance mechanics, ground handlers, and a public relations manager. Three support vehicles complement the Spirit of America’s operations, including an 18-wheel tractor-trailer mobile maintenance vehicle, a 22- person MCI bus, and a nine-passenger van.
