Airship Ventures

Description

Airship Ventures began operating the Eureka, the only dirigible currently flying in the United States, out of Moffett Field in November of 2008.  This isn't exactly a new thing for Moffett Field, since it was once home to one of the largest airships ever build, the dirigible USS Macon, and it was a major hub for blimps used in shore patrol and anit-submarine warfare for many years.  But it's still pretty cool.

Eureka is not a blimp, but a a dirigible.  A blimp is essentially a great big balloon, and it holds its shape because of internal pressure.  When it's deflated, it collapses into a big pile of rubberized cloth.  A dirigible, on the other hand, has a rigid framework.  If you let out all of its helium, Eureka (or any other dirigible) will look pretty much the same from the outside.  Eureka is also referred to as a Zeppelin; Zeppelin is the brand name for this dirigible (the Zeppelin company is an airship manufacturer).

Eureka is 75 m (246 ft) long, 19.5 m (64 ft) wide, and has a mass of 8,040 kg (17,725 lb).  It holds up to 12 passengers, and can reach speeds of up to 125 kph (78 mph).  Currently, it carries people on sight-seeing tours over the San Francisco Bay area.

Note that NASA employees, including contractors, are eligible for reduced rates on flights.  See the "Cost" section below for details.

Main Web Site

http://www.airshipventures.com/

Location

Eureka will be that humongous white cigar-shaped thing sitting in the middle of the runway at Moffett Field.  It's hard to miss.

Drive Time

not applicable; the flights leave and return to Moffett Field

Public Transit

not applicable

Hours

Office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday

Flight times are scheduled according to customer demand.  See the website for more information, or call 650-969-8100 x111.

Cost

Varies with the tour.  Normal cost per person is approximately $500 for a one-hour flight.  The entire 12-seat gondola can be reserved for around $6,000 per hour.

However, there is a Same Day Flight Special that is significantly cheaper.  From February to June of 2009, a one-hour flight out of Moffett Field is $199 (plus tax) per person.  You have to book your flight the same day you're planning to fly; presumably this is a way to fill seats that otherwise would be vacant.  You also have to be at Bldg 20 one hour before your scheduled departure.

Call or check the web site for details.

The Same Day Flight Special price is limited to NASA employees, federal employees and military personnel.  Interns and contractors are eligible for this rate.You must present a valid NASA Ames badge (or Hangar badge), federal ID, or military ID at the time of your flight.