Flying a BLIMP to New York City!

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A big thanks to the pilots and crew for having me ride-along with them.
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Edited by: ‪@nudgely‬

[@Bozthecat]

As soon as you said there was no bathroom, it was literally the only thing I could think about. I spent the rest of the video inventing blimp toilet ideas.

[@schwags1969]

I am sure they have a bottle or two kicking around ;)

[@viper11]

A plank with a hole straight outside. (like trains in the old times)

[@Tanner-o5p]

Make a tiny hole in the bottom and make a game on how many pedestrians you hit

[@Unknown_Ooh]

There's seriously no need. You wouldn't even get past all the FAA and EPA regulations anyway.

[@Drazean]

@@Tanner-o5pjust like birds. Im sure they do it on purpose.

[@benjamindiamond2283]

I was the Cessna taking off at 8:02!

[@cameronsgametips]

What cessna model

[@benjamindiamond2283]

@@cameronsgametips C172S

[@markc7884]

lovely

[@bibber123]

I saw you!

[@kevinkinal9557]

what airport is that?

[@stephenstapleton2985]

I have to write, it's been awhile. I have missed these classic DownieLive trips where you take something, typically an unusual vehicle, somewhere. Just Mike, the camera, and an adventure. I know many, many changes have been happening in your life, Mike, but it is good to see you back to form for such a glorious video. Thank you.

[@cardiac19]

And Downie pulls another masterpiece out of his hat. How effin cool.

[@schwags1969]

Mike always does, he is a very nice person with a story to tell. And his sister is the same, they must have had great parents.

[@cardiac19]

@@schwags1969 yeah even subtracting his normal Canadian niceness you can tell he is genuine and seems to be morally sound.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks guys 🙂

[@goodson77784]

"You're a helicopter?" Classic.

[@raramcgee4982]

Reminded me of the LA speed story. Classic as well.

[@bluej511]

This is very cool. Probably the only time you'll hear ATC talking to an airship/blimp. Very cool Mike. As a New Englander I hope you enjoyed the scenery.

[@DownieLive]

I really did enjoy the scenery! I didn’t know you had so many beaches!

[@bluej511]

@@DownieLive you should see cape cod lol.

[@DownieLive]

@bluej511 I should!

[@whophd]

This is so underrated! It’s more chill than a helicopter, far less dangerous & more choice than a hot air balloon, and for the slow scenery, a lot less cranped and busy than a light aircraft - assuming it can even fly at 30 knots! The only other thing than can look around like this - not counting a camera drone - is a powered paraglider or something, but that’s NOT going to let you take photos from a real seat.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

4:31 Mike is a great listener and a good student. Great qualities 👏🏽

[@AlRoderick]

It's an interesting thing about the losing weight with the fuel burn. I know from learning about the German zeppelins that they ran on a special fuel called blaugas, it was a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that they stored inside a bag which was inside the envelope of the airship. The mixture was a usable fuel but it was also the exact same density as air. So as the fuel bag emptied out, the airship didn't gain or lose any buoyancy. They had a huge amount of volume in which to store it but it effectively weighed nothing.

[@nursefoodiethreesixty]

Flying without bathroom access for that many hours is definitely a challenge! Great video as always, Mike.

[@nataliagagner1431]

It is a good point- I didn’t think about it! So many reasons why not to do this adventure!

[@uncinarynin]

pee out of the window and the airship gets so light it will never come down

[@nursefoodiethreesixty]

@@uncinarynin genius! 😂

[@mascottie]

How did you insert that pic into the comment?

[@TwoAcreDesigns]

They for sure pissed in a bottle.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The team on the blimp are so much fun 👏🏽

[@Nobi36]

Oh so like the Goodyear could takeoff vertically cuz they have adjustable propellers but that has a fixed one so it takes off like a conventional aircraft and its buoyancy remains the same, thats so cool to learn 😆

[@coriscotupi]

One other cool thing I learned from a blimp pilot is that as opposed to airplanes, a blimp's airspeed is not related to it's attitude. Suppose you're going at 30 knots, straight and level. If you pitch it up, it will start climbing, still maintaining 30 knots. Pitch it down to descend, it will also still maintain 30 knots. No power changes needed. This is fundamentally different from airplanes.

[@heli-crewhgs5285]

‘VARIABLE PITCH PROPELLERS’

[@AdeleMcAlear]

I've been fascinated by blimps since childhood and it was incredible to get such an insider view! So many questions answered! Also, how cool is it that you can hang your arm out the window and wave!

[@grantberardi5080]

Mike, you're a lucky man to get to do this kind of cool stuff and we're so lucky that you share it with us! Thank you and can't wait to see what you do next.

[@Airstrike87]

I remember being invited into the control tower of this airport right when this behemoth landed! Still remember the tiny people running to catch the ropes before it floated away! 😂

[@jongeissler8532]

I used to drive from Boston to NYC and thought that view was amazing but I believe you’ve found the best way to take that trip. Thanks again, Mike, for reminding us all how amazing and beautiful our world is!

[@Rubmaster]

A Blimp is kinda magical. In 94, I was in hospital during the Olympics in Lillehammer Norway. The stay at the hospital was very serious. But one thing that made the stay unforgettable in a good way. Was that a blimp passed "close" to my room window. Seeing that giant balloon with the OL rings on it was a magical moment for me! Thank you Mike, for taking us with you on this magical trip

[@blancoshask]

Terry's a gem.

[@Barberslave1]

Worked with him for years.. his stories and abilities are absolutely incredible

[@kathleenchild]

Fascinating! What a wonderful experience for you. Thanks for taking us along.

[@desktopdiddies5530]

Cool to see a blimp and from the inside looking out too.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I'm not gonna lie, man ... some of your vids resonate with me more than others, but once in a while you hit an absolute Grand Slam. This was really incredible to watch, and it makes me want to ride in a blimp some day. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@houstontexas4658]

How cool is that Downie! As a kid whenever the Goodyear blimp came around was always a rare treat and very cool.

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

How is it that your videos always make one feel like the video is specifically made for just you. Downie, your videos bring so much joy to so many. I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way. Keep up bringing light into the world. We all need it and it is wonderful! Thank you for this video, that crew rocks! Have a great weekend everyone. 🌻😀. Side note/question...how does one get hired on to be a ground crew member? Talk about an awesome job.

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thank you

[@throughpaint]

It's all in the magic of putting us somewhere we could never imagine being.

[@JBS319]

I saw this blimp over New York City sometime around when you took this flight. I was out on my lunch break and saw this exact blimp circling around the Statue of Liberty before it just cruised up the Hudson River. A couple weeks later, Goodyear came past on it's way from Connecticut to Philadelphia. I went up in the Goodyear Blimp back in the early-mid 90s and it was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. Great show.

[@nickmorgan1690]

His puns are so uplifting

[@JoeR203]

Growing up in Port Chester, NY in the 70s, we always saw the Goodyear blimp with the lights on the side spelling out a message.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

5:59 Oh that was a good one 😂

[@derick-smith]

Jeez Downie... another incredible video! I basically know what to expect from the channels I follow. You, my friend, are a total wild card. Might be bike races, might be flying, might be on a train. It's always a pleasure to be there with you though. Cheers!

[@DownieLive]

That’s what I like to do! Keep you on your toes!

[@tdchayes]

Airship Ventures used to offer sightseeing tours in the San Francisco/San Jose area. One of the best things ever! As a private pilot it wasn't really new views for me, but a whole different way to travel.

[@LeeTomaVideo]

Oh my goodness, this is the best video yet! It's so great to get this different perspective on so many familiar local places. Well done - thank you Mike!

[@TheBenghaziRabbit]

Holy cow up to 800k subs! Congrats Mike and Team! Hope you guys are doing well. If you ever venture through the mountains of North Carolina, lunch is on us!

[@DanielleGlick]

By far the coolest video on your channel! I've never seen ANYONE ride in a blimp!

[@crazyguy_1233]

The airships used 100 years ago were a bit different but I believe operated basically the same. The ones 100 years ago had metal framing with passenger space in the round section. They were also larger. They had a lounge, bathroom, and bedrooms for passengers. They floated with hydrogen. That all came to an end with the Hindenburg disaster when the hydrogen ignited catching the Zeppelin on fire. In a matter of seconds the entire Zeppelin was engulfed in flames. The difference from a blimp and a Zeppelin is the build. A Zeppelin is ridged with a metal frame and is floated with hydrogen. A blimp doesn't have a metal frame and is floated with helium. Because a blimp is lighter they can use helium. A Zeppelin due to the weight could not use helium. They are very neat things and its a shame Zeppelin style airships no longer exist in a safe usable way. If we could bring them back in a way they can be safely operated it would reopen the doors to incredible travels for the general public. Fun fact the spire on the Empire State Building was meant to be a place for airships to dock. It was rarely used and was more of a gimmick to say an airship could land on the spire.

[@gw5336]

When you said 7-8 hours my first thought was that sounds awful then I remembered you love trains and that you've pretty much been training for this your entire life. 😂 Fascinating video as always. 👍

[@DownieLive]

So true

[@blueman5924]

Wow, wow ,wow ! What a show ! What a view, and a cool crew ! Thanks for the ride-along !👍👍

[@DownieLive]

Our pleasure!

[@jtocwru]

This blimp was orbiting the Strawberry Festival in my little upstate NY town of Owego back in June. It was an incredibly windy day, and these guys were definitely getting the snot beat out of them. The pitching up and down was INSANE. It had to have felt like an actual rollercoaster. Would have loved to see video from inside the cabin that day! I'm a private pilot, and I've flown Cessnas and Pipers in bumpy weather, but it seems like a blimp would be far more relaxing in turbulence. No worrying about overstressing the airframe and having a wing snap off!

[@zollotech]

Such a great way to travel. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Commonsenseisnotcommon8]

I didn’t know riding in a blimp would be so cool and so much fun. I absolutely hate flying actually taking a transatlantic next year to go to Europe, but I would love to ride on a blimp. This looks fun.

[@Oodaloopshooter]

That’s awesome! I watched the blimp take off from Beverly while I waited to taxi by one morning, what an incredible sight!

[@jodyrenner5357]

I loved this!!! Blimps have always fascinated me!!! Enjoyed this so much!!! Thank you!

[@DownieLive]

So glad!

[@lovelight1]

So COOL, WOW the Manhatten skyline is awsome from the Blimp. Thank you XXX

[@ByddinRhyddidCymru]

Bring back the blimp! It will always remain the superior form of transport, pure style, I love it

[@998136999]

That view at 21:15. Wow, just wow. Thanks for sharing this experience!

[@PaulCashman]

What an awesome ride! Now I'm curious as to how the cabin itself -- flight controls, radios, etc. -- gets its power.

[@MatthewMateo99]

Terry would have probably thrown me out because of the amount of HINDENBURG JOKES I'd make if I was their passenger 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@zeejoo]

Really wild seeing you fly over my house. I'm right on Fisher's Island Sound where that lighthouse and yellow hotel are. Awesome video! If you ever want to visit the area lmk mike!

[@yariflorez]

I saw this blimp! I was driving down 95 near Beverly. This is so cool! Love the video!

[@DownieLive]

So cool!

[@kikyochan66]

This is the coolest mode of transportation!

[@rikspector]

Mike, I grew up in Jackson Township, N.J., Not far from Lakehurst Naval Air Station which was the heart of blimps that patrolled the Atlantic Coast during and after WW2 I saw blimps over our farm in the late forties and visited L.N.A.S. a number of times. That was the same place where the Hindenburg, exploded. This brings back memories of early years. I even knew Moody Erwin, a survivor of the Akron disaster Thank You, Frederick "Rik" Spector

[@Dave_In_Boston]

You flew right by my house. Nice to see something different fly over.

[@Lord_Gallifrey]

I work at the business directly on the southeast edge of the airfield the blimp took off from (Beverly). We regularly see the blimp take off and land and it’s always interesting to watch.

[@Beclevelandyourself2k11]

Dude I was ubering all over Boston that day. Everywhere I went I saw that blimp flying. It’s really cool that you recorded this video for all of us to see 😊

[@jaybobo]

pretty happy that i'm one of the 10 people to learn all this today

[@DownieLive]

😉🤫

[@helenemalenfant5435]

This was cool. Going to get my husband and dad to watch this, both love aviation and are going to enjoy it so much.

[@greatequator414]

Saw you from the ground the other day! I had no idea DownieLive was on it!

[@bobcat2960]

That was awesome, Downie, very fun to watch - Thanks to you and to Skyship Services - Dick's Sports for sharing with us! Enjoyed the ride and sites. Shhh.

[@adamlyman8293]

Very cool. I never knew how blimps performed take-offs and landings. !!!

[@Peter12029]

13:00 NICE ART This seems like so much fun good on you for having that experience I'm afraid of heights 😢❤

[@John_Fugazzi]

I've always wanted to ride in a blimp though I didn't know they had no bathrooms. I also didn't know how many ground crew were necessary, It must be very expensive to rent one for advertising, I wish someone would bring back zeppelin-sized airships. This was an especially cool episode.

[@TheOnlyName]

I saw a blimp last summer, had the coolest time biking under it!

[@highjinxottawa2118]

I just loved this video! What a perspective and I really enjoyed learning from these pilots!

[@masonresnick5105]

This brings me back to the early 90s when I was fortunate enough to ride over Manhattan on the Fuji Blimp. I was an editor for a photo magazine and this was for a special event for the photographic press so we were all writers and editors of photo publications. It was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had. The cabin was somewhat larger than this one--we had a dozen people on board, and everyone had a chance to sit in the co-captain's seat and sail the airship for a few minutes. The Fuji blimp had adjustable Rolls Royce propellers, so we took off more or less vertically. I agree about waving--when we sailed past the Statue of Liberty, we were waving at the people in her crown, and they were waving back and that was such a thrill. The whole day, from the time we lifted off from Linden Airport, sailed through NY Harbor, up the East River, hung a left over Central Park, then back down the Hudson River, was pure joy (except for a few minutes of panic when it was my turn to sail the thing). It was also such a unique experience. It's too bad it isn't available to most people. One thing I learned is that because a blimp is an air *ship*, the terms the Fuji crew used were all nautical: Instead of a pilot flying, a captain sails a blimp. So really, you were SAILING a blimp!

[@BillHanson-wu4nh]

Mike, I have seen a lot of your videos from the New Orleans to San Antonio. But this tops them all. Wonder where you landed in NY? Staten Island?

[@tsbrownie]

My grandfather started flying blimps just before WWI. He did coastal patrols during the war carrying bombs. I think he ended his flying career in 1918.

[@highnoon9333]

I love how you can open the windows. So cool.

[@maureen14]

"Big blimpin' up in NYC!"

[@maureen14]

Mike you must go to Fenway Park! Take one of their tours and book a "Monstah" seat! ⚾

[@helenramsdell1959]

I absolutely loved this!!! I live in Massachusetts and loved seeing it from the sky. I grew up 15 mins walking to Harvard Square. I worked in the John Hancock tower ( all glass skinny building). Providence is like a 2nd cousin to me. We brought our kids all the time to their Children's museum. I have to say again how cool this was watching!!

[@user-iw7vv9fg3u]

We did a blimp flight in San Francisco one year, the cabin was much larger, the flight spectacular and unforgettable! Thanks for this fun journey

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nitehawk86]

"We got the blimp in sight." :) Actually that makes me want to listen in to my local ATC frequency when a blimp is over a sporting event. Where I live the main landing approach for an international airport goes right over 2 stadiums.

[@Tbpker22]

Spectacular and most innovative vidro!!

[@reefuss69]

I grew up in Bedford UK, Just to the south east is a Place called Cardington, (please have a look) There you will find The Huge Cardington Hangers. a home to many a Airship over the years, as a kid I used to ride my bike there, and sit by the fence and watch all day the testing, the flights, they are amazing. Just the most magestic flying machines. I dreamed of going up one day, with this video, so many questions have been answered. and I have goosebumps. A special video for me, thank you to everyone who helped with this. (subbed)

[@TheCriminalViolin]

My Uncle used to work and build these exact blimps. Anytime I see the GoodYear blimp AND this one, I know his handy work is on them. I'd much prefer this kind of low flying, sightseeing experience over a helicopter ride every day! The only downside is the lack of stops to go pee! haha

[@jameskitzmann6268]

That one is cool but the GoodYear blimbs with the light show takes the cake.

[@Slickolvhc]

you did a 6-8 trip with a David Clark headset with 1 ear cup missing. Bravo Sir!!

[@Sludge73]

What a treat, not many get an opportunity to ride in a Blimp.

[@Brydagr8]

13:00 hidden willy 🤣

[@maryloufarnsworth8461]

My aunt and uncle got to ride in the Goodyear blimp many years ago. Thanks for giving me an idea of what they experienced. They loved it, by the way.

[@NativeSkater1000]

Fun fact, Empire State Building had an airship dock on the tip top.

[@Milledge.Austin]

Man, another amazing experience. That was such a cool trip, and talk about iconic! Seeing NYC from a blip/airship? Just too cool. Great episode!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christinechadsey6414]

Pretty cool. I live in CT and would have loved to see the blimp.

[@annettedidiodato6193]

So cool...You did it again...!!!!❤

[@noelbowerman1562]

That was so brilliant, I'd love to do that journey. ❤

[@gittes98]

One of your all-time best vids Mike. The pilots are great and the clarity is amazing. What an experience" Best line: You're a Canadian asking an Englishman/

[@Nobi36]

I love aviation so much 🔥🔥🔥

[@sdavis9444]

I got to see this Blimp with my CAP Squadron a few months ago at the airport (Beverly Airport) Its very cool!

[@melissatemple8052]

What a cool adventure! Thank you for sharing!

[@DownieLive]

You bet!

[@tvberkel]

Mike, you've hit it out of the "pahk" again with this one. What a cool experience, thanks for taking us along with you. Immensely cool.

[@lisaanderson8235]

What a fun video! I don't think I've ever seen footage from a blimp flight like this. And the captains and crew were so knowledgeable! As someone who grew up in New England, the Boston/ Rhode Island scenery was especially lovely for me. 👍

[@Tcostello105]

Hey thats Norwood Airport! Never seen a Blimp there in the past. What a cool trip!

[@davidgodfrey1815]

We did a Zeppelin ride in Germany a few years ago, it is an amazing way to fly.

[@ziwilliams79]

Dude!!! This is one of the coolest videos on KZbin! Keep up the great work!

[@mandy7422]

Wow ..what a beautiful way to fly...

[@lynda.grace.14]

Such a cool experience! Amazing how you find these opportunities. Actually, that would make a good BTS video.

[@dadbod80s]

This must of been the coolest experience. Always wanted to fly in a blimp. You can tell by your smile that you had a blast!

[@rustyshackleford6018]

17:35 annnnnnnnnnd that guy made me so nervous around that spinning blade. woah,

[@reedberry]

I've always wanted to take a blimp ride but have never had the opportunity, so I'll live vicariously through you. Good job, sir!

[@goneridin231]

Something interesting, did you know why the Empire State Building was designed with an observation deck? If you go there then look up! There are 2 catwalks above that we’re supposed to drop down for passengers to unload from airships! The observation deck was for the waiting family members or next passenger’s. They never docked do to the high winds.

[@juliamcclure7080]

Omg you’re my favorite KZbinr and this is the absolute coolest video ever. Like this is so cool, i live in southcoast mass and it’s amazing to see landmarks I see all the time

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thanks!

[@jpnbronx323]

I applaud you. I could never and will never no matter how much I am interested in this mode of transportation. Congrats.