Blimp Heads South
Thursday, October 10, 2013
By: Matthew Peddie

October 10th, 2013 | WMFE- Goodyear is retiring one of its three blimps - to Florida.

[Photo courtesy of Goodyear]

The Spirit of Goodyear will leave Akron Ohio Friday and fly south to join another Goodyear blimp in Pompano Beach.

The blimp was christened in March 2000 by NASA astronaut Sally Ride.

It's the oldest of the company's three airships.

Goodyear spokesman Doug Grassian says the blimp will be deflated next spring and its car – or gondola- will be donated to a museum.

“Like many Ohioans, the blimp is going for warmer pastures and the idea is that it will be able to operate through the winter months before we put it out of commission,” says Grassian.

Spirit of Goodyear has a top speed of about 50 mph- depending on the wind conditions.

It will be replaced with a new, semi-rigid airship with a top speed of more than 70 mph. 

The new zeppelin is currently under construction in Akron.