Have you ever dreamed of taking a ride on the Goodyear blimp and admiring the cityscape of Los Angeles from the air? Me too! Recently, I was fortunate enough to get an invitation (since Goodyear does not sell rides to the public) to get a ride aboard this iconic airship for an unforgettable aerial tour of Los Angeles.
A Bit of Blimp History
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company launched its first commercial helium-filled non-rigid airship, the Pilgrim, in 1925 as a advertising tool. The advertising campaign was an huge success and the blimp became an iconic symbol for airship travel and aviation technology in general. Over the next several years Goodyear created more blimps, which ended up being used as patrol airships for the US Navy in WWI. Once the war ended, Goodyear blimps were back in commercial use and quickly became popular aircraft in the skies throughout the US. When World War II broke out, the US Navy took over operation of Goodyear's 5 commercial airships for patrol duties, many of which were later sold back to Goodyear after the war.
Over the decades, Goodyear has continuously upgraded its blimps, evolving from simple non-rigid airships to more advanced semi-rigid airships equipped with modern technology. Today’s Goodyear blimps feature spacious gondolas that comfortably seat between 6 and 12 passengers along with a pilot. The views are spectacular no matter where you fly but if you're taking off from the Goodyear Blimp landing field in Carson, you'll get some of the best sights of Los Angeles. On clear days, you can enjoy many of the iconic LA landmarks such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Dodger Stadium, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign.
Ground crews assist with the landing of the Goodyear blimp at its Carson, California airship base, one of three locations including Akron, Ohio, and Pompano Beach, Florida.
What You Can Expect Riding in a Blimp
Taking off from the Goodyear Blimp Base Airport in Carson, California, the flight aboard the Goodyear blimp was a very different experience than I normally get flying in my Cessna. With its signature blue and yellow colors, the Goodyear Blimp was hard to miss for everyone watching from the ground. It rose slowly to an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet and glided slowly and steadily over Southern California. From up here, I could experience the amazing views of Los Angeles and the surrounding cities, especially since I was just a passenger and wasn't flying. The views were great and included everything from the skyscrapers in Downtown Los Angeles to the beautiful Malibu coastline. Luckily for the passengers, there aren't any bad seats in the gondola and each person has a great view of the city with the blimp's huge windows.
View from behind the pilot through one of the Goodyear blimp's large windows, offering stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles on every blimp ride.
As we descended back into Carson after our 30 to 45-minute tour, I felt incredibly fortunate to have experienced such a remarkable journey—a feeling I believe most riders share. Even now, long after the flight, I still get butterflies when I think back to my time aboard the Goodyear blimp.
Ground crews prepare to safely guide the incoming Goodyear Blimp to the ground by grabbing the ropes, ensuring a smooth landing after each flight.
An Unforgettable Experience
Riding in the Goodyear Blimp was a truly unforgettable experience that offered breathtaking views of Los Angeles from a unique aerial platform. Flying high above the city aboard this legendary airship combined classic Americana charm with unparalleled luxury and stunning scenery—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that any aviation enthusiast would cherish. If you are lucky enough to be invited on this experience, definitely don't hesitate, as it is something that you will remember forever.
The Goodyear Blimp soars above the iconic Hollywood Sign, offering passengers breathtaking aerial views of Los Angeles, California, and showcasing the legendary airship's unique flight experience.