Goodyear Blimp Returns to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2012
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (June 21, 2012) — The famed Goodyear blimp “Spirit of Goodyear” will grace the skies once again at EAA AirVenture 2012, scheduled for July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport.
The “Spirit of Goodyear” will arrive on Wednesday, July 25, and weather depending will fly regularly the following two days before departing on Saturday, July 28. While it is moored, spectators have the chance to get a rare, up-close look at the blimp at Pioneer Airport, located near the EAA AirVenture Museum.
Additionally, five lucky attendees will be taken for a ride of a lifetime in the “Spirit of Goodyear” blimp as winners in Goodyear’s “I Wanna Blimp Ride” Sweepstakes during AirVenture 2012. More details will be announced in the coming days.
“Goodyear is very pleased to participate in EAA AirVenture 2012,” said Ed Ogden, public relations manager for the Spirit of Goodyear. “Being among thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the world; the excitement and enthusiasm we encounter at Oshkosh is something we at Goodyear find extremely valuable.”
The airship is 192 feet long and nearly 60 feet tall, and typically cruises at 30 mph between 1,000 and 3,000 feet. As with all three of the U.S.-based Goodyear blimps, the “Spirit of Goodyear” is equipped with a lighted sign that displays high-resolution text, images, and video.
The “Spirit of Goodyear” was christened in March 2000 and joined a long legacy of Goodyear blimps, the first of which took to the skies in 1925. This will be the blimp’s fourth trip to AirVenture in six years.
“Goodyear has been a strong contributor to the aviation community for many years, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the ‘World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration’,” said Rod Hightower, EAA President/CEO. “This is a rare opportunity to see such an iconic aircraft up-close, and will provide one of countless memories to take away from this year’s AirVenture.”
Naming its blimps is a very personal thing to Goodyear. Each name is a proud handle that represents something important to Goodyear or brings recognition to a proud tradition. The “Spirit of Goodyear” was named to honor the employees of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
In addition to the familiar nose-to-tail blue panel above the mid-line (equator) of the “Spirit of Goodyear,” there is a blue panel below the mid-line, designed to improve the visibility of the day sign lights. EagleVision, the electronic sign configuration on the port side, provides high resolution for text, graphics and video.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.
