SF Fleet Week 2009

SF Fleet Week 2009

-- Benjamin Lin

Welcome to the City by the Bay

Work at SFO Airport for United Airlines evening shift see Zep fly over airport pretty cool!! ("Welcome to the city by the bay")

- Mez

Spotted over Redwood City - What a Sight!

I spotted you this morning (October 10, 2009) as you flew over Redwood City! What a great sight - I'm eager to take a ride.

-- Joyce

Working at Lighthouse Field (Santa Cruz)

I was working at Lighthouse Field (west cliff drive in santa cruz) on 10/06/09 and your ship flew by several times. I could read the ad on the side directing me to this website.

-- Ernie

Downtown Morgan Hill

October 6,2009, my husband was in downtown Morgan Hill and phoned me to go out onto our back deck to see the Zeppelin going by. I grabbed my camera and went running in time to see it passing very quickly down the valley towards San Jose. What a splendid sight to see!

-- Rita Montell

Walking home from the Caltrain station

I was walking home from the Caltrain station this afternoon while listening to Metallica on my iPhone when I looked up and through the palm trees there was this large zeppelin sailing by.

-- Michelle

Over Los Gatos High

About a week ago it was over Los Gatos High School hovering.

-- Cameron Trautman

Rendezvous with Airship Ventures above Silicon Valley

I saw the airship from Alaska Airlines #316 from SEA to SFO.

-- Jun Seita

I saw it flying over Universal Studios

I saw it flying over Universal Studios while I was working.

-- Stacy Lambert

Nice to see people enjoying the playground that is our airspace

As an avid veteran pilot, it was nice to see people enjoying the playground that is our airspace... right over the property.

blue skies.

-- Skip Orsik

Two Giants, Antonov and Zeppelin

Michael Cierpka (Ground Crew Chief on loan to us from Zeppelin) sends us these great photos he took the other day of Eureka in the background, and a wonderous Antonov An-124 transport in the foreground.

San Francisco Tour as Experienced from Oakland

A friend of ours sent us this nice mix he did of his flight last fall. It gives a good feel for our San Francisco tour as operated from Oakland airport. Includes some fun footage around 4:40 where we load the air stairs into the ship after the last flight of the day, prior to returning to home base.

Thanks Craig!

Over downtown Mountain View

Over downtown Mountain View, Saturday, September 19, 9:55am.

-- Mickey Hill

SF Symphony at the Embarcadero - Eureka appeared for the finale

The SF Symphony performed in the Embarcadero on September 11. The Eureka appeared just in time for the finale, flying past the Ferry Building as the orchestra played Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel Waltz.

-- Carlos Ortiz

We live under the airship approach path into Long Beach Airport

We live under the airship approach path into Long Beach Airport, so we see Eureka whenever she's in the area.

Here are shots of her at the mast on Sunday, 9/6, when the day's LA Basin tours were over.

I hope to get some better shots of her on approach, landing and departure next time she's in Long Beach. Or, if you prefer, I can point you to the vantage points on Signal Hill. A professional would surely make better use of the location.

-- Tom Barclay

Coming Home from Karate Practice

I was coming home from karate practice in Morgan Hill to Gilroy on Monterey Rd. It was white and it had a reddish orange "X" and a blueish strip. I thought it was really cool.

from Ezekiel and Dad

P.S. I am 6 years old

Santana Row

I was in Santana Row on the afternoon of 8 Sep09 and saw the Airsip coming over the plaza section.

-- Ciro A Morales III

Highway 246, from Lompoc to Buellton

I was coming home from work around 12:15 pm on hwy246, from Lompoc to buellton. I looked up as i was driving and saw your air ship......very cool..... I thought to myself what a fun thing to do. Would love to know if you do this area...Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Santa Yanez valley?

-- Bill Marable

Right over our house on Labor Day

Right over our house on Labor Day.

-- Tony Di Schino

To our surprise, the airship

My wife called me and asked if I could hear what see thought were helicopters. When I came outside I said to her, (Look up). To our surprise, The airship.

9/7/09 approx. 6:15pm.

-- Robert Bilotti

At the bounce house party

It's 6:20pm and my son, who just turned six yesterday, came running into the house screaming. We still had the bounce house blown up from the birthday party he had. He and his 3 year old, special needs brother were outside bouncing. So naturally I though something happened to his brother...but NO. He was screaming "BLIMP, BLIMP". We all looked up in the sky and saw your airship. We live in North Tustin, CA

-- Jenna Weil

My kids thought it was the coolest thing ever!

My kids and I saw the ship today over the City of Orange. We pulled into El Modena High Schools parking lot and watched it hover. My kids thought it was the coolest thing ever!

-- Jennifer

Over Corona del Mar State Beach

Saw the Zeppelin Sat the 5th over Corona del Mar State Beach, and couldn't to check out the website and see "what's the deal".

-- Doug

Near the Trump Golf Course

I was swimming in my pool, R.Palos Verdes, your zeppelin came from the east, harbor area. Near the Trump golf course the nose went up, then the airship turned and went back to where it came from. I have seen you on other days, but never could read your name!!! What a great sight! I want to take a ride, close to/over my home!!!

no pics, yet!!!!

-- ela

A few photos from Signal Hill

We live near Long Beach Airport, so when Eureka's in town we are forever rushing out into the front yard, into the street, or up Signal Hill to get a good look at your beautiful airship. And a few photos, too.

I understand Rod Roddenberry is part of Airship Ventures [ED - he flew with us, but isn't officially involved]; my father knew Rod's father slightly, and I had a slight e-mail acquaintance with Mrs. BR. Glad to know Rod's been involved in something so exciting.

-- Tom Barclay

"Papa, look at the big balloon, I want to fly in it!"

We live on the bay at Newport Beach and when the ship was flying by, my granddaughter screamed "papa look at the big balloon, I want to fly in it".

No photos.

-- Lou Faubert

Caught a brief glimpse in Long Beach

I only caught a brief glimpse of the ship as I was waiting in the car at the gas pump in Long Beach. Its the second time I saw in the last two days. I saw it yesterday in the afternoon in Los Angeles.

-- Charlie

From your July 4 visit to Long Beach

My 8 year old son suddenly went on a zeppelin kick. He's been reading zeppelin history books as bedtime stories. When we found out that ship was going to be in LA for the fourth of July, he was so excited. We drove down to Long Beach and found a spot where we could watch the ship take off. Here's the best 2 shots.

-- Brad Gake

Saw you over Sony Picture Studios

I saw you flying over Sony Picture Studios at about 1:20pm

-- Richard

Airship Ventures Zeppelin over Lexington Reservoir

I had just finished by mountain bike ride on the Limekiln Tail in the Sierra Azul Preserve and was heading back along the Lexington Reservoir when the Zeppelin flew right over the lake. It moves faster than you think. Was just able to snap a picture of it as it headed for the summit.

-- Steve Wilhelm

Down at the pier at Cayucos, California

After receiving a text message from above Hearst Castle, I zipped my gondola down to the pier at Cayucos, California, just north of Morro Rock, and was pleased to see the Zeppelin turn east and fly directly over me. Thanks again, and see you soon!

-- Stillman Brown

Seen flying east of Vandenberg AFB

I saw your airship flying east of Vandenberg AFB. Looked pretty cool!

-- John

Seen from Highway 17

I was driving up Highway 17 and it followed me all the way to my house near Ocean View Road.

-- Joey Robinson

Seen over the fishhook, Santa Cruz

Driving home toward Santa Cruz from San Jose over Hwy 17 and coming toward fishhook saying that is the hugest thing I have ever seen! Now I know why=). Looking forward to seeing you again. Next time I'll take pictures.

-- Amanda

19th century below 21st above

08-01-2009
I was on the historic scow schooner Alma in SF bay as she passed over. Picture from video.

19th century below, 21st above.

-- Richard Stapp

We were In a 66 Austin Healey Convertible, so shot some overheads

I attended the Monterey Historics Races at Laguna Seca Raceway on August 15th. We were in a 66 Austin Healey Convertible, so shot some overheads. We couldn't figure out the logo at first - I mentioned to my friend that you could rent the airship for private flights. he wanted to know how many pax it could hold and I told him I wasn't sure. He thought for a moment and came back with "24! 23 and me." Wasn't until later it was all about DNA.

I was trying for a period Zeppelin shot over the racing Porsche but the ship was too far away.

-- Doug Wilder

Above Cottle Ranch, San Jose

Flying northbound above San Jose in the evening of August 15, 2009.

Pictured above M. Cottle County Park in the Edenvale section of San Jose.

-- Duane Stevens

80th Anniversary of Graf Zeppelin Over Tokyo

Not exactly a sighting of Eureka, but it is noteworthy that 80 years ago, August 18-23, 1929, the Graf Zeppelin visited Tokyo.

Our counterpart in Japan, Nippon Airship Corporation, is offering an anniversary flight today. Wish we were there! We'll be raising a box of Nigori this evening to toast the event.

Zeppelin and Antonov

On Saturday morning of August 15, I was at Moffett Field overseeing the departure of the Antonov aircraft loaded with Telesat's Nimiq 5 satellite, built by SS/L. I snapped this picture as the airship slowly departed past the Antonov aircraft. What a cool sight!

-- Andres Aparicio

Passing Mt. St. Helena (Wine Country)

We're watching it right now - it's headed SSE just passing in front of Mt. St. Helena. Talk about a sight to make you forget what you're doing! Seeing the Eureka is thrilling ... there's a momentary glimpse into times passed as we also anticipate new modes of future travel.

-- Arin Stevens

Over the City of Oakland

I was doing a tour of Oakland City parks for work and look up in the sky and there it is. Over the City of Oakland Aug 7, 2009

-- Kelly Pschirrer

I was sailing on the bay

I was sailing on the bay on Aug 2, 2009 and saw you over San Francisco

-- Kelly Pschirrer

AWESOME - Was quite a thrill for my grandchildren

AWESOME, it flew low over the house & was quite a thrill for my grandchildren who were visiting from CT. Siting in West San Jose, CA at 7:15PM

-- Diana Cuneo

You could almost see the passengers!

It was AWESOME. It was so low you could almost see the passengers. An exciting sight for my grandchildren vacationing from CT. A thrilling way to end their visit and something to tell their friends in CT about.

-- Diana Cuneo

Saratoga High Band Camp enjoyed it too

It's very cool to watch your zeppelin motor over our backyard. I'm sure that Saratoga High Band Camp enjoyed it too, 120+ kids practicing their new field show on the Saratoga High School football field just 3 blocks away with a zeppelin traversing overhead. Please visit our neighborhood again soon!

-- The Renda family

Over San Francisco, CA on July 26, 2009

Over San Francisco, CA on July 26, 2009

-- Debi B.

Over Sunnyvale, CA on April 18, 2009

Over Sunnyvale, CA on April 18, 2009

-- Debi B.

We enjoyed watching the airship over AT&T Park

We enjoyed watching the airship over AT&T Park on Saturday, August 8 as the Giants beat the Reds. Go Giants!

-- Jane Scurich

We sighted the Zeppelin in Prunedale

On July 28 we were driving north on Highway 101 when we sighted the Zeppelin in Prunedale and it was heading North. We actually followed it and past Gilroy we passed it. We stopped in Morgan Hill along 101 and I was walking the dog. I looked for the ship to the south but couldn't find it. Then I realized that it was right overhead and I missed it. That is when I saw the rear engine. I was amazed how quiet it was. Can you tell me the type of power of the engines? Then we caught it again at Moffett field and passed it as we headed into San Francisco.

Great day.

-- Ralph Wege

How fun to have our very own zeppelin!

I just happened to be driving home to Sunnyvale on 101 when I saw you up there. Very cool! I mentally noted the website and checked it out when I got home. How fun to have our very own zeppelin!

I have some ideas for you: Sporting events, beaches, and outdoor events like Art and Wine festivals.

-- Laura Robichek

What an awesome present

I saw you in SF on 07-26-09 and thought what an awesome present for my two 16 year olds as a birthday present.

-- Jeanne

Over Morgan Hill this afternoon

I watched N704LZ pass slightly to the east of my house, northbound over Morgan Hill at 12:22 this afternoon, until it disappeared over the roof.

Very clear views of Zeppelin drive and control surfaces.

Must have been a glorious morning up there.

-- Steve Hix

She looked very beautiful as she floated across the blue Summer sky

We were driving over the Bay Bridge from the East Bay towards the beautiful city of San Francisco at about 11.15am today, and my younger son spotted the airship coming towards us. Both the children were more than excited to see it. Sadly, as I was driving, I didn't manage to get a picture.

She looked very beautiful as she floated across the blue Summer sky.

-- Clare Moore

Above the pride parade in sf

Above the pride parade in sf.

-- richard

You were overflying my birthday party

You where overflying my birthday party this July 4th and it was my favorite present by far.

We live in San Pedro and are often visited by the Goodyear Blimp at rather close quarters, and have flown on it two years ago.
The pilot said that they often use our very tall date palm as a mark. We love our Blimp but we hope to cruise with you the next time you come south.

Rigid Lighter-Than-Air lives again and we couldn't be more excited!

Thank you,
Jonn and Maureen Retsek

She moved toward the Santa Cruz Mountains

Saturday, July 11, 2009, over my house in the foothills of Los Gatos. The blimp then moved toward the Santa Cruz mountains. I could not get a picture as I was looking directly into the sun.

-- Sue Cooney

"Honey, I think it wants to pass us."

"Honey, I think it wants to pass us."

As they say, "location, location, location": Sunday 12 July 2009 12:47pm, taken from the viewing area at the San Francisco Ferry Building.

-- Ned Deily

Cruised across Santa Barbara County

The Airship Ventures Zeppelin N704LZ Eureka cruised across Santa Barbara County on its way from Long Beach to its home base at Moffett Field on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. It passed over UCSB and Isla Vista at 1:22 PM PDT. It was cruising at an altitude of 2,800 feet and a speed of 37 knots. It passed so quietly that most bystanders failed to notice it.

-- Brian Lockett

Looked very good from Surfside beach

Looked very good from Surfside beach 7/4/09.

Great to see an Airship again.

-- jack pursell

The Airship Ventures Zeppelin in London

The Airship Ventures Zeppelin in London before departure to San Francisco.

-- Terry McManus

Needless to say, I was thrilled!

I was in San Francisco with my family in early January and unexpectedly saw your ship over the bay; needless to say I was thrilled; my son wanted to take pictures of me with the ship in the background, but I did not want to miss the chance to watch the ship by posing for pictures, as you can see in these snapshots!

-- Dan Grossman
http://www.airships.net

Heading down Pacific Coast highway, hope to see it again July 4!

5/25/2009 - (Sorry this is almost a month late, but I just saw your "submit pics" link)

Heading down Pacific Coast highway, home from spending the afternoon with my spouse's mom and grandma, and followed the Eureka from Long Beach to Huntington Beach, where it made a U-turn. We opened our sunroof so the kids could see it better while driving, and we pulled over at the Dog Beach bluffs so I could take a few pictures. You don't get to see an actual zeppelin every day.

Hope to see it again when it's down here over the weekend of the 4th; come fly over HB's parade!

-- Leeanne Laughin

Thanks for adding a new highlight to Vertical Challenge

As always, it was exciting and impressive to see the Eureka come in to land during the air show at San Carlos airport today. The pilots made a valiant effort to land in the windy conditions but when I saw the ground crew pack up the "Stairway to Heaven" I knew that they decided to yield to safety and make the landing elsewhere. Thanks for adding a new highlight to Vertical Challenge.

-- Chris Humphrey

Arleigh's Zeppelin Ride

I took an incredible ride on the Eureka on 19 April. I have posted online all 350+- of the photos of my trip.

-- Arleigh Movitz

7... Up?

Saw the "up" blimp over Oakland again. I keep thinking they should lease ad space to the left of "up", where a big "7" could be placed!

-- Dan Wood

A 2nd Ship?

I've read in OC REGISTER through the Airship Times at Zimbio that there is an interest of AV in purchasing a second ship for which it seeks a name. Is there a contest related to that?

-- Komaniotis Tryfon