I’m Sure It Will Have a GPS
FAA Certification Of New “Commuter” Zeppelin Under Way The FAA has issued proposed design criteria for a modern and much smaller incarnation of the famous Zeppelin airship. Built by the same German company that brought us the Hindenburg, among others, in the early part of the 20th century, Zeppelin LZ N07 builds on the hard-won knowledge about safe operation of the aircraft. The newest version first flew in 1997 and is designed as a multi-mission aircraft that can carry up to 12 passengers and two crew. The U.S. and Germany already had bilateral certification requirements for rigid airships, but because Germany elected to certify this new airship in a “commuter†category, the FAA apparently has to rewrite its requirements. The result is dozens of pages of technical and performance specifications that cover everything from the engine-out performance to the quality of water used as ballast (has to be potable water if it’s to be released anywhere but at a sewage treatment plant, which might be difficult to flight plan). Germany first made the request to have the aircraft recognized by the FAA in 2001 and it’s taken six years to get it all on paper. In case you have an opinion on the way these things should be built, a comment period lasts until June 4. This Great Dirigible Story just in courtesy of AvWeb
Yes, I know, this story isn’t about GPS. In fact GPS isn’t even mentioned, but I am sure this airship will have GPS as one of its primary navaids when, as and if it makes it through certification.
I can’t imagine a less likely prospect for a way to make money in aviation but I loved lighter than air (LTA) subjects, so who an I to criticize. I wish them well.
Hello,
thanks for that post, I also blogged about it on my Blog after I first saw it on your blog. Actually LTA is a way to make money, there are already 3 Zeppelin NT built and the fourth is in production. Of course the business isn’t big but there is one. And it’s rising. Airships are faster than ships and at the right size can carry heavier loads than any airplane. Check out my Blog to get daily news about the industry. There is even an International Airship Investors Conference planned beginning next year.
Kind Regards,
Andreas
Hi Andreas. I’ve written a few other entries about the Lighter Than Air world as well. It’s amazing to me how one relatively minor accident so many years ago nearly completely destroyed an industry whose potential has hardly be scratched. Thanks for reading and commenting.