Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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The Goodyear Blimp

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No. It’s a blimp.

The odd-shaped non-rigid aircraft you see amid haze caused by Canadian wildfires in this photo is known as a blimp. It doesn’t have a supporting framework inside its gasbag. The blimp’s shape is maintained by the pressure of the gas it contains, which is usually helium, and lifts as a result of this gas.

Blimps are easier to manipulate than simple balloons. Rudders and propellers help with navigation.

Specifically, this blimp is a Goodyear blimp. The Goodyear company was founded in 1910 with the creation of its Aeronautics Department, and it developed its first balloon in 1912 to market rubber-infused fabrics and coatings for airplanes.

Goodyear blimps began coasting the skies across America in the 1920s. Originally, they were used for passenger travel and by the military. Today, they are commonly used for advertising and aerial surveillance.

For more information, see the Goodyear website.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “The Goodyear Blimp”

  1. gc1963

    Interesting. Good Year tyres are much in use. Is it the same company?

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Geeta. That is the Goodyear tire company. Have a great week.

      Reply
  2. vermavkv

    Very interesting information.
    Yes, I use Good year tyres for my car.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Goodyear is a solid company. Thank you for commenting, Vijay.

      Reply
  3. kagould17

    Yes, the haze is exasperating and I feel for you, Mary, having faced it here for a good part of 2023/24. Between smoke and mosquitoes, it is hard to enjoy summer days, especially when a heat dome moves in. Hope rains come soon to help control the fires and thus the smoke in your area. The Goodyear blimp is synonymous with sporting events and has been a good marketing tool for this company. Wishing you a smoke free week ahead. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s sad the fires are so out of control. I worry about the wildlife and trees. Hopefully, it will clear soon.

      Reply
  4. Violet Lentz

    Remember The Hindenburg!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yikes! That was terrible. Thank you for adding to this post, Violet.

      Reply
  5. Rosaliene Bacchus

    As we live close to the LAX airport, the Goodyear blimp is a rare sight in our area. Hope the smoke haze clears up soon in your area. Stay well ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And now California has fires! I hope you aren’t threatened by them, Rosaliene.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        Mary, thankfully the latest Gifford Fire is far away in another county. Our air quality comes and goes, depending upon the direction of the winds.

        Reply
  6. Penn,…

    Awww, Violet mentioned The Hindenburg, Mary, …it was the first thing which came to my mind as I was scrolling down, ….but they’re such amazing thing to see, … I hope the fires are dying down and the haze is clearing for you, …take care and stay safe, please …💙

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We are nowhere near the fires, but the smoke does make me concerned for those who are. Thank you for your concern and time, Penn.

      Reply
  7. Monkey’s Tale

    Wow, the smoke from the wildfires carried so far! Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The smoke sure does travel. I know Europe has them too. The time is one of extremes. Love to you, Maggie.

      Reply
  8. Nancy Homlitas

    We get the smoke in northeast Ohio, too. 😷

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Perhaps, part of the excitement is that blimps move slowly. We can imagine riding in it. Would you like to do that, Nancy?

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        No, I like both my feet on the ground. 😅

        Reply
  9. Nancy Homlitas

    I don’t live far from Akron, Ohio, the rubber capital. I have the good fortune of seeing the Goodyear blimp on occasion. It’s not unusual for it to float around the area and up and around the Cleveland stadiums. It’s always a sight to see. 😁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Sorry. I’m having a backwards day and reversing your responses. I’m sorry you’re getting smoke, as well.

      Reply
  10. joannerambling

    Not something I have seen in years, I use to see it a lot

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I guess it depends on their schedules.

      Reply
  11. Max Muhammad

    there was a time when the good year blimp felt like a diamond to the eyes

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello, Mister Max. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  12. Priti

    I think it’s comfortable too well shared 💐

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I wonder about that. Thank you for your input, Priti.

      Reply
  13. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Subtly powerful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  14. Lincol Martín

    A curious and interesting text that blends history, science, and a touch of nostalgia. The Goodyear blimp, more than just a “flying balloon,” represents a legacy of aerial innovation since the early 20th century. It is surprising to learn how something so peculiar, sustained only by gas pressure, has served as everything from transportation to a military and advertising tool.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You present interesting points, Lincol. Thank you.

      Reply
  15. PradP

    Engaging info,Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Prad.

      Reply
  16. Ritish Sharma

    Mary, I love how you took something we all glance at and gave it real lift 😅. Though, I’ve never seen one, but I’ve always been so fascinated by these.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ritish. Your words are very kind.

      Reply
  17. The Introverted Bookworm

    What a fun post! I’ve never seen the Goodyear blimp (perhaps because I live in the UK), but it was super fun to see a photograph of it here. Thanks for sharing 💐💜

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome, Ada. We get excited when one is near.

      Reply
  18. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post, ” Jewish Prophets 3 – Isaiah Chapters 10 &11;” you are very kind.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        Thank you.

        Reply
  19. Priti

    Welcome hi visit my YouTube channel

    Reply
  20. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    I remember seeing one or two as a child. I wasn’t sure if they were still a thing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yep. They’re still a thing, at least around here, MM.

      Reply
  21. capentalc

    I have not seen ANY in the last 5+ years. I wonder if California has a law against those.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That may be, Lauren. We still see the blimps in the Midwest.

      Reply
  22. Lauren Scott, Author

    I’ve seen one, but it’s been a very long time, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m glad you got to see it at least once, Lauren. They’re a funny looking object and move so slowly!

      Reply
  23. Dawn Pisturino

    I haven’t seen one of these for a long time. Sorry about the haze. We’re getting it from California.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, Dawn. It’s frustrating to have these beautiful summer days, yet the smoke makes it too dangerous to be out and enjoy. I’m sorry now you have smoke too! It’s a time of extremes.

      Reply
  24. Awakening Wonders

    I must agree with some of your other readers; I have not seen the Goodyear blimp or any blimp in years – interesting!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Maybe the blimps are just in the Midwest at this time.

      Reply
  25. Ilze

    Reminds me of the Studio Ghibli movie Kiki’s Delivery Service!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Sounds like a cute movie, Ilze.

      Reply
      1. Ilze

        It is! I think it’s time for me to enjoying one more time

        Reply
  26. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Elegant narrative

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Swamigalkodi.

      Reply

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