Hitch a ride on the Goodyear blimp in 360

Also in episode one, stare down an elephant seal and paraglide over Hawaii: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQgbqky0lK5GchDAgout0cYf3vlacMfwN

You’ve seen the Goodyear blimp flying over special events and big sports games. But have you ever thought about piloting one? Climb aboard the gondola of the “Spirit of Innovation”, Goodyear’s last GZ-20 model blimp with pilot Matthew St. John. After almost 50 years of service, this blimp is on its farewell tour. Check it out and buckle up for a one-of-a-kind flight.

Imagine trying to steer a boat and navigate an airplane at the same time.

Blimp pilot Matthew St. John can tell you all about it. He’s spent thousands of hours in the air flying the classic Goodyear GZ-20 model blimp. VRtually There caught up with him for a flight in the very last GZ-20 in the world, The Spirit of Innovation. The fleet is soon to be replaced, so this is your chance to go along for the ride.

When it’s windy, being inside the blimp can feel like riding a bronco. St. John says his years spent aloft in the Goodyear’s gondola provided him with lessons in patience and perseverance. He credits his background in sailing and working as a commercial pilot for giving him a head start when he was training to fly blimps.

The GZ-20s have been around for a long time. They were originally designed to Navy specifications. For the past 45 years, they have provided spectacular aerial coverage of countless national events.

A generation grew up with the Goodyear blimp as a fixture in the sky. Watch the video above for an immersive ride on this one-of-a-kind airship.

From the USA TODAY NETWORK and YouTube, it’s VRtually There, bringing you three cool VR experiences each week.

Take a breath. Take it in. And don’t forget to look around!

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