Flying made easy with the Personal Blimp

Amherst, Mass., Dec. 18, 2006 – Start saving your money. If you like flying just for the sake of flying, you’re going to want to buy this. It’s a personal hot-air blimp that you can launch from your backyard and store in a 24-foot car trailer. Dan Nachbar, of Amherst, Mass., started building the Personal Blimp in 2002, and on Oct. 27, 2006, launched his homebuilt airship for the first time. It recently completed its first 10 hours of test flights. The airship, 102-feet long and 70-feet wide, is capable of slow, low-level flight as well as "turn-on-a-dime" steering, according to the Skyacht Aircraft, Inc. Web site. Unlike other hot-air blimps, Nachbar's design has a rigid internal frame that can be folded for storage. And unlike helium blimps, it can be deflated and stored between flights without the need for a hangar. Nachbar said he started building the blimp because he wanted to fly low and enjoy the sights – a type of air therapy – but he didn’t want to put up with a lot of noise or control issues. Nachbar also wanted something that would stay in the air without continuous effort. Since no existing aircraft fits that bill, he decided to build his own, which he has named Airship Alberto. The name pays homage to aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, who designed, built and flew the first practical airship. “It's by far the most complex and difficult building project I've ever taken on,” Nachbar said. Nachbar plans to continue developing the prototype and seek FAA approval to produce the airship for sale. The price will likely be between $100,000-$200,000 and you’ll need ratings as both an airplane pilot and as a hot air balloon pilot to fly it. But don’t get your wallet out yet. They have at least another year of product research and development to do, and then the design will need to be reviewed by the FAA before it can be sold. The FAA’s design review and certification process could last years. The Specifications Length: 102 Feet Diameter: 70 Feet Seats: 2 Maximum Weight: 4,100 pounds Horsepower: 24 Cruise Speed: 12 Miles per Hour (projected) Propulsion Type: Gasoline Lifting Gas: Hot Air Size in Flight: 205,000 cubic feet Size When Deflated/Folded: 1,500 cubic feet (Will fit in a 24-foot car trailer). Construction: Envelope - nylon fabric over aluminum ribs.

Dan Nachbar, from Amherst, Mass., finished building his one-of-a-kind Personal Blimp in October of 2006. Unlike other hot-air blimps, Nachbar's design has a rigid internal frame that can be folded for storage. Nachbar’s blimp will undergo more product research and a thorough review by the FAA before it’s placed on the market. For More Information Dan Nachbar Personal Blimp Skyacht Aircraft Alberto Santos-Dumont

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