The Zeppelin NT is the only airship with regular flight operations, consisting of different routes and special flights. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about these operations. If you have further questions, please write to us by e-mail. We will be happy to respond. Please use our contact page for your inquiry.
In the Bodensee region the Zeppelin NT flyies at about 1000ft above the ground, with a speed of around 70 km/h. The passengers can relax and watch the world go by.
Up to 12 people at a time can fly in the Zeppelin, and everyone has a window seat. On board there is one pilot and a flight attendant to take care of the passengers.
The flight will be cancelled if
The duty pilot or PIC makes the decision whether a flight can take place, or it can be cancelled fort he previously stated reasons. Cancellation can be one day prior to the flight, on the day of, or even just before the flight.
Our recorded weather message is available 24 hours a day. We recommend our flight guests to call for an update one day before their flight. For flights in the afternoon, you can re-check in the morning.
Telephone number for recorded weather message: +49 7541 5900-444
We kindly request that you arrive one hour before take off and present yourself at the Check-in at the Zeppelin Hangar FN (Restaurant · Lounge), in order to receive the necessary safety briefing.
You must bring identification papers and the booking confirmation or voucher.
Only children under two years of age may not fly with the Zeppelin. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
During the flight you are very welcome to take pictures and/or film. There are two windows on the Zeppelin that may be opened during flight.
Animals are NOT allowed on board the Zeppelin.
Yes, there is a toilet on board.
On this website, or:
Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH
Messestraße 132
88046 Friedrichshafen
Tel: +49 7541 5900-0
Fax: +49 7541 5900-499
info@zeppelin-nt.de
www.zeppelinflug.de
We cannot guarantee that. However, we recommend that you book your flight at the beginning of your stay so that we have the best chance to offer you an alternative if one is available.
A booking is also possible on short notice. (Subject to availability).
Passengers must be able to walk 50m at a normal pace. They must also be capable of climbing up and down a possibly moving stepladder (with rails) unassisted. If these conditions are not met, we reserve the right to deny boarding due to safety and legal reasons. Even if these condition are fulfilled at time of booking, we reserve to right to make the final decision on the day of the flight.
Driving Directions Friedrichshafen
Further information available for Download:
For a Zeppelin flight you can also buy a Gift Voucher, by fax, by phone or in our Zeppelin Shop.
None of the technical equipment on board will cause interference, however, you should consult your doctor and keep the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH informed.
The passenger must be able to climb 5 steps unaided. Additionally, the passenger must be able to walk 50m at normal speed, and be able to stand at the Zeppelin take off site for 5-10 minutes. In marginal cases, the final decision about whether the passenger can travel, rests with the pilot and operational staff.
| Engines: | Lycoming IO-360 with 147 kW/197 hp each |
| Length: | 75 m (247.5 ft) |
| Max. width: | 19,5 m (64.35 ft) |
| Height: | 17,4 m (57.42 ft) |
| Envelope volume: | 8.425 m³ |
| Max. take-off weight: | 400 kg |
| Payload: | 2.350 kg |
| Max. speed: | 125 km/h (68.75 Kts) |
| Max. flight altitude: | 2.600 m NN (8,580 ft) |
| Max. flight duration: | ca. 24 h |
| Range: | 900km (495 NM) |
| Cabin/Gondola: | 2 crew and up to 15 passengers (depending on configuration) |
Not every airship that you see is a Zeppelin. The Zeppelin NT maintains its outer shape with the help of an internal structure, which is like a framework of beams and struts, and the overpressure of the non-flammable helium. The semi-rigid structure of the Zeppelin consists of three longerons made of an aluminum framework and triangular struts made of carbon fiber. The envelope material is fastened to the longerons and is made of a high-strength multilayer laminate. The engines are also mounted on to the internal framework and are far from the gondola. The internal structure of the Zeppelin allows the engines to be attached at a location where they can operate most efficiently.
Blimps, however, are so-called non-rigid airships without internal structure. They get their outer shape only through the overpressure of the gas.
Some people say, the Zeppelin NT is a lighter-than-air aircraft. This is not quite correct. The Zeppelin NT takes off with a static weight of approx. 350 kg (772 lbs). Therefore, it is heavier than air.
A hot-air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft. The Zeppelin NT climbs using its three engines, whereas a balloon climbs solely by means of helium or hot air.
The two front engines can be tilted up to 120 degrees, the rear engine down to 90 degrees. This enables vertical take-offs and landings, hovering and rotating on the spot. The aft engine operates additionally as a lateral propeller that enables the high maneuverability of the Zeppelin.
The Zeppelin NT is filled with helium (1 m³ of helium lifts about 1 kg/2.2 lbs). Inside the Zeppelin there are two air bags, called ballonets. They are required to ensure pressure equalization inside the envelope, as helium expands at rising temperatures and decreasing atmospheric pressure.
The envelope is made of a three-layered laminate. It consists of Tedlar (polyvinyl fluoride), polyester fabric and polyurethane material. Tedlar is responsible for the gas barrier, the polyester fabric for stability and polyurethane holds the two layers together.
The payload of the Zeppelin NT 07 is about 2.3 tons (about 5,152 lbs).
Due to its unique flight characteristics, the Zeppelin NT operates similar to a helicopter and allows vertical take-offs and landings. Therefore, the ground crew consists of only 3 members.
The Zeppelin is only moored to the mast when refueling or when non-operative. The nose line of the Zeppelin is attached to the mooring mast line of the mast truck that weighs about 30 tons (66,140 lbs). The airship is pulled in with the help of a winch to the anchoring cone and hydraulically locked.
Yes, the airship is certified to fly under Visual Flight Rules at night. The pilots and Groundcrew are specially trained for this.
The Zeppelin NT is filled with non-flammable Helium and is fitted with three engines. Even with a double engine failure, the flight can be completed safely with just one engine. All three engines are fitted with fire detection and suppression systems. Additionally, the fuel tanks are isolated from the engines. With the water ballast system, it is possible to “Free-Balloon”. That means that even with a triple engine failure, a safe landing is still possible. Even a sudden loss of hull pressure, a controlled landing is possible due to the fact that the engines and control surfaces are all mounted on the rigid structure which mean that they remain fully functional.
Ideally, one should already have a Commercial Pilot’s license with more than 1,000 hours PIC. After about 93 hours of theory and about 50 hours flight training, one can take the Zeppelin Pilot examinations. After that, one must still complete a minimum of 150 hours under supervision before you can fly alone as a fully qualified Zeppelin Pilot for commercial operations.
Befoerderungsbedingungen der Deutschen Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH.pdf