EPISODE · Jan 19, 2026 · 50 MIN
Episode 104 - What it Takes to Fly The Blimp: with Goodyear Chief Pilot Jerry Hissem
from Flying Midwest Podcast · host Flying Midwest Media
For more than a century, the Goodyear Blimp has been one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world—quietly floating over sporting events, cities, and historic moments in aviation history. But what’s it really like to fly an airship?In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Hissem, Chief Pilot for the Goodyear Blimp, for a deep dive into the world of modern airships as Goodyear celebrates 100 years of blimp operations. Jerry shares what makes flying a blimp unlike any other form of aviation, how today’s airships differ from the classics of the past, and what it actually takes to earn your Goodyear Blimp pilot wings.We explore:The history of the Goodyear Blimp and how it evolved over the last 100 yearsWhat it’s really like to fly an airship—from handling and performance to day-to-day operationsThe unique training and experience required to become a Goodyear Blimp pilotHow modern Goodyear airships blend heritage with advanced technologyWhy blimps continue to play a unique role in aviation todayWhether you’re an aviation history fan, a pilot curious about unconventional aircraft, or just fascinated by one of aviation’s most iconic symbols, this episode offers rare insight from someone who flies the blimp for a living.Get Your Cold Weather Merch Today!Winter is coming, and so is our brand-new merch lineup! Stay warm and rep your love for aviation with cozy long sleeve tees, hoodies, and beanies. Gear up now and head into the season in style!Our Other Content:Badger Pilot on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebadgerpilotAeroExploration: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExplorationAeroExploration Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/65meVcZcfPDxZJ4qmwRWOB?si=72ff543240214550 Subscribe and Follow:Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates. • https://flyingmidwest.com/ • https://facebook.com/flyingmidwestYour support helps us keep bringing you high-quality aviation content! • Grab some chart-inspired apparel: Check out the new Midwest.Three design and Badger Gear at our merchstore. flyingmidwest.com/merch • Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and links to LIVE episode recordingshttps://patreon.com/Flyingmidwestpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink • Affiliate links & discounts: • Flying Eyes: Get 10% off with code FlyingMidwest10 – https://flyingeyesoptics.com/FLYINGMIDWEST10 • Lightspeed Aviation: Discover premium pilot headsets.https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/?campaign=flyingmidwest23&ref=101Engage with Us:Connect with us on social media or drop us an email at [email protected].
What this episode covers
For more than a century, the Goodyear Blimp has been one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world—quietly floating over sporting events, cities, and historic moments in aviation history. But what’s it really like to fly an airship?In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Hissem, Chief Pilot for the Goodyear Blimp, for a deep dive into the world of modern airships as Goodyear celebrates 100 years of blimp operations. Jerry shares what makes flying a blimp unlike any other form of aviation, how today’s airships differ from the classics of the past, and what it actually takes to earn your Goodyear Blimp pilot wings.We explore:The history of the Goodyear Blimp and how it evolved over the last 100 yearsWhat it’s really like to fly an airship—from handling and performance to day-to-day operationsThe unique training and experience required to become a Goodyear Blimp pilotHow modern Goodyear airships blend heritage with advanced technologyWhy blimps continue to play a unique role in aviation todayWhether you’re an aviation history fan, a pilot curious about unconventional aircraft, or just fascinated by one of aviation’s most iconic symbols, this episode offers rare insight from someone who flies the blimp for a living.Get Your Cold Weather Merch Today!Winter is coming, and so is our brand-new merch lineup! Stay warm and rep your love for aviation with cozy long sleeve tees, hoodies, and beanies. Gear up now and head into the season in style!Our Other Content:Badger Pilot on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebadgerpilotAeroExploration: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExplorationAeroExploration Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/65meVcZcfPDxZJ4qmwRWOB?si=72ff543240214550 Subscribe and Follow:Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates. • https://flyingmidwest.com/ • https://facebook.com/flyingmidwestYour support helps us keep bringing you high-quality aviation content! • Grab some chart-inspired apparel: Check out the new Midwest.Three design and Badger Gear at our merchstore. flyingmidwest.com/merch • Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and links to LIVE episode recordingshttps://patreon.com/Flyingmidwestpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink • Affiliate links & discounts: • Flying Eyes: Get 10% off with code FlyingMidwest10 – https://flyingeyesoptics.com/FLYINGMIDWEST10 • Lightspeed Aviation: Discover premium pilot headsets.https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/?campaign=flyingmidwest23&ref=101Engage with Us:Connect with us on social media or drop us an email at [email protected].
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Episode 104 - What it Takes to Fly The Blimp: with Goodyear Chief Pilot Jerry Hissem
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