Frequently asked questions about the flights

On this website or from:

Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH
Messestraße 132
88046 Friedrichshafen
Tel: +49 7541 5900-0
Fax: +49 7541 5900-499
info(at)zeppelin-nt.de
https://www.zeppelinflug.de

It is also possible to book a Zeppelin flight at short notice (assuming availability of seats).

You can also purchase a gift coupon for the sightseeing flights - by fax, by phone, in person or online via our Zeppelin Shop.

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.

Flying is not allowed when

• the cloud base drops below 400 meters
• visibility on the ground is less than 5 km
• there is fog, hail or snowfall
• thunderstorms or thunderstorm warnings are forecast
• Passenger flights are operated up to a wind force of about 35 km/h. For passenger safety, flights will be cancelled at higher wind speeds.

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.

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.

You must bring your identification documents and the booking confirmation or voucher.

Yes, there is a toilet on board.

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. 

The passenger must be able to climb 5 steps unaided. Additionally, the passenger must be able to walk 50 m 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.

None of the technical equipment on board will cause interference, however, you should consult your doctor and keep the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH informed.

Only children under the age of two may not be transported on the Zeppelin. Children up to 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

A passenger must be able to walk at a normal pace approximately 50 meters across a meadow to the airship stairs, as well as to independently ascend and descend these possibly moving stairs to the airship. If this requirement cannot be met, we must unfortunately exclude the passenger from carriage for safety reasons. Even if this requirement is stated as being achievable at the time of booking, we reserve the right to make a final decision ourselves on the day of the flight.

The weight of a single passenger may not be higher than 140 kg. This is because of the material-technical load limit, which may not be exceeded. From a body weight of 100 kg please get in personal contact with our passenger service in advance.

In the Bodensee region, the Zeppelin NT flies at an altitude of about 300 meters  984 ft) with a cruising speed of about 70 km/h (37,797 Kts). Passengers can explore the landscape from above at their leisure.

Up to fourteen passengers can fly in the Zeppelin, each guest has a window seat. On board are a pilot and a flight attendant for the care of the passengers.

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.

The statement that the Zeppelin does not fly but drive is not quite correct. The Zeppelin takes off with a static gravity of about 350 kg, so it is heavier than air and is called flying.
Hot air balloons fly because they are "lighter" than air. The Zeppelin rises using its three engines, whereas a balloon rises solely by means of helium or hot air.

The two front engines can be pivoted up to 120°, the rear one by 90°. This allows vertical takeoffs and landings, hovering in the air and turning on the spot. A transverse propeller also operates on the rear engine, giving the Zeppelin its high maneuverability, similar to that of a helicopter.

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, because the airship is certified to fly under visual flight rules at night. Ground crew and pilots have been additionally trained for this purpose.

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.