EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — Goodyear celebrated the 100th anniversary of its famed airships by bringing not one, but two blimps to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2025. The 72nd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention was held July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Blimp “Wingfoot One.” Dave Weiman Photo
The appearance of two airships marks a unique occurrence in the more than 50 years that Goodyear has brought its blimps and airships to Oshkosh.
There is no aviation event more “blimp-worthy” than EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and to have two of Goodyear’s airships over the grounds made this year unforgettable, according to Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs. “We have seen the excitement that Goodyear’s presence at Oshkosh has created throughout the years, whether it is flying during the air shows or even parked as a memorable photo opportunity on the grounds.” To host two Goodyear airships made their appearance twice as exciting!
With its 1925 vintage grey wrap inspired by the very first branded Goodyear
blimp “Pilgrim,” “Wingfoot One” participated in daytime airshows throughout the week, and “Wingfoot Two,” painted in Goodyear’s modern blue and yellow paint scheme and equipped with a LED sign, participated in nighttime airshows.
When not flying, the airships were parked near EAA’s Pioneer Airport behind the EAA Aviation Museum.
“Goodyear Blimps have been a symbol of aviation innovation and adventure for a century,” said Michael Dougherty, Chief Pilot of Goodyear Airship Operations. “We can’t think of a better place than EAA AirVenture Oshkosh to celebrate our 100-year milestone with aviation enthusiasts from around the world.”
Although Goodyear’s aviation efforts began in 1910 with the creation of its aeronautics department, the first branded airship flights in 1925 marked the start of a legendary icon.
The first blimp with a lighted sign arrived in 1930, while the initial aerial broadcast flights over the Rose Bowl began in 1955. The Goodyear airships moved into their most recent era beginning in 2011 with the debut of the semi-rigid Zeppelin NT (New Technology) airships that are used today.
Goodyear’s airship participation at Oshkosh began in 1971 when “America” made an appearance at the EAA fly-in. Since then, Goodyear airships have been a regular visitor to the gathering, with its last appearance in 2021.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention (www.EAA.org/airventure).
