Goodyear blimp offers unique perspective of Kentucky Oaks, Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The iconic Goodyear blimp was back at Churchill Downs Friday, giving a unique view of the Kentucky Oaks.

It's hard to put into perspective just how large the blimp is, but it is larger than life.

"It has three engines and four propellers, so it's a nice airship," Chief Pilot Jerry Hissem said.

To balance the weight of the blimp, one group climbs in the blimp while another group climbs out. If it's too light, it will blow away.

"I compare the airship to halfway between a helicopter and an airplane, so it's like flying in a bubble," Hissem said.

Hissem has been a pilot with Goodyear for 28 years, and said there are three blimps based in the U.S., one from Akron, Ohio.

"It took us about five hours to get here from Akron yesterday," he said.

Although slower than an airplane, the views are astounding.

"You're going to expect to see some good views because there's a lot of windows in the airship," Hissem said.

Friday afternoon, the blimp took WDRB past UPS Worldport and the Muhammad Ali International Airport where planes were taking off. But the main attraction this week, and the Goodyear blimp's reason for being in town, is Churchill Downs and the 152nd Kentucky Derby.

"It's good to be back in Louisville," Hissem said.

He added that it's an honor to be part of such an incredible tradition.

"What I like is the interaction with people," he said. "That's the really unique thing, to talk about it and share the airship with other people."

His message to people on the ground is simple.

"If they see it, I just want them to look up and wave to us."