Tomáš, how long has your passenger airship been in the Czech Republic and how much interest has it received?
The airship was purchased in the spring of 2022 and the enthusiasm of our passengers is incredible. Almost everyone who has had a comparison with a balloon has literally said it's even more of a blast than a balloon.
Balloon and airship flights are weather dependent. What else do these sightseeing flights have in common and how do they differ?
Conditions for flight are very similar, however, calmer conditions are more suitable for an airship to be able to return to the take-off point while being able to fly against the wind at a sufficient speed.
At 41 metres long, it sounds quite surprising that only 3 passengers and the pilot can fit inside. Is it for safety, flight comfort or another reason altogether?
Unlike a balloon, a gondola is suspended under the airship's skin instead of a basket, and there are 4 seats: one for the pilot (the pilot in command) and 3 for the passengers. The gondola is quite heavy, so in the summer months, during evening flights, often only two passengers can fly.
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What customer groups prefer to fly with you? Are they families or couples in love?
Airboat flying is suitable for everyone, it depends on the occasion and the desire to experience something out of the ordinary. Almost anyone can fly and, unlike a balloon, we sit strapped in with seatbelts the whole time.
The airship flies at speeds of 20 to 30 km/h. So it's a nice cruising speed, am I right?
Exactly, this speed allows for a pleasant passage over the countryside with plenty of time for enjoyment, and at interesting places you can almost stop the airship and explore them in peace.
30-minute circuits fly around Karlštejn, Tišnov and Brno so far. How did you choose the locations?
The scenery around Karlštejn is beautiful and at the same time it is not far from Prague and the trip can be combined with sightseeing.
Tišnov is the foothills of the Highlands and the nature in the area is our heart's delight, not to mention the amazing Porta Coeli Monastery. Our tours head to it.
Brno is a beautiful city especially from above and Špilberk, Petrov and the dam along with the Pálava River in the distance are well worth it.
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Do you plan to fly elsewhere in the future, or perhaps longer routes?
Yes, it will be all about demand. Even now we are already flying to other places on order, however, selecting and negotiating permission for a suitable area for take-off and landing is not easy.
What altitude do you climb to? Have you ever experienced anyone suffering from vertigo during a flight?
Not yet, the maximum flight height is usually up to 500 m above the ground, from where everything can be seen beautifully.
What is your final message to those who are hesitant to try the flight?
If you are hesitant, come and see the flight, I believe the enthusiasm of the customers will be the right thing for you to make the right decision.
Tomás, thank you for the nice chat. We'd like to go to the sky right away :)
