Air tours take place at a height of approx. 300 m (nearly 1000 ft), which is the minimum height in the Lake Constance area. In case of passenger flights, a speed of about 60 to 70 km/h (37 to 43 mph) is maintained.

Up to 12 passengers can fly in the Zeppelin NT 07. There is one pilot and one flight attendant for passengers' service on board.

A flight will be cancelled, if ...

- the height of the lowest cloud layer ('ceiling') is falling below 400 m (1312 ft) above ground
- visibility is less than 5 km (3 mi)
- there is fog, hail, or snowfall
- thunderstorms have been predicted
- Passenger flights will be conducted at winds of up to approx. 30 km/h (16 kts). In case of winds with a speed higher than that flights will be cancelled for the passengers' sake.

Zeppelin LZ N07

New technology airship
First flight: 18 September 1997

Engines:	Lycoming IO-360 with 147 kW/197 hp each
Length:	75 m (246 ft)
Max. width:	19.5 m (64 ft)
Height:	17.4 m (57 ft)
Envelope volume:	8,425 m³
Max. take-off weight:	8,040 kg (17688 lbs)
Payload:	1,900 kg (4180 lbs)
Max. speed:	125 km/h (78 mph)
Max. flight altitude:	2,600 m (8530 ft)
Max. flight duration:	about 24 h
Range:	900 km (485 NM)

Some people say, the Zeppelin NT is a lighter-than-air aircraft. This is not quite right. The Zeppelin NT takes off with a static weight of approx. 350 kg (772 lbs). Therefore, it is heavier than air.

A hot-air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft. The Zeppelin NT climbs using its three engines, whereas a balloon solely climbs by means of helium or hot air.

It is, however, possible to transfer from a heavier-than-air to a lighter-than-air state, when the Zeppelin NT after a long flight has consumed so much fuel that it gets lighter than air.

Not every airship that can be seen is a Zeppelin. The Zeppelin NT maintains its outer shape with the help of a internal structure, which is like a framework of beams and struts, and the superpressure of the incombustible helium. The semi-rigid structure of the Zeppelin consists of three longerons of an aluminum framework and triangular struts made of carbon framework. The envelope material is fastened at the longerons and is made of a high-strength multilayer laminate. The engines are also mounted at the internal framework and have a big distance to the gondola. The internal structure of the Zeppelin permits an attachment of the engines, where they can operate efficiently.

Blimps, however, are so-called non-rigid airships without internal structure.

The Zeppelin NT 07 has three Textron Lycoming IO-360 engines with 200 PS (197 hp) each. They are manufactured in the USA. They are flat-four engines with air cooling. They are driven by usual aviation gasoline (AvGas).

The two front engines can be tilted up to 120 degrees, the rear engine up to 90 degrees. This enables vertical take-offs and landings, hovering and rotating on the spot. The aft engine operates additionally as a lateral propeller that facilitates the high manoeuvrability of the Zeppelin.

The Zeppelin NT is filled with helium (1 m³ of helium lifts about 1 kg). Inside the Zeppelin there are two air bags, so-called ballonets. They are required to ensure pressure equalization inside the envelope, for 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 density and polyester fabric for stability and polyurethane is combining the two layers.

The payload of the Zeppelin NT 07 is about 1.9 tons (about 4190 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 refuelling 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 (66140 lbs). The airship is pulled with the help of a winch to the anchoring cone and hydraulically locked.

Hereyou can find Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zeppelin flights.