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FLYING around Toronto (For fun and for profit.)

Rock

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Regarding transportation, in another thread here I posted one picture:
Zeppelin_tea.jpg


Many in Toronto do NOT like the Toronto Islands airport, but hold on...

Plan B: That Porter Airlines run some smaller Zeppelins for tourism around the Toronto area.

"Back in the day" those Zeppelins spun air propellers using gasoline engines. Today some us know better, and props might be spin by electric motors using energy stored in lithium batteries that might be recharged/swapped after short trips.

There are many advantages to using helium lift balloons (today we know better than to try and use hydrogen, or at least H requires much greater care). Should be a LOT quieter than any airplane that uses fossil (?) fuels. Would NOT require long runways... Parts of this "airship" could be manufactured in Canada.

So I am curious. Do the citizens like this idea?
 

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Hehe... It may amuse some to see Porter Airlines advertising on this website. When some might realize they could be spending their ad dollars in a waaay more fun and profitable fashion.
 
BTW... In that first pic, the folks were seated in the gondola of a Zeppelin in regular commercial service. (By mid-1914, the DELAG co had carried over 34,000 passengers on over 1,500 flights.)

Here's what an updated Zep might look like:

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Would zeppelins flying around YTZ affect the flow of aircrafts flying in and out of the airport?

If it were a Led Zeppelin, I'd go for a ride for sure. :D
 
Hehe... Never been a pilot myself, but my understanding is that commercial air traffic sticks to "lanes" and altitudes... and are usually flying at waaay faster speeds, so might easily avoid any objects (larger than our current Mayor, I mean.)

So Sir, would you like an olive with that martini?

Seriously, first airship in the series, my vote, the "GTA Zeppelin". I imagine Zeppelin development was halted due to unforeseen circumstances (see "First World War"), and airplane travel much faster, but sight-seeing via modern Zeppelin might be amusing. "Look everybuddy, there's the home of whats-his-name! Everybuddy pee to starboard!" (Right hand side, for any landlubbers here).

Anyway, as a "promo device" for the City of Toronto, waaay more fun (and potentially maybe more profitable) than however much the city spends currently to "sell itself".
 
Hehe... I see the un-named gremlins have been at work on UT. This thread moved. Per Wikipedia "The term "soapbox" is also used metaphorically to describe a person engaging in often flamboyant impromptu or unofficial public speaking, as in the phrases "He's on his soapbox", or "Get off your soapbox.""

So maybe practical ideas are now possibly "flamboyant" or something... Well, I guess if the wizard of Oz can hide behind his screen... Maybe the Leslie Street Spit was "flamboyant" too, or suspected being related to expectorating or something.
 
Seen here:
http://www.seetorontonow.com/member/pdf/tourism-toronto-business-plan-and-annual-budget-2013.pdf

Tourism Toronto
BUSINESS PLAN & ANNUAL BUDGET 2013

In part, under "COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS":
The media landscape is changing at lightning speed with new technologies and networks but the core principle of communications has not
changed: the more you hear about something, and the more compelling that story is, the more likely you are to want it. Media relations
has always been a cost-efficient way to reach consumers and deliver the message credibly through independent voices from newspapers
to television to bloggers. As tourism is at its root an emotional desire and decision, stories must be delivered in impactful ways through
personal testimonials and powerful icons and images. Our destination continues to deliver news and stories – this year featuring new major
attractions and the continued energy of the culinary, cultural and festival scene – that provide the fuel for sustained media relations efforts
and storytelling.

In the year ahead the priority focus will remain on growth markets in major urban centres in the U.S., Europe (London, Berlin, Frankfurt,
Paris and Milan), Asia (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Seoul, Mumbai and Delhi) and Latin America (Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Rio de
Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago). These markets are themselves major global urban centres and are therefore also targeted by dozens
of other destinations, making it all the more important that Toronto’s message is compelling and repeated frequently in order to rise above
the competitive din. To deliver the highest impact, part of the media relations strategy has been to attract major broadcast coverage which
has resulted in Toronto being featured prominently in the last year on pop culture shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Britain and
Ireland’s Next Top Model, The Today Show, DayBreak (U.K.), Travel Channel and others.

At the same time, an important stream of media activity is the core nearby markets to support the vital drive-in business that has always
been so important to the region’s tourism success. Renewing a commitment to face-to-face briefings with key media in these near markets
resulted in increased coverage of special packages and promotions including March Break, summer and holiday season travel.

In 2013, the principal focus is on hosting media in the Toronto region, especially online voices. In May and June Toronto hosts TBEX – The Travel Blogger Exchange – with more than 800 of the world’s top travel bloggers and freelance writers. This opportunity, while a significant investment by Tourism Toronto and its partners (including OTMPC and CTC), is one of the most effective ways to generate interest and online conversations and energy about our destination. This year also presents the opportunity to elevate our presence in the LGBT media, inviting more than ever before to Toronto as the countdown begins to World Pride 2014.

(TBEX 2014 "The Future of Travel Media" is next October 23-25 in Athens, Greece BTW. It might be nice if Toronto flew its new Zeppelin over there and offered the public rides (and the media free rides. Drinks extra of course.. hehe).)

And under "COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS"
Four OBJECTIVES:
Objective #1: Expand the global profile of Toronto and its region as a vibrant, urban destination through proactive media outreach. By building long-term media relationships with editors, writers, producers and broadcasters, deliver targeted media to the Toronto region to experience the destination and create stories that compel and inspire readers and viewers to explore further and consider travelling to Toronto.
Objective #2: Focus on the newest voices in online and social media by hosting influential travel writers, bloggers, tweeters and video
creators who share Toronto stories with legions of followers and create more online excitement about our cosmopolitan destination.
Objective #3: Be the voice of tourism in our local community with members, media and other stakeholders, demonstrating the value of tourism to the local economy. Communicate actively with members to elevate their participation with Tourism Toronto programs and maximize their own tourism opportunities.
Objective #4: Support our community by helping families in need through our signature Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the Relax,Recharge, Renew program.

Anyway... Under "COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
BUDGET & INVESTMENT SUMMARY", a 2013 Budget of $1.452M plus HST.

Under "CONSUMER MARKETING":
Our overall task as the lead destination marketing voice for Regional Tourism Organization 5 is to inspire potential visitors with the range and
quality of experiences they can have in the Toronto region. In pursuit of this goal, Tourism Toronto will continue to investigate new methods of
engaging potential visitors in meaningful ways though online marketing and social media communication channels in order to reinforce the
positive perceptions of Toronto, Brampton and Mississauga as travel destinations. Marketing campaigns will focus on the unique experiences
available in our vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

There may be other tourism zeppelins in service elsewhere in the world (I haven't checked), but it may be the GTA Zeppelin would be a world-beating attraction, with annual operating expenses and depreciations over the life of this "asset" perhaps well less than monies spent for other promo endeavours.

One or more Zeppelins in a fleet might travel the world offering rides as a roving ambassador for our city (as perhaps Zeppelins have already done in the past).

Furnishings might be maintained/updated with gently used items sold as "souvenirs".

Businesses might pay for furnishings, with their names discretely displayed.

The sky is the limit. (Literally.)

I apologize in advance if any talk about promoting our city (and making money at the same time) might be seen by some as "flamboyant"
 
BTW... Re costs and noise of operating overhead.

"Eco-friendly" sells these days, correct?

So imagine this maybe. Air propellers made of Canadian hardwoods, spun by electric motors, with power stored in some flavour of Lithium battery. Battery power stored on board, but "hot-swapable" after one or more short trips.

With "off service" batteries recharged by electric generators spun by river or air currents ("wind"). Using a whole field of these for example:
vena.jpg


I have already mentioned in this thread (or elsewhere) how the Ontario government has already been spending our money ("tax dollars"), but one recent development is "thin-film" photovoltaic panels that are very light weight and flexible. Like this:
konarka.jpg


Seen on Forbes from late January this year, here:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/william...p-reveals-rise-of-thin-film-solar-technology/

In part:
Although monocrystalline silicon cell technology currently dominates the market, thin-film technology for solar cells is commonly considered to be the most promising candidate for significantly reducing the cost and improving the performance of commercial solar power systems over the long term. Thin-film solar technologies can be manufactured at lower cost than crystalline silicon technologies and typically offer higher module efficiencies than amorphous silicon.

So, well thin-film may hold lots of promise and might "paper" some or all Zeppelin upper surfaces, solar-speaking, at least a small field of PV panel solar power might provide some or all power for the GTA Zeppelins (eg cabin warmth and lighting, etc for year `round all day *and night* service).
Toronto-aerial-night.jpg


And consider perhaps Zeppelins with electrical connectors similar to those used with trolley-cars for travelling down some off-road areas.
 

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Well, so far over 400 views of this thread so far, and maybe batting 1000 positive (maybe) in responses so far...

Never having designed a flying vehicle before, maybe leave much techie stuff for now. So thinking about passenger comfort... and being durable and comfortable, but in this instance perhaps light weight is desirable (OK, passengers, but interior furnishings too.

So maybe think high quality "cabana style", with the furniture made of rattan, and big comfy cushions. (Cushions need to be big, as stuffed with light-weight kapok. Think traveling "first class" and not sardined in "tourist class".

So design criteria again:
1) light weight
2) built strong for commercial service
3) resale value
4) easily cleaned, and "dirt/spill-proof
5) not sure seatbelts are even needed, but should be available
6) furniture must be chained etc to flooring

Anything else?

Speaking "cabana style"... like this perhaps:
Rattan.jpg


That's "rattan". Stronger than traditional European wicker materials.

And here:
http://anthemdvd.com/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-all-weather-wicker-patio-sets/

In part:
Rattan made wicker furnishings are eco-friendly. Unlike trees, rattan grows quickly in the jungles of South-East Asia.

Environmentally conscious homeowners will breathe easy knowing it is a sustainable material.

But per that Wise Greek (sp?), here:
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-difference-between-wicker-and-rattan.htm

In part:
The difference between wicker and rattan is the distinction between a product versus a process. Rattan is a type of wood with a vertical grain that is often used to make woven furniture items. An item made with a particular weaving style — whatever material is used — is called wicker.

And:
In its original form, rattan is a relative of the tropical palm tree. It starts to grow upwards like a tree, but then bends back to the ground and snakes through the rain forest like a vine. After a few years of growth, the vines are cut into 12 to 18 foot (about 3.7 to 5.5 meters) sections and hauled away for drying. Furniture companies that specialize in furniture made with this plant often have processing plants in the Philippines or Southeast Asia to treat the wood and ship it out to large furniture manufacturing plants in America. North Carolina has a significant number of wicker and rattan furniture companies.

Rattan is considered to be one of the strongest woods available, since its grain grows vertically instead of forming the concentric rings of most other hardwoods. The straight wood is usually steamed and then bent into the desired shape through the use of specialized shapers.

Once dried, it will retain its shape forever. These poles are often used to form the frames of what will become rattan or wicker furniture.

Finally:
Bamboo is hollow, which means it often cracks when steamed and bent. Rattan is solid, which makes it an ideal material for lightweight but solid furniture.


And "kapok"?

Used for a time for life jackets, because it floats (if dry, and for a while.)

See here:
http://www.wildfibres.co.uk/html/kapok.html

Among its advantages:
Light weight: the hollow core makes kapok very light, 8 times lighter than cotton by volume.

... but of two disadvantages (other one re harvesting):
It is inflammable: the trapped air makes kapok highly inflammable, and if it catches fire it is difficult to put the fire out.

But:
Techniques have also been developed to make kapok non-flammable.

(Phew. Must check what those techniques are...)

So maybe canvas covers with kapok filling, and straps that can serve double-duty. Some % of the time flying (floating?) over water, so cushion may need to serve as a flotation device, and for tying/fixing to rattan.

At this point, probably still need some design "tweaks", but maybe OK so far? (Guess we haven't discussed numbers of passengers and crew per flight... yet.
 

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OK... Per Google:
The Greater Toronto Area is a metropolitan area in Canada. At the 2011 census, it had a population of 6,054,191, and the census metropolitan area had a population of 5,583,064.

And area: 7,124 km² (Or 2,750.6mi2, ballpark say 200 kms around the perimeters for contingencies?

Stolen from... somewhere:
gta_map.jpg


Say 2x 8hr crews (Skipper plus co-pilot plus... one steward(ess aka "flight attendants") per 40 passengers? Yes, more or less, per Air Canada:
http://gofar.aircanada.com/go-far-answers/question/fa-required-per-flight/

Sooo... Say 100 miles per trip, carrying <50 persons. Average 30 miles per trip plus 1/2 hour to unload/load each trip... over said time.

Say an average in flight time of... 3hrs and 30 minutes.

3.5 hrs flight time + .5hrs change passengers and crew. So two trips per shift, 8hrs per shift, times two shifts = 16hrs/day.

3.5 hrs flight time... Hmmm... I guess today air travellers often spend longer just for one trip, but paying typical ticket prices for that whole "experience" for traveling from A to B, often "round trip" vs. "once around" tourism (aka A to A)

Still haven't considered "mooring masts" (a structure designed to allow for the docking of an airship outside of an airship hangar or similar structure). Definition per Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooring_mast

And again per Wikipedia, "The R100 at the mooring mast in MONTREAL, CANADA, 1930": r100
R100.jpg


Can't forget about the Goodyear "Blimp"!

Turns out the "Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company just unveiled an all-new, state-of-the-art version of its world-famous icon, the Goodyear Blimp. The new airship is larger, faster, and more maneuverable and builds on the company’s legacy as the world’s leading builder and operator of airships.":
http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/corporate/media/news/story.cfm?a_id=1003

And an "an unparalleled passenger experience." :)

Their newest *helium* airship "246 feet long, more than 50 feet longer than the previous blimps and just 18 yards shorter than an American football field."

Possible problem "The gondola delivers an unparalleled passenger experience with seating for up to 12 passengers and with improved viewing through larger, wrap-around windows, providing sweeping panoramic views. In addition, a new interior and seating will add to the ride’s comfort."

Interesting maybe:
In addition, the new airship has a top speed of 73 miles per hour, compared to the current maximum of approximately 50 miles per hour giving the blimp greater range to cover more events.

Very interesting:
This will be only the second blimp in history to get its name from a consumer naming contest. The first contest was held in 2006 and featured more than 20,000 unique names. The winning name, Spirit of Innovation, was given to the airship that now operates from Pompano Beach, Fla.

Reviews about the Pompano Beach airship ("home base of the "Spirit of Innovation" Goodyear Blimp, one of 3 blimps across the USA and one in China".):
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractio...oodyear_Blimp_Tour-Pompano_Beach_Florida.html

“Spectacular Experience!”
“Amazing to see up close.”
“FANTASTIC!”
etc., etc. from over one year ago (quiet since.)

And here:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/iconic-goodyear-blimp-retires-after-daytona-500-2014-02-24

"DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- After 14 years of filling the skies, the "Spirit of Goodyear" airship retired after the Daytona 500."

... 14 years useful life at the longest I guess?

And from that same PR release:
About The Goodyear Airship Fleet
Goodyear's blimps have adorned the skies since 1925 and are among the most recognizable brand icons, representing the largest tire company in North America. Today, the fleet consists of three North American airships – "Spirit of America" in Carson, Calif.; "Spirit of Goodyear" in Akron, Ohio; and "Spirit of Innovation" in Pompano Beach, Fla.

And:
Goodyear Blimp History
During its long operational history, Goodyear has built more than 300 lighter-than-air vehicles, including two large rigid airships – the U.S.S. Macon and U.S.S. Akron.

U.S.S. Macon:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Macon_(ZRS-5)

In part:
USS Macon (ZRS-5) was a rigid airship built and operated by the United States Navy for scouting and served as a "flying aircraft carrier", designed to carry biplane parasite aircraft, five single-seat Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk for scouting or two-seat Fleet N2Y-1 for training. In service for less than two years, in 1935 Macon was damaged in a storm and lost off California's Big Sur coast, though most of the crew were saved.

And the USS Akron:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Akron_(ZRS-4)

USS Akron (ZRS-4) was a helium-filled rigid airship of the U.S. Navy that was destroyed in a thunderstorm off the coast of New Jersey on the morning of 4 April 1933, killing 73 of her 76 crewmen and passengers. This accident was the largest loss of life for any known airship crash. During her accident-prone 18-month term of service, the Akron also served as a flying aircraft carrier for launching and recovering F9C Sparrowhawk fighter planes.

Seems like lots of troubles "wind related" and "severe weather", and a much larger number of passengers (crew), so much larger vehicles than contemplated here, and perhaps "overbuilt" to carry many airplanes (and etc?) as well, as opposed to "in tourism service" vehicles perhaps.

And here:
http://www.airships.net/us-navy-rigid-airships/uss-akron-macon

The United States Navy airships U.S.S. Akron (ZRS-4) and U.S.S. Macon (ZRS-5) were designed for long-range scouting in support of fleet operations. Often referred to as flying aircraft carriers, each ship carried F9C-2 Curtiss Sparrowhawk biplanes which could be launched and recovered in flight, greatly extending the range over which the Akron and Macon could scout the open ocean for enemy vessels.

Great website about the history and design of airships BTW.


About Goodyear
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 52 facilities in 22 countries around the world.

"Approximately 69k folks..."By contrast, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is a trade union that represents about 120,000 employees in the broader public service currently.

And:
http://opseugtac.com/what-gtac-is-what-gtac-does/
In OPSEU Region 5 (Toronto), approximately 35 locals are currently affiliated with the Greater Toronto Area Council (GTAC).


Can't figure out off hand how many union employees and politicians are in the GTA, but given the 6+ million population... probably waay larger that the Goodyear Tire co. number of employees. Plus the Goodyear vessels are primarily concerned with sporting events it seems.
 

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Seen here:
http://www.airships.net/us-navy-rigid-airships/uss-los-angeles

The USS Los Angeles — by far the most successful of the United States Navy’s rigid airships — was built in Germany by the Zeppelin Company. Designated ZR-3 (Zeppelin Rigid number 3) by the United States Navy, the ship was constructed as the LZ-126 (Luftschiff Zeppelin number 126; the 126th design produced by the Zeppelin Company.)

And:
USS Los Angeles statistics:
◾Length: 656.2 feet
◾Diameter: 90.68 feet
◾Gas capacity: 2,599,110 cubic feet (7.3599e+7L)
◾Useful lift: 66,970 lbs
◾Maximum speed: 79 MPH
◾Cruising speed: 50 knotw
◾Original Powerplant: 5 Maybach VL-1 12-cylinder engines (400 HP at 1,4000 RPM)
◾Flight Crew: 10 officers and 33 men
◾First flight: August 27, 1924
◾Final flight: June 24-25, 1932
◾Total flight hours: 4,181:28
◾Total flights: 331

So only 331 flights over almost/only almost 8 years???

Weight of 43 passengers and crew seems about right/ballpark.

And "Useful lift: 66,970 lbs"??? If approx 50 persons, passengers and crew, at... say 200 pounds each (?) Only 10,000 lbs? (Only approx. 15% of "useful lift".

Not a happy piece of news in the Star one year ago last September about the supply of helium:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/09/02/as_helium_supplies_dwindle_costs_going_up_up_up.html

But in part:
Meanwhile, Canada may be the beneficiary of this helium shakedown. There is helium here, much of it in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta.

:)

Sad ending:
Nobel Prize winner Robert Richardson, a former professor at Cornell University and arguably the world’s most passionate helium fan, once demanded balloons filled with the gas should go for $100. Each. It was too precious to be wasted on children.

“Once helium is released into the atmosphere in the form of party balloons or boiling helium it is lost to the Earth forever,†he stressed to The Independent, “lost to the Earth forever.â€

Richardson died in February, never realizing his dream of the $100 helium balloon.

And the Star again, a year earlier the article "The ballooning shortage of helium":
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2010/08/28/the_ballooning_shortage_of_helium.html

In part:
But those helium-filled party balloons are about to get a lot more expensive. Like uranium and oil, helium is running out. Created over billions of years, the earth's supply could be gone in 25 to 30 years if we continue to waste it at its current rate, experts say.

The news has touched off a crisis in the science world, where the nontoxic, nonflammable substance holds the key to a myriad of scientific wonders, from modern medical diagnostics to the Large Hadron Collider.

Helium is a paradox: it's everywhere and extremely rare at once. Next to hydrogen, it is the second-most abundant element in the universe, made inside stars. Yet on earth, it is hard to find: produced by the radioactive decay of rocks, most of it comes to us as a by-product of extracting natural gas, mostly in the American Southwest.
:(
 
Here:
https://weatherspark.com/averages/28179/Toronto-Ontario-Canada

Location
This report describes the typical weather at the Toronto City (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) weather station over the course of an average year. It is based on the historical records from 2006 to 2012.

Earlier records are either unavailable or unreliable.

Toronto, Ontario has a humid continental climate with warm summers and no dry season. The area within 40 km of this station is covered by oceans and seas (42%), grasslands (40%), built-up areas (9%), and forests (9%).

Hehe... And 100% covered by air. :)

Annual wind flow for Toronto ground level:
Windrose.jpg


... Between winds and rain and snow, maybe plan for multiple crews plus downtime and no customer days but perish that thought.
 

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