1. What are they filled with?

Helium

2. Where do I get helium and how much does it cost?

In the United States helium can be purchased in the form of party balloon canisters. The cost is usually around $20.00 for 9 cubic feet of helium. The party balloon canister are available at most discount stores such as: PriceCostco, K-MART, Wal-Mart, SAMS, welding shops, etc. Outside of the United States probably at welding shops or florists.

3. Is helium explosive?

No, it is a very safe gas. Unlike hydrogen, which was used in dirigibles such as the Hindenberg, helium is a nonflammable gas.

4. How do the blimps go up and down?

They use propellers or fins. The propellers or fins are usually mounted to a servo which varies the angle and causes the blimp to go up or down.

5. What are the bags made of?

Metalized nylon, mylar, or vinyl, are the most common materials. Metalized nylon, our favorite, is used on blimps between 4 -10 feet in length. Mylar is used on blimps smaller than 7 feet and vinyl on blimps over 10 feet in length.

6. Where do you get the bags and how much do they cost.?

West Coast Blimps sells a variety of pre-assembled blimp bags. They range in size from 3' to over 30'. The bags can be purchased in non-assembled form starting at approximately $12.00. Larger pre-assembled bags cost between $30-$5,000+, depending on the size, shape and type of material the bag is made out of.

7. How many channels do you need? Will I need a special radio?

A minimum of 3 channels is necessary. Most blimps use a rudder, an elevator, and a throttle channel. Most blimps can use standard RC equipment, however, small blimps under 8' require micro servos and micro receivers.

8. How much does helium lift?

Helium lifts approximately 1 ounce per cubic foot of helium.

9. How much extra weight will they carry? Can signs be added?

The amount of extra lift a blimp has for cargo varies with its size and the altitude at which they are used. It is unique to each specific blimp, the altitude it is flown, and the type of basic equipment it carries.

10. How long does the helium stay in?

It depends upon the material used. The helium in a vinyl bag leaches out at the rate of approximately 1% per day. Helium in a metalized nylon or mylar bag leaches out less than 1% per week. If the metalized nylon bag has a good seal (no leaks), the helium will stay in for weeks. Only a small amount of helium will be needed before you fly the blimp.

11. How are they powered?

Most small blimps are powered by electric motors and rechargeable batteries. Larger blimps are powered by gas engines.

12. How long do the batteries last?

Battery duration depends upon the type of blimp. Batteries in the larger blimps basically give flight times of approximately 15 minutes. In the smaller blimps it is not uncommon to fly for 1-2 hours.

13. Where do you fly them?

The blimps we use are for indoor use only. The best place to fly them in is a gymnasium or auditorium. Some of the smaller blimps can be flown in a standard size house.

14. How do they fly outdoors?

Just a slight breeze is enough to take control of a blimp. The remote controls and motors are not strong enough to overcome a breeze. Also when the sun shines on a blimp it heats the helium inside. This causes the blimp to act like a hot air balloon and climb up. Again the controls are not strong enough to bring the blimp back under control.

The blimps bags made out of metalized nylon and are strictly for indoor use. If used outside, a blimp bag can cause severe power outage if it comes in contact with a power line.

15. Are they difficult to fly?

With a little practice the blimps can be flown successfully. If you have had experience flying RC planes, you will not have a problem flying a blimp.

16. How do you balance them so they float up, down, or with the motor turned off?

By using small objects such as paper clips, coins, fishing weights, etc. you can easily balance the blimp.

17. How do you steer them? Can they go in reverse?

Most blimps are steered with the use of a rudder and propellers which pitch up and down. Yes, most blimps can go in reverse.

18. How far away does the radio work?

Most RC systems are operational for up to one mile. This is more than sufficient for any indoor blimp.

19. What happens if the bag gets a hole?

Scotch tape will seal most holes. If the hole is too large, you might need to get a new bag.

20. Can you add a camera for indoor or outdoor use?

OPEN:		JANUARY - JULY
OPEN:		OCTOBER - DECEMBER
CLOSED:		AUGUST - SEPTEMBER

John and Carol Piri WCBlimps@mchsi.com

Last updated: July, 2002