The Zeppelin Making A Compback

As the huge airship rose gently over the Arizona desert this morning aviation history was made.

On board inspectors for the Federal Aviation Administration were certifying America's first passenger carrying Zeppelin in more than 70 years.

"It is not my grandfather's Zeppelin," said Brian Hall, president of Airship Ventures.

Hall has plans for a fleet of American Zeppelins.

"This is not a blimp," he said.

Smaller, soft sided blimps usually don't carry much more than a pilot.

But in the 1920's and 30's Zeppelins provided a luxurious way to travel. That all changed in 1937, when the Hindenburg exploded as it arrived in Lakewood, New Jersey - 35 of the 96 aboard were killed - and travel by airship died too.

Then a decade ago, the Zeppelin company in Germany, redesigned the classic airship. The result is the Zeppelin NT, for New Technology.

It's about a third the size of the Hindenburg but still bigger than a 747.

It's filled with non-flammable helium - not the explosive hydrogen that brought down the Hindenburg.

Blackstone said: "After 70 years I get to be the first passenger to fly in the US. The FAA has just cleared it and we're going aboard!"

The takeoff is gentle and nearly silent. At the controls, is an experienced Zeppelin pilot from England Katherine Board.

"You get such a great view and everyone is pleased to see you," said Katering Board, a Zeppelin pilot.

The Gondola is big enough to carry twelve passengers and every seat is a window seat.

The Zeppelin is destined for San Francisco, where it will go into business taking tourists on sightseeing flights over the Golden Gate and along the California coast.

But with a one hour ride priced at $500 its likely most people will settle for admiring this elegant airship ... with their feet firmly on the ground.