I've been flying LZ-127, the Graf Zeppelin, this morning. I thought you might enjoy some pictures.

Taking off from Moffet Field.

Climbing out, a slow process.

Up to cruise altitude.

The view from the bridge.

Cruising south along the California coast.
The old airships are pretty challenging to fly what with ballasting, charging and venting and all. It took me awhile to get the hang of it. There were a few airship disasters until I got it right.
Yesterday I was flying the modern Zeppelin NT. It has modern avionics, much better controls, and is way easier to manage. Here's a look at that. It's nowhere near as big as the old timers, but it's a great airship!

The U. S. Navy is now flying airships again, a modified version of the American Blimp Corporation A-170 designated the MZ-3A by the Navy. It's operated by VXS-1, the first airship since 1961. Trust them to bring back airships after I retired. Man, that would have been good duty!
Cheers!
Rick...