8 years ago we were asked to provide the expertise to fly, maintain and be the general caretakers for "Obie" the Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment mascot blimp that is flown at Canucks games here in Vancouver.

The first two photos were taken when "Obie" was introduced to fans at the start of the 96' Stanley Cup playoffs. The remaining photos were shot during our practice sessions before we were permitted to 'endanger' the patrons of General Motors Place.

Built by Flight Brothers of Pennsylvania the Obster has stood up very well considering the industrial usage that is expected of him. Used for upwards of 200 flights a year, the big fella has been a near flawless performer.

The control radio used is a JR347 PCM, the two main gondola motors are Astroflight 25's running on 14 volts and the tail control is an 05 running on 7.2 volts. Two Tekin speed controls have provided trouble free throttle operation. The entire blimp weighs approximately 30lbs. and has a payload capacity of about 40lbs.

The blimp's primary controls are very similar to that of a helicopter or airplane. Left stick is throttle for the two gondola engines and rudder which controls the tail of the blimp for both left and right steering. Right stick rotates the gondola engines to direct thrust up-down-backwards and forward. Aileron controls the most important function on the entire blimp... the prize drop.

The blimp is very maneuverable, having much the same abilities as a helicopter, only at a far more relaxed pace. On that note, I can't say the thing is a piece of cake to operate. It's physical size (28 feet), the close confines of the building, blasting air conditioners and -- oh yeah -- eighteen thousand people, make sure that you take nothing for granted.