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Technology Stocks : The *NEW* Frank Coluccio Technology Forum -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Frank A. Coluccio who wrote (11236)	9/6/2005 6:55:50 PM
From: Frank A. Coluccio	Respond to of 46821

TND EXCLUSIVE - Goodyear Keeping Airships Out of New Orelans Due to Violence, Logistics thenationaldebate.com PHOTO: The Goodyear airship Stars & Stripes flies over Miami after Hurriance Andrew in 1992 Stars & Stripes. [But not New Orleans.] Goodyear Airship Operation is being hampered in its efforts to make its' airships available to FEMA and the Red Cross due to logistical problems in the Gulf coast region and safety concerns based on unconfirmed media reports of shots fired at rescue helicopters in New Orleans. Had the airships been dispatched immediately, after the storm had passed, one could already be aloft over New Orleans displaying news and information to victims stranded in the Crescent City. In an exclusive interview, Scott Bachman, Director of Airship Operations, told The National Debate that Goodyear is coordinating with the Red Cross to deliver assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina but is currently unable to get the airships close enough to the areas hardest hit by the storm. Goodyear is not currently moving the airship to the effected region. "There is a lack of suitable mooring locations in the area", said Bachman, "airports throughout the region are closed and the nearest available location is 100 miles away." Goodyear Airships travel at a crusing speed of 30 m.p.h. Bachman said they can stay aloft for 8 hours so even under optimal conditions the airships could remain aloft over the effected area for less than 2 hours per flight. Goodyear Airship Operations has two airships currently in the United States, the Spirit of Goodyear based out of Akron, OH and Spirit of America based out of Carson, CA. A third airship, the Stars & Stripes is based in Pompano Beach, FL, but was grounded in June after crash-landing in a thunderstorm. Bachman estimates it would take 2-3 days for the Ohio airship to reach the area and 7-8 days for the California airship. Bachman also acknowledged "security issues" played a role in keeping the airships out of the area. Goodyear is concerned about media reports of shots fired at rescue helicopters in New Orleans and fears for the safety of the airship crews. Goodyear was unable to confirm those reports of shooting with the Red Cross or FEMA. Recent media reports indicate that lack of information on the ground has become an acute problem causing many victims to lose hope. Goodyear has participated in disaster recovery efforts in the past, most notably in Miami after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Goodyear knows the vital role its airships can play in delivering much need news and information to victims of Katrina still stranded in the region. Many are without access to communcations via radio, television or telephone. All Goodyear airships are equipped with a computer driven, electronic signage system made up of thousands of custom made high brightness LED light modules able to display text and animations brilliant enough to be seen up to one mile away. In the meantime, the Red Cross has requested that Goodyear support its efforts to raise cash donations. Bachman tells The National Debate that they are currently programming their airships with text and graphics to display 800 numbers and web sites for relief agencies to encourage cash donations to the Red Cross and other organizations.