***"Deen sits at the controls of the airship. The gauges in the top left of the picture indicate the pressure of the helium and atmospheric air in the envelope."***

At thirteen years of age, Taylor Deen never imagined she would be piloting one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history, but she did envision becoming a commercial pilot and traveling across the skies to new destinations and experiences.

Deen recalls, “My family went on a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I fell in love with the foreign culture knew that I had to see more of the world! As we boarded the flight home, I saw the pilot in the cockpit preparing for our flight. At that moment I realized this was my dream job!”

After graduating high school Deen left her Oregon home and headed to an accelerated flight academy in San Diego, California. Within in two months she earned her Private Pilot License (PPL). By 2008, she completed her Instrument Rating (IR) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and was ready to begin her career as a commercial pilot.

She began her career doing what she describes as “My bucket list job,” a charter pilot in Juneau, Alaska. Deen explains, “My job duties included fourteen-hour duty days starting at 5:00 a.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m. I would receive a daily flight schedule and several manifests. I was solely responsible to perform weather checks, pre-flight, fueling, cargo loading, passenger preparation and loading, and the flight itself. The schedule would continue throughout the day with many ‘wrenches’ in the mix.” Deen credits the experience with developing her quick decision-skills and safe flying techniques.

During her time in Alaska, she recalls that it was not unusual to transport animals living in remote locations to more populated regions for veterinarian appointments. However, on one flight in particular, her plane was completely filled with baby chicks. Deen exclaims, “There were so many chicks on board that their ‘peeping’ was loud enough to overwhelm the noise of the engine!”

On another flight, Deen was asked to transport an individual’s remains. This was not a common event, but it was not the first time a pilot was asked to undertake such a mission. Deen explains, “I was warned that due to changes in air pressure during the flight, the body could suddenly sit upright. It was something that has startled pilots in the past and they want me to be aware in case it should happened. Fortunately, this did not happen during my flight!”

After completing her one-year contract in Alaska, Deen realized it was time to move on to a more traditional commercial pilot position. In her mind she thought her most likely prospects were working for a regional carrier flying small commuter planes, commonly known in the industry as “puddle jumpers.” Deen took to the internet searching for commercial pilot positions in the Los Angeles area. As she scanned the results of her search, she “stumbled upon” a listing for piloting the iconic Goodyear Blimp. At first, she was a bit surprised at the listing. But after a careful review of the list of necessary and desired qualifications, Deen admits, “I never considered flying Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) aircraft as an option, but the idea was very intriguing, and I had to apply!”

***"Deen demonstrates how the atmospheric air is released from the rear ballonet."***

Deen concedes, “At the time I was hired, I did not have any previous experience with LTA aircraft, but Goodyear provides new pilots with all the training and testing required for the LTA certification.” Deen also became one of only four female pilots ever to take the controls of the Goodyear Blimp.

At the time Deen was hired, Kristen Arambula was the Assistant Chief Pilot of Goodyear’s California base in Carson, California. Deen credits Arambula with being a key player in her joining the Goodyear flight crew. She recounts, “Kristen was a skilled pilot, a dedicated and fair manager. In addition to my flight training, she taught me what it was to lead by example and how to set your limits and stick to them.”

***"Deen stands in the passenger section of the gondola. The cabinet behind her controls the television camera mounted to the front of the gondola."***

Deen remembers, “Numerous times, Kristen was pressured into going beyond her personal limitations and she always stood her ground. In the end, she was highly respected by our crew members for her consistency and not for being pushed into something she was not comfortable with.”

Reflecting on her ten plus year career with Goodyear and now in the same role of her mentor, Assistant Chief Pilot, Deen indicates, “Arambula set an exceptional example and helped me become the pilot and manager I am today.” Regarding any challenges that she has had to overcome becoming a female commercial pilot, Deen responds, “I am delighted to say that my experiences have been fair and positive. I believe hard work and dedication will always triumph.”

***"Deen is only one of four women to pilot one of America's most iconic aircraft."***

Deen states that the most significant difference between LTA aircraft (airship) and traditional aircraft is the buoyancy of the LTA aircraft and its extreme sensitivity to wind changes. Deen explains, “With its large broadside profile, an airship cannot tolerate a crosswind. A crosswind will push the airship sideways and out of control. An airship will always land directly into the wind. Landing is one of the most complex maneuvers we perform, and it requires a tremendous amount of coordination between the ground crew and the flight crew. When approaching a landing, the pilot always needs to be aware of any wind changes until the airship is secured on the mooring mast.”

Deen further states buoyancy can cause the airship to fly at a “negative weight.’ This occurs when the helium in the envelope (balloon) displaces enough of the atmospheric air contained in the front and rear ballonets (large bags also contained in the envelope) that it overcompensates for the weight of the airship’s components and payload. In this situation, the airship’s engines are rotated 90 degrees and placed in reverse thrust to push the airship towards the ground.

"The Goodyear Blimp is anchored to the mobile mooring mast at its base in Carson, California."

Of all the challenges facing an airship pilot, weather is the greatest challenge. Deen explains, “Obviously, the Blimp will not fly in thunderstorms, hail, tornados, hurricanes, etc. and measures are taken beforehand to avoid the Blimp’s exposure to such events. But, even significant amounts of rain collecting on the envelope of the airship can impact its overall weight and flyability. Additionally, because we fly at slow speeds and light operating weights, it is important that we watch the weather closely to avoid low level wind shear, strong winds, and up and down drafts.”

During her career Deen has had an opportunity to guide the Blimp over major sporting events, celebrations, and other events as well as conduct VIP passenger flights. But of all her flights, Deen admits her most favorite assignment of all, is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game. She states, “In 1955, Goodyear provided the first ever live aerial coverage of the Parade and Game. These are monumental events for Goodyear and aerial broadcasting. The California team covers both of these events each year and I am proud to be a part of that tradition!”

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Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

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