FeedsReplying to a comment on Zeppelins, and Why they Kick Ass
The business model will drive the configuration of the zeppelin. Cargo haulers need different things than do passenger carriers. For instance, cargo guys have very low cycles on their aircraft because they only fly them once a day, on average. Therefore, to cover their costs, most cargo carriers need very very cheap airframes that can be converted to cargo. Only a tiny fraction of cargo haulers buy new freighters.
As for flight schools, you'll need certified instructors, a system that certifies them and maintains their currency, as well as a large body of students flowing through the system to maintain the school and the mechanisms that keep the school safe and legally compliant. It took decades to create a useful and safe system of infrastructure for jets; it will take at least as long for zeppelins because they will not generate the amount of cash that jets do. Yes, it does all come down to the grubby dollars, I'm afraid.
That said, another major hurdle will be generating a "proven" record of safe operations, safe equipment, and safe people. Dr. John Downer of Cornell wrote a lovely explanation of all this last year. Regulations follow tombstones, unfortunately, and we as a society simply do not have the necessary experience to effectively regulate zeppelins at this point. We require more experience, which means more operations to create a baseline of data. It isn't that difficult to do; it's just expensive and time consuming. Don't feel bad, Richard Branson is having the same issues starting up Virgin Galactic.
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