Airships Unlimited, Inc.

Alan Gross
President

Alan Gross became interested in blimps in 1964 when he watched two Goodyear blimps land at Flushing Airport for the NY World's Fair. His parents noted his unique interest in these flying behemoths and encouraged him to become more involved. They brought him to the airport often and when he was old enough, he became a "rope grabber" for the Goodyear blimp crew, his first paid job!

Alan attended Syracuse University and studied electronic journalism and public relations. He joined Metromedia television, where he worked on many of the Company's syndicated television shows such as the "David Susskind Show" and the popular children’s program "Wonderama".  He also worked with all of the station's departments in coordinating the broadcast log.

In 1979 Alan moved to Viacom, a growing television syndication company. His responsibilities included screening broadcast materials and making sure that the Company's film and video material was broadcast quality. The position gave him the experience to edit materials and identify various problems with videotape and film products. This knowledge provided him with the ability to create various high quality marketing materials.

It was at Metromedia that Alan began a videotape collection which featured his interests in lighter-than-air flight. This collection now consists of over 300 VHS tapes and represents the world’s most complete and rare look at airship operations in the world.

The video collection was used to create marketing videos for several airship operating companies, including Airship Enterprises Ltd. and Airship International Ltd. Alan was not only instrumental in creating these companies and marketing blimps, but participated in blimp construction and operations as well. He has traveled throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe in his quest to establish himself in the airship industry.

Recently, Alan has been contacted by several television production companies to assist in the production of documentaries. He has also had articles published in international publications. His remarkable airship archives attract scholars and researchers from all over the world.

He is currently advocating the creation of an operating airship base and museum at the site of the now abandoned Flushing Airport in College Point, Queens. He hopes the facility will provide a much-needed base for the airships that fly around New York City, provide beneficial facilities for the community, and become home to his extensive airship collection.

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