An Amherst man is taking an experiment to new heights. Dan Nachbar and his crew are soaring above the pioneer valley in their experimental blimp.

"Nothing has happened in the field of blimps for 50 years," said Nachbar. Until now, in Amherst, where it seems blimps are ripe for innovation.

Nachbar's invention is a hybrid blimp, or as he calls it, a personal blimp. Instead of using expensive helium like the Goodyear blimp, this one uses hot air from a propane burner as lift. "With a hot air blimp you can turn the burners on more or less, and control how the aircraft goes up and down very precisely," said Nachbar.

Nachbar, a veteran computer scientist, designed the 100-foot blimp, named Alberto, with aeronautical mechanic Mike Kuehlmuss. They see its potential for environmental researchers, eco-tourism, photography and film-making. But most of all they just like the challenge.

Half a dozen people help prepare the blimp, unfolding and inflating the inside which is framed with flexible aluminum tubing. The design, unlike a helium blimp, allows it to fold up like an umbrella. "Its very slow, very smooth, its like Mary Poppins, floating around the tree tops," said Nachbar.

The crew has been tweaking their blimp for six years, but hope to be FAA certified within the next two years.