Location: Paine Field in Everett, WA
Everett located just 30 miles north of downtown Seattle is the birthplace of the Boeing 747 and home to four world class aviation experiences. Over 135,000 visitors tour the Boeing Factory each year and those in the 'know' venture just across the airport to three other unique experiences.
Begin day one with two of the four aviation attractions based at Paine Field, Everett:
- Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour (the factory tour is 1.5 hours)
Inside the world largest building by volume, groups have unobstructed views of the 747, 767, 777 & 787 production lines. A Boeing Tour Ambassador narrates during the entire tour. Enjoy a birds eye view of the airport from the Strato Deck.
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (1-hour docent lead tours)
In 1998, Paul G. Allen began acquiring and preserving iconic warbirds and workhorses, many of which are the last of their kind. Allen's passion for aviation and history, and his awareness of the increasing rarity of original WWII aircraft, motivated him to restore one-of-a-kind artifacts to the highest standard of authenticity and share them with the public.
For your lunch stop the waterfront town of Mukilteo beckons. Ivars at the ferry terminal is a Northwest institution as is Arnies Restaurants unbelievable Puget Sound water views. Or maybe the Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse is more of your groups style.
After lunch head back to Paine Field for even more docent lead unique aviation tours at the:
- Historic Flight Foundation (1-hour docent lead tours)
Historic Flight offers a collection of the most important aircraft produced between 1927 and 1957 all restored and airborne again. If you are lucky, you could experience the power of these aircraft while it leaves the foundations hangar just a few feet from you!
- Museum of Flight Restoration Center (1-hour docent lead tours)
The Museums Restoration Center is where acquired aircraft are hosted and restored. On our Restoration Tour, you can get a look at all the labor that goes into aircraft restoration and get a chance to talk to volunteers on site.
For the start of day 2 head east on the Loop to historic downtown Snohomish to Harvey Airfield for some once in a lifetime aviation adventures:
-Skydive Snohomish (2- hour introductory tandem)
This is a family-owned and operated, full-service skydiving operation committed to safety as our first priority, offering professionalism and a personal connection with our customers.
-Balloon Depot (2- hour Sunset Evening Flight)
Flights include a catered snack tray arrangement along with the toast and celebration. Fly on the air currents through the best scenery the Snohomish Valley has to offer.
Yearly aviation events in Snohomish County:
May - Paine Field Aviation Days
July - Arlington Fly In
September - Vintage Aircraft Weekend at Paine Field
