Damkier's Travels: Seattle Aviation Museums

Panoramic Douglas DC-3 at Historic Flight Foundation

This post is devoted to the aviation museums in the greater Seattle area. The aerospace industry is very big in Washington centered around the Boeing Company. There are several massive museums dedicated to airplanes and various aircraft, and over several trips I have visited most of them. I have always loved airplanes, especially commercial aircraft like the Boeing 747 or the Concorde. Even today I still feel like a kid when I enter the plane and feel the exhilaration of taking off and landing. On my most recent trip, there was a bit of snow which allowed me to take the unique picture of the DC-3 shown above.

British Airways Concorde at Museum of Flight

Speaking of Concordes, they have one at the Museum of Flight. Located in south Seattle, this massive museum houses many special airplanes including the Concorde, and early 747, and an old Air Force One. This museum houses a large number of commercial aircraft in addition to an extensive display of military aircraft. They even have several spacecraft and a replica of an early airplane workshop. If you are headed to or from the SeaTac Airport and have a few hours, this is a great place for all ages.

Curtiss P-40C Tomahawk at Flying Heritage Collection

The Flying Heritage Collection is another museum in the northern suburbs of Seattle in Everett. Several museums and exhibits have developed around Paine Field which is also home to the Boeing assembly plant making new commercial aircraft. The FHC houses primarily military aircraft with a focus on World War II. A surprising amount of enemy aircraft is on display. Some of the collection can be seen flying during regular events. Tanks and rockets are also available for your viewing pleasure. They also sell pretty good wine too!

Aircraft under restoration at Museum of Flight Restoration Center

Just around the corner, the Museum of Flight Restoration Center not only works hard to restore classic aircraft, they also are open to the public. This is rather unique to see the inner workings of the aircraft and the work necessary to keep them in operational condition. Donated aircraft come here for restoration efforts with volunteers happy to answer questions about their labor of love. There is even a cat wandering around the workshop keeping an eye on the "birds"

Welcome Sign at Historic Flight Foundation

The Historic Flight Foundation is only a short distance from the Flying Heritage Collection, but you must leave the airport and drive all around the perimeter to find the museum hiding in plain sight. The FAA really does not like people driving across the runway! This museum is on the main road to the ever popular Boeing factory tour, but I do not think most people notice. They pack a massive amount of beautifully restored aircraft into a rather cramped hangar. This sounds overwhelming, but you can really get up close and personal with the collection - including a few bumped heads if you are not careful! Outside, they have a lovely DC-3 that you can enter as long as the door is not iced shut.

Paine Field from Future of Flight Tour Center

Finally, there is the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour. They have a tiny museum, but the real draw is the factory tour to see the massive commercial jetliners being built. I went here several years ago just as the new Boeing 787 were introduced and saw several at various stages of construction. The facility is massive, requiring special environmental controls to prevent rain clouds from forming inside! Unfortunately, photography was prohibited during the factory tour portion. This is disappointing due to the astonishing number of leprechauns, unicorns, and dragons used during the construction process. Just kidding, they really just do not want people to see all the hamsters running the jet engines.

Really cool picture

If you are really into lift and accept drag with your flaps held high, you will love visiting the various aviation museums in the greater Seattle area. Even a bit of snow and ice will not impact your visit. There are plenty of coffee and food options for you all over! Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.