Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour

[Pat Carry]

Has anyone ever been to this place located in Mukilteo, Washington? Just curious what aircraft they have there. Do they have any complete Boeing aircaft on display?

[StangStung]

I was there about two weeks ago. It's on the north side of Paine Field and is essentially a holding pen for those going on the Boeing factory tour. It's a nice, new facility, but they don't have much filling it right now. A few bits about how airplanes are made, a 787 test structure cross-section, a landing gear sample, 737 forward section, 727 flight deck. Some stuff like that. And two (two!) giftshops. One for general Seattle area stuff, and another for Boeing stuff. Popped in after dropping by the FHC, the Museum of Fligth Resto Center, etc. Didn't have time to take a tour, but did buy a t-shirt. Gotta admit, Boeing has done a nice job on providing some legacy company products (NAA, Douglas, McDonnell, etc.).

In sum, if you're taking a tour of Boeing, drop in. If you want a solid North American t-shirt, drop in. If not, then visit FHC, Stormbirds, MoF Resto Ctr, and Historic Flight Foundation first.

[Pat Carry]

Thanks 4 the info!

[StangStung]

No problem. Also, they have a great berm out front which gets you a sight line just above the barbed wire fence surrounding the field. It's a great place to take pictures of all in the interesting stuff heading in/out of the field. Also forgot to mention the site itself does have a platform up top on which you can take pics as well, but the day we were there it was all set up for some sort of event and we couldn't really get good shots. And there is a charge to get in, even if you aren't going on the tour. All things to consider.

[The Inspector]

If you're in the area, swing by just be prepared to spend $18 (HFF & FHC are $12 apiece, MoF resto is free) to see what I call 'the junkyard' but it helps people understand what a big airplane is made of, bits and pieces of aircraft and engines, you will get a good idea of how the 787 is built by seeing the early cutaway fuselage section. There's a STARSHIP and a GLASAIR hanging from the ceiling.
There is a cafeteria for those who want to eat or grab a cold drink while waiting for the Boeing tour. the Washington State gift shop and the Boeing trinket store (everything Boeing from pens to $350 blue leather 787 letterman jackets, stickers, key chains, desk models). The facility is used for charitable events, delivery ceremonies, and can be rented for fancy events (bring huge bucks!). It makes money for Snohomish County.
Currently the place is surrounded by lots of big plastic gliders, all the 787's awaiting pre delivery mods, engines, and rework. The berm is a great place to shoot pictures as you have a clear view to the North and South approaches plus the Boeing flight line directly opposite, and a DREAMLIFTER on final is one impressive sight!
It's a good mid point break if you are doing the 'round the field' from HFF to Mof resto/FHC. ATS (formerly BADWRENCH) hanger 3 is across the street from FHC and it is leased out to Boeing for more 787 mods so you can get within about 40 feet of an '87 and be above the flightdeck windows., you'l be amazed @ how big they really are (777 sized).
Take the time to do the Boeing tour and get some idea of what 5.5 million square feet of main floor looks like (enough to hold 75 football games @ the same time), bring comfy shoes as everything inside is one long walk. The building has no HVAC system, it's all computer controlled based on how many sweatty bodies are inside which explains why the doors are cracked open in 30f weather and still stays @ 70f inside.

[spookythecat]

Nothing too special. Not worth the money unless you really need to kill some time.

I only go to go up on the Stratodeck which is free and looks over the north end of the runway.

Here's a shot of Grumpy from up there.