Over the last few years, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has invited some local AvGeeks, who love sharing their airline passion online, to a special gathering. We all meet up airside and get a rundown of the day, go through security, then pile into a few vans and head out to the airfield, all under escort from airport ops. That part alone is pretty entertaining and fun, but it gets better from there.
BONUS: Our SEA AvGeeks Airfield Day Photos from 2003
We got to spend a bit over four hours between runways 16L/34R and 16C/34C, and it was awesome. I just brought my iPhone to share photos on our social media, but luckily our Francis Zera was there too; he takes way better photos than me. It is just a totally different experience to be so close to the aircraft when they taxi, takeoff, and land.
It felt like you could reach out and touch the winglets of the wide bodies as they taxied by (I didn’t try). We did get quite a few confused looks by flight crew, followed by many smiles and waves. Of course the ongoing joke throughout the day (at least it was funny to me) was calling out when an Alaska Boeing 737 or Embraer E-175 was taking off — there were lots and lots of those!
Out of all the planes seen that day, the one that excited me the most was the FedEx MD-11. Such a classic. Such a beauty! The second was an Alaska Air E-175 (let me finish …) with the special Horizon Air livery. As an ’80s child, it brought back memories of flying on Horizon’s Dash-8-100s, Metroliners, Fokker F27s, and Fokker F28s.
This year for sure did not disappoint. Check out all the additional photos below!
What an amazing collection of photos. Thanks to SeaTac Ops for giving you the opportunity!
These are great, thanks for sharing, after 36 years with CO never get tried of see this beautiful pictures
I really wish that UA would do a retro Meatball livery! And I know it is not CO, but I would love a Saul Bass one too :)!
David
These photos were amazing, thanks for putting the post together and sharing. I usually go to KSEA an hour early to sit and watch the runway before flying. So much better from the airfield than the terminal.
I often do the same. I am one of those that has to walk by my gate first and make sure it’s there, then I wander off to where I can view the airplanes best. If I have lots of extra time, I will make my way out to the S Concourse since they have the best birds to view!
David
Great opportunity and amazing collection of photographs. Appreciate the post. Beyond being an Avgreek with a camera and having attended a number of your Boeing functions at KPAE, during the “Good Old Days,” can you provide information on how or whom to contact at Seatac to possibly participate when this is held next? Really appreciate everything you’ve contributed to the aviation scene through the years.
Waiting for the next story
Did you ‘FEEL’ those planes
I could feel them and smell not only the jet fuel, but also the rubber from landings. It was a treat for most of the senses :)!
David