The Historic Flight Foundation’s DC-3 and the Museum of Flight’s Boeing 247 in United livery
Seattle area folks – are you ready for another Paine Field Aviation Day?! Of course you are!
Last year was another amazing year. We were able to see so many planes, like the Boeing 247 and DC-3, mixed with a Boeing 787, AN-124 (happened to be there), Boeing 747-8I and many more.
Information from PaineField.com:
On Saturday, May 17, 2014, the Washington Pilots Association (WPA), Paine Field Airport, Flying Heritage Collection, and Historic Flight Foundation will host the 19th Annual Paine Field Aviation Day from 9am – 3pm.
![This is the only Hamilton H-47 [first flown in 1928] in the world left flying. It was caught taking off from Paine Field with a Dreamlifter and 787 Dreamliner in the background.](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/PaineField1-640x426.jpg)
This is the only Hamilton H-47 [first flown in 1928] in the world left flying. It was caught taking off from Paine Field with a Dreamlifter and 787 Dreamliner in the background.
Paine Field Aviation Day FAQs:
Our previous coverage:
What better photo than a winglet & Pacific Northwest icon Mt. Rainier?
During the recent Aviation Geek Fest, a reader of AirlineReporter suggested that I do a bit of a roundup of all the different ’œwinglets’ that are out in the aviation world (I wish I remembered you name). With so many different kinds of wingtip devices out in the marketplace, there needs to be a handy guide as to what they all are and what aircraft they belong to. But first maybe a little bit of background on what a winglet actually does.
In the late 1970’s, NASA engineer Richard T. Whitcomb took some research from the 1950’s and further developed what we know as the winglet. NASA wanted to see what would happen if they were to create a wingtip device that, with the correct angle and shape, could help reduce drag and increase lift, and also help break up the wingtip vortices.
Getting these benefits from the wing helps make flying easier and increases fuel efficiency – something that back in the 70’s wasn’t as crucial as it is now. How much fuel can you save by adding a winglet? On average, a 737 can save around 4% when compared to a non-winglet version. A winglet is really designed to save money when flying long distances at high altitudes, so long flights are where the most savings are realized.
A group of AvGeeks in front of a Boeing 747-8I – Photo: The Boeing Company
What a ride! This year’s Aviation Geek Fest Seattle was bigger and better than ever.
I have to say that I am very honored by the fact that I get flown around the world to do some pretty amazing aviation-related things, but Aviation Geek Fest has become one of my favorites to look forward to each year. I am just so happy I got to share the experience with 300 AvGeeks!
Boeing SST mockup in the Museum of Flight Restoration Center
SATURDAY: PAINE FIELD DAY
For me, the first day (Saturday the 15th) started with a trip to the Museum of Flight Restoration Center where I was able to check out the Boeing SST mockup, a Comet, the first-ever Boeing 727, and a Boeing 247.
BONUS: An Inside Look How the Museum of Flight Restores Their Aircraft
I just love the feel of this facility; it is raw. Although there were many cool ongoing projects, the best part was talking to the folks doing the restoration. They love what they do, they have a sense of humor, and they have so much amazing background on the planes.
A Lufthansa 747-8 Intercontinental inside the Boeing Factory – Photo: David Parker Brown | AirlineReporter
When I first started this blog about five and a half years ago, the word “AvGeek” did not exist. The people still existed, fans of aviation, but we didn’t get the attention that we enjoy today. Now, we are seeing more and more “legacy,” media covering who we are and what makes us tick. I am honored and thrilled that Thom Patterson, who writes for CNN, not only took the time to come to Aviation Geek Fest, but he also wrote a story talking about who we are. I wanted to share his story and here is an excerpt with a link to the full story – David
Everett, Washington (CNN) — Sprawled out before us sits the exterior of the world’s biggest building by volume. They make airliners here. Big ones.
“Let’s go see some airplanes!” says our Boeing VIP tour guide.
I remind myself: This doesn’t happen very often.
Yeah yeah yeah, Boeing offers public tours of this 98.3-acre airliner factory north of Seattle every day. This ain’t that. This is special.
As part of a convention of aviation fans called Aviation Geek Fest, we’re gaining ultra-exclusive access to the factory FLOOR. The public tour is limited to the balcony. We’re about to walk knee-deep where Boeing gives birth to some of the world’s biggest and most advanced airliners, including the 747-8 Intercontinental, the 777 Worldliner and the 787 Dreamliner.
Read the rest of Thom’s story on CNN…
This story was originally posted on Jan 12, 2014 and re-posted with updated details on Feb 12, 2014.
Unite AvGeeks! This weekend is it – Aviation Geek Fest 2014 – and to say that we are excited is an understatement. Personally this will be my fifth AGF and I am more excited about this one versus any of the others (and the others were awesome).
A HUGE thanks to Sandy Ward & Toni Olson at the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour for organizing most of these great activities.
I wanted to share all the newest updates to help you prepare for the weekend.
![This is the only Hamilton H-47 [first flown in 1928] in the world left flying. It was caught taking off from Paine Field with a Dreamlifter and 787 Dreamliner in the background.](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/PaineField1.jpg)
