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What about Aviation Themed Tourism
- Jerry Liu
- May 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Global tourism simply does not exist without aviation. The transport airliners allow us to shrink the world down. One can easily say:" I was in London, UK this morning and I am now enjoying an afternoon tea in New York, USA." Behind this simple statement is the accumulation of over 100 years of commercial aviation development. From a simple hop in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to daily oceanic crossings, we shall take a moment to appreciate the development of aviation. It is time to rewind ourselves and slow down to see the origination of global jet transport.
When people think of Seattle, they often think of tech and coffee, and there's plenty of both to go around. What most people don't know, however, is that Seattle is an important city in regard to aviation history. Boeing (the aircraft manufacturer whose planes many visitors to Seattle will arrive in) was founded in the Emerald City and named after its founder, William E. Boeing. Without Boeing's founding in 1916, the aviation scene might have been very different today.
One of the most iconic sceneries is the Seattle skyline. With more than 200 years of history, the largest town in the Pacific Northwest gives you immersive deep dive of what feels like a Washingtonian. Grab a drink at the original Starbucks coffee shop, watch a Seahawks game, or visit the Museum of Flight. All of these activities can give you a lifetime experience.
If one says that aviation is the past and technology is the new future in Seattle, they are not always right. Sure, Seattle has Microsoft, Amazon, Expedia and many others, but the old aviation industry is far from getting into the sunset. Boeing Everett carried out so many important tasks since the 60s. From its original purpose as the assembly plant for the iconic Boeing 747, to its current changing role of assembly the 777X line. Recently, Boeing Everett assembly line tourism (Future of Flight) has gone through a major overhaul. Although its last 747 departed in 2023, the assembly line tourism still has its 787 and 777X to attract new tourist. It never disappoints anyone who is an aviation enthusiast who came here to praise the gem of the industrial crown. Its massive indoor plant is a scenery itself. The adjacent gallery also worth some time to spend during the visit. From Boeing's history to artifacts that played a major role in aviation/aerospace to interactive equipment that are kids friendly, it is easy to lose track of time while there.
With many of the focus around aviation history and the future of aviation, don't forget that Seattle can get really comfortable in the summer season. From the month of May to September, most of the weather and climate are just perfect for tourism. Of course, in the world of aviation which has a rigorous requirement of suitable weather conditions. Most of scenic tourism flight requires Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with high cloud ceilings. Local Seattle air tour follows the same practice. Summer Seattle has the all-day, all-night clear weather. Especially in the months of July and August, not a single cloud in the sky. Winds are also very gentle like a breeze. That is why Blue Angels choose to visit Seattle Seafair and perform their world-famous aerial demonstration in August.
Also, in the summer, Mt. Rainier (summit at 14,410') is a last scene that you would want to miss out. The stunning, breath-taking view from everywhere within 10 miles can attract you like a magnet. The energy, the stamina, the devotion, which will bring you to an endeavor to conquer the top. Local companies that specialize in high mountain climbing tours will well-prepare you for the once in a lifetime trip. There is no certification required but a good physical stamina is usually the prerequisite to enter their training course. This is the altitude that surpasses many normally aspirating, non-turbocharged single engine general aviation aircraft service ceilings. Even with turbocharged, twin engine (like the Diamon DA-42 Twin Star) aircrafts, one should be using onboard oxygen system to fly higher than the summit. Therefore, start training your body and planning your trip now to truly conquer this landmark and experience of what would feel like Hazard Stevens who climbed the summit in 1870.
That is why summer Seattle is the best of all summer cities. You get to tour the old town to experience the fishermen in the 19th century. Pass the streets are the contemporary CBDs of the Emerald City, just like in the movie Firewall ft. Harrison Ford. Further west of Lake Washington, after a leisure boat tour where you can view the 737 plant in Renton, you will experience the 21st century Great Seattle Area. Modern hi-tech companies are the new backbone of this greatest PNW city. If you get too much city-syndrome. Mt. Rainier in the south, Mt. Baker to the North, and plain agricultural to the west can relive you from those symptoms. You are within 1-hour of trip time to anywhere, city or outdoors.
Perhaps the most attractive tourism in Seattle is by air. Like mentioned in the previous paragraph, you can enjoy both city and outdoors within 1-hour of drive. What about by air? Perhaps you can be at all locations within 2 hours. Small 4-seat airplane can help you accomplish all of those. Many local flight schools offer discovery flights and scenic air tours. A typical route would include:
Meet and greet with industry professional certified flight instructors.
Preflight briefing and inspections.
An in-depth review of aircraft systems, structures and performance.
Ground and air communications.
Takeoff and landings.
Aerial view of: Puget Sound, Seattle Waterfront, CBD skylines, the Space Needle, Boeing Field, Renton Plant, Everett Plant.
A typical $100 burger at Arlington Municipal Airport.
Followed by aerial view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier.
End the flight with high note and some souvenirs.
If you ever have the chance to visit Seattle and take the deep-dive tour there, by the time you leave, you may as well say "you can take me away from Seattle, but you can never take Seattle away from me". You will love this beautiful, energetic and robust city the moment you land at Sea-Tac. You will also start to miss the city the moment you take off from the same airport. Book your trip today, plan your visit and enjoy the upcoming summer in Seattle!
This blog is written by Jerry Liu, owner of Pan Pacific Aero Products and Services, LLC. Pan Pacific Aero specializes in aviation parts trade, professional aviation services, aviation cultural and creative items, souvenirs and tourism. Located in the Great Seattle Area, Pan Pacific Aero strives to bring aviation enthusiasts home, to where the Jet City used to be glorified. For more information, please visit https://www.pan-pacific.aero or email info@pan-pacific.aero. Simply leave a message and a professional aviation staff will respond to your needs.
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