Seattle Museum of Flight and Boeing Everett

Superb! Thank you!

 

Wow. I'm definitely going to have to go there on my next trip to Seattle.

 

It really is a bummer they don't allow photos inside the Boeing plant. One of the coolest tours I've ever been on. But I'm a bit biased since I work in manufacturing.

 

Anybody know the story behind the Bf-109 mounted on the twin engine thing?

 

I don't think that it was a BF-109 mounted on top of the JU-88. It was an FW-190 if I remember. The smaller airplane was the control module of the whole thing.

 

How cool.. yes definitely on the list to visit! Thanks for posting and info!

 

More info

Mistel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Wow, I was just there last Thursday and was going to start a similar thread. I stayed at the hotel right next to the Dreamlifter and made sure they gave me an airside view. Paid off as I got to see one of the 4 Dreamlifters taxi right by my window and take off.

I didn't have time to do either museum, but the Boeing factory tour was very cool. Tour is only 1.5 hours but I could have stayed there for days observing the assembly of those planes. Was very impressed with the tour guide and his knowledge of what's going on down on the floor.

Just to clarify, the Future of Flight Museum and Boeing tour are in Everett (half hour north of Seattle) while the Museum of Flight is at Boeing Field in Seattle.

 

While in Everett, I got a great private tour. I wasn't informed of the no photo policy. I had my camera out taking pictures and video of everything. A very nice woman walked up to me as we were leaving and asked if I had permission to take photos. I obviously didn't. We spoke for awhile and she asked what brought me to Seattle. I told her I was there picking up a new airplane (747-8). That seamed to put her at ease. She ended up asking me to please delete the 787 photos and video.

 

How cool is that to say you're there to pick up a new 747??? You have a lot more stroke with Boeing than the rest of us - I'm jealous!

The public tour is all from 4th floor open observation decks. They said people kept dropping cameras, purses, etc from the decks and therefore had to put the no camera, purse policy in place.

 

Cell phones?

 

Ten feet of netting could solve this problem. How do you retrieve dropped items? Why, a ladder, of course! Does anyone really believe this excuse?

 

OK, how about 'The Boeing Company has many proprietary products and processes. In order to maximize our competitive advantage in the marketplace we must place restrictions on public release of data. We trust this tour will provide you with a lasting visual impression even without the use of recording devices. Thank you for your cooperation.'

Do you believe this is different than Airbus or any other manufacturer in a highly competitive market?

 

Great thread! Thanks for sharing.

 

I have not encountered any aircraft manufacturer anywhere that allowed visitor cameras. Some now require visitors to leave all of their "portable electronic devices" of any kind, including cell phones, in their vehicle before beginning the tour. It all has to do with industrial espionage, you know.

As for Paine Field, anyone who goes there should check out the other aviation attractions. To me, Paine has become the "Chino of the Northwest". Look at the right-hand column at Paine Field Airport, Everett, Washington.

 

Fascinating, thank you