Smiles, bright eyes and mouths wide open in awe can only partially capture the joy, excitement and thrill of young and old  as visitors from around the county strolled around Paine Field enjoying the aircraft displays, the Kids tent, the vendor booths and the ever popular -Young Eagle flights! 

In another story, children like Angie, a second grader, and her mom, who have never flown in a private aircraft, waited patiently in line to take a ride in a helicopter.  Both mom and daughter were somewhat anxious, but very excited to "go fly" in something other than a commercial airliner.  Did you see the children making balloon art in the kid’s tent or their paper plate aircraft?  The GA Day event provided an opportunity for a diverse group of individuals to gather together and experience firsthand what Snohomish County has to offer in building positive relationships with the community.  The public was able to observe the welcoming hearts of those who appreciate and make a living through aviation.  The opportunity to support local businesses and civic groups who work to contribute to the betterment of the community is unsurpassed in the region!  Thanks to the food vendors and the non-profit attendees.  Thanks to the excellent support of the Washington Pilot's Association, Flying Heritage Collection, Historic Flight Foundation, Paine Field—the Airport of Choice, EAA, Cascade Warbirds, Boeing, ATS, Goodrich, the Civil Air Patrol, and a host of community volunteers, the event was a huge success.  With the doors of the Flying Heritage Collection and the Historic Flight Foundation opened to the community, a part of our nation's history again came alive for all who participated.  By the looks of the faces of  the veterans from WWII, Vietnam and the Gulf War, (the military caps were amazing) the event once again brought back significant memories and challenges of years gone by.

To host the General Aviation Appreciation Day, is to Inform, to Educate and to Inspire those who call Snohomish County their home.  We hope you will join us next year!

The statistics were:

1.    300 runners and 600 pancake breakfasts –both were up from last year and generated about $2800 for Muscular Dystrophy and $3000 for the NW Burn Foundation.

2.    The EAA Young Eagles flew 287 kids and had a great time.

3.    Total attendance was about 8,400 happy visitors.

The pictures tell a story about GA Day and our typical NW spring weather (cold and sometimes wet), the wide-eyed kids who had the time of their lives, the crowds who enjoyed the war birds and the biggest fly-by of the day, the Boeing Large Cargo Freighter which is the DreamLifter.  It was a wonderful story.
 

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard and contributed so much to make it happen!   

Thanks again to all from:

 Washington Pilot’s Association
Paine Field Chapter
Board of Directors

Would you like to participate in volunteering next year?

Send an email to
paine-president@wpaflys.org

Click here to download the Poster

For your own copy of the wrap-up
Click Here