Planespotting Everett Paine Field — KPAE
Paine Field is Boeing's widebody back yard. Beside the runway stands the Everett factory, the largest building in the world by volume, where 767s — including KC-46 tankers and freighters — and the 777 and 777X families are assembled. Every new airplane from that line makes its first flight here, so the flight line is a rotating gallery of fresh liveries, unpainted test aircraft and airliners on delivery checks. The main runway 16R/34L is 9,010 ft long; parallel 16L/34R is a 3,000 ft strip for light aircraft, and the old crosswind runway is now used to park unfinished Boeing jets. Seattle's prevailing southerly flow means most landings on 16R from over Mukilteo, with 34L days in settled northerly weather. Since 2019 a small two-gate terminal has also brought back airline flights. The control tower runs 07:00–21:00; outside those hours only the main runway is open and test activity winds down.
- DAL2105 BCS3 7 000 ft
- DAL2844 B738 4 850 ft
- QXE2332 E75L 3 275 ft RWY 11
Conditions right now
Runways
- 16R/34L 2,751 × 45 m · 9,026 × 148 ft asphalt
- 11/29 1,128 × 22 m · 3,701 × 72 ft
- 16L/34R 915 × 22 m · 3,002 × 72 ft asphalt
Ask the sky
What flew over this morning? Where was that loud one heading? Ask in plain words — the answer comes from real recorded traffic.
Airport profile
Typical traffic by hour
Relative intensity by local hour — a typical day, not live data.Peak: 10:00
Typical traffic mix
- GA46%
- Narrowbody14%
- Widebody12%
- Turboprop10%
- Bizjet10%
- Cargo5%
- Military3%
Spotter score
Our editorial rating (0–100).Best time of year
When the interesting traffic peaks.Where to spot
Boeing Future of Flight — Sky Deck
The rooftop deck at Boeing's visitor centre overlooks the flight line, the Everett factory and, on clear days, the Cascades. It is the only official spot on the field and the place to watch test flights, delivery aircraft taxiing and everyday traffic. The same building is the starting point for the Boeing factory tour.
- Getting there
- 8415 Paine Field Boulevard, Mukilteo, on the north-west side of the airport; car park on site. Open daily 08:30–17:30 except major holidays; admission is required — check current prices and whether the Sky Deck is included in your ticket.
- Best time
- Afternoon, when the sun moves round to the west behind you as you look east across the field toward the factory. Mornings are backlit.
- Lens
- 100–400 mm for runway and taxiway; 24–70 mm for wide scenes with the factory doors.
Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
On the south-east side of the field, this collection of airworthy WWII and Cold War aircraft and armour reopened under new owners and fills three hangars. Beyond the exhibits, the ramp area gives a view across to the main runway and the general aviation side of the airport.
- Getting there
- 3407 109th Street SW, Everett. Open Thursday to Saturday 10:00–16:00; general admission has been free with a signed waiver — confirm before you go, hours change on holidays.
- Best time
- Museum hours only. Morning light works best on this side of the field when looking west toward the runway.
- Lens
- Wide angle in the hangars, 100–400 mm for runway traffic.
Paine Field passenger terminal (airside)
The compact terminal on the east side has big windows onto its ramp, where Alaska jets park within sight of the runway and the Boeing flight line beyond. Worth it if you're flying out anyway — it's one of the calmest airport departure lounges in the US.
- Getting there
- Near Airport Road and 100th Street SW; parking at the terminal, and Everett Transit and Community Transit buses stop outside. The gate area is airside, so a boarding pass and TSA screening are required.
- Best time
- Morning departures, when the low sun from the east is behind you as you face the runway to the west.
- Lens
- 24–105 mm through the glass; 100–300 mm for aircraft on the runway.
Respect private property, signage and the airport security perimeter. Spotterra predicts the active runway from live weather on the dashboard.
What you'll see
Boeing dominates the interesting traffic: 767-300F freighters for FedEx, UPS and others, KC-46A tankers before delivery, 777 freighters, and the 777-9 and other 777X test and production aircraft. Aircraft visiting the ATS heavy-maintenance base bring a changing selection of airliners and freighters. The Dreamlifter still appears from time to time. Alaska Airlines runs the airline service from the terminal, and Kenmore Air has flown regional routes. The rest is general aviation: flight schools, helicopters, corporate jets and vintage aircraft linked to the museums. Expect quiet periods outside Boeing's working hours and very little after the tower closes at 21:00.
FAQ
What's that plane over Everett Paine Field?
Spotterra's live map shows the aircraft around Paine Field and Mukilteo with type, registration and route in real time — including Boeing test flights when their transponders broadcast ADS-B. Free in the browser.
Can I see new Boeing widebodies at Paine Field?
Yes. Every 767 and 777 built in Everett makes its first flight here, and freshly painted aircraft line up on the flight line before delivery. The Future of Flight Sky Deck is the best legal view.
Does the Dreamlifter still fly into Everett?
Only occasionally. Its regular shuttle ended when 787 assembly moved to South Carolina in 2021, so a Dreamlifter visit is now a lucky catch — a Spotterra alert for the type is the way to hear about it.
Is the Boeing factory tour still running?
Tours start at Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo. Availability, age limits and photo rules change, so check the Future of Flight website before booking.
Spotterra watches the sky over Everett Paine Field
A live ADS-B map of your area and smart alerts on military transports, warbirds and rare types — with 10–30 minutes lead on long-haul arrivals. Free forever, no card.
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