The Pacific Northwest isn’t exactly the first place I’d look for war museum. The area has been entirely untouched by conflict aside from early confrontations with native peoples, and the Pig War, of which the only casualty was that of a (you guessed it) pig. That said, it’s not where I’d expect to find an amazing collection of military relics from a bygone era, but that’s exactly where one exists.
The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum is a relatively unknown fixture of the area, yet in its hangars at Paine Field in Everett, you’ll find an impressive collection of aircraft, vehicles and other equipment from World War II and the adjoining eras. A number of them are unique, in that they are the last remaining example in the world of a particular model of aircraft – a feat made possible by the late Paul Allen, whose passion for history and aviation drove him to collect these relics and found the museum. The aircraft are painstakingly restored – many of them to flying condition. On pleasant summer weekends select aircraft will take to the sky and demonstrate in front of anyone who cares to watch.
Once a year, they have a premiere event called Skyfair, in which they invite other private owners and collectors to exhibit their own collections, and roll out a large number of their own aircraft for display and a subsequent airshow. Their tanks and other tracked vehicles will put on their own demonstration on a small parcel of land they’ve dubbed “The Tank Arena”. There’s a full gamut of family-friendly activities, exhibits, and demonstrations available on these days, helped along by knowledgeable docents and informational placards.
Low flying aircraft will buzz the crowds of spectators, in formation with, or perhaps in pursuit of other aircraft. Tanks will roll around the arena, fire their cannon, and generally struggle under their own weight. Banks of simulators will provide the opportunity for people of all ages to try flying their favorites. Of course, all of this is on top of the plethora of aircraft and other objects displayed by the museum on a daily basis.
For the experience offered by events like these, the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum
