Given the choice, I would always choose to do my plane spotting during day-light hours. For obvious reasons, its easier to see more aircraft and takes a heck of a lot less effort to capture aircraft when the sun is out. However, Plane Spotting at night done at the right location with the proper equipment can yield some great moments as well.
Paine Field is a perfect example of a place where you can see some very interesting things if you are patient and don’t mind standing outside in the middle of the night staring at an airport. ‘PAE’ has activity 24 hours a day/7 days a week. With Boeing’s operation running day and night, there is ample potential to see things here that you won’t see anywhere else. For example, the Dream Lifter fleet operated by Atlas comes and goes at all hours of the day transporting 787 components to and from Boeing’s Plant.
On this trip, I had the pleasant surprise of seeing an Antonov AN124 land at last light bringing 3 777 engines apparently due to an ’emergency’ need by Boeing. In addition to Boeing, Paine Field hosts companies who have contracts with airlines for fleet maintenance. Due to this, it is not unusual to see a variety of Airbus aircraft coming and going at all hours of the night as well.
On my trip, I dedicated 2 evenings to try and capture some of that activity that takes place after all the other plane watchers go home. I came away with some interesting perspectives including seeing 2 new 787s move through the assembly process and something as unique as a Kenya Airways 777 arriving with little notice. Hopefully the photos below will help show how great Paine Field can be at night…..
Anotonov’s AN124 arriving at 9:20p carrying much needed 777 Engines for Boeing.
Speedbird’s newest 787
This was a last minute surprise, a Kenyan 777 arriving in Paine Field at 9:30pm.
One of several LAN 787 at Paine Field.
Qatar’s 787 shortly before being towed from the factory.
Qatar’s 787 being towed out of the factory. The next stop for her is the paint shop.
LAN’s 787 shortly after being towed into the final assembly position on the 787 line.
Here is a brief video showing LAN’s 787 being brought into the final assembly position on the 787 line. As you’ll see, its a very delibrate and slow process. I wish I had my tripod with me at the time, its not easy to hold still for several minutes while standing on bushes! 🙂
This 787 belongs to the Saudi Government. Specifically for use by their Economic Ministry.
This United 787 is parked in front of Boeing’s Paint Hangars.
What the Paine Field flight line looks like at 10:00pm!
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Lufthansa’s 747-8i, D-ABYP, at Paine Field during a customer flight.
Nice shots…surprised homeland security didn’t interrupt your shooting. 😉 Brought back fond memories of our StarMegaDo2 visit to Everett a couple of years back. At that time the tarmac was filled with engineless ANA and JL 787s awaiting the conclusion of flight testing and certification so they could get their GE’s installed and get into the air! Watched a Dreamlifter land, taxi and park, then disgorge wing sections from some far off plant. Then we got to go onto the same plane for a great walkabout. Thanks for the photos.
Good photos, nice post. Thanks.