Frequently Asked Questions

Boeing offers tours of its Everett manufacturing plant at the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour. The location is 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275. You can go to www.boeingfutureofflight.com to order tickets and find out more information.

The Airport currently does not have an online list where you can check your status. Please email Airport Operations to find out where you are on the list.

You can call in your noise concern at 425-284-0500 or fill out the online form.

First Aid and CPR classes are conducted by the Airport Fire Department for businesses and tenants of Paine Field Airport. These classes meet the requirements of the OSHA/WISHA regulations for workplace safety. They also provide the citizen with the knowledge and skill needed in a family or social emergency. The Airport Fire Department attempts to keep each class size to between 15-20 students. Upon completion of the First Aid and/or CPR class, students are issued an Airport Fire Department FA card and an American Safety and Health Institute CPR/AED card. The certification is good for two years. For further information or to arrange for a class, call the Airport Fire Department at 425-388-5480. Class fee is $20.00 per person.

Dial 911 to report a fire or an emergency.

Avis Car Rental (Reservation Required to pick up a vehicle at this location.) (425) 303-8883

Enterprise Rental Car (Reservation Required to pick up a vehicle at this location.) (425) 438-0322

Found items should be turned in to the airport Administration office. Found items are held for one year. If you have lost an item, please call our Administration office at 425-388-5125.

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

Paine Field has two runways, both with a north/south orientation designated as 16R/34L and 16L/34R:

16L/34R is located on the east side of the airfield and is designated as a general aviation runway with an overall length of 3,004 feet. 16L/34R has an east traffic pattern and is closed from 9 p.m. - 7 a.m. for noise abatement purposes.

16R/34L is located on the west side of the airfield and is Paine Field’s primary use runway for jet and large aircraft operations with an overall length of 9,010 feet. 16R has a precision approach instrument landing system (ILS) and 34L has a non-precision GPS approach procedure.

There are many factors that go into selecting a runway for a specific operation:

Wind. Prevailing wind is the most influential factor in determining north or south aircraft flow direction.

Air Traffic congestion and safe separation requirements.  Aircraft under the instruction of an air traffic controller will often be directed to a runway that creates the least amount of congestion and provides safe aircraft separation.

Instrument approach procedures. During low visibility operations, aircraft will rely on Runway 16R’s precision approach instrument landing system (ILS) for arrivals.

*14 CFR 91.123 - The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.

Paine Field was constructed in 1936 as a project that was intended to boost economic growth in the region. An undeveloped area was selected for the airfield. The U.S. Army Air Forces took control of the airport shortly after construction and the military maintained control of the airfield until 1968, when the property was permanently transferred to Snohomish County’s authority. During this 32-year period, the surrounding land was acquisitioned for military housing and support facilities. This land was subsequently transferred to civilian control along with the airport. Paine Field does not own or control zoning regulation over the land surrounding the airfield. Over the years communities and neighborhoods have continued to grow near the airport.

In accordance with federal law and to comply with FAA grant assurances, the airfield is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all users of the National Airspace system.

Airport Operations personnel are on site daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, with a specialist on-call for overnight emergencies.  Paine Field has a 24-hour fire-rescue and law enforcement presence through our partner agencies.  The FAA operated Air Traffic Control Tower is open from 7 a.m. -  9 p.m. seven days a week.

The airport utilizes two Larson Davis model #831 noise monitors at the following locations:

North Mukilteo near Japanese Gulch. PAE#1 collects noise data on runway 16R arrivals and 34L departures.

Lynnwood near Lake Serene. PAE#3 collects noise data on runway 34L arrivals and 16R departures.

Aircraft noise is measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA) which approximates the way humans hear sound. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recognize and use the same metric for aircraft noise measurement. The industry standard for determining long-term aircraft noise exposure around airports is done using a methodology called Day/Night Average Noise Level (DNL), also known as LDN. The FAA has developed a computer model called the Integrated Noise Model (INM) which integrates the DNL metric to depict the noise exposure levels from aircraft around an airport onto a base map into noise contours of equal DNL, usually, into contour lines of 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 DNL. Each aircraft noise event is logarithmically averaged over a 24 hour period with a 10 decibel noise penalty added to all aircraft operations that occur between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. This penalty is applied during the time most people are trying to rest. Paine Field’s Part 150 Noise Study and noise contour maps can be found here.

City, county and state noise regulations, as they pertain to noise generated by aircraft in flight and activities related to flight operations, are preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration. State and municipal code makes specific exemptions for noise generated that is directly related to flight activities:

Snohomish County Noise Control Code applies to Paine Field. Everett Municipal Noise Control Code applies to the Boeing Co. plant and flightline.

Sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds which originate at airports and are directly related to flight operations are exempt at all times by Snohomish County Code 10.01.050(1)(a), Mukilteo Municipal code 9.30.030 and Everett Municipal Code 20.08.100(B)(5).

Jet engine run-ups during nighttime (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) are prohibited by Snohomish County Code 10.01.050(2)(g) and Everett Municipal Code 20.08.050(A) except where demonstrated proof that the noise level limitations of the noise control code are not exceeded by the jet engine run-up or the operator possesses a Modified Standards Permit per Snohomish County Code 10.01.060 or a variance per Everett Municipal Code 20.08.150.

Though Paine Field’s operations department’s top priority is on airfield safety and ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, we take great efforts to be a good neighbor to the surrounding communities. All noise comments are recorded in a comprehensive database, investigated using both radar tracks and radio monitoring, and presented in monthly reports available on our website. The airport has established several voluntary noise abatement procedures including recommended arrival and departure procedures, operational curfews for large jet traffic and training aircraft, and an augmented traffic pattern for late night and early morning propeller aircraft operations. The airport also closes runway 16L/34R from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. to reduce the number of small aircraft flying over populated areas. 

The FAA institutes international standards for jet engine noise that are applied when an aircraft manufacturer acquires an airworthiness certification. The Reform Act of 2012 mandated a complete phase-out and ban on Stage 2 jet engines, the loudest aircraft engines, effective December 31, 2015, meaning all civilian aircraft currently operating meet maximum noise level standards set by the FAA. Therefore, Paine Field does not restrict any airworthy aircraft operation.

Paine Field has an FAA Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) that is staffed daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is responsible for issuing taxi, departure and arrival/approach clearances to aircraft using the airfield. Aircraft inbound to Paine Field will be under the instruction of Sea-Tac’s FAA Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility (TRACON) until they reach Paine Field’s airspace, at which time they are “handed off” to our ATCT.

The airport itself does not have authority over National Airspace System (aircraft in flight) and is charged with the responsibility of maintaining and assuring that the physical facilities of the airport (runways, taxiways, lighting, etc.) are safe for aircraft to use in compliance with strict FAA standards.

*14 CFR 91.123 - The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.

Paine Field is home to several companies that specialize in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance services, as well as more-than 500 based general aviation aircraft. Many of these operators rely on international scheduling and aircraft flow limitations, crew rest requirements, and an operational need to fly during nighttime hours. As a result, the airport has no mandatory curfew. A curfew implies a legal or statutory prohibition against operating during certain hours. The airport is owned by Snohomish County and managed as a public-use facility open 24 hours a day. The airport does have several voluntary noise abatement procedures in place. Airfield use also is restricted to a single runway from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. to reduce nighttime traffic pattern noise.

In accordance with 14 CFR 91.119, except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an airplane over a congested area of a city, town or settlement at an altitude less than 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle or within a horizontal radius of less than 2,000 feet of an aircraft; or an altitude of less than 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure in non-congested areas. A helicopter may be operated at less than the prescribed minimums provided each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA.

Paine Field – Snohomish County Airport has partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration to better track, manage, and respond to noise comments. Commenters located further than 10 miles from Paine Field are asked to submit their noise comment directly to the FAA or your closest airport. This will help ensure that the proper authority is receiving your comments. Comments submitted to Paine Field that are outside the 10-mile boundary will be forwarded to the FAA. Additional information regarding the FAA noise management program can be found on the Northwest Mountain Region Aircraft Noise Page.

If you live within 10 miles of Paine Field – Snohomish County Airport please submit your noise comment here or through our noise hotline by calling (425) 284-0500.

If you live further than 10 miles from Paine Field – Snohomish County Airport please submit your noise comment to the Federal Aviation Administration by using their online portal found here.

Call 911 for emergency crimes or incidents. If your incident is a non-emergency, please call 425-407-3999.

Call 425-388-5223. If a deputy is not available, please leave a voice message. A deputy will return the call as soon as possible.

The speed limit on the main roadways at the airport is 25 mph unless otherwise posted at a lower speed limit. Inside the air operations area the speed limit is 15 mph, and 5 mph near aircraft.

Try it on another gate. If that does not work, contact airport operations to update your card or gate code. The Airport Police will not give out gate codes to the public. They will only be given out by Airport Operations 425-388-5106.

Only if approved by the airport operations personnel. If you gave your gate access card or gate code to another person not authorized by the airport to have this information, not only can it lead to a possible incursion if they drive in the wrong area of the airport, but it also may result in you and the person you gave the gate access card or gate code to being criminally cited or banned from the airport.

The airside of the airport is restricted to only those people having the legal right to be there. While Airport Police Deputies may know many people on the airport, we do not know everyone and have the legal authority to challenge anyone who is on the airside of the airport. This is a restricted area not open to the general public. FAA regulations also apply to the airside of the airport

Parking violations are strictly enforced as well as traffic violations. Vehicles parking on airport property must be parked in designated parking spaces only. Vehicles must be currently licensed and in proper running condition. Vehicles illegally parked are subject to parking infractions and may be impounded at the owner's expense.

Because Paine Field Airport is the Snohomish County airport, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office has primary jurisdiction. The Airport Police Deputies are sheriff's deputies assigned to Paine Field Airport as their primary assignment. Their police powers and authority come from the Revised Code of Washington as well as Snohomish County Code. Title 15 of the Snohomish County Code deals specifically with Paine Field Airport.

Applicants must contact their Authorized Signatory for information and direction on the badging application. If you own or lease a hangar, you are the Authorized Signatory.

Badging is now a two-step process. At the initial badge appointment, documents pertaining to an applicant’s badge eligibility will be sent to TSA. Badge applicants must wait until the credentialing office receives notice of government approval. Once confirmed, the badge applicant’s Authorized Signatory will be notified to make a second appointment for training and to receive the badge. ID must be re-verified when picking up a badge

An Authorized Signatory (AS) is a position mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Designated individuals must be authorized to sign and approve airport security access badges for their employees or tenants.

The Authorized Signatory (AS) varies depending on your area of operational need. The property manager, hangar owner, hangar lessee, or the chief administrative officer is usually the AS for tenants and based business partners.  For professional services, contractors, and service providers, your AS will be the project manager, or the department head authorizing the work or services.  If your business with Paine Field Airport does not fit into any one of these categories, please contact the credentialing office at 425-388-5106.

Additional screening will take place before a badge is issued, including fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.

All badging appointments must be scheduled online.  All appointments last approximately 15 minutes, depending on the operational access required.

The badging application must have all fields completed, reviewed, and signed by your Authorized Signatory (AS) prior to arriving at the scheduled badge appointment.  Failure to complete the application, to provide necessary I-9 documents, or to have necessary AS approval will result in badge denial or at least rescheduling the appointment.

Identification must be original documents that are not expired and meet the requirements set forth by federal regulations.

Pursuant to TSA / DHS requirements, the Airport has updated its badging application to meet federal requirements.

Applicants have 30 days from the date their application is approved by TSA and FBI to complete training.  If training is not completed, the security badge application must be resubmitted and applicant will be charged badging fees.

Applicants associated with a business must work with their Authorized Signatory for badge renewals and to schedule an appointment. Hangar tenants must schedule a renewal appointment using our 10to8 portal. They will need to make sure to bring their completed renewal application, required I-9 documents, and their certificate showing completion of training.

Badge costs vary depending on access level, renewal, etc.

We accept VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit and debit cards.

The credentialing office is located at 9901 24th Place W, Suite A, Everett, WA 98204.  Please remember badging is by appointment only.