October Flyout to Port Townsend

The October flyout to Port Townsend was unusual for more reasons than one. Planning started back in May when Mike Friend, EAA Chapter 406’s secretary, told Dave Miller he’d been thinking about a visit to the Port Townsend Aero Museum (PTAM) and suggested we might do a joint flyout. Dave thought that could be fun and passed the idea on to me. I thought so too and contacted Mike. The month of August was mentioned but Chapter 430’s poker run was in August, so we decided September would be good. Mike Payne, PTAM’s Executive Director, was pleased to have our EAA members visit the museum as he expected to have opened a newly constructed addition by then; he even offered free admission to our combined chapters and guests. Unfortunately weather didn’t cooperate on the planned date and the event was postponed until October. For October, the 7th was picked so that people working during the week could attend, and the weather was beautiful. Pulling into the aircraft parking area after the long flight from Sequim I was pleased to see a large crowd and many airplanes - nearly 50 people flew or drove in. As planned, we met with Mike Payne at 11:30 and he told us about the museum, the aircraft restoration facility and the youth program that he runs for kids ages 13 to 18. These young people learn about the responsibilities of working while restoring and repairing aircraft, running front desk at the museum, and maintaining the museum’s facilities and grounds. They also have the opportunity to learn to fly, with the museum providing all costs to obtain a private pilot’s license. Graduates have gone on to commercial and military flying careers and memories to be envied. Some of our group arrived early for breakfast at the Spruce Goose restaurant while others planned for a later lunch. Of course, the restaurant is always popular and caters to local residents and fliers from all over the Northwest. This being a bright and sunny day the Spruce Goose was quite happy. Those of us who were having lunch had a little wait. What better than to spend it in the museum!

Mike opened up the restoration shop and paint room for those who were interested. But the museum was the major attraction. In addition to aircraft, other items are displayed including engines and aircraft models. Some of these items are in kept in smaller side rooms. The new addition looks to be a part of the original structure – it is impossible to see where the addition starts. The mezzanine is adorned with photographs and paintings and allows a view of the aircraft from above. PTAM specializes in classic aircraft, and many have been through the restoration facility there. They are all gorgeous, and many of them are flown regularly by museum employees and kids in the youth program. Oh, to be a teenager again, working and flying here! This was the first of our flyouts I know of that specifically included members from another EAA chapter. People mixed well here and new friends were made. Maybe the 406 group has places they go that we’ve never thought of! Hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to see more of each other at future events.