Museum of Flight Restoration Center
A working hangar showcasing aircraft in restoration, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look at aviation preservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more volunteer interaction
Museum of Flight Restoration Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more volunteer interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A working hangar showcasing aircraft in restoration, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look at aviation preservation.
"It's fascinating to see the restoration process and chat with the passionate volunteers!"
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers are super knowledgeable! Ask them questions; they love sharing stories about the planes.
💰 Incredibly Affordable
Admission is very cheap ($4-$5). It's a steal for the unique experience you get.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aircraft Undergoing Restoration
Main Hangar
Witness planes in various stages of repair, offering a rare glimpse into the restoration process.
Boeing 2707 SST Prototype
Main Hangar
See the partially built prototype of Boeing's ambitious supersonic transport aircraft.
Vintage Fire Engine
Main Hangar
A shiny red, vintage firetruck that once serviced aircraft, a unique piece of aviation history.
H-21B Workhorse Helicopter
Main Hangar
Admire the 'flying banana' helicopter, a distinctive and impressive piece of aviation engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Boeing Factory Tour
Chat with the Experts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers are super knowledgeable! Ask them questions; they love sharing stories about the planes.
💰 Incredibly Affordable
Admission is very cheap ($4-$5). It's a steal for the unique experience you get.
✈️ See Restoration in Action
Witness planes being worked on – a rare look at the 'behind-the-scenes' of aviation preservation.
📍 Combine with Boeing Tour
It's small, so pair it with the Boeing Factory Tour next door for a full aviation day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers are super knowledgeable! Ask them questions; they love sharing stories about the planes.
💰 Incredibly Affordable
Admission is very cheap ($4-$5). It's a steal for the unique experience you get.
✈️ See Restoration in Action
Witness planes being worked on – a rare look at the 'behind-the-scenes' of aviation preservation.
📍 Combine with Boeing Tour
It's small, so pair it with the Boeing Factory Tour next door for a full aviation day.
🚗 Easy Parking
Plenty of parking available right in front of the facility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum of Flight Restoration Center for its incredibly affordable admission and the unique opportunity to see aircraft in various stages of restoration. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteers are a major highlight, offering fascinating insights into aviation history and the restoration process. While small and informal, it's highly recommended as a complement to the Boeing Factory Tour.
"Great static show and P40 takeoff.
Very nice and informative exhibitor. Loved the place"
Bill Young
"The tour was excellent. All questions were taken and answered. There was no hurry to it. A one of a kind experience to go behind to see the craftsmanship and dedication of those that work to restore incredibly rare artifacts."
Steve Hayes
"Loved visiting this place. It's pretty small (basically one large room) so it's not worth it's own trip but if you're at the Boeing factory tour you're so close already that it's worth a stop. It's $5 to go in, and there are signs explaining a little bit about most of the planes. There are also planes hanging from the ceiling. Most of the planes are in various stages of restoration, and when I was there a couple of people were at work on the restoration of a plane and a car previously used to service planes. I started chatting with one of the people and he told me tons about the various planes and their backgrounds. It was fascinating. Bottom line--don't expect this to be as curated and official as the Museum of Flight, but it's still cool to visit and see the restoration process."
Chana Greene
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Restoration Center is located near the Boeing Factory in Everett, Washington. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors combine their trip with the Boeing Factory Tour, which is located nearby.
Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity of the Restoration Center can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
Use GPS navigation to 'Museum of Flight Restoration Center' or the address. It's often signposted, especially if you're heading to the Boeing Factory.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically around $4-$5 for adults. It's one of the most budget-friendly aviation attractions in the area.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Restoration Center due to its informal nature and low admission fee. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
Hours can vary, but it's typically open during daytime hours, especially on weekdays. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating schedule.
No, the Restoration Center is a separate facility with its own admission fee, which is significantly lower than the main Museum of Flight.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll see aircraft in various stages of restoration, unique planes like the Boeing 2707 SST prototype, a vintage firetruck, and the H-21B Workhorse helicopter. It's a working hangar, not a polished museum. +1
It's primarily a self-guided walkthrough. However, volunteers are often present and happy to provide detailed insights and answer questions. +1
Absolutely! The volunteers are a highlight. They are passionate and love to share their knowledge about the aircraft and the restoration process. +1
Yes, children often find the large aircraft and the idea of restoration fascinating. It's a more hands-on, less formal environment than a traditional museum.
The Restoration Center is a working hangar showcasing aircraft in progress, offering a behind-the-scenes look. The main Museum of Flight is a more curated, formal exhibition of fully restored aircraft and space artifacts.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Restoration Center. It's a great place to capture unique angles of aircraft and the restoration process.
Look for shots of planes in different stages of repair, close-ups of engines and cockpits, and the unique aircraft like the SST prototype and the vintage firetruck.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid obstructing the work of the restoration crews.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to ask questions of the volunteers; their enthusiasm is infectious and can make the visit incredibly memorable. The affordable admission price also makes it an easy addition to a family outing, especially when combined with the nearby Boeing Factory Tour. It’s a good way to introduce younger ones to the wonders of flight in an engaging setting.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & AvGeeks
The presence of unique prototypes like the Boeing 2707 SST and the chance to converse with knowledgeable volunteers who have deep dives into the technical aspects and history of each aircraft make this a must-visit. It’s less about a curated display and more about the raw, ongoing passion for aviation heritage.
💰 Budget Travelers
It provides significant value for the price, offering a unique perspective on aviation history that you won't find at more expensive, formal museums. Combine it with other free or low-cost activities in the region for a full day of exploration without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Restoration Process: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Visitors often highlight the value of chatting with the volunteers. These passionate individuals are the heart of the center, and they are usually more than happy to share their expertise, explain the challenges they face, and tell the stories behind the aircraft they are working on. This direct interaction offers a level of insight and personal connection that's hard to find elsewhere. It transforms a simple visit into an educational and engaging experience.
Key aircraft you might see in various states of repair include iconic planes and prototypes. The Boeing 2707 SST prototype is a significant piece, representing a bold chapter in aviation ambition. You might also find vintage helicopters like the H-21B Workhorse, nicknamed the 'flying banana,' and historical service vehicles like the vintage firetruck. It’s a dynamic environment where history is actively being preserved.
Unique Aircraft and Prototypes
Another standout is the H-21B Workhorse helicopter, affectionately known as the 'flying banana' due to its distinctive tandem rotor configuration and fuselage shape. This helicopter played a crucial role in military and transport operations. The center also often features a shiny red vintage firetruck, a piece of ground support equipment that played a vital role in aviation safety and operations.
These aircraft, along with others like the Vought F4U Corsair (mentioned in reviews), offer a diverse collection that goes beyond what's typically displayed. Seeing these planes, whether fully restored or in progress, provides a comprehensive look at aviation's evolution and the diverse roles aircraft have played.
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