Blue Angels weekend: Another Boeing Field place to watch

Continuing our 4th annual collection of reports from Temporary WSB HQ East, aka Boeing Field during the Blue Angels‘ appearances at Seafair: If you are thinking about going to see them today, but not necessarily determined to watch from Lake Washington, we happened onto another option for watching their takeoff, landing, and significant Angels-glimpsing inbetween. On Friday, since we didn’t extricate ourselves from the desk soon enough to go hang out “on the fence” (explained here) at the Museum of Flight, we had to find an alternative spot along the Boeing Field runway. A turn opportunity presented itself just north of the Boeing Field tower, and we wound up here:

The turn is at South 81st Place and East Marginal (map). It’s a small Boeing lot but as with the Boeing lots closer to the Museum of Flight, nobody seemed to be checking credentials. Drawbacks: A road parallels the runway-boundary fence, so you need to stand on or behind the fairly short concrete barrier. Advantages: You’re right there as the Angels go wheels up – and you get the Fat Albert (C-130T support plane) flyby, too:

Not to mention the multiple Blue Angels sightings during the show:

These folks ON the runway (across from “our” spot) had an even-better view, but somehow we doubt that spot’s publicly accessible:

The Blue Angels took off just before 1:30 on Friday, with a ground-shaking opening act from other airshow performers, particularly the F-15E Strike Eagles. Today, we’re hoping to get to the Museum of Flight in time to wait “on the fence” and see the walkdown, the synchronized crew moves, etc. And remember, the I-90 floating bridge closes 12:45-2:40 pm.

13 Replies to "Blue Angels weekend: Another Boeing Field place to watch"

  • mike green August 1, 2009 (7:35 am)

    enjoy the sounds of war seattle ———-

    MG

  • Vanessa C August 1, 2009 (8:25 am)

    I’m with you MG, such a waste of money, especially now. Braggerts/Bravado and Beer, Oh Boy! BIG WAR TOYS. And don’t anyone dare call me anti American. There is too much of that to go around already…
    Dear God, _________ (or fill in the blank of your choice)………Dear Blank, help us all.

  • PSPS August 1, 2009 (8:28 am)

    What are those little “bomb shaped” things hanging on the fence around BFI? You can see one in the still from the first video just below the ‘play’ arrow.

  • Smitty August 1, 2009 (8:35 am)

    Actually MG, it’s the sound of freedom.

    Peace through strength, brother.

    Cheers

  • nicky August 1, 2009 (9:20 am)

    I suppose people could relax if the Blue Angels flew 737’s for their shows…

  • KatHP August 1, 2009 (9:55 am)

    Why thank you mike and Vanessa, I (have been) and will enjoy the sounds!

  • JayDee August 1, 2009 (10:09 am)

    Compared to the taxpayer’s money give away in the TARP program, the cost of the Blue Angel perfomance is a relative pittance and fun and thrilling to watch.

    I will grab a hot dog at a large box store and sit and watch the Blue Angels perform, and enjoy the show. IMHO.

  • andykeck August 1, 2009 (10:12 am)

    You can listen to their cockpit audio streamed live here:

    http://www.northwestradio.net/live/

    or if you have a scanner:

    Solos and MO on 237.8
    Diamond on 275.30
    Diamond and delta in front of the crowd 284.25
    Bert was on 305.5
    Com Cart Alpha on 142.6125

  • brandon August 1, 2009 (4:49 pm)

    The sounds of technology and freedom, wrapped into one. How else did you get that nifty smart phone you own? Tech baby, tech. I LOVE these guys, every year.

    Andy, great link. Thanks.

  • RIH August 1, 2009 (4:50 pm)

    As an fyi the hangar across from the location you mention with the spectators is Paul Allens’…typically he has a personal 757 or two inside. From your photo I see his Twin Otter he uses to cummute to his property in the San Juans…

  • RIH August 2, 2009 (1:33 am)

    Commute people…commute. F’n iPhone w/spellcheck from hell…

  • Scott Rosburg August 2, 2009 (2:00 pm)

    Does anyone know the annual cost of the Blue Angel program ?

  • Chris August 2, 2009 (9:10 pm)

    Worth every penny ! Thanks to all in uniform who protect the freedoms that we so often take for granted. Lighten up West Seattle and enjoy.

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