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1. Why are badging procedures changing?

The badging process is changing to meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards for a commercial use airport. These requirements affect all individuals needing unescorted access to Paine Field.

2. What is an Authorized Signatory?

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.

3. Who can be an Authorized Signatory?

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 425-388-5125.

4. How do I schedule an appointment?

Initial badging appointments and badge pickups must be scheduled online. Airport tenants and businesses will be contacted about scheduling appointments. Initial appointments last approximately 20 minutes, depending on the operational access required.

5. What fields must be filled out on the badging application?

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.

6. What is different about the badging process now?

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. Additionally, 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

7. What happens if I plan to work in secure areas in support of commercial flights?

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

8. What forms of identification are approved?

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

9. How long do I have to complete the badging process?

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.

10. My security badge is about to expire. What should I do?

Applicants must work with their Authorized Signatory for badge renewals and to schedule an appointment. Tenants with expiring badges will be accommodated with an extension until an appointment can be scheduled.

11. What is the cost of my badge?

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

12. Which credit cards are accepted?

Visa and MasterCard are the only credit cards accepted.

13. Where can I obtain my badge?

The credentialing office is located at 3220 100th St. SW, Suite A, Everett, WA 98204.  Please remember badging is by appointment only.

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1. How do I get to the Boeing tour?

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.futureofflight.org to order tickets and find out more information

2. How do I contact an airport department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

3. What are your badging hours?

Beginning September 1, 2015, Paine Field Airport implemented new gate card badging hours. The badging hours are 8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday by appointment only.

4. Do I have to come in to get my gate card renewed?

Yes. When you come in Airport Operations make sure your information on file is current and you will need to fill out a gate card policy brief.

5. Where am I on the hangar wait list?

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.

6. How do I file a noise complaint?

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

7. How do I sign up for a CPR/First Aid Class?

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.

8. How do I report a Fire or Emergency

Dial 911 to report a fire or an emergency.

9. How do I rent a car at the airport?

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

10. How do I report a Lost / Found item?

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.

11. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

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

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1. What is Paine Field’s airport configuration?

Paine Field has two active 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.

2. What determines runway use and the direction aircraft arrive and depart the airport?

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 vectored 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.

3. Why is Paine Field so close to residential neighborhoods?

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.

4. When does the airport close?

The airport is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, 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. The Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is open from 7 a.m. to  9  p.m., seven days a week.

5. Does Paine Field monitor noise levels?

The airport utilizes 3 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.

West Mukilteo in Harbour Heights Park. PAE#2 collects noise data on aircraft using the west traffic pattern (16R/34L).

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

6. How is aircraft noise measured?

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.

7. Do aircraft have to comply with local city, county and state noise ordinances?

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 runs 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 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.

8. What does the airport do to mitigate aircraft noise in the community?

Though Paine Field’s operations department’s top concentration is on airfield safety and adherence with FAA regulation, we take great efforts to be a good neighbor to the surrounding communities. All noise inquiries are recorded in a comprehensive database, investigated using both radar tracks and radio monitoring, and responded to in a timely manner. The airport imposes several voluntary noise abatement practices 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 focuses on pilot and airfield tenant noise abatement education, including monthly noise reports generated specifically for each major airfield tenant.

9. Can the airport restrict certain aircraft from using the airfield?

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.

10. Who controls what flight path jet aircraft fly and at what altitude?

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.

11. Why do aircraft arrive and depart at night and in the early morning, isn’t there a curfew?

Paine Field is home to several companies that specialize in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance services, as well as more-than 600 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 programs in place for after-hours operations (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.). It is a voluntary program, and repetitive training and air carrier operations are strongly discouraged. Airfield use also is restricted to a single runway from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. to reduce nighttime traffic pattern noise.

12. What is the minimum altitude an aircraft can fly over my residence?

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.

13. Who do I contact if I have an inquiry regarding Paine Field noise or flight operations?

There are two methods for submitting a noise inquiry:

An online noise event submittal form.

A noise hotline is also available at 425-284-0500.

Please provide as much information as possible to assist us in researching your noise or operation inquiry including:

Date and time – Please indicate a.m. or p.m.

Aircraft type – Jet, propeller, multiengine, etc.

Location – Address where event observed.

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1. How do I report a crime or incident?

Call 911 for both emergency and non-emergency reporting of crimes and incidents.

2. How do I contact an airport deputy if I just need to pass on information or get information that does not require reporting a crime or incident?

Call 425-262-2850. If a deputy is not available, please leave a voice message. A deputy will return the call as soon as possible.

3. What is the speed limit on the roads at the airport?

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.

4. What do I do if my card or the gate code will not open the gate?

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 425-388-5110.

5. Can I let another person have access to my gate access card or the gate code?

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.

6. Why was I contacted and required to provide identification and/or verification of legal authority to be on airport property while on the airside of 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

7. What are the rules involving parking at 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.

8. Under what authority do the airport police operate?

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.