WA State Pilot Passport Program

NW DESTINATIONS

Pilots want to fly their planes. Sometimes that means springing the fuel for a cheeseburger at the nearest airport. In the Pacific Northwest we have the unique ability to “elevate” that experience with some of the most scenic flying and destinations just a hop across the Sound.

In the shadow of the majestic Olympic Mountain Range, Hood Canal is a fantastic destination – whether it be for a dock side lunch of fresh local oysters or a weekend getaway complete with massage, golf, schooner rides, – and yes, spectacular scenery.

It’s surprising how close it is to get so far from it all. It will not take you long to realize that defrosted burger with a side of greasy fries can’t hold a rivet to grilled Hama Hamas served overlooking the tranquil waters of Hood Canal.

This year at the NW Aviation Conference, we are happy to welcome displays and highlighting local destinations and a local Fly Washington Passport initiative to help pilots traveling within or to our airports more than just a “$100 burger.” Our local airports have so much to offer and your visit strengthens the local community and tourism as well provides a great break and change of scenery.

Fly Washington Passport Program The Fly Washington Passport Program encourages pilots and aviation enthusiasts to explore Washington’s public-use airports. Beyond motivating pilots to fly, this program supports general aviation airports, area businesses, tourism, and provides flight planning, safety, and educational opportunities.

The program relies on the voluntary participation of Washington’s public-use airports, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and sponsors. The ultimate objective for this program is to increase aviation economic activity and enhance general aviation visibility.

Participants, using an official Fly Washington Passport Program booklet, collect “passport stamps” at enrolled public-use airports. Any licensed pilot from any state, and their passengers, may participate.

Participants will earn levels of recognition and prizes as they explore the airports of Washington State. Fly Washington Passport Program is a partnership between Auburn Municipal Airport, City of Auburn, WSDOT Aviation, Washington Pilots Association (WPA), Washington Airport Management Association (WAMA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

The stamp box is often (but not always) a black mailbox with a Fly Washington Passport Program logo decal on the outside. If a stamp is missing, you may take a photo of yourself with the stamp box, your own stamp booklet and proof of the current date (for example, a piece of paper with the date written on it). If an airport has multiple stamps, one stamp is sufficient for that airport to count.

Fly Washington Achievement Levels

Regional: Visit 100% of participating airports within one region to earn your Regional Patch! Seaplane: Visit 100% of participating Seaplane Bases to earn your Seaplane Patch! Platinum: Visit 100% of participating airports to earn your Fly Washington Passport Program Wings! Gold: Visit 90% of total participating airports to earn your Flight Jacket!

Where can I obtain a passport?

Including the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show in Febuary, the following locations have the passports available year round:

The airport office at Auburn Municipal Airport, or the passport stamp mailbox on the ramp WSDOT Aviation (Olympia Airport) Western Aviation(Spokane/Felts Field) Signature FBO(Spokane International) Airport office at Bremerton Airport Airport office at SW Regional Airport (Kelso) Sundance Aviation at Richland Airport.

Conference attendees are invited attend the Fly Washington Passport Information seminar, Saturday, February 26 at 2:15 PM in the North Foyer to learn more and to pick up a passport so you can start collecting stamps on your next journey!

Be sure to stop by one of the many exhibiting airports’ displays for local information. Check out a collaborative display organized by Mason County Tourism supporting information on businesses around Hood Canal and throughout the Olympic Peninsula. For additional information visit their website at explorehoodcanal.com.