Pilots Lament Likely Loss of Beloved Washington Airport

First Air Field will probably make way for a new electrical utility base in a few years.

Monday, September 09, 2024 at 05:01 PM ET

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First Air Field Airport Runway located on flat grasslands near the roadway. [Courtesy: Washington State Department of Transportation]

Key Takeaways:

First Air Field, a private airport near Seattle, is set to be replaced by a Snohomish County Public Utility District electrical distribution center.
The utility district states the 36-acre site is the best option for centralizing services and meeting the county's rapid growth after evaluating several alternatives.
Local pilots and the city's mayor oppose the closure, mourning the loss of the airport which they consider a vital community hub and public good.
The utility is offering $7 million for the property, with the new facility expected to take several years to develop, and pilots will be assisted in finding new accommodations.

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A much-need electrical utility center may soon replace a beloved private airport south of Seattle, and a local utilities manager, himself a pilot, who helped make the call says there’s just no better option.

Mark Flury, a pilot based at another airport, told the Seattle Times he well understands the turmoil the closure of First Air Field (W16) in Monroe, Washington, will cause, but the 36-acre parcel really is a great spot to centralize the Snohomish County Public Utility District electrical distribution services.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.