Cynthia Hendrickson Airport Manager

Richard built projects and repaired equipment for Eldon Harvey, Dick Harvey and it continues today with Dick's children.  In addition to that Richard built custom trailer hitches, did all types of welding and repaired vehicle exhaust systems.

As previously mentioned the shop has been at its our current location for 42 years but its roots go way back to what was called Pioneer Farm Service in Carnation in the 1940's.  Pioneer Farm Service was started by Richard's father George where they repaired cars and farm equipment.  In the late 40's the family moved to southern California and opened Corona Welding.  In 1969 Richard moved his family back to Washington which eventually led to Airport Welding.

Airport Welding is truly a family owned and operated business.  In 2010 Richard's son Rick rejoined the business and is the operations manager, his sister Beverly runs the office and oversees customer care and his sister Lucinda handles the books.  In 2011 Rick's son Matt also joined the business and has been quick to prove his welding and pipe bending skills.

Airport Welding has been blessed with highly skilled men who essentially have spent a lifetime at the shop.  Jeff has over 30 years and Curt more than 20 years.  This year Isaac joined the crew and is doing a great job.  Matt plans to continue the family business for many years to come!

The Somerville Family and Staff

Preston Harvey General Manager

Paying attention to your engine air filter condition can minimize the likelihood of premature engine wear.  Large amounts of air are processed by turbocharged fuel injected aircraft engines and significant dust particles can be found in the haze layers we occasionally fly through.  Dusty air can be found more during the dry times of the year, and in some parts of the country, so it is recommended air filters get cleaned or changed more often if you are operating your aircraft in those conditions.  When the time comes for replacement keep in mind that we carry a wide selection of Brackett treated foam low cost throwaway elements.  Brackett filters should be changed every 100 flight hours or annually, whichever comes first.

If you are using a Donaldson paper air filter we recommend it be cleaned and inspected regularly.  The air filter can be cleaned either by compressed air or washing in a solution of water and any general purpose detergent.  The compressed air cleaning method is recommended when the air filter only has dust on it.  Washing is recommended when the air filter contains a combination of dust and oil or carbon.  It is very important not to install a wet air filter on the engine.  It is especially important not to clean or reuse damaged filters, and don't ever use solvents or gasoline to clean your air filter.  Put a mark on the filter each time it is cleaned to keep track of the number of cleanings.  To increase engine longevity replace your Donaldson paper air filter after three years, five cleanings or 500 flight hours, whichever comes first. 

After inspection of your air filter you may find it simply needs replaced.  Keep in mind whenever your air filter gets changed a logbook entry is applicable.

Jim Sutton Director of Customer Service

The spring of each year is a very important time for us at Skydive Snohomish.  It is the time of year when planning, scheduling, and staffing come together for execution during the short summer season.  Marketing makes up a part of that planning process.  Each year in the spring, KING5 Evening Magazine provides an opportunity for businesses, venues, and other entities to compete for the Best Northwest Escapes.  The Best Northwest Escapes is a very important part of our marketing for the season, as the votes are cast by our customers and represent their experiences and opinions.  Word of mouth is our primary, and most powerful, advertising tool.  We work very hard to have all our customers walk away from their skydiving experience to become advocates and ambassadors for Skydive Snohomish, and we are fortunate that many recall their amazing experience when it comes to the Best Northwest Escapes voting.  Voting is done by visitors to the KING5 Best Northwest Escapes webpage, which includes a variety of escapes and adventures.  There are a total of 24 Outdoor Adventure categories, such as Eco Tours, White Water Rafting, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Scuba Diving, etc., with over 375 total Outdoor Adventure nominees.

Skydive Snohomish has been nominated for 6 years running for the Best Skydiving Adventure.  This year there were 6 nominees for Best Skydiving, representing all of Washington and one skydiving center in Oregon.  Indoor skydiving was also included in this group.

We are pleased to report that not only was Skydive Snohomish voted the Best Skydiving Adventure, but we were voted the Best of ALL the Outdoor Adventures!  We can't begin to express our gratitude for the trust and confidence exhibited by all our customers!  We will continue to provide a professional atmosphere, a personal connection, and an amazing, life-affirming experience to all who visit us at Skydive Snohomish!

Blue Skies!

Caitlin Knox Administrative Assistant

Now that spring has finally arrived, you'll be seeing us in the air more often. You'll be seeing a new balloon, too. The latest addition, 'Tyee,' was designed and handmade for Airial Balloon Company by Cameron Balloons of Ann Arbor, MI. In Chinook jargon, Tyee means "chief." This new Cameron A-180 was specifically built for commercial flight, has a passenger capacity of nine and/or 1360 pounds, encloses 180,000 cubic feet of air, and stands nine stories tall. It is made of Cameron's trademark Hyperlast fabric, a woven nylon in which each fiber is silicone-coated to create an extremely durable fabric that retains its color vibrancy for years.

Tyee is just the balloon to keep up with Airial Balloon Company's busy schedule of flights twice a day, seven days a week. Seasonally, the company provides 30 jobs that help support the local economy by bringing thousands of visitors, from all over the world, to fly and patronize our region. Owner/operator Marilyn Harvey stated, "We truly appreciate the support we receive from the local farmers, the community, and the public." Devoted to our region and its rich history, the leader of our fleet has been aptly named. Whether you are on the ground or in its gondola, Tyee's majestic beauty is a sight to behold. Enter our raffle for a chance to fly in Tyee - tickets are only $1!

She said YES at 1500 feet: Congratulations to Austin Stendera and Sarah Koss on their April 13th engagement in Chinook. An article and pictures are at http://www.kruseportrait.com/blog.

Thanks to each of you who voted for us as the Best Balloon Ride in Evening Magazine's Best Northwest Escapes, and congratulations to Skydive Snohomish for winning Best Sky Diving! 2014 was the sixth consecutive win for each of us - we couldn't have done it without you!

Heather Harvey Waldow Owner/Operator

Haley is the AE lead manager and Keri is the shift supervisor. Haley has been on the AE team for 5 years and Keri for 3 years.  Haley and Keri, along with our four other outstanding family friendly Barista's are here to serve you!  Our goal is to turn each new customer into one that returns on a regular basis. If you haven't had a chance to stop by and say hello, please do so soon.