Boeing factory tour

[Michael Blakely]

I took the Boeing Everett factory tour during my vacation trip to Seattle right after Christmas. This was probably the coolest factory tour I've ever been on. We got to see the 747, 777, and 787 production lines. The view is great, from the 3rd level viewing balcony looking down on each production area.

It takes your senses awhile to adjust the two fully assembled 747 sittings INDOORS in front of you, along with pieces for 3 more in various stages of integration.

Some things that struck me:
- Nothing is big enough to transport the front end of a 747, so they have to build it on-site from the pieces
- The jig to assemble the front of a 747 is very complex
- They insert stepped platforms in the fuselage to allow workers to reach the roof for overhead bin, oxygen, and electrical installation
- They have lots of jigs to rotate wings or fuselage components. These are big jigs!
- The 747-8 is too wide to fit the production line area, so winglet installation occurs at the end
- There is no heater for the Boeing assembly building. The millions of light fixtures and thousands of employees generate enough heat to keep the building warm (68-70 degrees) in the winter
- When the building gets too hot in the summer, they just open the hangar doors and let in the fresh air
- EVERYTHING for the 787 is manufactured elsewhere. All they really seem to do at Everett is assemble about 25 major pieces.
- The 747 and 787 assembly lines are static, but the 777 is a moving assembly line. The aircraft move very slowly, so everything (jigs, cubicles, desks, stairs) is on wheels.

[Todd Meek]

What no pictures? That would be awesome to see that plant. I've never been to Washington, but if I ever do, that plant tour will be on my list.

[Theodore Martin]

I didn't realize they were still making 747's. I would have thought they were replaced by the 777 and 787. I just they still need them for freight.