Harvey Airfield (also known as Harvey Field, FAA identifier S43) is a small but iconic airport in Snohomish, Washington, with a rich aviation legacy. Established in the 1940s and still owned by the Harvey family, this historic airfield has played a crucial role in local aviation, flight training, skydiving, and community events for generations.
From early barnstorming exhibitions to today’s general aviation hub, Harvey Airfield remains a treasured part of Snohomish’s identity. In this article, we’ll explore:
- The history and development of Harvey Airfield
- Its current role in flight training, skydiving, and tourism
- Its economic impact on the local community
- Future developments and its ongoing legacy
The History of Harvey Airfield
Early Beginnings (1911-1944)
The story of Harvey Airfield goes back over a century when aviation first arrived in Snohomish County. In 1911, legendary barnstormer Fred J. Wiseman performed one of the first airplane exhibitions in Washington on the Harvey family’s farmland.
Fast-forward to 1944, Noble and Eldon Harvey, along with their friend Wesley Loback, officially established Harvey Airfield as a grass strip runway to serve the local aviation community. This marked the beginning of an enduring aviation tradition in Snohomish.
Post-War Expansion (1945-1970s)
After World War II, aviation boomed, and Harvey Field grew significantly:
- 1947: The first hangars, restaurant, and maintenance shop were built.
- 1950: The Snohomish Flying Service was founded as a flight school, training thousands of pilots.
- 1960s-1970s: More aircraft were based at the airport, leading to runway improvements and the addition of a paved landing strip.
- 1970s: Harvey Field gained a reputation as a friendly general aviation hub, attracting private pilots and visitors from across the region.
Modernization and Community Growth (1980s-Present)
By the 1980s and 1990s, Harvey Airfield had become a well-established general aviation airport. Key developments included:
- Expansion of flight training programs with FAA-certified instructors.
- Introduction of skydiving operations, which would later become a major attraction.
- Levee construction in 1995 to protect the airport from flooding.
- Restaurant upgrades: The small café evolved into the Buzz Inn Steakhouse, a popular meeting spot for pilots and locals.
Today, Harvey Airfield blends history with modern aviation, serving as both a historic airfield in the Pacific Northwest and an active flight training and tourism center.
Skydiving and Adventure Tourism
A Premier Destination for Skydiving in Snohomish
One of the most exciting aspects of Harvey Field’s present-day operations is its role in adventure tourism. The airfield has become a top destination for skydiving in Washington, attracting thrill-seekers from Seattle and beyond.
Skydiving at Harvey Field
Skydive Snohomish, a family-founded business based at Harvey Field, is consistently rated as one of the best places in the world to go skydiving. The Harvey family first introduced skydiving to the airfield back in 1961, when they hosted the Seattle Skydivers Club—one of the oldest skydiving clubs in the United States.
Building on this legacy, Dick and Kandace Harvey’s son, Tyson Harvey, established Skydive Snohomish as a professional drop zone in 1999. Through a commitment to safety and hospitality, the business has grown into an internationally renowned skydiving center.
Check out the Kla Ha Ya Days Summer Festival, a beloved Snohomish tradition filled with parades, carnival rides, live entertainment, and community fun! Find more details about this exciting summer event here.
Future of Harvey Airfield
Looking ahead, the future of Harvey Airfield is an active topic of discussion and planning. The Harvey family and airport management remain dedicated to keeping this small airport thriving for future generations.
As Kandace Harvey once noted, if the family has anything to do with it, Harvey Field will continue to feel like Harvey Field for decades to come.
Runway Improvement & Safety Enhancements
To ensure the airport remains safe and sustainable, Harvey Field has proposed several modernization efforts. One major project under discussion is a runway improvement plan designed to enhance safety and environmental adaptability.
In 2024, the owners proposed realigning and shortening the existing runway to approximately 2,400 feet. The adjustment would:
- Increase clearance from obstacles to improve pilot safety.
- Enhance visibility on approach for better landings.
- Shift runway operations further from the Snohomish River floodway, reducing environmental risks.
Community Concerns and Discussions
As with any major airport infrastructure project, the runway realignment proposal has sparked active discussions with local residents and farmers. Some concerns include:
- Potential flooding impacts due to the airport’s location near the Snohomish River.
- Changes to noise levels if the airport footprint shifts.
Airport ownership has worked closely with engineers and environmental consultants, urging the community to review scientific studies that indicate the realignment would not increase flood risks.
FAA Recognition and Future Funding
Harvey Field is also positioned to remain part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), meaning it is recognized by the FAA as an important general aviation airport.
This designation makes Harvey Field eligible for federal improvement grants, ensuring continued funding for infrastructure upgrades, safety enhancements, and maintenance projects.