Port Alberni’s Coulson Aviation is offering VIP experience packages to get up close and personal with their Martin Mars water bombers.
The aircraft, Hawaii and Philippine Mars are flying their last flights later in 2024.
The blue and white Philippine Mars was retired in 2012, while the red and white Hawaii Mars had its last fire season in B.C. in 2015, when it secured a 30-day contract with the province.
The Coulson crew is offering two unique options to be a part of this final journey.
The Water Taxi Experience VIP Package will take participants on a 40-minute taxi around Sproat Lake.
This experience will consist of a detailed walk around the airplane and participation in the daily inspection with the maintenance team.
Once signed off for the day, this will allow a small group to stay onboard the aircraft for a 40-minute taxi around Sproat Lake, at both low and high speeds.
The duration for this adventure is approximately half a day.
The Pilot Recurrency VIP Experience Package will get participants behind the controls including a journey around Sproat Lake.
For hardcore aviation enthusiasts who dream of getting behind the controls of a 100,000 pound, 10,000 horsepower behemoth, this experience will consist of a half day ground school session to learn about the systems and emergency procedures of the aircraft.
This will be followed by a detailed daily inspection, and a journey around Sproat Lake to end the day.
Participants on the experience will get the opportunity to test their skills at handling the Martin Mars on the water, at both low and high speeds, and while the aircraft will not go airborne, you’ll still experience the thrill of piloting the Mars.
The duration for this adventure is a full day.
Both VIP packages will include several photo opportunities and all participants will be provided with an authentic Martin Mars flight suit and other limited memorabilia.
On March 29, 2024, Coulson and the B.C.’s tourism ministry announced the donation of the Hawaii Mars to the B.C. Aviation Museum in Sidney.
The Philippine Mars will get a new home at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona later this year.
SEE ALSO:
- Jan. 17, 2024: Coulson Aviation selling Hawaii Mars waterbomber for $5,000,000 USD
- Mar. 28, 2024 : ‘It’s an honour’: Retired water bomber pilots will flay Mars on final mission to Victoria Museum
- Apr. 25, 2024: Coulson Aviation’s Philippine Mars Waterbomber to land permanently at Arizona museum
Harry Corro
