We could hear the formerly familiar sound of the Martin Mars waterbomber overhead, but it will be for just one last time.
Wayne Coulson says Hawaii Mars has been sold to the BC Aviation Museum in Victoria, and mechanics will be working on the famous plane for it’s last flight which could happen in the Spring.
“We’ll be having a bunch of the past team members from Forest Industries Flying Tankers come back and help us get it airworthy,” he said. “We’re making some phone calls now and seeing who’s looking for a little extra work. We’ll probably get started working on it in the very near future; probably in the summer.”
Coulson says his company is donating the world’s largest flying boat to the museum in exchange for a tax receipt.
The Hawaii Mars hasn’t fought fires since 2015, and hasn’t flown since being mothballed eight years ago after a brief stint in the American airshow circuit.
Coulson is hoping to send the Phillipine Mars there as well, but negotiations are continuing.
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