The iconic red-and-white Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber, set to be displayed at the B.C. Aviation Museum (BCAM), will make its final flight to North Saanich on Sunday, Aug. 11.
The four-engine plane is scheduled to land for its last time in Patricia Bay, beside the Institute of Ocean Sciences and Coast Guard base, between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Set to become the museum’s “crown jewel,” the BCAM invites everyone to witness this “once-in-a-lifetime” event as the Martin Mars will be escorted by all nine planes of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstration team.
"The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are proud to fly alongside this icon of Canadian aerial forest fighting as it makes its final journey to Victoria,” said Maj. Brent Handy, Snowbird 1 team lead. “We are excited to see this piece of aviation history preserved and displayed to honour and inspire aviators past, present, and future."
According to the BCAM, the Martin Mars was the largest water bomber of its kind, with a wingspan of 200 feet and the capability to drop more than 25,000 litres of water per run during its firefighting days.
To know more about the best viewing spots during the event or for live flight information, visit the museum’s Facebook page.
Attendees can track the aircraft’s transit via Flightradar24 using its registration code: CFLYL.
Afterlife
A few days after its final flight, the Martin Mars will undergo a de-watering phase before being moved to the museum for outdoor display.
The grand opening of the exhibition will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore inside the aircraft and sit in the pilot’s chair, elevated high above the ground.
The BCAM extends its gratitude to the volunteers and stakeholders who made this event possible.
For more information about the event and the Hawaii Martin Mars, visit the museum’s website at bcam.net.
