Hwy 3 now cleared
Up to 70 mm of rain
Hwy 1 reopened after crash
'A little place in paradise'
NDP pushes permanent cut
Alberta releases no-go zones
Threats in lobster industry
Celebrating Assad's fall
Syrian government falls
Telus in court fighting order
Cuts won't cause recession
TikTok ban upheld
Olynyk returns to court
Rockets bounce back
Crusaders upend Warriors
Princess returns to public
Amber Heard is expecting
Body problems started at 10
While we won't see the Martin Mars fighting fires this summer, you could get a chance to fly the plane yourself – for only $32,000.
Pegged as a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, the Ultimate Aviation Experience is a two-day course that includes time in the cockpit of one of the only two Martin Mars aircraft left in the world
“The Martin Mars aircraft are truly amazing pieces of WW2 history as the largest aircraft ever built. These aircraft hold numerous world records during this era and before they are retired we are offering aviation enthusiasts a chance to fly this incredible piece of aviation history,” says Wayne Coulson, CEO and president of Coulson Flying Tankers.
Your experience includes orientation and systems overview, lunch each day and, of course, training for the pilot.
The unique experience may be of special interest to Okanagan aviation enthusiasts, as the historic aircraft means a lot to the people of the Okanagan.
The Martin Mars water bombers played a huge role in fighting the Okanagan Mountain Park forest fire in 2003.
The Martin Mars flying boats were built in the 1940s for the U.S. Navy and served during the Second World War as long-range patrol craft and transports.
It was the largest Allied flying boat to enter production, and only seven were ever built.
After the war, the surviving aircraft were converted for civilian use and were operated for decades by a consortium of B.C. forest companies as water bombers.
Now, only two remain – the Philippine Mars and Hawaiian Mars, purchased in 2007 by Coulson Flying Tankers, based out of Port Alberni.
