Together with the Snowbirds, the Hawaii Martin Mars will be exhibited at the BC Aviation Museum
Set to go on display at the BC Aviation Museum (BCAM), the legendary red and white Hawaiian water bomber Martin Mars will make its final flight to North Saanich on Sunday, August 11.
The final landing of the four-engine aircraft is scheduled for between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., weather permitting, in Patricia Bay next to the Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Coast Guard base.
Described as the museum’s “crown jewel,” BCAM invites everyone to attend this unique event, during which the Martin Mars will be accompanied by all nine aircraft of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstration team.
“The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are proud to fly alongside this icon of Canadian air combat in the forest as it makes its final journey to Victoria,” said Maj. Brent Handy, Snowbird 1 team leader. “We are pleased that this piece of aviation history will be preserved and displayed to honour and inspire pilots past, present and future.”
According to BCAM, the Martin Mars was the largest firefighting bomber of its kind. It had a wingspan of 200 feet and could drop more than 6,000 gallons of water per mission during its time as a firefighting aircraft.
For more information on the best viewing spots during the event or live information on the flights, visit the museum’s Facebook page.
Participants can track the aircraft’s transit via Flightradar24 using the registration code CFLYL.
Life after death
A few days after its final flight, the Martin Mars will undergo a dewatering phase before being moved to the museum for outdoor exhibition.
The grand opening of the exhibition will take place on Saturday, September 28th. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the interior of the aircraft and sit in the pilot’s seat high above the ground.
BCAM would like to thank 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.
