After eight years, the Hawaii Mars finally floated again on the water, but not only this, it performed taxi tests in preparation for the ferry flight from Sproat Lake to the B.C. Aviation Museum in North Saanich. As reported in this article back in March, the British Columbia Aviation Museum acquired the iconic Hawaii Mars from Coulson Aviation, and the behemoth’s final flight is expected before the end of 2024 and will be a multi-phased process that includes passing federal inspections, crew training, and test flights.
The team at Coulson Aviation has been working on getting the airplane ready for the ferry flight. After eight years on the dock all the systems, cabling, flight controls, and engines were put through a series of detailed inspections. Coulson Aviation published an exciting reel showing the Martin Mars performing high-speed taxi tests which show the Hawaii Mars in all its majesty. Click HERE.
A flight plan is expected to be widely publicized, allowing people along the route to see the plane fly one last time. The museum is raising funds to build a new hangar on land donated by the Victoria Airport Authority to house the Hawaii Mars and other B.C. firefighting aircraft. This new exhibit will be interactive, inviting visitors to explore the features of the aircraft up close.
The British ColumbiaAviation Museum celebrates the past, present, and future of BC aviation with one of the largest aviation collections in Canada. Visitors of all ages will be amazed by our interactive experiences. For more information and to support this effort, visit www.bcam.net
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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