Today the time has come and the flight schedule has been published.
Tonight, a milestone in aviation history takes place when the legendary Hawaiian water bomber Martin Mars makes its final journey to its new home at the BC Aviation Museum.
Accompanied by the famous Canadian Forces Snowbirds, this event promises to be a unique spectacle.
The flight plan has been released and includes a flyover of downtown Victoria!
On Sunday, August 11, the Martin Mars water bomber, an icon of Canadian aviation art, will make its way to Patricia Bay (Pat Bay) adjacent to Victoria International Airport to join the museum’s growing collection. BC Wildfire Aviation Exhibition.
Known for its impressive 200-foot wingspan and its significant role in firefighting, the Mars is now celebrated as a pivotal piece of aviation history.
The plane is expected to land in Pat Bay around 7pm, weather permitting – an event you don’t want to miss!
The Martin Mars is accompanied by all nine aircraft of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and offers a breathtaking aerial display.
Here’s what you’ve all been waiting for:
These times are approximate and may vary by 30 minutes.
Departure time not announced
3:20 p.m. Port Alberni – Harbor Key
3:40 p.m. Comox
4:00 p.m. Campbell River
16:10 Cape Mudge
4:30 p.m. Powell River
16:50 Comox
5:00 p.m. Comox Show
17:10 hrs southbound
17:40 Nanaimo meets with T-33 for air-to-air firing
17:50 Gulf Islands
18:10 Crofton RV Snowbirds join
18:15, first flight over Pat Bay and Victoria Airport, then east coast of the Saanich Peninsula
18:30 Downtown Victoria, back along the east coast to Victoria Airport
18:50 Low level flight over runway 32 from Victoria at the BC Aviation Museum, right turn over satellite channel, landing off runway 27
7pm Pat Bay landing, then Snowbirds Starburst
Anyone who wants to follow the flight can get real-time updates on Flightradar24 using the registration code CFLYL. The BC Aviation Museum also provides a live stream on its Facebook page.
Coulson Aviation, which played a key role in preparing Mars for its final flight, was proud that the aircraft’s journey had finally come to an end.
For five decades, the Martin-Mars Program played a critical role in fighting wildfires in Canada.
As one of only two remaining Mars aircraft, Hawaii Mars will be a major attraction at the BC Aviation Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
During its operational lifetime, the Mars was able to drop more than 25,000 liters of water per mission, making it the largest water bomber in the world.
