THANK YOU!
The BC Aviation Museum sends out our warmest gratitude to everyone who was part of the Hawaii Mars Forever Home Flight on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
To the flight crews of the Mars, the Snowbirds, the Cyclone helicopter, the T-33 chase jet and the Grumman Goose float plane.
To the over 200 staff and volunteers who made everything happen at every level smoothly and safely.
And to the tens of thousands of people who shared in our joy of watching this once in a life time experience. Everyone will always have a memory of where they were when they saw the Mars arrive.
The feedback on the day and after has been incredibly heartwarming.
“Out of this world”
– every 1st spectator
“Tears of joy”
– every 2nd spectator
“This celebration of the iconic and widely loved Mars with the precision & artistry of the Snowbirds on a perfect summer evening is what BC has really needed since Covid”.
– BC Tourism Minister who was on the jetty
“We were blown away by how many people turned out at every community waving to us. And the Snowbird team made us look good. They were so close, never have we been that close to any other aircraft. The team’s participation was really special and the right way to honour the last Mars flight.”
– Mars pilots Pete and Rick
Chek TV said 10,000 people turned out at Pat Bay with another 10,000 at Mill Bay.
Based on the news we’re hearing, well over 200,000 people around the south Island witnessed the formation fly past.
For sure millions of BC’ers have watched it on the news, as it’s been the lead story everyday.
The BCAM website crashed Sunday too.
The live stream on Wednesday was at 165,000 views and growing at 2-5k an hour. The streaming company got great footage plus they had a camera downtown which collected some great formation moments.
Please visit and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube for lots of amazing images and video.
And please contribute to the Save the Mars fund so we can finally set up the aircraft perfectly for everyone to come enjoy it.
The De-Watering, Wednesday, August 14.
The Move to the Museum, midnight operation between August 19 to August 23 (closed to public & media due to being inside the airport).
The Closed Display, after the move right away.
The Grand Opening of the Open Display, ribbon cutting Saturday, September 28.
