“The Mars once saved BC, it is now time for BC to save the Mars.”
The BC Aviation Museum is kindly asking for donations to help fund its Hawaii Mars water bomber rescue project.
Costs relate to setting up the Mars as a wonderful permanent display for the public to enjoy exploring up close and personal.
Watch the short film of how the origin of our Save the Mars project.
This iconic aircraft is both an engineering marvel and truly a beautiful work of art.
The Hawaii Mars has been widely beloved during its eight decades of service, first in the US Navy as a troop transport from in both WW2 and the Korean War, and afterwards for the majority of this time as the world’s largest ever water bomber, operating on the west coast from Sproat Lake, Port Alberni on Vancouver Island in BC, Canada.
When you heard the Hawaii Mars coming, you felt safe.
The sentimental attachment runs deeper than just being a flying boat as it is more akin to a long-serving, trustworthy sailing ship of old.
The BC Aviation Museum at the Victoria International Airport has received the Hawaii Mars as a donation from owner Coulson Aviation.
But we need your help to donate now because all parts of the rescue project have real expenses beyond volunteer time.
Whether you are a Mars fan, a former Mars staffer, a Port Alberni resident, an aviation buff, an aerospace worker, a BC forest service employee or just someone who wishes to preserve one of the most iconic aircraft not only in Canada, but the world, everyone’s donation goes along way.
We warmly thank you in advance for your support towards this important and time sensitive project.