9.4 hours non-stop in that rig must be quite the experience! So glad to see this plane is being saved for future generations. I can't imagine how cool it is to fly one of these!
I’m 74, when I was 8 I flue from Hawaii to Oakland on the Philippine Mars. I remember the ride like it was yesterday , ears popping all the way. What a ride.
My Dad flew aboard her as a USNR LTJG, OAK-HNL on his way to meet his ship for Korea,c. 1953. He never forgot it but said it was cold, and noisy! But he said it sure beat going by sea
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
Hey Kermit, in honor of you I got the Martin Mars on the flight simulator and flew from Alaska to Oshkosh - what you do to keep these pieces of history flying is beyond honorable and many of us who love aviation appreciate it!
Our family has owned a Cabin on sproat lake since I was young(1994). We spent a lot of summer days on that lake and experienced both the Hawaii and Philippine mars in action back in those days. I also had the extremely rare privilege of being invited onboard Hawaii mars while they were carrying out some maintenance moored on the lake and got a full tour of the aircraft. This aircraft recently was acquired by a museum in Victoria, BC(only a few hour drive from the Sproat lake base). It has begun months of preparations for its final flight down to Victoria(this flight to Oshkosh was likely one of its last flights as it hasn't flown since 2016). Its been a landmark on Sproat lake for so long its going to be sad to see it leave. But I am happy its staying local and will be preserved in a static state.
As a kid growing up on Vancouver Island I have had the privilege of see them up close and personal. I've canoed up to and under the wings of both Philippines and Hawaii while they were at their mooring floats. Watching them take off and land is quite a site when they fly almost directly overhead
I remember one time camping at Taylor Arm in Sprout Lake and one of the planes did a flyover. You could hear this enormous sound coming forever until it flew directly overhead, it seemed so low because it's so big. I think most people from the island have a special fondness for these planes!
@@stuartmcleod8490 Watched them drop on a fire near the Goldstream picnic area on Finlayson Arm around 1968. At 66 I can still say it was pretty awesome.
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
I am a professional cinematographer filming movies and occasionally some docs about history including WWII aircraft with expensive cameras and gear but YOU my friend are a helluva storyteller with the tools you have at hand! Bravo! Excellent work!
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
I flew in the Hawaii Mars in 1954 my father was stationed in Honolulu at the time being a naval dependent he summons my mother and myself to join him. what an adventure it was an 18 hour flight, We shoved off from Alameda Nava air Station to Honolulu. By 1956 this aircraft was stricken from the Naval register a victim of her time. Great video those four wright Cyclone engines sound familiar. Great video back to memory lane.
@@markschlehr6911 All Flyingboats Have Long Range The Fuel Capacity On some boats Gave A Range Of 2.000 Miles Or Moe. California To Hawaii Is A little Over 2.000 Miles
Although there were very few made, this must be one of the greatest aircraft ever made. 75+ years of operation and still airworthy and still beautiful.
Growing up in B.C. I had many opportunities over the decades to see the Philippine Mars and the Hawaii Mars in action. My first sighting left a huge impression: It was a typical cloudy day as we were driving along Sproat Lake when suddenly between the trees two great amphibious monsters loomed out of the gloom. The Boeing 747 hadn't entered service yet so these two aircraft were immense, especially by the standards of the late sixties. The Mars water bombers were perennial performers at the Abbotsford International air show and buzzed the city of Vancouver during Expo 86. It will be a shame when the last flight takes place.
May they live on forever, if only through flights like these that are now available for us all to enjoy. Thanks guys for keeping it airborne as long as you have.
In my Dad's USN flight logs, he tallied a 25 hour flight delivering the JRM-3 Hawaii Mars 76823 from the West coast to Hawaii. Watching this video moved me completely. Thank you!
I agree that it's going to be a sad day when that, and other's like it are retired and end an era of majestic beauty. I also was surprised by the size of it's interior. didn't think it was quite that big. Great video guys thank you so much for taking the time to do it and excellent camera's on board and external shots. thank you again for shairing.
I have met Kermit. He is a very unassuming man and a real enthusiast for keeping aircraft flying ....... Thank you for all you have done for historic aircraft Kermit
It really is a shame the era of the flying boat is over. There is nothing on this planet that captures the romanticism and spirit of adventure like these old birds. Whether its a Goose, a Mallard, a Catalina, or any of the many Martin built birds, they all have a little bit of magic in them.
Well he has mentioned amphibs, but of what he speaks is 100% accurate.....these should be reconfigured for Luxury Travel once again..80%of the earth your airodrome and way way better than dropping 200 million on a yacht that can do 26 kts if it's lucky!! I would much rather board one of these at 5 times the cost for a cruise and be there in one quarter of the time..what an adventure....Amazon River one day, Tabago the next..LaPaz the day after that..pappeete a day or so after that.....just imagine...in a 10 day period you could accomplish what takes 80 days on a ship.....and rigged correctly, you would never be out of touch with office or financial institution too..... I mean if Airbus can sell 380s and the first round of those is retiring soon...nwhy not build some.flying boats...just the infastructure savings would build 12 easy....and beating the prices at Signature fbos.....priceless..lol
Flying boat = A seaplane that lands on its hull in the water. Whether it has beaching gear or retracts, its doesn't change the fact that it's a flying boat. Notice how I didn't mention floatplanes. Floatplanes can be amphibious. Flying boats can too. Whether wheels come out or are attached for servicing on land or landing on a runway is kind of irrelevant. Float planes can do everything a flying boat can and go to all the same places, but they lack the charm, characteristics, and history that make flying boats special and unique.
Thanks so much Kermit for giving us a never-before seen video/audio experience. Since they are sold off and retired, this will likely be a never again experience.
So many good memories of these two planes. As kids we always stopped and watched in amazement as they rumbled over our heads, as well as watching them take off and land on Sproat Lake, watching them fight fires etc. They were the saviours of our forests for so many years. They deserve our respect. I hope they never leave Port Alberni. That is their true home
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
@@best_pilot1002I heard yesterday that only one engine is operational at the moment. Hopefully they fix the engines so they can park her indoors, or build a glass house around her where she sits at Sproat Lake. I have a deep love for these two machines. ❤️
Interesting that this survived 70 years out in the open, and with fabric surfaces to boot. By the way, this is my two-year-old grandson's number one pick to watch before he takes his afternoon nap. We've watched it about 50 times.
Was lucky enough and very grateful for the team to let me go inside the plane on the last day of oshkosh 16 Sunday (after the plane got haul damaged) divers where trying to weld a patch. Very nice people.
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
Kermit...thanks for allowing my Dad to tour your B-26 Marauder some years back. He was in town to be honored as the “Father of the JetRanger...and Mr Helicopter” at the helicopter convention. At 19-20 years old he flew (survived) 5O missions as pilot and co-pilot of Marauders in Sardinia, Corsica and Italy. He is 94 now and sharp as ever. Last surviving member of the Marauder chapter in here in NorthTexas.
Wow.. didn’t realize he has a B-26. The stepfather of one of my friends was a bombardier in one for the 17th Bomb Group. He did 66 missions with 46 as lead group bombardier. He flew in Sardinia, Corsica, and France. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his role in dam busting in Germany. He’s been at Udvar Hazy to see their B-26 “Flak Bait” as they are restoring it.
What a wonderful video! One of my most indelible memories was flying in this very plane as a small child in 1953, when the Navy transferred my father from Pearl Harbor to Mare Island in California. We took off from Keehi Lagoon in Honolulu and landed at Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco Bay, around 18 hrs later. I don't remember much about the landing (too sleepy, probably), but vividly recall boarding the "Hawaii Mars" and the takeoff in the lagoon. We had to walk up a small ramp to get to the door, and once inside, there was a steep set of stairs (well, maybe it just seemed steep to a little kid) to the lower deck. Our seats were toward the left rear of the plane. I distinctly remember being concerned that the floor we were standing on was below the water level outside the window. Thanks for bringing back the memory.
I was maybe 11 years old in the mid-fifties and living in Radford Terrace, just above Keehi Lagoon. While swimming there I would see a military Mars taking off using jet assist (JATO).
I've been to Fantasy of Flight's museum and enjoyed many hours walking around and respecting everything Kermit has done for all of us to enjoy. Your an outstanding aviator. Thanks for all you do.
Talk about a whole lot of "badassery", no cheesy music just one big beautiful flying machine and a group of dedicated and talented people taking care of her. Great video Kermit!
Outstanding to see the Mars flying! What a great trip. As a Canadian who lived in Alberta, I want the Mars community to know, and especially Coulson Flying Tankers to know that there is still a lot of bitterness and anger over the refusal of the federal government to employ the Mars tankers in fighting our fires and we hope that Coulson continues to have faith in citizenry when we finally elect a more reasonable government in Oct 2019.
Such amazing Aircrafts. I live in Nanaimo and I remember hearing them coming before you could even see it. I've had the privilege to see them in action putting out a Fire on Mt. Benson in the early 2000s. Sad to see them not being used anymore. I can speak for every Islander......we miss them !!!
I would have literally paid $5000 and volunteered to help the 2 weeks to get the plane ready just to be on that flight. It's a once in a lifetime experience and you're so lucky to be part of it.
FIVE???? LOL. Kermit is a LEGEND that has sunk TENS of MILLIONS of dollars into preserving and restoring old aircraft. (God bless Kermit !!!! He is one of my HEROes and I do not use that word lightly) I would bet anything that he graciously helped with the expenses of this trip (and then some) to make this happen and to help keep this ol'girl in the air. These ol'girls are very expensive to operate. Five grand would not even get the engines started, let alone get you in the cockpit for any flight, let alone cover 20+ hours of round trip flying time, fuel, maintenance, etc. .... Just like when someone is dating your sister.... a gentlemen will never tell... And Kermit is a gentlemen who will never tell. But, I bet 5 grand is not even 10% of the way there... Bless you, Kermit Weeks.
@@MrZrryan2 I didn't say I want the plane or to make a special flight just for me. I said I would have given $5000 and help the 2 weeks that it took them to prepare the plane just to go with them on that trip that they went on and you're talking about it like I want them to do a trip just for me. It wouldn't of made a lot of difference if I was on board with them on that trip or not, there was plenty of room left. I know very well how much fuel aircraft burn because I am a pilot myself, since 1996 when I joined the US Air Force flying mostly C-17's and a little over a year on the C-5. After US Air Force I started flying helicopters so I could be home daily with my family and now I mostly fly civilian tour helicopters and sometimes as a backup pilot for 2 news stations when their original pilot can't make it.
as crew, Roger, got it. no worries. Just wanted to make sure people appreciate the huge sacrifice Kermit makes to historical aviation (which is a LOT bigger than that). Cheers, and blue skies.
Buy the dam thing Kermit... I flew in a 4 engine seaplane the first time in 1958 when my mother was pregnant with me to Catalina, on the Avalon Air Transport Mother Goose Sikorsky VS-44A! From Long Beach to Catalina Island... Then again in late 1959 when I was a baby, the pilot was Dick Probert... So I can say I've been on one too! Aloha Kemit, keep them coming!
I'm still awe struck that such a massive beast can lurch into the sky and stay there with such small looking engines and props (purely on visual comparison). Fantastic video!
We welcome and appreciate the comments of our viewers. Voice your opinion freely and have fun, but please keep the comments civil. We won't allow name calling, bullying or foul language. Thanks for watching and making our channel possible. Kermit Weeks Hangar
David Smith - The guy in the middle was working the pitch of the props as Kermit was working the throttles. But it makes it easier to have two hands on the controls with a ship this big. 😁👍🏼
Anyone that goes to Oshkosh has gotta go to the seaplane, they are a gang that has an absolute blast. Those that fly seaplanes totally gets it. Seaplaning , the most fun you can have fully clothed ( optional)
Oh man, my older brother worked on these in 1990s when they were stationed on Sprout Lake, Vancouver Island. I got a short tour and they are MASSIVE aircraft.
Beautiful. I've seen his Shorts near the building at F.of F. with much scaffolding below a wing and realized the scale of its size. But, This aircraft is amazing. God and I love the flying boats. Im 70 yrs old.
Love all the hard work and passion you invest in restoring and sharing these beautiful aircraft Kermit! Keeping these historic and sometimes one of a kind planes alive for generations to see and admire!
I had the privilege of an in depth tour of the Philippine Mars in 1986 and was amazed at the size and what great shape she was in. The fact that the two surviving Mars have lasted as long as they have is a testament to the dedicated maintainers that have lovingly cared for these magnificent pieces of history for decades. They are truly magnificent aircraft. Cheers from Moose Jaw. Tim
OMG…. Every time I these fly, I am awestruck. Well done Mr. Weeks. Your passion in saving and restoring American Aviation (and other nations) History is a beautiful thing. Thank you again Sir
my Father in Law, Robert Turner, built the hulls and tails for the Mars which inspired him to (after the war) fly Piper Cubs on floats off the Ohio river
Believe this is the most exciting flight that I have never been in...with 200 years of flight experience of the crew,what could possibly go wrong.Great job guys
Just beautiful,,,, almost teared up when lifting off water ...... so much into flying that thing .. wow. I’m jealous I wasn’t on that flight ✈️ 😭amazing ship 👍🏻
Awesome machine. Thoroughly enjoyed the vedeo. A rough solid plane, veteran pilots and crew.... Early in the morning....rain... 9+ hrs in such a mighty machine. you guys are amazing. God bless
I was in Navy Boot camp in 1958 and saw these big boats operating off San Diego Bay. Seems like I remember they had JATO bottles for take off, made a hell of a racket. Great video but I wish they had been able to put the conversation during the flight on the audio. My greatest mistake was not getting my MESea rating that was offered for free in 1974. Had a conflict that could not be avoided. The APU looks like the one we had on the C82 I flew in Alaska. C46. Charlie Brown ATP SEL&Sea, MEL, B707,B737,DC3, DC8, DH125, CE500, CE560, G200.
I have a basic understanding of aerodynamics (from a lifetime building and flying model aircraft) but I still find it almost unbelievable that an aircraft of that size and weight can get up and out of the water. Truly STUNNING and beautiful machine.
I must admit, i paused at 14:49 and stared at that beautiful girl for a while. What a joy it must have been to be a passenger, let alone with stick and throttle in hand.
Kermit, thanks for the memories. Crewed on her many years ago before Coulson purchased them. They look so much better these days. Round engines (excluding oil stoves, sorry Stevo) make music. Do a lot of work with Coulson these days on their C-130. Hope to someday talk them into one last ride. Maybe some stick time.
Canadian federal government would rather see Canada burn. We'll vote in a more reasonable government in 2019. Until then, we'll have to hold our breath.
WOW!! What a lovely show from those aircraft. Great work in trying to capture the footage and the still shots, what details one can see. Thank you Elwyn for producing fantastic aircraft in display, keep up the great work
This was wonderful. I got a glimpse of the Flight Engineer's Panel. That's where I would want to be. Nice, state of the art digital glass front panel. Thought you all were grumpy until the end...Mr. Weeks, you and your team rule.
Robert Lovrien why does it need to be over though....rather that as a private luxo vessel than a Gin Palace or BBJ---(Try putting your BBJ down in avalon harbour or The Provencailes! !)
I am surprised about that, you can travel almost anywhere in the world in one of those, and they look so good. And money really are not an issue for some people.
As a two week old infant I was flown from Kwajalein to Midway to Hawaii to the US. The first hop was aboard an R4D (Navy version C-47) from Kwaj to Midway and one hop was aboard a Martin Mars. My folks were fond of telling me about the trip and though I've tried to find out which Mars boat I flew in the records for dependent travel are very obscure. As a young sailor decades later I flew 1700 miles in another R4D that was only four years younger than I was.
Be sure to check out the latest Hawaii Mars clip too on my flight training - with cockpit audio. th-cam.com/video/qL2I8HfxF2s/w-d-xo.html
im an fsx pilot i love that plane so what kind of plane is that Kermit Weeks Hangar
Too bad no cockpit audio on this run.
Wow...1500 miles to KOSH, give or take. That's a hike--good thing that aircraft has a bathroom onboard!
Record at 120fps on the gopro and the planes wont look so choppy and 100x better.
Tuyệt vời (i am frome to 🇻🇳 viet nam) good jop
9.4 hours non-stop in that rig must be quite the experience! So glad to see this plane is being saved for future generations. I can't imagine how cool it is to fly one of these!
I’m 74, when I was 8 I flue from Hawaii to Oakland on the Philippine Mars. I remember the ride like it was yesterday , ears popping all the way. What a ride.
My Dad flew aboard her as a USNR LTJG, OAK-HNL on his way to meet his ship for Korea,c. 1953. He never forgot it but said it was cold, and noisy! But he said it sure beat going by sea
Wow 😮
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
@johncunningham7672 the Philippine Mars final resting place is Pima air and space museum
@@the_freedom_ford This is WRONG ! The Mars does not come to Tucson.
It will go here: British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
Hey Kermit, in honor of you I got the Martin Mars on the flight simulator and flew from Alaska to Oshkosh - what you do to keep these pieces of history flying is beyond honorable and many of us who love aviation appreciate it!
I can’t believe how massive this plane is, and it’s in spectacular shape!
Same here. Now imagine the Spruce Goose flying next to it.
@@tihspidtherekciltilc5469 Imagine the Spruce Goose flying at all
@@booqueefious2230 Crazy thing is that it did, once.
The Mars had long useful lives and were true flying boats.The Spruce Goose was little more than a wooden prototype that only flew once very briefly.
Our family has owned a Cabin on sproat lake since I was young(1994). We spent a lot of summer days on that lake and experienced both the Hawaii and Philippine mars in action back in those days. I also had the extremely rare privilege of being invited onboard Hawaii mars while they were carrying out some maintenance moored on the lake and got a full tour of the aircraft.
This aircraft recently was acquired by a museum in Victoria, BC(only a few hour drive from the Sproat lake base). It has begun months of preparations for its final flight down to Victoria(this flight to Oshkosh was likely one of its last flights as it hasn't flown since 2016). Its been a landmark on Sproat lake for so long its going to be sad to see it leave. But I am happy its staying local and will be preserved in a static state.
As a kid growing up on Vancouver Island I have had the privilege of see them up close and personal. I've canoed up to and under the wings of both Philippines and Hawaii while they were at their mooring floats. Watching them take off and land is quite a site when they fly almost directly overhead
I remember one time camping at Taylor Arm in Sprout Lake and one of the planes did a flyover. You could hear this enormous sound coming forever until it flew directly overhead, it seemed so low because it's so big.
I think most people from the island have a special fondness for these planes!
I've had the privilege of working on the ground while the Mars was our support
@@stuartmcleod8490 Watched them drop on a fire near the Goldstream picnic area on Finlayson Arm around 1968. At 66 I can still say it was pretty awesome.
Приводняются.... 😃
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
Thanks to all of those who keep this flying piece of history airborne. Also thank you for sharing the footage and the experience!
I love how it floats but leaks water in the cabin when it flies through rain lol
Every boat either leaks from below or from above.
Man has built some incredible machines and this is one of them.
I am a professional cinematographer filming movies and occasionally some docs about history including WWII aircraft with expensive cameras and gear but YOU my friend are a helluva storyteller with the tools you have at hand! Bravo! Excellent work!
Thanks. We try to put out one a week.
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
I flew in the Hawaii Mars in 1954 my father was stationed in Honolulu at the time being a naval dependent he summons my mother and myself to join him. what an adventure it was an 18 hour flight, We shoved off from Alameda Nava air Station to Honolulu. By 1956 this aircraft was stricken from the Naval register a victim of her time. Great video those four wright Cyclone engines sound familiar. Great video back to memory lane.
18 hours! The fuel! How is this possible? Incredible
@@markschlehr6911 All Flyingboats Have Long Range The Fuel Capacity On some boats Gave A Range Of 2.000 Miles Or Moe. California To Hawaii Is A little Over 2.000 Miles
These days it’s a 4-5 hour flight commercial :o
Practically a general cargo ship capable of flight. Coolest flying boat ever.
The design process seems to have been...
"Build a ship that flies."
Alternate Title: I flew a 3 story apartement building to Oshkosh.
Juhuja LP
Or two [edit after viewing a picture with actual tractor trailers besides the ship] four flying tractor trailers...
Great flight thank you
With lake frontage lol
Although there were very few made, this must be one of the greatest aircraft ever made. 75+ years of operation and still airworthy and still beautiful.
Wow, simply wow. Please start training the next generation on how to fly and maintain this wonderful beast.
Growing up in B.C. I had many opportunities over the decades to see the Philippine Mars and the Hawaii Mars in action. My first sighting left a huge impression: It was a typical cloudy day as we were driving along Sproat Lake when suddenly between the trees two great amphibious monsters loomed out of the gloom. The Boeing 747 hadn't entered service yet so these two aircraft were immense, especially by the standards of the late sixties. The Mars water bombers were perennial performers at the Abbotsford International air show and buzzed the city of Vancouver during Expo 86. It will be a shame when the last flight takes place.
I'll never understand why so many dislikes... this is beautiful. I'd love to go for a ride.
That is a bunch of the coolest guys i ever have seen.
May they live on forever, if only through flights like these that are now available for us all to enjoy. Thanks guys for keeping it airborne as long as you have.
It takes a pretty decent mustache to qualify to fly one of these things!
In my Dad's USN flight logs, he tallied a 25 hour flight delivering the JRM-3 Hawaii Mars 76823 from the West coast to Hawaii. Watching this video moved me completely. Thank you!
I just love the cool professional expressions on these guys faces. And breaking out the hat when the rain drips into the cockpit!
This plane simply radiates "LARGE AND IN CHARGE" and built at a time when we dreamed BIG.
I agree that it's going to be a sad day when that, and other's like it are retired and end an era of majestic beauty. I also was surprised by the size of it's interior. didn't think it was quite that big. Great video guys thank you so much for taking the time to do it and excellent camera's on board and external shots. thank you again for shairing.
I have met Kermit. He is a very unassuming man and a real enthusiast for keeping aircraft flying ....... Thank you for all you have done for historic aircraft Kermit
It really is a shame the era of the flying boat is over. There is nothing on this planet that captures the romanticism and spirit of adventure like these old birds. Whether its a Goose, a Mallard, a Catalina, or any of the many Martin built birds, they all have a little bit of magic in them.
LOL all of the models he actually named are amphib's......
Well he has mentioned amphibs, but of what he speaks is 100% accurate.....these should be reconfigured for Luxury Travel once again..80%of the earth your airodrome and way way better than dropping 200 million on a yacht that can do 26 kts if it's lucky!!
I would much rather board one of these at 5 times the cost for a cruise and be there in one quarter of the time..what an adventure....Amazon River one day, Tabago the next..LaPaz the day after that..pappeete a day or so after that.....just imagine...in a 10 day period you could accomplish what takes 80 days on a ship.....and rigged correctly, you would never be out of touch with office or financial institution too.....
I mean if Airbus can sell 380s and the first round of those is retiring soon...nwhy not build some.flying boats...just the infastructure savings would build 12 easy....and beating the prices at Signature fbos.....priceless..lol
your right, it wasn't...but he didn't mention the Mariner by name...he mentioned the martin aircraft company as a manufacturer
Japanese navy buying new flying boats/amphibians. Called the US-2
Flying boat = A seaplane that lands on its hull in the water. Whether it has beaching gear or retracts, its doesn't change the fact that it's a flying boat. Notice how I didn't mention floatplanes. Floatplanes can be amphibious. Flying boats can too. Whether wheels come out or are attached for servicing on land or landing on a runway is kind of irrelevant. Float planes can do everything a flying boat can and go to all the same places, but they lack the charm, characteristics, and history that make flying boats special and unique.
Wish I were one of the old guys in the back seats ... NICE AIRCRAFT ! ... glad somebody has kept it flying . THANK YOU.
Thanks so much Kermit for giving us a never-before seen video/audio experience. Since they are sold off and retired, this will likely be a never again experience.
So many good memories of these two planes. As kids we always stopped and watched in amazement as they rumbled over our heads, as well as watching them take off and land on Sproat Lake, watching them fight fires etc. They were the saviours of our forests for so many years. They deserve our respect. I hope they never leave Port Alberni. That is their true home
I am from BC, and say one should remain at Port Alberni, in an indoor building. The other should go to the USA somewhere.
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
@@best_pilot1002I heard yesterday that only one engine is operational at the moment. Hopefully they fix the engines so they can park her indoors, or build a glass house around her where she sits at Sproat Lake. I have a deep love for these two machines. ❤️
Interesting that this survived 70 years out in the open, and with fabric surfaces to boot. By the way, this is my two-year-old grandson's number one pick to watch before he takes his afternoon nap. We've watched it about 50 times.
Was lucky enough and very grateful for the team to let me go inside the plane on the last day of oshkosh 16 Sunday (after the plane got haul damaged) divers where trying to weld a patch. Very nice people.
Might just be one of the coolest airplanes I have seen! Enjoyed the vid
One thing on my bucket list is just to go for a ride in one of these behemoths. Gotta love the sound of those radials.
Wonderful Plane and needs to stay maintained and Flying instead of some Museum where you cannot touch or Fly them.
when are you going to fly one of these steveo? :P
steveo1kinevo
steveo1kinevo q
These are the real "Fly-Boys".. Who kept the passion of Old-School Flying. Reminiscent of Pilots in the by gone era. Godspeed on your next Mission.
The PIC Mr Selkeld(?) is a total professional. Gives an aura of a man who knows exactly what he’s doing.
Those kinda guys can get you killed....
I thought I would never live long enough to ever see this plane in my life time. But to see it fly at Oshkosh was beyond belief. Way to go Kermit.
During 2024 the remaining Mars will conduct a series of test flights and finally by the end of 2024 it will fly to the British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.
Kermit...thanks for allowing my Dad to tour your B-26 Marauder some years back. He was in town to be honored as the “Father of the JetRanger...and Mr Helicopter” at the helicopter convention. At 19-20 years old he flew (survived) 5O missions as pilot and co-pilot of Marauders in Sardinia, Corsica and Italy. He is 94 now and sharp as ever. Last surviving member of the Marauder chapter in here in NorthTexas.
David Jose I salute your dad, even though I’m not from your county, I still salute because I have mad respects for these men.
Wow.. didn’t realize he has a B-26. The stepfather of one of my friends was a bombardier in one for the 17th Bomb Group. He did 66 missions with 46 as lead group bombardier. He flew in Sardinia, Corsica, and France. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his role in dam busting in Germany. He’s been at Udvar Hazy to see their B-26 “Flak Bait” as they are restoring it.
What a wonderful video!
One of my most indelible memories was flying in this very plane as a small child in 1953, when the Navy transferred my father from Pearl Harbor to Mare Island in California. We took off from Keehi Lagoon in Honolulu and landed at Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco Bay, around 18 hrs later.
I don't remember much about the landing (too sleepy, probably), but vividly recall boarding the "Hawaii Mars" and the takeoff in the lagoon. We had to walk up a small ramp to get to the door, and once inside, there was a steep set of stairs (well, maybe it just seemed steep to a little kid) to the lower deck. Our seats were toward the left rear of the plane. I distinctly remember being concerned that the floor we were standing on was below the water level outside the window.
Thanks for bringing back the memory.
One of the pilots was quipping that there are less pilots qualified on the Mars than on the Space Shuttle.
I was maybe 11 years old in the mid-fifties and living in Radford Terrace, just above Keehi Lagoon. While swimming there I would see a military Mars taking off using jet assist (JATO).
@@robertskipcurran8401 ur telling me that ur 75 rs old
ur a good typer for a 70 to 75 year old
@@sfertonoc interesting start, haha
I've been to Fantasy of Flight's museum and enjoyed many hours walking around and respecting everything Kermit has done for all of us to enjoy. Your an outstanding aviator. Thanks for all you do.
I just love em. As other comments point out, the flying boats are the supreme representation of adventure.
Talk about a whole lot of "badassery", no cheesy music just one big beautiful flying machine and a group of dedicated and talented people taking care of her. Great video Kermit!
Outstanding to see the Mars flying! What a great trip.
As a Canadian who lived in Alberta, I want the Mars community to know, and especially Coulson Flying Tankers to know that there is still a lot of bitterness and anger over the refusal of the federal government to employ the Mars tankers in fighting our fires and we hope that Coulson continues to have faith in citizenry when we finally elect a more reasonable government in Oct 2019.
Unfortunately you got idiots from the left woke party get rid of Justin
At nine hours you could see the fatigue in the pilot's body language. But you guys hung in there really well. Great job and clear sky's
Such amazing Aircrafts. I live in Nanaimo and I remember hearing them coming before you could even see it. I've had the privilege to see them in action putting out a Fire on Mt. Benson in the early 2000s. Sad to see them not being used anymore. I can speak for every Islander......we miss them !!!
I flew aboard Hawaii Mars in 1953. I was a year and a half. Flew from Pearl Harbor to Alameda ! Amazing to see it still flying so many years later !
I would have literally paid $5000 and volunteered to help the 2 weeks to get the plane ready just to be on that flight. It's a once in a lifetime experience and you're so lucky to be part of it.
FIVE???? LOL. Kermit is a LEGEND that has sunk TENS of MILLIONS of dollars into preserving and restoring old aircraft. (God bless Kermit !!!! He is one of my HEROes and I do not use that word lightly) I would bet anything that he graciously helped with the expenses of this trip (and then some) to make this happen and to help keep this ol'girl in the air. These ol'girls are very expensive to operate. Five grand would not even get the engines started, let alone get you in the cockpit for any flight, let alone cover 20+ hours of round trip flying time, fuel, maintenance, etc. .... Just like when someone is dating your sister.... a gentlemen will never tell... And Kermit is a gentlemen who will never tell. But, I bet 5 grand is not even 10% of the way there... Bless you, Kermit Weeks.
@@MrZrryan2
I didn't say I want the plane or to make a special flight just for me. I said I would have given $5000 and help the 2 weeks that it took them to prepare the plane just to go with them on that trip that they went on and you're talking about it like I want them to do a trip just for me. It wouldn't of made a lot of difference if I was on board with them on that trip or not, there was plenty of room left. I know very well how much fuel aircraft burn because I am a pilot myself, since 1996 when I joined the US Air Force flying mostly C-17's and a little over a year on the C-5. After US Air Force I started flying helicopters so I could be home daily with my family and now I mostly fly civilian tour helicopters and sometimes as a backup pilot for 2 news stations when their original pilot can't make it.
as crew, Roger, got it. no worries. Just wanted to make sure people appreciate the huge sacrifice Kermit makes to historical aviation (which is a LOT bigger than that). Cheers, and blue skies.
5k LOL.. On there website they have it at $25,000 to fly in it LOL who do you think you are
@@ryandoe11 Chill out. Get off your high horse.
I toured the inside of this airplane a few years back. The video does no justice to the size of this aircraft. It is gigantic!
Buy the dam thing Kermit... I flew in a 4 engine seaplane the first time in 1958 when my mother was pregnant with me to Catalina, on the Avalon Air Transport Mother Goose Sikorsky VS-44A! From Long Beach to Catalina Island... Then again in late 1959 when I was a baby, the pilot was Dick Probert... So I can say I've been on one too! Aloha Kemit, keep them coming!
See “The Giants-Flying Boats” for more history of this incredible machine. Thanks Mr Weeks and crew, for a great video.
It’s true, if you don’t have white hair and a moustache, you’re not able to fly a four engine flying boat! What a wonderful journey. Thank you
I guess years of experience and nerves of steel help also
Hi Olga, how are you?
😊☺
Bunch of ole farts having the time of their lives. “Give us a thrill Wil”
@@wickerbill7793 why you so mad man,I had some mean parents ,but I Got a Good God
@@chrisharmon UI
One of the most beautiful planes I've ever seen!!
Yes, Yes, and Yes!
I'm still awe struck that such a massive beast can lurch into the sky and stay there with such small looking engines and props (purely on visual comparison). Fantastic video!
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Kermit Weeks Hangar
Kermit Weeks Hangar it's be awesome to fly a constelation super G
Why two people on throttles on take off? Or were they both on throttles? Thanks!
You are an extremely kind, gentle and noble man Kermit. As always, thank you for sharing with us.
David Smith - The guy in the middle was working the pitch of the props as Kermit was working the throttles. But it makes it easier to have two hands on the controls with a ship this big. 😁👍🏼
Kermit Weeks Hangar fantastic video and channel! Subscribed!
THANKS FOR LETTING US SEE MARS FLY AGAIN.😊
It's amazing seeing how thick and heavy the reinforcements are inside, like it's a floating ship that doesn't care about weight, but it also flies...
Yeah, i thought it looked like a lot of empty rooms. I don't understand why they need so many bulkheads.
Anyone that goes to Oshkosh has gotta go to the seaplane, they are a gang that has an absolute blast. Those that fly seaplanes totally gets it. Seaplaning , the most fun you can have fully clothed ( optional)
Oh man, my older brother worked on these in 1990s when they were stationed on Sprout Lake, Vancouver Island. I got a short tour and they are MASSIVE aircraft.
Very enjoyable!
TAOFLEDERMAUS
Interesting to see you here.
I see your comments on half the videos I watch lol you guys have good taste
Beautiful. I've seen his Shorts near the building at F.of F. with much scaffolding below a wing and realized the scale of its size. But, This aircraft is amazing. God and I love the flying boats. Im 70 yrs old.
One of the greatest wonders of the aviation world. Thank you for the video.
Love the vid, no annoying music.
Love all the hard work and passion you invest in restoring and sharing these beautiful aircraft Kermit! Keeping these historic and sometimes one of a kind planes alive for generations to see and admire!
The big moustaches are the key🤣🤣BTW stunning plane
I had the privilege of an in depth tour of the Philippine Mars in 1986 and was amazed at the size and what great shape she was in. The fact that the two surviving Mars have lasted as long as they have is a testament to the dedicated maintainers that have lovingly cared for these magnificent pieces of history for decades. They are truly magnificent aircraft. Cheers from Moose Jaw.
Tim
Beautiful piece of aviation history!
This would be the best aviation footage I've seen.
That was BAD ASS! I love it. Had to watch this twice!
A Grand Lady! Thanks Kermit.
Too many questions/comments for this space.
Nice long run for the old girl.
awesome video well done gentlemen
OMG…. Every time I these fly, I am awestruck. Well done Mr. Weeks. Your passion in saving and restoring American Aviation (and other nations) History is a beautiful thing. Thank you again Sir
my Father in Law, Robert Turner, built the hulls and tails for the Mars which inspired him to (after the war) fly Piper Cubs on floats off the Ohio river
Talespin was my favorite cartoon as a kid, this totally reminds me of it. What an amazing aircraft!
Big respect to those who fund and maintain that working piece of history.
Believe this is the most exciting flight that I have never been in...with 200 years of flight experience of the crew,what could possibly go wrong.Great job guys
Wow! That interior walkthrough shows that it really is more boat than plane!
one of my favorite planes! what a joy to watch this well documented 9 hour trek.
Just beautiful,,,, almost teared up when lifting off water ...... so much into flying that thing .. wow. I’m jealous I wasn’t on that flight ✈️ 😭amazing ship 👍🏻
What a BEAUTIFUL airplane!!! One of my favorites. Imagine how great it would have been to fly the pacific in one of these “back in the day”!!!!!
I was on Lake Winnebago when this landed and immediately drawn to it. I found this on total accident and glad I did. Thanks and safe travels
Awesome machine. Thoroughly enjoyed the vedeo. A rough solid plane, veteran pilots and crew.... Early in the morning....rain... 9+ hrs in such a mighty machine. you guys are amazing. God bless
Great video. Remarkable aircraft.
Make a trip report on it haha :)
I was in Navy Boot camp in 1958 and saw these big boats operating off San Diego Bay. Seems like I remember they had JATO bottles for take off, made a hell of a racket. Great video but I wish they had been able to put the conversation during the flight on the audio.
My greatest mistake was not getting my MESea rating that was offered for free in 1974. Had a conflict that could not be avoided. The APU looks like the one we had on the C82 I flew in Alaska. C46.
Charlie Brown ATP SEL&Sea, MEL, B707,B737,DC3, DC8, DH125, CE500, CE560, G200.
I forgot L382 Herc.
We'll be posting Kermit's check ride for the Mars in the next week of so that has full audio for the flight.
The landing looken like a Flying Whale Touching down graciously. This old girl is sure as hell One beautiful machine.
I have a basic understanding of aerodynamics (from a lifetime building and flying model aircraft) but I still find it almost unbelievable that an aircraft of that size and weight can get up and out of the water. Truly STUNNING and beautiful machine.
Watching this a week after the Hawaii Mars was retired to a museum. The send off was amazing with an escort from the RCAF Snowbirds.
I must admit, i paused at 14:49 and stared at that beautiful girl for a while.
What a joy it must have been to be a passenger, let alone with stick and throttle in hand.
Beautiful Aircraft and the sound of those engines is amazing. Thank You for posting your flight.
Kermit, thanks for the memories. Crewed on her many years ago before Coulson purchased them. They look so much better these days. Round engines (excluding oil stoves, sorry Stevo) make music. Do a lot of work with Coulson these days on their C-130. Hope to someday talk them into one last ride. Maybe some stick time.
Brent Galye
Hawaii Mars should go to BCAM in Sidney. It has a long history of fighting fires in BC. Part of B.C. aviation history.
Canadian federal government would rather see Canada burn. We'll vote in a more reasonable government in 2019. Until then, we'll have to hold our breath.
Andy Taylor hahaha...best comment of the day Andy. .lol
the only problem there is Brent with the Lancaster coming and the Viki now outside.....there ain't no room for it. ..lmao!!
Andy Taylor were holding our breath bc is under a state of emergency this place is burning down they cant keep up
WOW!! What a lovely show from those aircraft. Great work in trying to capture the footage and the still shots, what details one can see. Thank you Elwyn for producing fantastic aircraft in display, keep up the great work
Totally magnificent A/C! I noticed the large oil slicks under the engines when they stopped in Oshkosh. LOL
Only issue....not enough cameras! Awesome video. Thanks!
Lovely to see the old girl flying, I’ve fought fires she’s worked on since the 70’s
A flying ship that was. Beautiful, stunning, amazing.
Ive been fascinated with these few planes for a few decades now. They are totally fascinating machines.
Wow. Very impressive, and exhausting I’m sure. Too cool guys, great job.
That is one big-ass flying boat!! what a treat to see her flying!! Thanks so much for sharing this :-)
This was wonderful. I got a glimpse of the Flight Engineer's Panel. That's where I would want to be. Nice, state of the art digital glass front panel. Thought you all were grumpy until the end...Mr. Weeks, you and your team rule.
What an awesome plane! As someone else said. To bad the era of the flying boats is over. Very romantic.
Robert Lovrien why does it need to be over though....rather that as a private luxo vessel than a Gin Palace or BBJ---(Try putting your BBJ down in avalon harbour or The Provencailes! !)
I am surprised about that, you can travel almost anywhere in the world in one of those, and they look so good. And money really are not an issue for some people.
Good day! Sir , thank you so much for the nice view and nice plane you drive. . I'm from the phillipines.. Your my idol.. 👌👌👌👌
So nice of you. Thanks!
As a two week old infant I was flown from Kwajalein to Midway to Hawaii to the US. The first hop was aboard an R4D (Navy version C-47) from Kwaj to Midway and one hop was aboard a Martin Mars. My folks were fond of telling me about the trip and though I've tried to find out which Mars boat I flew in the records for dependent travel are very obscure. As a young sailor decades later I flew 1700 miles in another R4D that was only four years younger than I was.