Coulson Aviation announces Martin Mars experience programs

[Thomas_Mac]

Per the website
https://martinmars.com/

Coulson Aviation is offering two, unique options to get up close and personal with this iconic aircraft. The last flight for both of our gentle giants – the Hawaii and Philippine Mars – will be later in 2024 and the Coulson Crew has decided to offer a limited experience in aviation… the opportunity to be a part of this epic, final journey.

WATER TAXI
This experience will consist of a detailed walk around the airplane and participation in the daily inspection with the maintenance team.

Once signed off for the day, this experience will allow a small group to stay onboard the aircraft for a 40 minute taxi around Sproat Lake, at both low and high speeds.

There will be several opportunities for photos and all participants will be provided with an authentic Martin Mars flight suit and other limited memorabilia.

The duration for this adventure is approximately half a day.


PILOT RECURRENCY
This is for our hardcore aviation enthusiasts who dream of getting behind the controls of a 100,000 pound, 10,000 horsepower behemoth.

This experience will allow a select group of people to participate in a half day ground school session to learn about the systems and emergency procedures of the aircraft, followed by a detailed daily inspection, and end with a journey around Sproat Lake.

Participants will get the opportunity to test their skills at handling the Mars on the water, at both low and high speeds, and while the aircraft will not go airborne, you’ll still experience the thrill of piloting the Mars.

There will be several opportunities for photos and all participants will be provided with an authentic Martin Mars flight suit and other limited memorabilia.

The duration for this adventure is a full day.

[phil65]

Wow....

Phil

[wendovertom]

One wonders why they have not been doing this for years now. . . I mean if you did a short hop with 20 paying riders at $200 a piece that's $4K per "experience" and at $200 its a pretty inexpensive ride in such a cool plane. But then I am an airplane nut. . . .

Tom P.

[phil65]

I put my name on the calling list, but nobody has called me yet. I'm guessing it's $5,000 minimum.

Phil

[JohnB]

If you notice, even the deluxe program is just a water taxi.
So, just a guess...no passenger flights because of insurance and government regulatory issues.

Also, when you consider engine warm-up times, even a short flight would be expensive.

Do they have a "rides" program in Canada? I'm sure they do, but you don't hear about them.

[phil65]

Yes, it was the deluxe program I was referring to.
Maybe I can do my best impression of Howard Hughes and get that baby 10 ft off the water...

Phil

[Paul Stroud]

Do they have a "rides" program in Canada? I'm sure they do, but you don't hear about them.

I believe you can ride in the CWH Lancaster, so probably yes.

[rcaf_100]

Do they have a "rides" program in Canada? I'm sure they do, but you don't hear about them.

I believe you can ride in the CWH Lancaster, so probably yes.

Yes, there are exemptions from Transport Canada that allows rides in vintage aircraft without the operator having a Commercial Air Operator Certificate.
There are a few hoops to jump through, but they aren't too difficult to comply with. We at CHAA been doing rides under the exemption since 2017.
You can read some of the details of the exemptions here: https://www.warbirdscanada.ca/news
There are different exemptions for jets/turboprops, piston-powered Standard C of A aircraft (ie Harvards, Tiger Moths, DC-3's etc), and piston-powered Special C of A aircraft (ie Mustang, Lancaster, Yale, etc)

[phil65]

5 grand, if you want to taxi her around..

Phil

[phil65]

They said everything sold out within three days, but there is a waiting list. I decided not to sign up..

Phil