Mars updates?

[BK]

Coulson Aviation posted on Facebook a hour ago that the Philippine Mars is flying to the US today, weather permitting.

https://www.facebook.com/coulsonaviation
"Today marks the start of a historic journey for the Philippine Mars! Departing from its long-time home at Sproat Lake in Port Alberni around 9:30 am this morning, the iconic aircraft will take to the skies one last time if we have cooperative weather. Port Alberni residents can catch a final flyby at Harbour Quay - don’t miss this special moment!
Its flight path includes a stop in San Francisco and a journey along the coast to San Diego for special events and photo opportunities. From there, the Philippine Mars will head to its forever home at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Once it arrives, it will be carefully disassembled at its factory production joints and transported to the museum, where its legacy will live on for generations to come.
Stay tuned as we share updates on this momentous trip! ✈️ #coulsonaviation #philippinemartinmars"

[Hooligan2]

Bon voyage!

[JohnB]

Looking forward to seeing how they disassemble it at the "factory production joints".

Also, the Coulson news release didn't say where it was landing in Arizona.

[Hooligan2]

Gather it started out but quickly had to RTB with oil pressure fading on number 2... next week maybe.

[BK]

https://www.facebook.com/reel/913976480712562

The Philippine Mars is officially on its way ...again! ✈️ Scheduled to depart from Sproat Lake on Dec 15th at 10:00 AM PST, this iconic aircraft begins its final journey for a second time to its forever home in Arizona.
And a big thanks to SKYTRAC Systems Ltd. for providing a tracking link to support our fans in following the Philippine along its flight path. Catch the journey here: https://shorturl.at/AyesS
Username: Merry
Password: XMAS

[p51buff]

SKYTRAK link says account expired, anyone know if it got up?


TIA

[p51buff]

DP, sorry

[BK]

They made another attempt today but had to turn back after having to shut down engine #4. The plane landed safely in Patricia Bay, where the other Mars is located. I would not be surprised if another engine swap will be done. Video of it landing with #4 feathered. https://youtu.be/-aaJb0OwwQY?si=sX8iVe4shjj7y7aK

[APG85]

Does anyone know why the original deal with Pensacola fell through?

[JohnB]

My guess would be no good place to put it. Without a very large, very expensive hangar, it would be on the ramp and soon look like an eyesore.

Other than its size and rarity, it doesn't have a lot of operational history going for it.
So perhaps the Navy/museum didn't see much of an upside.

[Thomas_Mac]

Does anyone know why the original deal with Pensacola fell through?

The Canadian government blocked the trade (I thought it was ridiculous at the time) , an interesting read almost 10 years later seeing how this is now shaking out. I do think unless Pensacola was going to get the Mars inside that Tucson seems to be the better home for it.

In other news it seems the Philippine Mars is staying put until mid-January

[JohnB]

Sorry if this has been previously discussed...
Why would the Canadian government block a trade?
Military secrets? Secret technology?

I would guess perhaps some sort of Heritage concern considering its long and storied firefighting career, but then they wouldn't want it going to Pima either.

[APG85]

It will be interesting to see the dismantling process to get it trucked to Pima.

[lucky52]

If it was at Pensacola it would probably get destroyed during the next hurricane. Also, less corrosion at Pima.

[p51buff]

Can't find it but I read that she's going to spend a few weeks there, wait out the bad weather while they give her a more detailed inspection and not rush things.