Martin Mars update! As I was coming back into town yesterday afternoon I caught a glimpse through the trees of #PhillipineMars on a test flight with, presumably, all four engines borrowed from #HawaiiMars now installed!

Even though the navy blue paint job makes it hard to see her, the silhouette is unmistakable. This is a picture from my Mom's bedroom window. Just a speck against the clouds, but proof that she was in the air!

My son was also excited because he finally got to see it in the air a little closer up this time when it flew over the house. He doesn't remember seeing it as a child so he's been dying to get a close view!

He knows the rumble sound though. Like all good #PortAlberni kids of the past 60 years have!

Perhaps another attempt to get to Arizona is coming soon. We'll keep our ears open!
#WWII #Airplanes #MartinMars #History #Aviation #pimaairmuseum #pimaairspace

speaking of the Martin Mars….

#PhillipineMars was towed on the water from Pat Bay near #YYJ to Cowichan Bay on Monday. Essentially the other side of the Malahat. The #4 engine will be replaced in Port Alberni, donated from sister #HawaiiMars.

The wildfires may have been another reason they tried so desperately to get down there in December. Coulson's chief US pilot was co-piloting Phillipine. No doubt he's in the USA now.

#PortAlberni #PacificPalisades #Fire #Wildfire #LosAngeles #LAFire

Excitement is building in town. #PhilippineMars didn't get into the air this weekend as hoped but the plan is still to get it to Arizona before Christmas weather permitting!

They are actually using 3 of the 4 original engines! They discovered a crack in one so they are using an engine from #HawaiiMars!

Official word is:

#1: They'll do a farewell flyby of #PortAlberni but not other Canadian locations, officially.

#2: fly to San Francisco, clear customs, and stay overnight.

#3: Fly to San Diego where it will do a day or two of flights and events.

#4: Fly to Arizona.
#WWII
https://www.albernivalleynews.com/local-news/philippine-mars-waterbomber-prepares-for-final-flight-7679202