MARTIN “HAWAII” MARS - Flight to Oshkosh

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  • Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
  • * NEW!!! Check out the HAWAII MARS TRAINING FLIGHT w/ COCKPIT AUDIO . . . • MARTIN “HAWAII” MARS -...
    Had the awesome opportunity to fly the Martin "Hawaii" Mars to AirVenture in 2016. In preparation for the flight, I spent two weeks at Sproat Lake in Vancouver Island with the great Coulson Flying Tankers team, getting familiar with the giant flying boat. Here's a film overview of the flight from Vancouver to the EAA Seaplane Base on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin. Hope you enjoy it.
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    Kermit Weeks Hangar

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,5 тис.

  • @KermitWeeks444
    @KermitWeeks444  5 років тому +221

    Be sure to check out the latest Hawaii Mars clip too on my flight training - with cockpit audio. ua-cam.com/video/qL2I8HfxF2s/v-deo.html

    • @foxzonenredstudio7501
      @foxzonenredstudio7501 5 років тому

      im an fsx pilot i love that plane so what kind of plane is that Kermit Weeks Hangar

    • @TheDirtyyoungman1
      @TheDirtyyoungman1 5 років тому

      Too bad no cockpit audio on this run.

    • @bluehornet6752
      @bluehornet6752 5 років тому +2

      Wow...1500 miles to KOSH, give or take. That's a hike--good thing that aircraft has a bathroom onboard!

    • @saucejohnson9862
      @saucejohnson9862 5 років тому

      Record at 120fps on the gopro and the planes wont look so choppy and 100x better.

    • @vlog5366
      @vlog5366 5 років тому +1

      Tuyệt vời (i am frome to 🇻🇳 viet nam) good jop

  • @johncunningham7672
    @johncunningham7672 2 роки тому +214

    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.

    • @johnparrott4689
      @johnparrott4689 Рік тому +13

      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

    • @ianmangham4570
      @ianmangham4570 Рік тому +3

      Wow 😮

    • @best_pilot1002
      @best_pilot1002 5 місяців тому +7

      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.

    • @the_freedom_ford1666
      @the_freedom_ford1666 5 місяців тому +2

      @johncunningham7672 the Philippine Mars final resting place is Pima air and space museum

    • @best_pilot1002
      @best_pilot1002 5 місяців тому +1

      @@the_freedom_ford1666 This is WRONG ! The Mars does not come to Tucson.
      It will go here: British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) in North Saanich.

  • @Studio23Media
    @Studio23Media 5 місяців тому +68

    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!

  • @jtkent28
    @jtkent28 6 років тому +122

    I love how it floats but leaks water in the cabin when it flies through rain lol

    • @MrBorisio
      @MrBorisio 2 місяці тому +1

      Every boat either leaks from below or from above.

  • @WoodsPrecisionArms
    @WoodsPrecisionArms 6 місяців тому +28

    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!

  • @ZicajosProductions
    @ZicajosProductions 4 роки тому +155

    I can’t believe how massive this plane is, and it’s in spectacular shape!

    • @tihspidtherekciltilc5469
      @tihspidtherekciltilc5469 3 роки тому +4

      Same here. Now imagine the Spruce Goose flying next to it.

    • @booqueefious2230
      @booqueefious2230 3 роки тому +9

      @@tihspidtherekciltilc5469 Imagine the Spruce Goose flying at all

    • @booperdooper8197
      @booperdooper8197 Рік тому +3

      @@booqueefious2230 Crazy thing is that it did, once.

    • @Dbodell8000
      @Dbodell8000 5 місяців тому +2

      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.

  • @legohead6
    @legohead6 5 місяців тому +16

    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.

  • @douglashoward346
    @douglashoward346 5 років тому +113

    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

    • @stuartmcleod8490
      @stuartmcleod8490 3 роки тому +14

      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!

    • @merritttrucker
      @merritttrucker 3 роки тому +7

      I've had the privilege of working on the ground while the Mars was our support

    • @001marsa
      @001marsa 3 роки тому +2

      @@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.

    • @hohLo-Svin
      @hohLo-Svin Рік тому

      Приводняются.... 😃

    • @best_pilot1002
      @best_pilot1002 5 місяців тому +5

      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.

  • @Juhujalp
    @Juhujalp 6 років тому +931

    Alternate Title: I flew a 3 story apartement building to Oshkosh.

    • @desert_jin6281
      @desert_jin6281 6 років тому +6

      Juhuja LP
      Or two [edit after viewing a picture with actual tractor trailers besides the ship] four flying tractor trailers...

    • @lindsayjefferies835
      @lindsayjefferies835 5 років тому +4

      Great flight thank you

    • @garynew9637
      @garynew9637 4 роки тому +3

      With lake frontage lol

  • @PRH123
    @PRH123 4 місяці тому +10

    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.

  • @803mastiff9
    @803mastiff9 2 роки тому +40

    This plane simply radiates "LARGE AND IN CHARGE" and built at a time when we dreamed BIG.

  • @lordeisengath9231
    @lordeisengath9231 3 роки тому +47

    Practically a general cargo ship capable of flight. Coolest flying boat ever.

    • @FinalLugiaGuardian
      @FinalLugiaGuardian Рік тому

      The design process seems to have been...
      "Build a ship that flies."

  • @servicarrider
    @servicarrider 3 роки тому +37

    Man has built some incredible machines and this is one of them.

  • @HJBounell
    @HJBounell 6 років тому +399

    It takes a pretty decent mustache to qualify to fly one of these things!

  • @JimRossCinematographer
    @JimRossCinematographer 3 роки тому +27

    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!

    • @KermitWeeks444
      @KermitWeeks444  3 роки тому +2

      Thanks. We try to put out one a week.

    • @best_pilot1002
      @best_pilot1002 5 місяців тому +2

      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.

  • @TXLorenzo
    @TXLorenzo 3 роки тому +10

    Wow, simply wow. Please start training the next generation on how to fly and maintain this wonderful beast.

  • @steveo1kinevo
    @steveo1kinevo 6 років тому +825

    Might just be one of the coolest airplanes I have seen! Enjoyed the vid

    • @everyone5724
      @everyone5724 6 років тому +8

      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.

    • @masskilla469
      @masskilla469 6 років тому +8

      Wonderful Plane and needs to stay maintained and Flying instead of some Museum where you cannot touch or Fly them.

    • @xiiixiiixiii
      @xiiixiiixiii 6 років тому +1

      when are you going to fly one of these steveo? :P

    • @liayutrishia5968
      @liayutrishia5968 6 років тому

      steveo1kinevo

    • @afzalirvan1201
      @afzalirvan1201 5 років тому

      steveo1kinevo q

  • @frankiedaymodels8529
    @frankiedaymodels8529 6 років тому +45

    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
      @markschlehr6911 3 роки тому

      18 hours! The fuel! How is this possible? Incredible

    • @frankiedaymodels8529
      @frankiedaymodels8529 3 роки тому +3

      @@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

    • @sweetwater2128
      @sweetwater2128 2 роки тому

      These days it’s a 4-5 hour flight commercial :o

  • @TheOnlooker65
    @TheOnlooker65 4 роки тому +334

    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

    • @chrisharmon
      @chrisharmon 4 роки тому +7

      I guess years of experience and nerves of steel help also

    • @الفتىالمتفائل-ث6ب
      @الفتىالمتفائل-ث6ب 4 роки тому +1

      Hi Olga, how are you?
      😊☺

    • @wickerbill7793
      @wickerbill7793 3 роки тому +2

      Bunch of ole farts having the time of their lives. “Give us a thrill Wil”

    • @dantelane2020
      @dantelane2020 3 роки тому +4

      @@wickerbill7793 why you so mad man,I had some mean parents ,but I Got a Good God

    • @pipidenny40
      @pipidenny40 3 роки тому

      @@chrisharmon UI

  • @stefanmargraf7878
    @stefanmargraf7878 4 роки тому +51

    That is a bunch of the coolest guys i ever have seen.

  • @thedolt9215
    @thedolt9215 Місяць тому +2

    Beautiful piece of aviation history!

  • @sultros
    @sultros 6 років тому +421

    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.

    • @unhippy1
      @unhippy1 6 років тому +10

      LOL all of the models he actually named are amphib's......

    • @richardloveday1092
      @richardloveday1092 6 років тому +24

      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

    • @unhippy1
      @unhippy1 6 років тому +8

      your right, it wasn't...but he didn't mention the Mariner by name...he mentioned the martin aircraft company as a manufacturer

    • @c3aloha
      @c3aloha 6 років тому +8

      Japanese navy buying new flying boats/amphibians. Called the US-2

    • @sultros
      @sultros 6 років тому +18

      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.

  • @gxlbiscuit
    @gxlbiscuit 6 років тому +33

    Thanks to all of those who keep this flying piece of history airborne. Also thank you for sharing the footage and the experience!

  • @offshoretinker
    @offshoretinker 6 років тому +9

    I just love the cool professional expressions on these guys faces. And breaking out the hat when the rain drips into the cockpit!

  • @johnandrews3568
    @johnandrews3568 Місяць тому +1

    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.

  • @derekheuring4646
    @derekheuring4646 6 років тому +29

    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.

  • @zetecrv10
    @zetecrv10 5 років тому +8

    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

  • @robertlafnear4865
    @robertlafnear4865 6 років тому +8

    Wish I were one of the old guys in the back seats ... NICE AIRCRAFT ! ... glad somebody has kept it flying . THANK YOU.

  • @2ndbar
    @2ndbar 2 роки тому +29

    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.

  • @billfarmer7984
    @billfarmer7984 2 місяці тому +2

    I had the great fortune to watch this beauty fly at Oshkosh with my father in law. It even put out a few fires while there.

  • @taofledermaus
    @taofledermaus 5 років тому +130

    Very enjoyable!

    • @Zeckmon3
      @Zeckmon3 5 років тому +10

      TAOFLEDERMAUS
      Interesting to see you here.

    • @beaglemanzzz
      @beaglemanzzz 3 роки тому +5

      I see your comments on half the videos I watch lol you guys have good taste

  • @frederickwritt4615
    @frederickwritt4615 6 років тому +4

    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!

  • @ilovebohol
    @ilovebohol 6 років тому +5

    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.

  • @davidtucker3729
    @davidtucker3729 3 роки тому +8

    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.

  • @afinelookinggentleman2631
    @afinelookinggentleman2631 4 роки тому +6

    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

    • @davidmarshall718
      @davidmarshall718 3 роки тому +2

      I am from BC, and say one should remain at Port Alberni, in an indoor building. The other should go to the USA somewhere.

    • @best_pilot1002
      @best_pilot1002 5 місяців тому +1

      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.

    • @afinelookinggentleman2631
      @afinelookinggentleman2631 5 місяців тому +1

      @@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. ❤️

  • @davidmicheletti6292
    @davidmicheletti6292 5 років тому +12

    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.

    • @best_pilot1002
      @best_pilot1002 5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @AviationNut
    @AviationNut 6 років тому +52

    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.

    • @MrZrryan2
      @MrZrryan2 6 років тому +5

      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.

    • @AviationNut
      @AviationNut 6 років тому +15

      @@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.

    • @MrZrryan2
      @MrZrryan2 6 років тому +4

      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.

    • @ryandoe11
      @ryandoe11 5 років тому

      5k LOL.. On there website they have it at $25,000 to fly in it LOL who do you think you are

    • @米空軍パイロット
      @米空軍パイロット 5 років тому +7

      @@ryandoe11 Chill out. Get off your high horse.

  • @robdavis1176
    @robdavis1176 5 років тому +5

    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

  • @krautyvonlederhosen
    @krautyvonlederhosen Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @roadking99jokerst60
    @roadking99jokerst60 2 місяці тому +1

    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.

  • @1OlBull
    @1OlBull 6 років тому +8

    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!

  • @totallyjonesin
    @totallyjonesin 5 років тому +85

    Love the vid, no annoying music.

  • @ellisc.foleyjr9778
    @ellisc.foleyjr9778 3 роки тому +15

    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.

  • @pakkelly
    @pakkelly 3 місяці тому +2

    One of the greatest wonders of the aviation world. Thank you for the video.

  • @drguffey
    @drguffey 4 місяці тому +1

    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 !

  • @dangoodell2
    @dangoodell2 6 років тому +68

    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.

    • @sfertonoc
      @sfertonoc 5 років тому +4

      One of the pilots was quipping that there are less pilots qualified on the Mars than on the Space Shuttle.

    • @robertskipcurran8401
      @robertskipcurran8401 5 років тому +1

      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).

    • @marcusgraham812
      @marcusgraham812 4 роки тому

      @@robertskipcurran8401 ur telling me that ur 75 rs old

    • @marcusgraham812
      @marcusgraham812 4 роки тому

      ur a good typer for a 70 to 75 year old

    • @garynew9637
      @garynew9637 4 роки тому

      @@sfertonoc interesting start, haha

  • @davidjose2193
    @davidjose2193 6 років тому +7

    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.

    • @ahahm3
      @ahahm3 5 років тому +2

      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.

    • @reganmahoney8264
      @reganmahoney8264 5 років тому

      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.

  • @donaldparlettjr3295
    @donaldparlettjr3295 6 років тому +55

    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)

  • @TomokosEnterprize
    @TomokosEnterprize 2 місяці тому +1

    I have canoued out to see her and been givin a tour with my long lost Mary. A great day for us both. 40 + years ago now.

  • @jerrycannon8938
    @jerrycannon8938 Місяць тому +1

    THANKS FOR LETTING US SEE MARS FLY AGAIN.😊

  • @bmused55
    @bmused55 5 років тому +6

    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!

  • @gormauslander
    @gormauslander 3 роки тому +8

    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...

    • @jeebus6263
      @jeebus6263 3 роки тому

      Yeah, i thought it looked like a lot of empty rooms. I don't understand why they need so many bulkheads.

  • @omatalacogon758
    @omatalacogon758 4 роки тому +9

    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.

  • @ksilva2001au
    @ksilva2001au 3 роки тому +2

    Nice to see flying boats once again.

  • @rogerhuber3133
    @rogerhuber3133 Місяць тому +1

    Totally magnificent A/C! I noticed the large oil slicks under the engines when they stopped in Oshkosh. LOL

  • @neuromancerES
    @neuromancerES 5 років тому +7

    One of the most beautiful planes I've ever seen!!

  • @just82much51
    @just82much51 5 років тому +4

    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”!!!!!

  • @derekpaterson603
    @derekpaterson603 3 роки тому +5

    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 !!!

  • @noelfell8543
    @noelfell8543 4 роки тому +2

    The PIC Mr Selkeld(?) is a total professional. Gives an aura of a man who knows exactly what he’s doing.

  • @dailylifewithbaron3822
    @dailylifewithbaron3822 4 роки тому +5

    Rest in peace Dev, keep flying on those clouds..in heaven

  • @dennisw9574
    @dennisw9574 5 років тому +10

    See “The Giants-Flying Boats” for more history of this incredible machine. Thanks Mr Weeks and crew, for a great video.

  • @FNHaole
    @FNHaole 3 роки тому +3

    Big respect to those who fund and maintain that working piece of history.

  • @masterofchaos1851
    @masterofchaos1851 3 роки тому +3

    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.

  • @wilhelmbauer8844
    @wilhelmbauer8844 3 місяці тому +1

    The cockpit looks a little bit like the cockpit of the MILLENIUM SPACECRAFT at starwar movies,just older.Great job to fly such old machines;RESPECT ! ! !

  • @Robbie_Prz
    @Robbie_Prz Рік тому +1

    I just love em. As other comments point out, the flying boats are the supreme representation of adventure.

  • @fredeastman381
    @fredeastman381 4 роки тому +4

    Miss the big fire truck in the sky that helped bring down many forest fires in British Columbia. I got to witness it in action,beautiful!

    • @davidmarshall718
      @davidmarshall718 3 роки тому

      I saw them both fight a fire on the east side of Vancouver Island in 1982. They were refilling in Parksville Bay, taxiing on the water for about 15 minutes and then off under full power and climbing gradually over the town at 1000 feet with all engines at full throttle and a mini-rainstorm underneath from the water dripping off. That was their main strength in forest fire fighting, the ability to re-fill on British Columbia's many big lakes or the nearby ocean and hit the fire quickly and repeatedly. Originally there were 4, but 2 were lost in the early 1960's to a crash and a windstorm.

  • @OHAREAVIATION
    @OHAREAVIATION 4 роки тому +4

    LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! Thanks so much for all these awesome videos you produce. I love coming back and watching again when I can.

  • @garynew9637
    @garynew9637 4 роки тому +8

    This would be the best aviation footage I've seen.

  • @dhmik1
    @dhmik1 4 місяці тому +1

    Its full the "Spruce Goose" feeling and atmosphere. Simply gigantic ...

  • @jeraldmcwilson2189
    @jeraldmcwilson2189 3 місяці тому +1

    You men are very nice to do this . Thank you.

  • @rickh6948
    @rickh6948 6 років тому +5

    Lovely to see the old girl flying, I’ve fought fires she’s worked on since the 70’s

  • @bensmith7536
    @bensmith7536 6 років тому +5

    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.

  • @AeroworksProductions
    @AeroworksProductions 6 років тому +7

    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!

  • @LordFalconsword
    @LordFalconsword 3 роки тому +2

    My god, what a beautiful bird.

  • @TheMilwaukieDan
    @TheMilwaukieDan Рік тому +1

    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

  • @cessna688
    @cessna688 6 років тому +6

    one of my favorite planes! what a joy to watch this well documented 9 hour trek.

  • @khanhasanm
    @khanhasanm 5 років тому +5

    A flying ship that was. Beautiful, stunning, amazing.

  • @hunsadersrockinranch
    @hunsadersrockinranch 3 роки тому +7

    That was BAD ASS! I love it. Had to watch this twice!

  • @celtisafricana4984
    @celtisafricana4984 4 роки тому +2

    Wow! That interior walkthrough shows that it really is more boat than plane!

  • @RiDankulous
    @RiDankulous 3 роки тому +1

    Happy airplane people! Good to see.

  • @robertcolfack26
    @robertcolfack26 6 років тому +5

    I always loved these big flying boats....

  • @Apodalont
    @Apodalont 5 років тому +5

    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!

  • @seansky2721
    @seansky2721 5 років тому +4

    A Grand Lady! Thanks Kermit.
    Too many questions/comments for this space.

  • @PavloLukashuk
    @PavloLukashuk Рік тому +1

    11:05...Too, always on a turboprop An-12, flew in a cap when it started to descend!😎 just like this co-pilot ! 👍

  • @obumnemeokenwa3237
    @obumnemeokenwa3237 2 роки тому +1

    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

  • @PriestmanCub
    @PriestmanCub 5 років тому +5

    Beautiful Aircraft and the sound of those engines is amazing. Thank You for posting your flight.

  • @andytaylor1588
    @andytaylor1588 6 років тому +12

    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.

    • @christopherpearson1752
      @christopherpearson1752 Місяць тому +1

      Unfortunately you got idiots from the left woke party get rid of Justin

  • @manojn9651
    @manojn9651 5 років тому +7

    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

  • @paul70uk
    @paul70uk 3 роки тому +2

    What an absolutely stunning plane and such a fantastic video. I love how the pilots ignored the drips. Brilliant.

  • @MatthewWilson-vl7qc
    @MatthewWilson-vl7qc 3 місяці тому +1

    Nice Video ! Real plane ,Real Pilots ,Real Flying ! Love How No jibber jabber ,just the sound of the machine ;

  • @Rob-cg1zu
    @Rob-cg1zu 6 років тому +4

    What an awesome plane! As someone else said. To bad the era of the flying boats is over. Very romantic.

    • @richardloveday1092
      @richardloveday1092 6 років тому

      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! !)

    • @NetAndyCz
      @NetAndyCz 6 років тому

      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.

  • @BlueridgeAcres
    @BlueridgeAcres 6 років тому +23

    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

  • @arileoj2509
    @arileoj2509 4 роки тому +10

    Real plane, a unique one and only real pilots fly such beasts....

  • @athanasiuscatalan9105
    @athanasiuscatalan9105 3 роки тому +1

    Wow from water to airborne showing in the windows!

  • @captainharris8980
    @captainharris8980 Рік тому +1

    I love watching this video.

  • @_lime.
    @_lime. 4 роки тому +11

    It's like a majestic sky whale

  • @eliaslundstedt5607
    @eliaslundstedt5607 5 років тому +35

    The landing looken like a Flying Whale Touching down graciously. This old girl is sure as hell One beautiful machine.

  • @gavinfeinberg2572
    @gavinfeinberg2572 5 років тому +51

    9:14 When you try to stand up but your belt is on.
    PS This is a great video, I had no idea planes this big could takeoff or land in water.

    • @boboreerfjs3126
      @boboreerfjs3126 5 років тому

      The Gaming Adventures lol

    • @michagrill9432
      @michagrill9432 4 роки тому

      Just google the hughes hercules. It was MASSIVE. The only thing having a higher wingspan is the newly build stratolaunch

    • @ericscarburry8637
      @ericscarburry8637 3 роки тому

      Suspenders and belt. Those pants aren’t coming down

    • @tihspidtherekciltilc5469
      @tihspidtherekciltilc5469 3 роки тому

      Spruce Goose.

  • @jeraldmcwilson2189
    @jeraldmcwilson2189 3 місяці тому +1

    Wow thanks for the tour sir. Oh my

  • @jcd146
    @jcd146 4 роки тому +2

    What an awesome aircraft!!! Total respect to the aircrew.