THE MAIN BASE
THE FACILITIES
The Mars Home Sproat Lake
The Facilities
Photo by: Stephan Borham
If you would like information on submitting photos to our gallery please CONTACT us
Photo by: Stephan Borham
If you would like information on submitting photos to our gallery please CONTACT us
The main base of operations for Flying Tankers is situated on Sproat Lake near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. Integrated maintenance, operations and administration are housed in modern facilities and the company is virtually self-sufficient in all respects.
Maintenance for the aircraft is carried out at the main base and, to support the huge job of maintaining the huge aircraft and the rest of the fleet. Two hangars are fitted with a full range of maintenance resources including machining, welding and metal fabrication shops, a component overhaul shop, stores, a paint/refinishing cell and all of the ancillary equipment needed to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. A large inventory of spare parts and components is maintained. Spare Mars engines, sufficient in number to support the program for many years, are stored in pressurized containers while two engines are kept in a built-up state for quick engine changes should the need arise.
Bulk tanks for the storage of aviation and turbine fuel as well as gel and foam concentrate are situated at the main base.
In addition to the Mars aircraft, our fleet also includes a Sikorski S76 (which is called the "Bird Dog" because of it's roll as the spotter aircraft).
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DURING FIRE SEASON ACCESS OR CONTACT CAN BE RESTRICTED.
While Sproat Lake is situated in the heart of the coastal forest industry, it is also a well-known tourist and vacation area. A steady stream of aircraft buffs, tourists and the curious from around the world visit the facility to see the Mars, fill their photo and video albums, purchase Mars memorabilia and enjoy the surroundings.
The Coulson Flying Tankers visitors centre is open to the public daily from 10 am to 3 pm from June 30 to Aug 31, 2011. We continue to offer guided tours on the Philippine Mars which is stationed on land for easier access. The cost of the tours is $10 (before taxes) per person and a waiver must be signed and safety concerns discussed with the tour guide prior to going on the aircraft. Tours run daily at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm.
We also have available at no charge at the visitor centre two documentary video rooms for your enjoyment as well as a photo gallery showcasing the history of the Martin Mars aircraft. For the aviation enthusiasts, we have a gift shop full of Martin Mars memorabilia, so you can take home a piece of history.
No visit to the Alberni Valley would be complete without seeing these icons of aviation.
Maintenance for the aircraft is carried out at the main base and, to support the huge job of maintaining the huge aircraft and the rest of the fleet. Two hangars are fitted with a full range of maintenance resources including machining, welding and metal fabrication shops, a component overhaul shop, stores, a paint/refinishing cell and all of the ancillary equipment needed to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. A large inventory of spare parts and components is maintained. Spare Mars engines, sufficient in number to support the program for many years, are stored in pressurized containers while two engines are kept in a built-up state for quick engine changes should the need arise.
Bulk tanks for the storage of aviation and turbine fuel as well as gel and foam concentrate are situated at the main base.
In addition to the Mars aircraft, our fleet also includes a Sikorski S76 (which is called the "Bird Dog" because of it's roll as the spotter aircraft).
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DURING FIRE SEASON ACCESS OR CONTACT CAN BE RESTRICTED.
While Sproat Lake is situated in the heart of the coastal forest industry, it is also a well-known tourist and vacation area. A steady stream of aircraft buffs, tourists and the curious from around the world visit the facility to see the Mars, fill their photo and video albums, purchase Mars memorabilia and enjoy the surroundings.
The Coulson Flying Tankers visitors centre is open to the public daily from 10 am to 3 pm from June 30 to Aug 31, 2011. We continue to offer guided tours on the Philippine Mars which is stationed on land for easier access. The cost of the tours is $10 (before taxes) per person and a waiver must be signed and safety concerns discussed with the tour guide prior to going on the aircraft. Tours run daily at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm.
We also have available at no charge at the visitor centre two documentary video rooms for your enjoyment as well as a photo gallery showcasing the history of the Martin Mars aircraft. For the aviation enthusiasts, we have a gift shop full of Martin Mars memorabilia, so you can take home a piece of history.
No visit to the Alberni Valley would be complete without seeing these icons of aviation.