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 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 Baron 58 (which is called the "Bird Dog" because it acts as the spotter plane).
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 holiday area. A steady stream of aircraft buffs, tourists and the curious from around the world visit the facility year-round to see the Mars, fill their photo and video albums, purchase Mars memorabilia and enjoy the surroundings. Although Flying Tankers is not staffed or equipped as a tourist facility, we do what we can to accommodate visitors.
Maintenance for the aircraft is carried out at the main base and, to support the huge job of maintaining 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 Baron 58 (which is called the "Bird Dog" because it acts as the spotter plane).
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 holiday area. A steady stream of aircraft buffs, tourists and the curious from around the world visit the facility year-round to see the Mars, fill their photo and video albums, purchase Mars memorabilia and enjoy the surroundings. Although Flying Tankers is not staffed or equipped as a tourist facility, we do what we can to accommodate visitors.