Looking for a fun flying experience? Coulson Flying Tankers, which operates the only flying World War 2-era Martin Mars flying boat, is offering a pilot familiarization course in July and August. Operating from the air tanker base in Port Alberni, British Columbia (Canada), the course costs $25,000 per pilot and includes two days of orientation, systems overviews, briefings, and flying. On the first day, each pilot gets 30 minutes of water training, then on the second day two separate flights with one hour at the controls for each pilot. 

“The Martin Mars aircraft are truly amazing pieces of World War II history as the largest aircraft ever built,” said Coulson Flying Tankers president and CEO Wayne Coulson. “These aircraft hold numerous world records during this era and before they are retired we are offering aviation enthusiasts a chance to fly this incredible piece of aviation history.”

Visitors traveling to this year’s EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wis., will have a chance to see the Martin Mars during the afternoon airshows on July 25, 27, and 29 and the evening airshow on July 30, and also at the nearby Lake Winnebago seaplane base. This is the first time the Martin Mars will appear at AirVenture.