Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

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rapid602
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by rapid602 »

That big fat beautiful thing has hard ball written all over it.

I would like to know how many pounds of fuel that thing drinks.

And the guy who owns the tire shop must smile when he sees that monster coming.
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boeingboy
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by boeingboy »

So what happened to the second Mars??????
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Airplanewrencher
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by Airplanewrencher »

C-FLYK or Phillipine mars is sitting on land at our base on sproat lake. She has not flown since 2007 due to lack of a contract. Her props and engines have been removed for spares/put on LYL (Hawaii) but the airframe has not been robbed for parts.

If you guys have any questions regarding the mars in recent years ask. I am one of the AME's working on it. The show was well done and I'm happy I was a part of it. We all have a love-hate relationship for the old girls. It is a very cool aircraft to work on, but a huge challenge at times. I feel grateful and lucky to experience such vintage aviation. While all my buddies from school are working on turbines and regular aircraft, I'm wrenching on 3350's and the largest (operational) flying boat in the world.

Cheers.
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LTD
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by LTD »

I have a question for Airplanewrencher; How does the Mars compare to the CL-215 or 415 in term of performance and reliabilty? Besides being an AMAZING vintage aircraft (loved the show), any advantages over the newer twin engine counter parts used widely in Canada? My boss used to fly the 215s ans 415s all over the world on missions and for demostrations and loves them.. I'm curious why your operator opted for the Mars instead of CL215/415? If it's just for the sake of operating a very cool and unique plane, i would understand..:)
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Caracrane
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by Caracrane »

You have all my respect Sir. Thank God there are still men like you. :prayer: Eric
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beechnut
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by beechnut »

We in the front of the Big Red Fire Truck also have a huge respect for the :goodman: night crew :goodman: it is no easy task. It is a huge undertaking to keep this machine flying.

Regards to all of the Team :prayer:

Beechnut
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DanJ
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by DanJ »

I was surprised at the size of the crew it takes to keep that plane going. The helicopter, bus, trucks, boats, it's quite the roadshow. Something the average joe doesn't think about when you hear about waterbombers fighting forest fires.
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Airplanewrencher
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by Airplanewrencher »

Thanks for the kind words. If you ever have a fire crew in your area and happen to see them in a bar...please buy a round.

LTD wrote:I have a question for Airplanewrencher; How does the Mars compare to the CL-215 or 415 in term of performance and reliabilty? Besides being an AMAZING vintage aircraft (loved the show), any advantages over the newer twin engine counter parts used widely in Canada? My boss used to fly the 215s ans 415s all over the world on missions and for demostrations and loves them.. I'm curious why your operator opted for the Mars instead of CL215/415? If it's just for the sake of operating a very cool and unique plane, i would understand..:)

as far as aircraft effectiveness against fire im not going to pretend i know much about the science part of fire fighting. It would take some serious testing to determine a clear winner. When it comes down to it both the CL's and the mars are effective assuming a nearby water source. In mexico(during the show) we were doing 40-45 minute turn arounds. This is a little long for the mars, but still effective. I dont know the CL's but i believe most fire aircraft have problems fully loaded high and hot, Mars included.In an ideal situation i believe nothing can touch a scooper. Sheer volume with high coverage levels puts out fires. Reliability wise...turbines beat radials hands down! Cool factor goes to the old radial. You havent experienced a flyby untill the mars buzzes you so low you can count rivets on the belly. Rattle your teeth right out of your head! I am biased to the mars as your boss will be biased to the CL. Bottom line, Both awesome aircraft, Both Effective fire machines.

From a maintenance standpoint there is no doubt a CL 215 and especially a 415 would be a better aircraft. Primarily the fact that they can just land on the gear and have maintenance performed on the ramp or in a hangar. What was not shown is how much of a pain it is setting up for maintenance on the mars. Our large skiff is a huge wind sail. If on an outboard engine we tow out a large spacer and tie it up to the aircraft before bringing the skiff out.(Skiff has the large hydraulic stand on it) Simple tasks such as oiling and cleaning become challenging. Its dark, noisy(generators), the list goes on and on. I love the challenge. Nothing else is like it, nothing.
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LTD
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by LTD »

fantastic comments Airplanewrencher! Thanks a lot for your input:)
Enjoy working on the Mars, privilege to be in your position.
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pilotsailing
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by pilotsailing »

This is a dumb question, but that Martin Mars looks brand new inside. What kind of material do they use to line the interior ? It looks like aluminum sprayed with shiny white paint, but I'm sure its something different.
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Airplanewrencher
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by Airplanewrencher »

Those are just thin aluminum liners, painted white, overtop of an insulating foam. The Carpet,seats,desks etc were all redone in 2009 when the avionics package was all done.
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cienki
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Re: Mighty Planes - discovery Channel Sunday night

Post by cienki »

I just watched the segment on the A380. Very well done with some great footage!

http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/mighty ... clip635319
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