The Mighty Martin Mars

I’m probably dating myself here, but one of my favorite feel-good movies is the under-rated, 1989 Steven Spielberg film, "Always," which starred Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter and John Goodman, and was the final big-screen appearance for Ms. Audrey Hepburn.

Dreyfuss, an aerial firefighter, dies early in the film, and then is “sent” back to his former life to say goodbye to his girl (Hunter) and to provide silent inspiration for a young firefighter in training. It's possible the film didn’t do well due to its supernatural elements, but, in my humble opinion it far outpaced the somewhat similar "Ghost," which I believe "Always" inspired.

At any rate, the action sequences in the film are amazing, especially when you consider the film was shot before CGI all but replaced real stunts in movies. Take for example the film’s opening sequence, in the YouTube clip below.

Some small part of me has always wanted to be a firefighter. The sense of purpose these dedicated professionals must feel; this is one true feel-good professions.

And of course, we’ve been seeing a lot of that sense of community lately, with the thousands of firefighters from around the world converging upon Canada, including these 300 firefighters from South Africa, who came to help fight the “Fort McMurray Fire” that torched through parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Still, I’m a travel writer for a reason, as the tough physical conditions these amazing people must go through are probably well beyond any desire I might have to help fight the fight.

But back to "Always." Toward the end of the film, Dreyfuss helps his young charge “learn” the ins and outs of firefighting and in a moment of mischief “inspires” the firefighter to dump his plane’s flame retardant all over John Goodman’s character. Thanks to this scene, aerial firefighting school was immediately added to my list of things I want to do one day.

Now, a Vancouver-based company is offering that very opportunity to laymen just like me. Coulson Flying Tankers, owners of the mighty Martin Mars water bombers, is giving hardcore flight enthusiasts a chance to operate this flying time machine.

Now, admittedly, the Martin Mars is not the plane used in "Always." But the experience is close enough to help me check one item off my bucket list. Plus, flying the plane is a chance to be a part of history.

"The Martin Mars aircraft, holders of numerous world records, are truly amazing pieces of WW2 history, as they are the largest aircraft ever built,” said Wayne Coulson, CEO and President of Coulson Flying Tankers. “Before the fleet is retired, Coulson Aviation is offering Aviation enthusiasts a chance to fly one of these incredible pieces of aviation history."

With a plan to modernize the aircraft and use them for fire suppression throughout North America, Coulson purchased the planes in 2007.

"There will never be an aircraft built that will have flown and dropped more water on wildfires over their five-decade history,” he said. “They were the anchor of the BC Government Firefighting program until released from service in 2015. We have been honored to be part of their wonderful history and are excited to be bringing one of the Martin Mars to the Oshkosh airshow this year."

The two-day program starts from U$ 25,000, so it is definitely only for the most dedicated of history and aviation buffs, but it includes a comprehensive overview, water training, and time at the controls.

So, if you’re ready to take this massive bird for a spin, be sure to book this experience now, before time runs out. I’ll see you at flight training school.

Follow @MonicaPoling