Seaplane Pilots Grounded Hogs Gala keynotes with Martin Mars Pilots

The Washington Seaplane Pilots Association (WSPA) is once again hosting their annual Grounded Hogs Gala on Feb. 21, 2025, the evening before Northwest Aviation Conference, at Renton’s Museum of Flight’s T. A. Wilson Great Gallery.

This year’s keynote presentation, “Men on Mars,” features Martin Mars pilots Peter Killin and Rick Matthews of Coulson Aviation, who flew Martin Mars water bombers on firefighting missions for many years. The pilots will share stories from the cockpit, as well as an overview of the history of these legendary aircraft.

Initially constructed in the 1940s, the Martin Mars was the largest aircraft built by the US Government during World War II. The United States Navy operated the airplanes between California and the Hawaiian islands for 13 years in support of military operations in the South Pacific. After the war, FIFT purchased and converted the Mars airframe to water bombers in 1960, operating as aerial firefighting aircraft for 47 years in British Columbia – FIFT was nothing less than a visionary world-class aviation organization.

The Martin Mars was the largest water bomber in the world until 2006, operating for decades as a pair. During an aerial fire operation, a collective total of 14,400 USG (55,000 liters) of water would drop as an initial attack strategy to tame a forest fire.

The Washington Seaplane Pilot’s Grounded Hogs evening kicks off with a social hour and silent auction, followed by an overview of their highlights over the past year. Recent successes include the establishment of new seaplane bases in Olympia and Lake Curlew, as well as continued efforts to protect access to key aviation-friendly lakes across the state. Along with the keynote presentation, the event features the much celebrated Grounded Hogs raffle with aviation gear, flight experiences, and other prizes.

Guests of the Grounded Hogs Gala can enjoy the Museum of Flight admission with registration. Arrive early and check in at the admissions desk. The Museum of Flight opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm for event setup.

Members, non-members, pilots, and non-pilots are welcome! This year, the cost per person is $125 for members and their guests, and $150.00 for non-members. On January 31, prices increase to $150 Members / $175 NonMembers.

Visit washingtonseaplanepilots.org for details and to purchase tickets. to the event.