October, 2007 Volume 07-129

Message from the CEO

Message from the CEOFor the last fifteen days I have been stationed with the Martin Mars aircraft in Lake Elsinore which is half way between Los Angeles and San Diego. Coulson Flying Tankers obtained a fire contract with Cal Fire and the San Diego Fire Department, and the aircraft's primary mission has been working for San Diego County where the fire devastation has been extensive. The Martin Mars team has done an excellent job, and the aircraft has been extremely effective on the many fires that it fought with its pinpoint precision and its use of Thermo-Gel, which is a fire suppression additive that is injected into the tank with fresh water.

We were hosted by the community of Lake Elsinore , who gave our team excellent support. Lake Elsinore personnel were provided to give us 24-hour security coverage for the tractor trailer and aircraft; we also had two boats with full-time drivers supplied by the community; and finally we had two sheriffs from Lake Elsinore available to assist us whenever the aircraft was operational. The City Manager was constantly on site making sure we had all the support we needed. A very big Thank You goes out to the community of Lake Elsinore from the Coulson Flying Tanker contingency!

We had excellent media coverage and the Martin Mars was treated with the respect it has earned over time. The story of the Martin Mars Flying Tanker was covered by every major news media outlet in North America, and Coulson Flying Tankers is now working with some Eastern US states, particularly Texas and Florida, who see great value in the Martin Mars operating in their area. These Eastern US States feel that the aircraft's unique features - long-range fuel capacity and fresh-water scooping capabilities combined with Thermo-Gel - will give them a unique tool that they haven't utilized before in fire suppression on their land base. We are excited as we expect that this opportunity will be the next step as we look to the first quarter with the Martin Mars aircraft.

I would like to also thank Jim Messer, Chief Operating Officer, and Roy Copeland, the Mars Chief Engineer, and all the flight and maintenance crew for their 24-hour support. Together, we have been part of a new chapter in the history of the Mighty Martin Mars Flying Boats!

Wayne

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