Continuation of the DC-6 story started in NetLetter #1531 through 1535.
Northwest Territorial Airways.
Like Wardair, Northwest Territorial Airways was another company founded by a bush pilot, on this occasion an experienced aviator named Robert Engle, and was also based at Yellowknife and was a competitor of Wardair. Bob Engle also wanted to introduce larger aircraft into his fleet, and he acquired DC-3's and two DC-6's, our subject CF-CZZ and DC-6A CF-NWY.
Their main activity was to transport cargo and supplies in support of mining, oil and gas industry operations throughout the Northwest Territories. According to Mr. Engle, "the DC-6 is a wonderful bush plane, that does everything, and more than a DC-3 could do."
In November 1972 CF-CZZ was ferried from Yellowknife via Calgary to Tucson, Arizona. The purpose of the trip was to have time-expired components overhauled.
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Vancouver to Tokyo in 8:28
A new trans-Pacific record from Vancouver to Tokyo of 8 hours 28 minutes was established July 3, 1963 by Captain Craig Stevenson and his crew in DC-8 Fin #603. It eclipsed the previous record of 8:50 set by Captain Cec McNeal in January.
Average speed for the flight of almost 5,000 miles was 590 miles per hour at altitudes ranging up to 35,000 feet. Navigator Joe Nowazek said there were tail winds of over 100 mph during the last two hours. Captain Stevenson explained that crews do not set out to establish records, but follow standard operating procedures. When favorable winds are around, it is more efficient and economical to take the fullest advantage of them.
Record-breaking crew on return to Vancouver: From left; Judy Inamasu, Carol Shim-Ozawa, W. Tu (replaced steward Frank Ling at Hong Kong), Navigator Joe Nowazek, First Officer Rick Kilburn, Captain Craig Stevenson, Second Officer Gordon Richardson, Purser Arnie Roeske, Joanne Louie (trainee stewardess) and Edith Underhill.
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