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Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter Since 1995

Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Since 1995


The NetLetter #890
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The NetLetter
Since Oct/95 - "For Air Canada Retirees" July 2, 2005

 

Number 890

About us!

Nice to know

Found on the Internet

Reader Feedback

Star Alliance News

Other Items

Terry's Travel Tips

Sponsors

Data Backup for Retirees

Adobe PDF Files

NetLetter Archives



About us!

Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker have been issuing an email newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have provided us with their email addresses. The Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally simplified to just "The NetLetter".

We believe that our NetLetter, which originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to use this medium to disperse information for retirees of Air Canada.

The NetLetter contains airline related information such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap... excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours, interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep our Air Canada family together and in touch.

Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only the Internet email addresses of those who would like to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to other retirees who can then subscribe right from the forwarded link at the bottom of this email.



 


Please visit our Sponsors

 



Dear NetLetter,

For our new readers

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2700 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To make changes to your e-mail address or to unsubscribe, please see the links at the bottom of the page for "Update Profile/Email address" and SafeUnsubscribe. This is now automated so that you can remove yourself from the list or change your email address (or name) without our assistance. We will still do this manually if you have any difficulties.

Many of our members are having difficulty finding these links. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page, the link in similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator


  • Nice to know
  • Vesta

    Portal update: When will ACaeronet be up and running? The implementation of the new ACaeronet has been done in several phases. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes and many people have been involved in making this transfer of systems a success. We upgraded the infrastructure at the end of April and started the process of moving content from Aeronet to the new design; this work is scheduled to be completed this week. If all goes well, the new portal ( http://acaeronet.aircanada.ca) will be launched in early July. If you already have access to Aeronet, nothing will change for you except the look and feel of our portal. For employees and retirees who did not previously have the ability to access Aeronet, letters have been sent out providing a personal password which they can use to gain entry. A whole new mode of communication is about to begin. We'll keep you updated and post frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the site soon.

    ETS enhancements - doing more for you. We're continuing to improve and expand the functions of Air Canada's Employee Travel Site (ETS). On June 25, new fields were introduced to enhance its efficiency. Now you can see the billing status of your trips (paid or unpaid), update your credit card information and enter your e-mail address so Employee Travel may communicate with you more effectively. Please review these important system enhancements at http://travel.aircanada.com

  • Found on the Internet
  • CanJet - With its inaugural non-stop flight from Toronto touching down at Vancouver International Airport at 11:40 a.m. local time on Jun 27th., CanJet, Canada's Low-Fare Airline, became this country's newest coast-to-coast airline.

    Ryanair, Europe's No 1 low fares airline today (June 22nd 2005) guaranteed that it will not apply a fuel charge on its rock bottom fares, not now, NOT EVER.

    Sunday, June 26, 2005 GLITCH GROUNDS VICKERS VIMY BIPLANE Two American adventurers have had to postpone their attempt to fly a Vickers Vimy biplane from Newfoundland to Ireland because of a technical problem.
    FULL STORY: http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/nati...tic- http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/nati...tic- 050625.html

    CHASING CONCORDE: SUPERSONIC RACE HEATS UP, AGAIN
    Imagine a supersonic airliner that flies almost three times faster than Concorde did, uses less fuel and is much quieter. Well, that's what engineers in a cooperative effort between French and Japanese aerospace industry associations envision as the next incarnation of supersonic travel. "Three-year research activities are planned for technologies related to composite material structure, reduction of jet engine noise and other areas which can overcome the difficulties unique to supersonic flight," said a Japanese government statement. The collaboration between France's Aerospace Industries Association and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies was announced at the Paris Air Show.

    WHILE NASA AND RUTAN TEST SPACE DRONE And while others dream of fast airplanes, a test bed for future innovations in that direction took flight in a unique collaboration between government and the private sector in Mojave, Calif., Tuesday. As AVweb told you last month, NASA and one of its most high- profile critics, Burt Rutan, have teamed up (along with the Defense Department and Boeing) to test the X-37 space drone. Those tests took flight on Tuesday as Rutan's White Knight, the mothership for SpaceShipOne in last October's successful completion of the Ansari X Prize competition, carried the X-37 aloft for the first time.

    RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOW 737'S MISSED- RUNWAY LANDING
    Canada's Transportation Safety Board suggests poor lighting, tired pilots and the wrong autopilot selection were behind a near-disaster at Edmonton International Airport on Feb. 25, 2004. The TSB, which investigates, but does not pass judgment on, aircraft mishaps, said in its report that the crew of the First Air Boeing 737 landed beside the runway instead of on it, in part because they had only runway edge lighting for guidance in deteriorating visibility. The plane ran beside the pavement for 1,600 feet before the pilots steered it back on the runway, taking out a runway light, four taxiway lights and a sign along the way. No one was hurt but the plane was damaged.

  • Reader Feedback
  • Barbados - Jack and I recently spent a lovely week in Barbados. The weather was perfect until the last two days when it got a bit hot, but it was the end of the third week in June, after all.

    We stayed at "Peach and Quiet" a lovely little place 12 minutes taxi ride from the airport not far from Silver Sands and the St. Laurence Gap. It is a wonderful place to relax. No TV, phones, radio or newspaper. Just lots of books and fresh gourmet meals. A beautiful pool, comfortable bed and right on the ocean.

    Just thought I would mention it for those who want a quiet change. Be sure to take sun screen. The new airport is lovely too. We hadn't been there since our honeymoon forty years ago.

    Betty and Jack Morgan
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Star Alliance News
  • Lufthansa received the go-ahead to build a maintenance hangar to handle the Airbus A380 superjumbo at Frankfurt Airport.

  • Other Items
  • Teenager's Airline Dream
    Young British entrepreneur Martin Halstead fulfilled a dream and emulated his idol Virgin's Sir Richard Branson, when he launches his own airline. The 18 year old is using funds from a previous business enterprise he invested in the formation of Alpha1 Airways which began twice daily flights between Oxford and Cambridge using an 8 seater Piper PA-31 and is looking to bring in larger aircraft for new routes.

  • Terry's Travel Tips
  • Interline World Vacations

    Treasures of the Rhine
    12 Nights - Antwerp to Basel
    Includes Outside cabin, onboard meals and daily shore excursions: Cruise the Rhine and visit Basel, the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Speyer, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cologne, Arnhem, Amsterdam, Gouda, Delft, Brugge, Antwerp.

    Jul 20 (R), 21 VIKING SUN:
    $1499 USD, Best Available Cabin.

    Burgundy & Provence
    7 Nights - Chalon to Avignon
    Includes Outside cabin, onboard meals and daily shore excursions: Cruise the Rhone and Saone and visit Chalon, Beaune, Lyon, Vienne, Toumon, Arles and Avignon.
    Jul 31 VIKING BURGUNDY: $899 USD, Best Available Cabin.


    Paris and Heart of Normandy 7 Nights - Paris to Le Havre
    Includes Outside cabin, onboard meals and daily shore excursions: Cruise the Seine and visit Paris, Vernon, Giverny, Les Andelys, Rouen, Caudebec, Honfleur and Le Havre.
    Jul 17 VIKING BURGUNDY:
    $899 USD, Best Available Cabin.


    Waterways of the Czars
    11 Nights - Moscow to St. Petersburg
    Includes Outside cabin, onboard meals and daily shore excursions: Cruise the Waterways of the Czars and visit Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritzy and Kizhi with multiple days in both St. Petersburg and Moscow.
    Jul 23 VIKING KIROV:
    Jul 120 VIKING PAKHMOV:
    Jul 27 VIKING SURKOV:
    $1299 USD, Best Available Cabin.


    ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS FROM OASIS
    Oasis Playa
    Cancun, Mexico
    The Oasis Playa is located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, just 15 minutes from the Airport and 25 minutes from downtown. The hotel features 3 restaurants, 3 bars and a snack bar. One of the restaurants features Mediterranean and Italian specialities while another offers Mexican cuisine. There is a beautiful white beach complemented by two swimming pools inter- connected by waterfalls. There two theme parties featuring Mexican and Caribbean shows weekly. Tennis courts, childrens club, diving clinic, gym and beach volleyball provide lots of activities. Guests may also access the Oasis Cancun Hotel and use their catamarans, kayaks and paddle boats.
    Availabe Dates Room Type 3 Nights Add-on Nights
    Until Jun 30/05 Run of the House $192 USD $64 USD
    Jul 1 - Aug 21/05 Run of the House $213 USD $71 USD
    Aug 22 - Dec 20/05 Run of the House $198 USD $66 USD
    3 Night Minimum Stay

    Grand Oasis Resort
    Cancun, Mexico
    The spectacular pyramid of the Grand Oasis Resort stands out in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone. The hotel is a great example of the Mexican luxury in the Caribbean.
    The hotel features 4 restaurants, 5 bars. Seafood, Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian and International cuisine is widely represented. Great Beaches and a spectacular pool which is a third of a mile in length provide the best for sun bathing and swimming. There two theme parties featuring Mexican and Caribbean shows weekly. Two Tennis courts, a par 3 golf course, marina with paddle boats, kayaks and other aquatic sports provides a wide selection of activities for the active lifestyle.
    Availabe Dates Room Type 3 Nights Add-on Nights
    Until Jun 30/05 Run of the House $318 USD $106 USD
    Jul 1 - Aug 21/05 Run of the House $333 USD $111 USD
    Aug 22 - Dec 20/05 Run of the House $318 USD $106 USD
    3 Night Minimum Stay
    Oasis Cancun
    Cancun, Mexico
    This hotel is part of the Grand Resort. It shares many of the same facilities including restaurants and bars. The primary difference is the rooms are located in two separate out buildings with moderate level rooms. Great services at a more economical price.
    Availabe Dates Room Type 3 Nights Add-on Nights
    Until Jun 30/05 Run of the House $192 USD $64 USD
    Jul 1 - Aug 21/05 Run of the House $213 USD $71 USD
    Aug 22 - Dec 20/05 Run of the House $198 USD $66 USD


    Calinda Oasis Beach & Spa
    Cancun, Mexico
    In the heart of the Hotel Zone and overlooking beautiful Isla Mujeres, this hotel offers tranquil waters and lots of activities. Two restaurants, 2 bars and a Snack Bar/Grill featuring Mexican and International cusine. Beach, pool, gym, fitness area, lighted tennis courts and close to downtown shopping.
    Availabe Dates Room Type 3 Nights Add-on Nights
    Until Jun 30/05 Run of the House $168 USD $56 USD
    Jul 1 - Aug 21/05 Run of the House $213 USD $71 USD
    Aug 22 - Dec 20/05 Run of the House $198 USD $66 USD


    Calinda Oasis Viva Cancun, Mexico
    This centrally located property is located on the calm side of the caribbean only 20 minutes from downtown. It features two restaurants and bars, pool, childrens area. Guests can enjoy a fully equipped marina with water sports, fitness centre and two lighted tennis courts.
    Availabe Dates Room Type 3 Nights Add-on Nights
    Until Jun 30/05 Run of the House $180 USD $60 USD
    Jul 1 - Aug 21/05 Run of the House $213 USD $71 USD
    Aug 22 - Dec 20/05 Run of the House $198 USD $66 USD

    For information, reservations and details of more deals, please call;
    INTERLINE WORLD VACATIONS AT 1-866- 279-8480 toll free or (604) 279-8482

    NO PROCESSING/BOOKING FEE

  • Sponsors
  • The mailing and formating of the NetLetter for HTML format is provided by the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!

    Please support the ACFamily Network
  • Data Backup for Retirees
  • (From the ACFamily Network)

    I have found in talking to many retirees recently that some feel that they are "too old" to worry about data backup, or that this tool is used only for businesses. Hogwash!

    As retirees (and baby boomers) you now belong to one of the biggest growing numbers of Internet and computer users. You've heard about the two inevitable things that you can count on is "death and taxes". Well you can also add "Hard Drive Failure".

    I work with a company, (Nerds On Site), that regularly encounter people, every day, from all walks of life, who have the misfortune of losing their precious data, and it's not always businesses, it's people like you and me. They lose pictures of their children and grandchildren taken with digital cameras that are stored on their computer. Email addresses and email from their loved ones, tax information from Quicken or Simply Accounting, their "favorites" for surfing the net. etc.

    There is no longer an excuse for losing all this data. Please take a minute and check out the "Nerds Data Deposit Box" at the link below, it's easy, it's dependable and it's very affordable. (30 day free trial)

    Sincerely,

    Alan Rust
    The ACFamily Network

    Data Deposit Box for Retirees (free 30 day trial)
  • Adobe PDF Files
  • Most Internet users are familiar with Adobe Acrobat Reader. When web sites (and email lists) wish to share files with their readers it is not practical to have them download files that they are not able to open or which could be infected by viruses.

    To solve this problem, Adobe Software provides a "Free" reader to allow anyone that downloads their viewer to read these files.

    Click on the "Adobe Reader 7.0" image to download your free copy of Adobe Reader. Instructions for installing it are found using the link below. (The NetLetter does not provide support for installing the reader, but Nerds On Site do.) See the links to them on the left panel.

    How to download Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • NetLetter Archives
  • The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily Network Forums area. They are in plain text format so you can print them from there if desired. If you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet, we encourage you to join us there. Non members can Register here. (It's Free!)

    NetLetter Archives Link
    email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

     



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