Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

About us!

Need to Know - Vesta

Nice to Know...

Air Canada News

Other items

Found on the Internet

Terry's Travel Tips

Adobe PDF Files

Archives

Sponsors

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 don't forget that you can print the NetLetter and give a copy to an airline friend that doesn't have Internet access. Also, if this is too fancy to print, you can always print the text only version from our Archives on the ACFamily Network. See the bottom of this email for further details.

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2700 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter out 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 Safe Unsubscribe. This is nowl 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 (of course) manually if you have any difficulties.

Personal travel will be a challenge.
If you or your family members were intending to travel during March break, it just got a lot tougher. There will be very little space available and anyone travelling on stand-by will run the risk of being denied boarding. We would advise that you defer your plans or look into alternate ways of travel. (and with Jetsgo out of business, there will be even less seats available for SPAV travel - eds)

Do you know that Fairmont Hotels is no longer giving a discount to AC Retiree's? We made a reservation at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport during a visit to YVR in December. When we checked in we were informed of the policy change. The supervisor kindly allowed us the discount because they had accepted the reservation knowing we were AC retirees, however advised that it would be the last time due to the policy change.
Ron Dennis - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For the smokers amongst us!
Lighters to be banned on U.S. flights in April. According to the Wall Street Journal, federal security regulators have said that beginning April 14 airline passengers will no longer be able to bring cigarette lighters aboard airlines or beyond security checkpoints. Currently, lighters aren't allowed in checked baggage and once the new rule goes into effect, passengers will be prohibited from carrying lighters on them or in carry-on luggage - effectively keeping the aircraft lighter free. However, the new rule doesn't prevent them from bringing matches on board.
ps: Did you know that Swan Vestas *grin* are wax matches very popular with hunters and flyers?

The expansion of the Air Canada Jazz fleet will allow the regional carrier to offer customers enhanced schedules with more point-to-point non- stop flights per day using fuel-efficient, time-saving Canadian-built jet aircraft. Highlights of improvements to Air Canada's summer 2005 schedule include:
- Charlottetown: Increase from two to three daily CRJ-200 flights to Montreal; and from one to two daily CRJ-200 flights to Toronto.
- Moncton: Increase from three to four daily CRJ-200 flights to Montréal.
Québec City: Increase from 17 to 19 daily flights to Montréal; and from six to eight daily CRJ- 200 flights to Toronto.
- Thunder Bay: Increase from six to seven daily CRJ-200 flights to Toronto. New all-jet service to Winnipeg operated using CRJ-200 aircraft.
- Regina: Increase from two to three daily flights to Toronto featuring the new 75-seat CRJ- 705, effective October.
- Reintroduction of daily non-stop flights to Vancouver with the CRJ-200 aircraft in April, increasing to double daily service by June.
- New all-jet services to Calgary and Winnipeg to be operated using CRJ-200 jets.
- Saskatoon: Increase from three to four daily flights to Toronto featuring the new 75-seat CRJ-705, effective October.

With this realignment of Air Canada's domestic network using an expanded Air Canada Jazz fleet of jet aircraft, service will be provided exclusively by Air Canada Jazz in the following cities effective May 3, 2005: Charlottetown, Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Québec City and Thunder Bay; and effective October 1, 2005 in Regina, Saskatoon and Whitehorse.
The arrival of these new generation regional jets allows Air Canada Jazz to revolutionize service in many of our domestic markets just as the first generation of Bombardier CRJ-100 aircraft allowed Air Canada to do so in the Canada-U.S. transborder market almost a decade ago."
The CRJ-705 aircraft will be configured in two classes of service with 10 seats in Executive Class featuring three abreast seating offering 37 inches of legroom, and 65 seats in Hospitality with four abreast seating offering an industry leading 34 inches of legroom (two inches more than other carriers in Canada). Both cabins will feature all-leather seating and in-seat audio and personal television systems. The Bombardier CRJ-705 aircraft has a cruising speed of 880 km/h and a range of more than 3,500 km with a total payload of 7,778 kg including a cargo payload of 700 kg.
The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft are configured to provide a single Hospitality class of service with 50 all-leather seats. The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft has a cruising speed of 860 km/h and a range of up to 3,547 km with a total payload of 5,942 kg.

The ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. family of airlines is one of the world's largest operators of Canadian-built aircraft with 42 Dash 8-100s, 26 Dash 8-300s, 50 CRJ-100/200s and an additional 15 CRJ-705 aircraft to be delivered in 2005.

Margaret Cantwell writes:
I have been doing a lot of research for the RAF regarding the 95 RAF planes stationed for training purposes during WWII at Sidney,British Columbia, and of which 45 crashed, all crew lost, one right in the centre of town.
The son of a former Air Canada employee has built a huge apartment block in town right where the plane crashed. It is called Hampden court after the plane. It is a very fascinating history and one totally verified by Ottawa and the Museum here.
Also I receive from the RAF, the news bulletin called "The Airman". If there are any former RAF chaps that would like a copy, I would be most happy to either E mail it to them, a copy that is, or send it by mail. No cost to anyone. My late husband was with the 600 City of London Squadron during World War II and I am very involved with them. I was made an honourary member of Squadron and presented with the Squadron pin at Westminster Abbey 2 years ago at the Battle of Britain Service.
Margaret Cantwell This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(eds note: the late Mr Cantwell was also an employee of Air Canada)

Nattanya-Heike: Andersen - Author of "Broken Wings: A Flight-Attendant's Journey" is now available in PDF file and FREE on web-site www.brokenwings. ca
(Adobe Acrobat reader needed)

We offer our condolences to Nancy Courtney - My husband, Courtney Gregory Greene passed away 24 February, 2005.(1929 - 2005) He joined TCA/AirCanada 8 May, 1957. Retired: December 1991 Employee # 37038 Service: 34 years- 06 mos.-24 days. He worked in Halifax , Montreal (Dorval) and back to Halifax He worked with Vesta at one time in Dorval. He was a member of Pionairs and a Past President of TCA Alumni . Nancy. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jet2 - the UK low cost airline has these offers - Leeds Bradford or Manchester to Nice, Valencia & Venice from gbp19.99, book now!

British Airways are seeking ways to reduce their operation in view of the high cost of gas - recently, their B747-400 flew from Los Angeles to London Heathrow airport on three operating engines, and, six days later, flew from London Heathrow airport to Singapore.
FAA officials said on Monday they plan to charge British Airways with "careless and reckless operation of an aircraft," because the airline flew a 747 from Los Angeles to London with one of its four engines shut down, the International Herald Tribune reported on Monday. A British Airways spokesman said the flight crew did nothing wrong. "The 747 is fully certificated to operate on three engines. There is no requirement to land," said Steve Shelterline. The 747 ran low on fuel as it crossed the Atlantic at a lower- than-usual altitude, declared an emergency and landed in Manchester.

So, we have to wonder what the Japan Airlines pilot told his passengers after he slammed on the Boeing 777's thrust reversers and swerved onto a taxiway about 3,000 feet into his takeoff roll at New Chitose Airport on the Japanese island of Hokkaido last Jan. 22. Ten minutes later, the aircraft took off. The takeoff was aborted (at the screaming insistence of an air traffic controller) because no clearance was issued and an All Nippon Airways A320 had just landed at the opposite end of the 10,000-foot runway. "I was preoccupied with preparations for takeoff and failed to confirm whether my plane was cleared. I thought no other aircraft was ahead of us," the unidentified captain told Japanese authorities, who only released their report a week ago.

Ten years after the McDonnell Douglas Corporation abandoned their MD-12 project, a triple decked 4 engined aircraft as uneconomical, AirBus launch the A380

While other airlines are offering less than peanuts, Southwest Airlines continues to give Customers free, name-brand snacks and beverages on every flight.

SENSATIONAL AUTUMN TRAVEL INDUSTRY SPECIAL
Including Easter and April School Holidays!
Sydney Marriott Hotel
From AUD$175 per deluxe room per night
BONUS - Stay 3 consecutive nights and enjoy an Upgrade to the Executive Floor complete with daily continental breakfast and evening cocktails and canapes
* 5 star accommodation
* Deluxe rooms include a mini kitchenette with microwave, toaster and mini-bar
* Use of the rooftop recreation deck includes an outdoor heated swimming pool, spa, steam room, sauna and gymnasium
* Opposite Hyde Park and just minutes from the CBD, shopping and Oxford Street restaurants and nightlife
To book send an email directly to the hotel on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or alternatively ring the hotel on 02 9361 8400 (+61 2 9361 8400) or fax on 02 9361 8599 (+61 2 9361 8599)
This hot deal can be viewed on the TIDD web site using the link below.
Rate is valid from 20 March to 31 May 2005, is per room per night and includes GST. Rate and upgrade are strictly subject to availability and conditions may apply. Rate is exclusive to Travel Industry personnel only. We reserve the right to request proof of identity on check in.

All the beaches in Hawaii are open to the public, even if they are fronted by hotels or private homes. The state constitution grants that if private lands surround a beach, the owners must grant some means of beach access to the public.

When on the island of Honolulu and visiting the Pearl Harbour memorial.
Visiting the Memorial for the USS Arizona
Admission is FREE
The Arizona Memorial is open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Interpretive programs, including a 23-minute documentary film about the attack and the boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial, begin at 8:00 a.m. (7:45 a.m. in the summer). The last program each day begins at 3:00 p.m. Allow 75 minutes for the tour. This does not include time waiting for your tour to begin. Visitors should expect crowds. Daily visitation to the park is about 4,500 people. Tickets for the free movie and boat ride to the Memorial may be gone as early as noon. The tickets are given on a first come, first served basis and each individual must pick up his/her own ticket. Program waits may reach upwards to two hours. The Visitor Center includes a bookstore, museum and shoreline exhibits for visitors waiting for their program.
IMPORTANT: As a result of current world events, new security measures are being enforced, and the public is asked to cooperate. No purses, handbags, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, or other items that offer concealment are allowed in the visitor center or on the Memorial tour. Strollers with pockets and compartments must be empty before being allowed in the visitor center. Personal cameras are allowed.
A storage container is now available for visitors at the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Park and USS Missouri. The adjacent USS Bowfin Memorial Park will operate the storage container. Items accepted will be carry-on size or smaller (30"H x 30"W x 18"D). The fee is $2.00 per item. Large luggage will not be accepted. Cost to visit the USS Missouri is adults us$16.00
Children 4-12 years us$8.00


Jet Lag!
Recent medical research indicates that the effects of jet lag can be substantially reduced when the traveller simply spends 15 to 20 minutes in water upon arriving at the destination.

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.

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!)

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!