 The NetLetter
For Air Canada Retirees
(part of the ACFamily Network)
May 7, 2011 - Issue 1163
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First Issue published in October 1995!
(over 5,400 subscribers)
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Donation Information
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Send cheques payable to "ACFamily Network" to:
ACFamily Network
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| Greetings! |
We welcome you to allow the NetLetter to be your platform, and opportunity, to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC, Wardair. etal. and share your experiences with us!
The NetLetter is an email newsletter published every weekend and contains a mixture of nostalgia, current news and travel tips. We encourage our readers to submit their stories, photos and/or comments from either days gone by or from present day experiences and trips. If we think that the rest of our readers will enjoy it, we will publish it here
We also This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in regard to anything we post here. Many readers have commented with additional information, names and personal memories from the photos and articles presented here.
The NetLetter, which is free, is open to anyone that wishes to subscribe but is targeted to retired employees from Air Canada, Canadian Airlines and all the other companies that were part of what Air Canada is today. Thanks for joining us!
Terry & your NetLetter Team
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| CAHS Upcoming Events - Compiled by Alan Rust |
 We have a listing below of all the CAHS (Canadian Aviation Historical Society) upcoming events that we are aware of. If you are at all interested in Canadian aviation history, then we encourage you to attend a meeting or visit their web site at: www.cahs.ca |
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CAHS National Convention
Edmonton - June 22th to 26th - Mark your calendars for the CAHS 48th annual convention where they will explore the rich aviation history of Edmonton, the province of Alberta, and Canada's North.
Presentations will range from civil and military aviation topics, to how regional heritage institutions are promoting this fascinating history, to creative ways authors are bringing these subjects to new audiences.
See: www.cahs.ca/events/convention.html for complete details.
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 Vancouver Chapter
Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Time: 1900 hrs
Guest Speaker: Jim Jorgenson will show some videos of World War II aircraft
For more info call Jerry Vernon at (604) 420-6065 or visit the Chapters website by clicking here.
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 Toronto Chapter
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Time: 1830 hrs
Guest Speaker: "Freedom's Wings Canada" Providing people with disabilities the opportunity to fly,
For more information, visit the Toronto Chapter's website by clicking here.
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 Calgary Chapter
Date: Thursday, May 19,2011
Time: 1900 hrs
Guest Speaker: "The Prairie Air Mail: 1930-1932" by Bruce Gowans.
For more information, visit the Calgary Chapter's website by clicking here.
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 Montreal Chapter
Date: Thursday, May 19,2011
Time: 1100 hrs
Guest Speaker: Nick Wolochatiuk will reprise his popular 'Triviair' aviation quiz.
For more information, visit the Montreal Chapter's website by clicking here.
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 Ottawa Chapter
Date: May 26, 2011
Time: 1930 hrs
Guest Speaker: Jay Hunt shares memories of some of his experiences as a comptetition aerobatic pilot, competing in Canada and Internationally during the 1970s and 1980s.
For more information visit the Ottawa Chapters web site by clicking here .
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 Manitoba Chapter
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011
Time: 1900 hours
Guest Speaker: TBA
Fo more information, visit the Manitoba Chapter's website by clicking here.
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ACRA Upcoming Events- Compiled by Alan Rust
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 Retirees Welcome!
The following events are available for retirees through ACRA, the Air Canada Recreation Association. |
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Retirees Welcome!
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 Are you aware of an ACRA Event that is open to retirees? Please use the online form by following this link to submit your ACRA Event. (ACRA Events only please)
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| Women in Aviation - Compiled by Alan Rust |
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Local Edmonton Author Talks Writing and Flying
Edmonton, AB - Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, who recently returned from a three-month stint in the Yukon as Berton House writer-in-residence, will be giving a talk at the Edmonton Flying Club (49 Airport Rd. NW) Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 7 p.m.
The evening will begin with an illustrated presentation on her adventures in aviation history as well as the writing and publishing world. She will then give a short reading from her book, For the Love of Flying: The Story of Laurentian Air Services , before engaging in a Q&A session.
Hosted by the Canadian Women in Aviation - Polaris Chapter, this event is free and open to the public. There will be door prizes and refreshments will be served.
In addition to her book, Danielle has had several articles published in print and online, and is currently working on a history of aviation in Canada's north as well as a novel. She is the President of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (www.cahs.ca) and is chairing its 2011 conference in Edmonton.
For more information, please visit www.daniellemc.com.
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| Our first 70 years - Compiled by Terry Baker |
1955 - June 23rd - Viscount service introduced to Windsor, Chicago and Cleveland. |
| Air Canada Related News - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 New Brand - Air Canada announced that it will be branding all its regional operations, Air Canada Express, to provide consistency in branding and to simplify the customer experience. As a result, the brand name Air Canada Jazz will be gradually phased out. All carriers operating on behalf of Air Canada including Jazz Air, Air Georgian, Central Mountain Air, Exploits Valley Air Services and Sky Regional Airlines will carry the Air Canada Express livery. The new Q400s to be delivered starting in May to Jazz Air will be painted in the new livery with the rest of the fleet to be re-painted when up for regular maintenance checks. The dedicated Jazz charter fleet of five aircraft will continue to have the Jazz stand alone livery. (source yyznews.com) |
| Reader Submitted Photos - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 Reader Submitted Photos - The photos and information below was sent to us by our faithful readers. If you would like to send us some old photos you have lying around. we will consider them for publication in a future NetLetter. We prefer good quality airline related photos, with descriptive text included with the submission. |
 Diane and David Bellamy sent us this picture and message -
We found this beautiful old photo hanging at the Marriott Springhill Suites Hotel near O'Hare Airport during a recent stay. What we don't know is the city shown in the photo. We know it's not Chicago. We're not sure if TCA flew in the states in those days. Maybe you could post it in an upcoming NetLetter and ask if anyone can identify the city. The plane appears to be a Lockheed Constellation. Submitted by Diane (O'Hare '67-'98) and David Bellamy Brodhead, Wis.
(Looks like CF-TGC fin 403 - eds) |
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 Clare Ash received this message from Stu Walkerden, who resides in Sydney, Australia and she sends this message -
The following was sent to me by Stu Walkerden, who resides in Sydney, Australia having retired as Manager, Australia. He tells me it's ok to pass this on to you for publication if you wish - I have put some names to faces. Regards Clare Ash
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Back row left to right 1 - Roy Pellant 4 - Gerry Sand 5 - Cloudsley Young 6 - Italo Zalloni 7 - George Gray 8 - Jean Claude Weil 11 - Reg Paull Front Row left to right 4 - Ron Thacker 5 - Stu Walkerden 6 - Amedeo Cimarelli (Sales Rome) 7 - Flo Dupuis (CTO - YUL) 8 - Gordon Paulsen
Here is the email Clare received -
Greetings Clare, This pix was taken in Vancouver in 67 at a Management Training session run by Reg Paull. I've forgotten who some of them are although I do recognize Don Riske, Gerry Sands, Italo Zalloni and Bill Paulsen. You will probably remember others who feature. Always happy to hear from you. Regards, Stu.
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| TCA/Air Canada People Gallery - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 Musings from the "Between Ourselves" and "Horizons" magazine, an Air Canada publication from years gone by, and various in-house magazines. For the Vickers Vanguard aficionado - Check this web site - http://www.vickersvanguard.net
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Issue dated - June 1955
Musings from the "Between Ourselves" magazine -
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 SIX more graduates of Air Freight course 2A are shown with Instructor C. Butters (centre seated). Bock row, from left: L. E. Barrett, LHR; R. N. Stanzak, NY; N. Sopka, XD; G. E. Hoban, NY. Seated: R. F. Hunter, YZ; W. B. Mutch, YR.
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 And the other five are standing C. Butters (Instr), A.J.Bittner YZ, H.Donnelly QJ, seated: W.J.Bartlett YN, R.McDonald YJ and R.Olson VR. |
 THIS GROUP RECENTLY completed basic course in PA (TEL) in UL. Back row, from left: G. L. Gernaey, UL; W. W. Muir, YZ; W. R. Bennett, YC; R. M. Hobbs, YC; . R. Audette, QR; Steve Clark (Instr) Middle row: Misses M. Menzies, WG; E. Henn, CV; V. Lynch, VR; G. Hamel, OW; D. W. Bonhomme, UL. Front row: Misses B. J. Bauer, YZ; C. Seguin, OW; M. M. Morrison, YZ; M. Nagus, UL. |
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Issue dated - July 1955
Extracts from "Horizons" magazine -
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 Old meets new as a 1908 Thomas Flyer 'poses' with one of our new turbo-prop Viscounts at Cleveland's Hopkins Airport. Capt. Al. Edwards and Stewardesses Joyce LaCroix and Shirley Tufts admire the ancient auto.
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 Modern terminal set for Saskatoon. Taken from the ramp side, the photo shows the observation deck and large windows afforded passengers and sightseers.
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 This graduation class of counter PA's represents the fourth of the year to complete training in Montreal. Back row: R. C. Climie (Instructor), D. Cover, YZ; J. Bews, UL; R. G. McDonold, WG; R. Whiteside, WG; J. E. Langton Adams, VR; W. A. Johns, XE; M. King, UL; D. Da Silva, POS; R. J. Warren (Instructor). Middle row: Misses R. Borstel, UL; K. Wilde, UL; H. Gibson, YZ; P. Hofmens, UL; I. McAdam, UL; E. Brady, UL; and Mr. P. Delarminat, UL. Seated: Misses S. Jameison, C. Hoe, I. Vanbieson, F. C. Charlesworth, all UL; D. A. Graham, WG; and H. Kiliany, UL. |
 All primed to take over brand new duties in our reservations offices, this group recently completed basic PA (Tel) course in Montreal. Back row: R. Karr, YZ; B. J. Winsor, YZ; W. V. Martel, XF; M. A. Richards, NY; R. B. Hansen, CV; W. C. Thompson, YC S. I. Clark (Instructor). Seated: Misses Y. H. Forcier, UL; M. L. Duplessis, UL; M. T. Brodeour, UL; E. Fairweather, YZ; M. M. O'Reilly, YR. |
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Issue dated - July 16th 1973
Extracts from "Horizons" magazine -
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 TCA'ers get together -
Members of the TCA Alumni (retired) had a very happy and relaxed week at the Berkeley Beach Hotel, Runaway Bay, Jamaica in June, where they held their second annual reunion.
Although the attendance was somewhat diminished by the rotating strike situation, those who attended enjoyed the get-together as can be seen from the happy smiles in the photo. From the left are, back row: Mr. Ford (hotel staff), Dick Sellors, Herb Seagrim, Percy Heffren, Bill Fabro, John Moriarty, Pat Fabro, and Clint Morgan. Center row: Lil Sellors, Nan Seagrim and Marg Eyre. Front row: Charlie Eyre (President of Air Jamaica), Nell Moriarty, Chuck Gibson, Muriel Gibson, Florrie Heffren, and Estelle Morgan.
Anyone who had worked for TCA and is now retired on pension can qualify for membership.
(Does anyone know if the alumni is still in existence - eds)
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| Alan's Space - by Alan Rust |
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| Alan Rust |
Bell P-39 Airacobra found intact - submitted by Ken Bjorge
After 60 yrs a Bell P-39 Airacobra fighter plane was found intact in England. Some amazing history.
Did you know the girls that built these planes wrote their names and addresses on the planes bulkheads? They used to call them "Rosy the Riveter". See video below for more details.
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Canadi>n/CP Air/PWA, Wardair, etc. People & Events
- Compiled by Terry Baker |
 News and articles from days gone by gleaned from various publications from C.A.I.L. and it's "ancestry" of contributing airlines. |
 The Herc 2011 reunion is scheduled for June 3, 4 and 5th 2011 at Ramada Inn XDI, Edmonton, AB. Check web site www.pwareunion.com for details. |
 Ken Bjorge has sent us this photo and information -
The two stewardess in this CV-640 flight crew picture taken in 1966 at Campbell River, B.C. have been identified as Marilyn Moore (Moor)? left and Jean Gringham right....Carl Fowler (Station Manager) and Captain Val Hennell and F/O Frank Lote....I do have the name of the elderly fellow in an article somewhere but have to find it!....Thanks |
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 Ken also donated a collection of PWA - "Keeping Posted" magazines which we will be extracting some photos - This is from the July 1969 edition.
On June 14th the PWA Social Club held a Bar-B-Que at the home of Bill Bryan Director of Engineering and Maintenance.
We have no idea who is in this photo.
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 And here is the cover of the magazine.
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At the newly opened office in downtown Calgary there is a "first" for the industry. This is the drive-in ticket window which also incorporated a pick-up feature, thus alleviating a parking problem..
A notable first is the President, Captain R.H.Laidman is thought to be the only flying President of a major airline in Canada.
On a trip to Edmonton, at the controls of an AirBus he had as his crew Capt. Miles and S/O Larry Laidman. This was possibly an unmatched achievement to be President, an active pilot and have a son work alongside.
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Readers feedback.
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Rick Coulter sends this suggestion regarding the Convair at YYJ pictured in N etLetter nr 1161 as submitted by Ken Bjorge - the picture of the Convair would have to have been taken sometime in the late 60's as the inaugural flight (known as the javelin jet prop service) was in 1967. cheers rick And from Cliff Cunningham we received this information - I do not think the Ken Bjorge photo of Victoria Airport could have been taken in the 1950's. All flights operated out of a terminal in one of the old WW2 hangers on the east apron until after 1967. I recall, as does my wife, flying from YYJ to YVR from the old terminal then. Also, the CV640 conversion was not rolled out until 1965 and went into service with PWA after that. I cannot find a historical record that indicates when the terminal building in the picture was opened. Perhaps someone else might. It has since been expanded and modernized extensively and is one of the nicest in Canada, according to many passenger comments Cliff Cunningham North Saanich, B.C. (10 minutes from YYJ) And some research done by Ken Pickford -  The photo in Issue 1161 of the AC Viscount and PWA Convair 640 at Victoria says it dates from the 1950s. It's much later than that. The Viscount in Air Canada livery dates it to not before 1965, the year TCA became AC. But the PWA Convair 640 CF-PWS in the photo dates it to 1967 or later. That's when PWA acquired that aircraft and several other Convair 640s.
As a further piece of trivia, that Convair 640 CF-PWS was originally delivered as a Convair 440 to All Nippon Airways in Japan in 1957. ANA operated it for about 8 years. It was then converted from the original Pratt & Whitney piston engines to Rolls-Royce Dart turboprops (a more powerful model of the Darts used on the Viscount), becoming a Convair 640, prior to PWA acquiring it. It was also briefly leased to Hawaiian Airlines between ANA and PWA. After PWA it spent a decade or so with Time Air before being withdrawn from use in 1991 and later scrapped.
Have included a photo (above) of CF-PWS (by then C-FPWS) with Time Air taken at Edmonton City Centre airport (YXD) in 1986. You can see the tail of another ex-PWA Convair 640 in the background. That's C-FPWY.
Regards,
Ken Pickford
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Odds & Ends - Compiled by Terry Baker
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 Sometimes we receive articles and information that just doesn't fit in our other areas. This is where it goes! The International Youth Exchange is a great opportunity for youth to use their flight benefits and experience another culture. It is a wonderful chance to meet new people and see another part of our world.
Youth of airline families are matched with another youth of an airline family abroad. The matched youth choose two different two-week periods during the summer to do the exchange. One youth travels abroad the first two-week period and then the second youth travels abroad the other two-week period. Since they are together at both homes, youth of airline families are able to learn about another country from someone of similar age. Camille Wheeler, a retired U.S. airline worker,.set up the organization.
Visit http://intlyouth.org or contact Camille Wheeler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Terry's Trivia and Travel Tips - by Terry Baker
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| Terry Baker |
Brian Walsh sends this information -
Virtually free WiFi access while traveling...
Buy any denomination Starbucks card (even if you don't drink their coffee, as I don't) and it will allow you access to their WiFi anywhere they have it in the world. Since Starbucks are common in many parts of the world, you don't have to go far for WiFi. Better yet, load your card onto your online account and you don't even have to carry the card - just log in at their stores. If you have the iPhone app, you can find out the location of the store nearest you.
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Under the www.pionairs.ca web site, there is a section entitled "INFO PAK", we suggest you take some time to review the raft of some very valuable information in that section. (You need to be a Pionair Member and logged in to see this information). |
Interline deal from Airway Vacations - Scotland Tartan Deluxe Package with confirmed air, car, Atholl Palace, 4 nights B&B, 1 night hotel from $799* First night hotel, 4 nights B&B, 1 night Atholl Palace, Air + Car Compare at $1,199 - Total package cost savings of $800 Choose from Edinburgh or Glasgow *Restrictions apply, taxes & fees add' Enjoy an authentic Scottish experience staying in a blend of accommodations including your first night in a hotel in Edinburgh or Glasgow, 4 nights Bed & Breakfasts of your choice and your final night like royalty at Atholl Palace. Explore visits to famous Scottish cites like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and even small towns or villages waiting to be discovered. - Day 1: Depart USA to Edinburgh, Scotland (Glasgow +$30) - Day 2: Spend a night in Scotland's capital city at Express by Holiday Inn or upgrade to Apex City (+$99) - Day 3-6: Explore Scotland at your own pace selecting from over 300 B&B's - Day 7: Enjoy your final night like royalty at Atholl Palace, located at the footsteps of the highlands. - Day 8: Depart Scotland to USA Travel Date NY-JFK Boston Chicago Los Angeles Sep 1 - Sep 30 $999 $1149 $1349 $1429 Oct 1 - Oct 31 $899 $1049 $1149 $1199 Nov - Mar 2011 $799 $949 $1049 $1079 Travel NY JFK Boston Chicago Los Angeles Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 $999 $1149 $1349 $1429 Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 $899 $1049 $1149 $1199 Nov. 1 - March 2011 $799 $949 $1049 $1079 Space is limited at prices shown. Other days and gateways are available at slightly higher rates. Please note: Taxes and fees up to $250 per person and added automatically during booking process. Airline taxes are additional Package Includes: Accommodations First night Express by Holiday Inn Edinburgh (Glasgow +$30) 4 nights Bed & Breakfasts 1 night Atholl Palace, Pitlochry (Additional night B&B available for $99) Transportation Round-trip airfare to Edinburgh on Delta, Aer Lingus and other major carriers Standard manual car rental (Upgrade to automatic from $79) Additional Options Upgrade first night hotel to 4* Apex City Hotel for $99 Travel to Glasgow: +$30 Additional 7th night (extra night in B&B) with car for $99 Call 1-800-422-3727 www.caesarhotels.com for more deals.
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Smileys - Compiled by Terry Baker
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As we surf the internet and back issues of airline magazines we regularly find airline related jokes and cartoons. Below is our latest discovery.
Vern Swedfeger sent us more ATC exchanges -
Controller: AF123, say call sign of your wing man.
Pilot: Uh...approach, we're a single aircraft.
Controller: Oh @#$%! You have traffic!
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O'Hare Approach: USA212, cleared ILS approach runway 32L. maintain 250 knots.
USA212: Roger approach, how long do you need me to maintain that speed?
O'Hare Approach: All the way to the gate if you can.
USA212: Uh, okay, but you better warn ground control.
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ATC: Pan Am 1, descend to 3,000 ft. on QNH, altimeter 1019.
Pan AM 1: Could you give that to me in inches?
ATC: Pan Am 1, descend to 36,000 inches on QNH, altimeter 1019
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Cessna 152: 'Flight Level Three Thousand, Seven Hundred.'
Controller: 'Roger, contact Houston Space Center.'
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Beech Baron: Uh, ATC, verify you want me to taxi in front of the 747.
ATC: Yeah, it's okay. He's not hungry.
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Student Pilot: 'I'm lost; I'm over a big lake and heading toward the big "E".
Controller: 'Make several 90 degree turns so I can identify you on radar.'
(short pause)
Controller: 'Okay, I have you. That big lake is the Atlantic Ocean. Suggest you turn to the big "W" immediately.'
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Pilot: 'Approach, this is Acme Flt 202, with you at 12,000' and 40 DME.'
Approach: 'Acme 202, cross 30 DME at and maintain 8000'.'
Pilot: 'Approach, 202's unable to descend at that rate.'
Approach: 'What's the matter 202? Don't you have speed brakes?'
Pilot: 'Yup. But they're for my mistakes. Not yours.'
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Disclaimer: Please note, that neither the NetLetter or the ACFamily Network necessarily endorse any of the airline related or other "deals" that we provide for our readers. We would be interested in any feedback (good or bad) when using these companies though and will report the results here. We do not (normally) receive any compensation from any companies that we post in our newsletters. If we do receive a donation or other compensation, it will be indicated as a sponsored article or link.
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We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the NetLetter, see you next week!
Sincerely,
Your NetLetter Team
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First published in October, 1995
- Chief Pilot - Terry Baker, Nanaimo, B.C.
- Co-pilot - Alan Rust, Surrey, B.C.
- Flight Engineer - Bill Rowsell, Londesboro, Ontario
To contact us, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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