The NetLetter
For Air Canada Retirees
(Part of the ACFamily Network)
August 12, 2012 - Issue 1216
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First Issue published in October 1995!
(over 5,400 subscribers)
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NetLetter Past Issues
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Donation Information
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Send cheques payable to "ACFamily Network" to:
ACFamily Network
#800 - 15355 24th Ave, Suite 523
Surrey, BC V4A 2H9
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Sponsors
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Greetings!
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Welcome to the NetLetter!
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!
Terry Baker and the NetLetter Team
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| Our First 75 Years - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 1943
- May 1st -Simplified meal service commenced, consisting of a fibre food box which sat on the pax knees..
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1960 - March 1st - Atlantic Service Timetable issued.
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1977 - April - Air Canada Pionairs formed.
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| Women in Aviation - Compiled by Terry Baker |
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Vern Swerdfeger has sent us photos of various posters, here are three -
 Lufthansa ad of 1960.
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 Lufthansa Stewardess 1951 |
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 PIA Pakistan International Airlines Stewardess 1963
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| Reader Submitted Photos - Compiled by Terry Baker |
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 Reader Submitted Photos - The photos and information below have been submitted to us by our faithful readers.
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 Jim Bruce has sent us this information together with the photos:
Another wonderful shot of the YWG Line Maintenance hangar interior has surfaced in my files - taken before the walls got their white paint. The DC-3 is getting some serious "line maintenance" which seemed to involve removing the wings! I don't know who took the shot. (CF-TDW (#370) delivered July 31, 1946 and sold to Frontier Nov 5, 1958, after it had done 30,936 hrs with TCA.)
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And Jim also sends us this photo and comment:
Anyone see this photo before?
From front to back: Super Connie CF-TGF #406; North Star CF-TFM #213; Viscount CF-THQ #635.
It's a remarkably sharp photo. The last shot has B-25's in the background, suggesting YWG? Anyway, I think I got this from Vince Macdonald (TCA photo in the 1950's.) Notice the airtight security on the ramp. Cheers, Jim
 
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 The TCA Comet model photo I got from Bill Kinash, who some of you older engineering types may remember as the guy who did some of the heavy lifting for Mac McLeod, in designing and fabricating the McLeod Crossover Exhaust on the North Star Merlin engines. (Result: no more passengers fainting upon seeing flames shooting out of the engines at night.)
Jim
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 From the Robert Arnold collection, we have this information about this photo. It is a silver plated mug with a pewter logo celebrating the 50th anniversary of TCA/Air Canada. Note the Viscount clock beside it.
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| TCA/Air Canada People Gallery - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 Below we have musings from the "Between Ourselves" and "Horizons" magazine, Air Canada publications from years gone by, as well as various in-house publications. The NetLetter has been fortunate enough to have our readers donate vintage Trans-Canada Air Lines and Air Canada publications from as far back as 1941 to share with you. These have been scanned and are being prepared for presenting in a special area of the ACFamily Network for archival and genealogy research.
Early in 1977, the Air Canada Pionairs was formed with the interim directorate as President - Martin Betts, V.P's. - Cliff Seddon and Emily Coxon, with Directors Dave Clarke, Walter Lawlor, Bill Spratt and Lindy Rood. The position of Secretary/Treasurer was unfilled at the time. Initial cost to join was $2.00. (source "Horizons" issued May 1977)
Tom Rogers sent us this enquiry: I was wondering if you have the photo of the crew that operated the first flight into Frankfurt in 1966? My father, P.T. Rogers, was the F/O on the flight and I would love to get a copy of the pic. I remember seeing the photo in Between Ourselves in 1966. Thanks.
Tom Rogers Air Canada YVR
The NetLetter gang responded with: This is the only photo I could find. It is Between Ourselves dated June 1966.
As you can see it is a poor reproduction, and there are no identities of the crew. Is that your father third from the left?
Tom replied: Yes that is my dad - 3rd from left (2nd pilot). I believe the Captain was Fred Wright, but not sure. The S/O (first pilot from left ) looks like Stu Whalley but hard to tell... many thanks!
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 Here is the photo, (Can anyone can supply anymore identities - eds)
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 A TCA Airliner, Winnipeg bound, crash lands near Malton, Ont. - Nine passengers were bruised and shaken up as the T.C.A. airliner, pictured here, was forced down three-quarters of a mile northwest of Malton, Ontario airport after it had begun its flight from Toronto to Winnipeg. Due to skillful work on the part of the pilot, the plane made a successful forced landing in a plowed field after one engine failed. All but two of the passengers resumed their flight in a relief plane. (source Vancouver News-Herald November 29th, 1943)
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Issue dated - April 1943
Extracts from "Between Ourselves" magazine -
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The first T.C.A.R.A. (a forerunner of today's A.C.R.A) was organized in Winnipeg during early 1941, not July 1944 as reported in NetLetter nr 1212, and, in 1943, they had 528 members.
T.C.A.'s first female passenger agent was Doris Forbes who joined at Winnipeg during May 1941.
 Attendees at a Vancouver dance February 27th, 1943. From left to right sitting: Stewardess Miss Jean Beattie, Station Manager C.W. Hewitt, Stewardess Florence Perkins, Capt Art Rankin, Capt. Don Brady, Standing: F/O Colin Campbell, Capt. Gordon Haslett, F/O Norman Ramsay, Clair Dobbin, Supt. Flt Ops YWG B.A. Rawson. |
This was the control tower at Malton in 1943.
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 T.C.A. celebrated its fourth birthday with a presentation ceremony in Ottawa. TCA was represented by J.A. Wilson, Director TCA; O.J. Larson, VP TCA; G. Herring, Director TCA: Commander C.P. Edwards, Director TCA. After the ceremony, it was shipped to Winnipeg where it was on display at the Fort Garry hotel and then consigned to the TCARA organization, where it was consumed by all who attended.
A rather scratchy photo of three passenger agents at Vancouver Airport in 1943.
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The second TCARA (forerunner to ACRA) was established in Toronto during May 1943. Officers were President J.F. Burrett, V.P. I.F. Thomas, Secretary E. Johnson and Treasurer C.E. Banfield.
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Issue dated - October 1943
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 The third TCARA (forerunner to ACRA) was established at Montreal in October 1943. The executive committee consisted of President Daver Tennant, VP Norm Humphrys, Treasurer Paul Carrier and Secretary George Dyce. |
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Issue dated - November 1952
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 September 16th 1952, TCA North Star under the command of Capt. R.M. Palmer and F/O K.M. Yates was the first aircraft to depart New York International airport controlled by the new control tower.
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| Alan's Space - by Alan Rust |
 Alan is on vacation! "Alan's Space" will be back soon. |
Canadi>n/CP Air/PWA, Wardair, etc. People & Events
- Compiled by Terry Baker
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 News and articles from days gone by gleaned from various publications from C.A.I.L. and it's "ancestry" of contributing airlines. |
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Issue dated - December 1979
Gleaned from the "CP Air News" magazine -
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 ATHENS, MILAN AND LISBON staff converged on Toronto to participate in a four-day ticketing seminar. Participants are from left: Luis Araujo, Lisbon res; Tassos Alexandridis, Athens ticket office; Takis Dimitriou, Athens res. Priscille Leblance, publications and training. Toronto: George Filacourldls, Athens airport; and Carlo Re, Milan sales office. Front from left, Joyce Titipoulou, Athens airport; Rafaella Spinella, Milan ticket office; Ana Dores, Lisbon res; and Henriquetta Mastbaum, Lisbon airport. |
 MEET THE GOODS GUYS at Amsterdam: Our photographer didn't stop cargo agent Gerrit Gerritsen from discussing business. He just carried on leaving fellow cargo team members to admire his style. They are (from left), Rob Dankelman, Ardy Companje, Rob Stundebeek, Cees Heering, Ronnie van Zelm and Paul Meyer. |
 ACTION STATIONS at Amsterdam in five minutes! From left: Irma Sulter, Thea Patoir, Ria van den Brink, Clary Assman and Kalhy Vaulimburg get the call to prepare for their flight.
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| Reader's Feedback - Compiled by Terry Baker |
Every week we ask our readers for their stories or feedback on what they have read here in previous issues. Below is the feedback we have received recently.
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 Continuing the story regarding the TCA emblem started in NetLetter 1214 and 1215 here is another drawing from Jim Bruce:
The 3 circles around the leaf are: black (outer), red (middle), and dark grey (inner). Also there is a lighter grey background around the leaf. The fuselage stripes are black (top), red (inner), and grey (lower). Which makes sense as the ground equipment used these colours: red fenders and grey body.
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 I don't know if any of you have this great photo that goes nicely with recent markings discussion re: the DC-3. I can't make out the registration under the wing. This is in the Line Maintenance Hangar 3 and the lads are removing masking tape from a freshly painted DC-3. (Al Hunt was in charge of DC-3 overhaul.) It looks like early morning sun pouring in the east windows (?) The DC-3's were delivered from 1945-1948. The markings design was done in late 1948. I imagine this is Spring 1949. The hangar details are great, n'est-pas? Jim
Ken Pickford has sent us this email regarding an item in NetLetter nr 1215:
Just to show I'm still paying attention in #1215 there's a reference to "North Caribou Air" adding a BAe 146. Their name is actually "North Cariboo Air" (oo, not ou, in Cariboo!) The animal is spelled "ou". The airline and the B.C. region they're named for has always used "oo" Regards, Ken
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Odds and Ends.
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 Sometimes we receive articles and information that just doesn't fit in our other areas. This is where it goes!
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 Barry Crawford sends us this:
I achieved a personal milestone of doing at least 1 tandem parachute jump over the last 10 years (2002-2012). On Saturday June 30th, I did my 16th tandem which was classified as a "super tandem" because we jumped with oxygen from 18,000 feet. The free-fall alone was 70 seconds... needless to say an incredible experience! Hope you like the photo.
P.S. I always enjoy receiving your NetLetter. I read in your latest edition (1211) of asking anyone who worked at Nordair to share their experiences. I will look forward to any submissions. A while back I did share my northern experiences with your readers, which was fun to do. Barry
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Terry's Trivia and Travel Tips - by Terry Baker
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 Change in US AIRWAYS ZED. Air Canada has been notified by US Airways that with an effective date of September 1st, that they will no longer be able to continue to offer the Partner Travel for ZED (Zonal Employee Discount). This means that the ZED agreement will no longer permit Air Canada employees/retirees to be accompanied by travel partners on US and vice-versa.
Employees/retirees, spouse and children will still be able to travel on US; as will unaccompanied parents. We understand that this change may be disappointing. We will continue to review and communicate should our agreement change. All ZED partner tickets issued prior to September 1st will continue to be honored for travel on US Airways up until November 30th. (Check ETS web site for rules & regulations regarding ZED travel - eds)
The AIF at Halifax will increase to $25 from $20, effective January 1, 2013. This change will be reflected on airline tickets sold on or after October 1, 2012 for Halifax passengers whose flight departs on or after January 1, 2013.
Revised Employee/Retiree service charges became effective January 2012. Applicable taxes and Airport Fees will also apply in addition to these charges. Revised matrix available on the E.T.S. web site.
Air Canada Schedule Change
Toronto - Memphis route cancelled effective September 18th.
Montreal - Houston route cancelled effective September 4th.
(source yyznews.com)
Some interline deals from Interline Travel - To access our website go to: www.interlinetravel.com/member. If you are asked for a user name and password it is: user name = nonrev and password = interline.
Freedom of the Seas: 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise sailing round-trip from Port Canaveral stopping in Labadee, Falmouth, Grand Cayman and Cozumel on:
Oct. 14, 2012 - $629/Ocean-view from $349/3rd & 4th persons
Dec. 23, 2012 - $899/Inside $1,209/Ocean-view with Balcony from $579/3rd & 4th persons - Christmas Cruise!
Jan. 6 & 20, 2013 - $529/Inside $709/Ocean-view $847/Ocean-view with Balcony from $379/3rd & 4th persons
Feb. 3, 2013 - $549/Inside $689/Ocean-view $829/Ocean-view with Balcony from $379/3rd & 4th persons
Feb. 17, 2013 - $629/Inside $789/Ocean-view $959/Ocean-view with Balcony from $379/3rd & 4th persons
Radiance of the Seas - 10 Night Hawaii Cruise sailing from Vancouver to Honolulu stopping in Hilo, Mount Kilauea, Kailua Kona, Lahaina and Nawiliwili on: Sept. 14, 2012 - $899/Inside $999/Ocean-view $1,249/Ocean-view with Balcony $499/3rd & 4th persons
Rhapsody of the Seas - 7 Night Alaska Cruise sailing round-trip from Seattle cruising the Inside Passage then stopping in Juneau and Skagway then cruising Tracy Arm Fjord and then stopping in Victoria on: Aug. 31, 2012 - $1,299/Ocean-view with Balcony from $449/3rd & 4th persons
Rhapsody of the Seas - 7 Night Alaska Cruise sailing from Seattle to Vancouver stopping in Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan then cruising the Inside Passage on: Sept. 7, 2012 - $449/Inside $1,399/Oceanview with Balcony from $399/3rd & 4th persons - Rates Just Lowered!
All rates are US$
Contrary to the information in NetLetter nr 1215 regarding the expiry of the Family Affaire, we have now learned the following:
Family Affair program extended to January 31, 2013. The Family Affair program has been extended with new last ticket/travel date of January 31, 2013. Details on the Family Affair program which features confirmed air travel are available on the Employee Travel Site under News & Policies. For reservations or inquiries, please contact Call Centres at 1-888-247-2262.
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| Smileys - Compiled by Terry Baker |
As we surf the internet and back issues of airline magazines we regularly find airline related jokes and cartoons. Below is our latest discovery.
An ode by Ken Murray from the "Between Ourselves" issued July 1943:
The Co-Pilot
Ken Murray-CCA
I am the co-pilot; I sit on the right,
It's, up to me to be quick and bright.
I never talk back, for I have regrets,
But I have to remember what the Captain forgets.
I make out the flight plan and study the weather,
Pull up the gear and stand by to feather;
Check the tanks and do the reporting.
And fly the old crate while the captain is courting.
I take the readings, adjust the power,
Put on the heaters when in a shower;
Tell him where we are on the darkest nights,
And do all the bookwork without any light.
I call for my Captain and buy him coke.,
I always laugh at his corny jokes;
And once in a while when his landings are rusty,
I always come through with:"By Gosh, it's gusty. '
All in all, I'm a general stooge
As I sit on the right of the man I call "Scrooge."
I guess you think that is past understanding,
But maybe someday he will give me a landing.
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 Found these in the local newspaper recently.
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 This one just after details of the bonus amounts were released.
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The NetLetter is an email newsletter published (usually) once a week 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 welcome your feedback 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!
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the NetLetter, see you next week!
Sincerely,
Your NetLetter Team
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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.
E&OE - (errors and omissions excepted) - The historical information as well as any other information provided here is subject to correction and may have changed over time. We do publish corrections when they are brought to our attention.
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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
- Stewardess - Lisa Ruck, Brooklin, 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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