Inside the 737 Test Plane
From www.wired.com
(Submitted by: Wayne Albertson)
THE SIGHT OF a passenger jet performing stunts might terrify you, but it shouldn’t. The Boeing 737 MAX is the first new plane of Boeing’s second century of existence, but before it can enter service, it has to prove itself. The 737 is a Seattle stalwart—the best-selling commercial jet ever—but that doesn’t mean it can afford to skimp on evolution.
That’s why Boeing has built the 737 MAX, a new take on the jet that’s 14 percent more efficient and 40 percent quieter than the outgoing version. But before airlines can cram you into the thing, Boeing’s got to prove it’s airworthy in just about any situation.
Click on photo below for full article.
The Silver Bullet - Fin # 754
If you've ever seen Air Canada Fin #754 (C-FBKT) there's no doubt that you remember it. The “Silver Bullet” flew in bare metal livery with the rondel on the tail and a red stripe and Air Canada signature along the fuselage.
During its brief time in the fleet (June 1988 to August 1989) it was both a source of frustration and amusement for Air Canada employees and customers. It was leased from Eastern Airlines to replace other DC9's that had to be taken out of service to perform mandatory overhauls that were coming due.
At the time when the "Silver Bullet" was part of our fleet I was working in Purchasing & Supply in Toronto in a position that required me to attend maintenance meetings each morning and report any parts issues to my manager. Fin #754 was frequently a focus of these meetings as it had numerous minor maintenance issues that the maintenance engineers delighted in joking about. 
The aircraft was already twenty years old and Eastern Airlines was having financial problems so it had not been maintained up to their usual standards. However, it was returned to EAL in good condition.
The aircraft continued in service with EAL and later Northwest Airlines until November 2006 when it was hit by a tug vehicle in Minneapolis and damaged beyond repair. It had flown for forty years before it was scrapped. You can actually purchase a model of Fin #754 in Air Canada livery on eBay for $38.00 USD + shipping.
David Varnes, Secretary Treasurer for IAM LL764 in Vancouver has written an excellent article about Fin #754 in the October issue of the Lodge’s Snag Sheet publication; David’s article begins on page 3. While you’re there, check out back issues of the Snag Sheet for more of David’s literary work.
|
Shirlee Schacter has sent us this report and photos -
|
|
 |
 |
This cartoon, by Dave Mathias, is from the "Between Ourselves" magazine issued December 1951. The caption is "Just a company regulation - can't drink in uniform!"
Mark your calendars... ACRA Montreal Children's Christmas Party takes place on Saturday, December 3, 2016.
This year’s event will be held at the hangar at the Air Canada Base (7373 Boulevard de la Côte-Vertu) from 2 – 5 p.m.
There will be a variety of activities to get the children of ACRA members in the Christmas Spirit! This event is free to all Air Canada ACRA YUL members and their immediate families, provided the employee has paid 2016 membership. Children 8 years and under will receive a gift if the ACRA member attends the event.
Click Here for full details and application form. ACRA members interested in attending must register by Wednesday, November 30, 2016 If you would like to participate in this event and are not part of ACRA, Click Here for an application form.