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Vesta's Corner
 For those following the Clipper story it can be found by following this linkand/or we will carry next segment in NetLetter 1015. I thought this article may be of interest - Airline flies jumbo jet powered by biofuel Feat is hailed as progress in reducing carbon dioxide emissions Virgin Atlantic has carried out the world's first flight of a commercial aircraft powered partly by biofuel. The Boeing 747 flew on Sunday February 24th from London's Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, with one of its four engines using a mixture of coconut oil and babassu oil. Had the engine failed, others would have been capable of getting the plane to its destination, the British airline said. One concern was that the fuel might freeze, but mid-flight, Captain Geoff Andreason reported via satellite telephone that all was well, and he went on to complete the journey. Critics have said that cultivating crops to make biofuel is not sustainable and will lead to reduced land for food production. Biofuels are typically produced from plant oils and, ideally, have a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. The chief scientist of the environmental group Greenpeace, Doug Parr, called the 747 flight "high-altitude greenwash" and said even producing organic oils to make biofuel could lead to deforestation and massive greenhouse gas emissions. Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Charles said the flight demonstrated that, by using a substitute for conventional jet fuels, it's possible to produce less of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. "Some of us in the industry are actually doing something about reducing our carbon emissions. I don't think that's a gimmick. It's progress," he said. Charles said it would take weeks to analyze the data from Sunday's flight. Richard Branson, the airline's president, said his company worked with Boeing, GE Aviation and Imperium Renewables for the past year to "prove that biofuels can be used at 30,000 feet [9,140 metres] without freezing." |
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Star Alliance News
 SINGAPORE AIRLINES plans to convert its five A340-500s from 181-seat, 2-class layout to 100-seat all-business class (using lie-flat seats designed for A380 and manufactured by KOITO); aircraft are operated on daily nonstopSingapore-Newark/-LAX. SAS settlement with Bombardier includes new aircraft orders SAS Group said it will receive "slightly more" than SEK1 billion ($163.3 million) in cash and credit toward new aircraft purchases in settlement with Bombardier and Goodrich over the Q400 landing gear incidents that led the airline to retire its 27 Q400s last fall. |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
1986 - Feb 2nd - "Cashless cabin" introduced meaning free bar service, free movies and free audio entertainment for all passengers. 1985 - Aug - Air Canada and P.W.A. each purchased 24.5% or Air Ontario.  Air Canada Cargo concluded a contract with Air Haiti to wet lease a DC-8-73 for 3 months. Pictured are l to r - George Hoban GSA, Tom Kelley & Pete Newell,Jason Troncale, Francis Myrtil of Air Haiti, Hank Fleming and Gerry brown.For many years now, we have been fortunate in receiving stories and memories from Bill Norberg and, as our 70th year is closing, Bill thought this would be of interest - The 70th Anniversary year is rapidly drawing to a close. It has been a stimulating time for us all to remember and relive so many wonderful airline memories. I am sure there are many employees who have wonderful stories about their personal airline experiences tucked away in their memory banks. I can only hope for them, that they find a way to document them for themselves as well as their family. In the end it probably matters little to many but I have always been a believer of preserving experiences and memories. As we age if we do not preserve and value our memories, we will have little sustenance for those twilight days and years that come to us all. "My last shot". Our anniversary year is just about over Phases in the life of Trans-Canada Air Lines/Air Canada The 70th anniversary of this great airline is a major event in the life of Canada, as well as a testament to the many people who have played a role in making it the success it has become. Corporate milestone anniversaries, whether they are the celebration of a 50th, 60th or 70th anniversary, provide the opportunity to reflect on and recognize the influence that time, external events, and the corporate and employee response to these factors, has defined the evolving character of the company For me, Air Canada's current anniversary event is cause for celebration... I was privileged to work for Trans-Canada Air Lines / Air Canada for 43 years starting in 1940 shortly after the airline was created in 1937. My 24 years of retirement added to those 43 years have given me an opportunity to be closely associated with 67 of the 70 years making up this milestone anniversary. My close personal association over such a long period gave me a wonderful opportunity to observe the changes in personality, character, culture and operation of the airline from many perspectives. It has evolved from a small, family oriented corporation that was required to perform all aspects of an airline's passenger, cargo and maintenance mandate, into the passenger airline partner of a large airline services holding company with new unfamiliar faces and diverse mandates. .These changes are not necessarily wrong, but certainly the most visible characteristics of it's growth as it continues to be one of the world's great airlines. Not long ago I was documenting my memories about how these changes appear to have evolved for no other reason than my own personal satisfaction, and possibly the interest of my children. As I started this project, I sensed there was a way in which I could group my thoughts by dividing the airline's life into a series of distinct phases throughout its development. I identified the time period for each phase together with a short title, a short "message" that indicated what was going on, and finally a "characteristic" descriptive of the company activity in each phase. I developed 15 phases that have defined for me, the character and direction of Air Canada over the past 70 years. While these are nothing more than some casual comments, they come from an individual who loved the airline industry , and this company in particular, every step of the way. Phase Period - The message - Airline characteristic
clearly there are more significant developments to come. The airline we called Air Canada, and what used to be the main purpose of the corporation, is now one of ACE's arms length subsidiaries that is available for possible divestment to interested parties in part or in total. While I can only speculate about how the past three years of Air Canada's evolution may have affected the character of the "new Air Canada", I suspect the feelings of personal ownership and pioneering involvement experienced by the early employees must have been numbed by the uncertainty that accompanies changes of this magnitude. In reflecting on the role I have been able to play in Air Canada's development, it is clear to me that I could never have had such a marvelous work experience anywhere else but in the air transportation industry. The challenges we faced, the constant need to innovate and adapt were mind boggling at times. I feel very privileged to have been a part of it. I know many others feel the same way. I look back on these years with great fondness, much thankfulness and appreciation for a lifetime of wonderful memories, some great people, and a deep feeling of pride at what has been accomplished. I would also like to thank once again, the many people who worked for and with me throughout these memorable years. I wish the airline every success for the future, and congratulations for the accomplishments of these past 70 years. "A Happy Anniversary to everyone." John William Norberg (Thank you Bill for all your very interesting contributions to our NetLetter over the years - eds) Where are they now. A340-313 fin 906 C-FYLU c/n 179 returned to Maple Leaf Financing during Jan 2008 has been leased to Swiss International. |
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Bytes and Pieces
 You may have already seen this video, or stills captured from it, on a news broadcast. Shot by an amateur at Hamburg, Germany, the video shows a dramatic landing attempt on Fuhlsbuettel Airport's Runway 23 in strong and gusty crosswinds. (Various news reports about the incident mentioned gusts with windspeeds of up to approximately 150 mph.)At one point the tip of the left wing of the Lufthansa Airlines A320 briefly touches the ground, just before the crew initiated a go-around. According to various news reports, the aircraft later landed safely, but minus one winglet. A story about the incident on CNN.com quoted a Lufhthansa spokesman who said that the plane "is already back in service." The incident happened on Saturday (March 1, 2008) as the aircraft was arriving on a scheduled flight from Munich with more than 130 people on board. The weather conditions were caused by a powerful winter storm that swept across Europe over the past weekend. The weather disrupted air traffic at Hamburg, and several other locations, causing many flight delays, and several diversions. Congratulations to the crew for their successful handling of such a challenging situation.  TTYL, Alan Rust |
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TCA/AC Events & People Gallery
At the end of January 1986, Air Canada was named winner of the Air Transport World Passenger Service Award. Advertising & Public Affairs Department decided to commemorate the award with a poster with representatives from various employee groups and districts. The result was the following photograph.  Left to right - Richard D Lawrence mechanic Halifax, Michelle Gowey C.S A New York, Dominic DiPilato CARA Pastry Chef Montreal,F/A Tracy-Anne Lennie Calgary, Capt. Ron C Dennis Chief Pilot & F/O Director Toronto, Trish Millar-Ellis Development Analyst Montreal, Hazel Tenn C.S.A. Montego Bay, Eugene Green Lead Station Att't London. Musings from "Horizons" issued January 1985 -  CF-TCC was being readied to take part in the company's 50th anniversary, here is a team who are sprucing up the "ol' girl" ready for 1986. The Bombay staff in 1984 are waiting for the inaugural flight in 1985. The A.C.R.A. Christmas party at Toronto in 1984from Horizons issued Sept 1985 -  Pictured a group preparing for employee donations. |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
In NetLetter nr 1012 we made mention of the book "Travel's My Game" by Bert Ollivier. The book has now been issued and is available from Bert Ollivier. A synopsis can be viewed by searching for "Travel's My Game" on the internet. Cost is ca$22.78 and includes GST, packing and postage within Canada. Cheques made out to Bert Ollivier and mailed to 3839 King Arthur Drive, Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 6B9 Marlie Kelsey tells us that the first YXYCP Reunion was held at Parksville from Sept 26 thru 28 2003. For those of you who missed it, or enjoyed it,here are the details of another being planned - Okay you Sourdoughs! We're back at it for a rolicking good time this fall. For anyone who ever worked in YXY (and a few others from the BC District) and for any flight crews who passed through our fair city on a regular basis you are invited to YXYukon 2008. Dates: September 26-28th, 2008 Location: Quality Resort Bayside Inn Parksville, BC (35 Rooms have been blocked under YXY Reunion Rate $99.00 Oceanview rooms- call direct to reserve) 240 Dogwood St Parksville, BC V9P 1E1 (250) 248-8333 www.qualityresortparksville.com Registration Cost: $75.00 per person ( Includes Wine & Cheese Welcome Friday night, Banquet & Dance Saturday night & Goodbye Brunch Sunday morning- Does not include, room cost or golf or Zodiac trips or spa) HOW TO REGISTER ( Space may be limited so register early Maximum for dinner is 112 people) There will be an Early Bird Draw. Two people will win their $75.00 registration fee back. ALL entries received before July 1, 2008 will be entered to win a free Registration. Reserve your spots NOW by sending your cheque payable to: Pat Besier 2812 Wedgewood Dr Duncan, BC V9L 6B1 (250) 748-7567 Email: Please include the following information: Name, Phone number, Mailing address, Email address Position ( Agent, Ramp, Pilot, F/A, etc) Dates you were in YXY MEMORABILIA- If you have pictures to share (that we don't already have on the website) please send digital copies to : Phil Kelsey at We'll include them in a slide show. We will also have a sheet for you to fill out which will be sent to you once we have heard back from you. If you didn't come to the 2003 YXY reunion have a look at our Website at http://cedarcoast.ca/yxycp We had a lot of fun!!! There is something about working up north. We may not see each other for years but the time slips away when we are all together. See you 8 months. Marlie, Pat, Phil and Brian Marlie Kelsey  Pictured is your committeel to r - Donna MacFarlane, Brian Walsh, Pat Besier, Phil Kelsey, Marlie Kelsey From the final edition of "Expressions" the Nordair in-house magazine December 1986 -  Photo of Boreal Airways/Mont Laurier Aviation Seaplane base at Cache Lake near Chibougamau - 1956and these four pictures.     |
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Readers Feedback
 From: Murray PhippsSubject: NetLetter 1008 Picture Edmonton Staff Bunny Blakley came up with the names of almost all of the Edmonton staff in the group photo at the Edmonton Municipal Airport as pictured in the NetLetter 1008. Bunny spent some 40 years with TCA/AC and added a few more years with Time Air & Canadian.She believes that the picture was probably taken in the summer of 1947 and not 1945. This is based on the fact that some of the people shown didn't start with the company until the fall of 1946 and that this picture with the girls in their summer dresses would point to a summer day. It is interesting to note that a couple of years later in mid winter the airline transferred the entire Western Control office and most of the Space Control agents and Teletypists from the chilly Edmonton Municipal Airport to frigid Stevenson Field in Winnipeg .Since this office was staffed around the clock when the last shift finished in Edmonton the next shift started in Winnipeg.That was quite a move for some 20 or more young employees and their families. Now to the picture:  Front Row reading from the left:1 Jack Jackman (DSM) 2 Harry Slater (stn mngr) 3 Aida Bradley (tkt ofc) 4 Vera Herbert ( teletype) 5 Joyce Carson (teletype) 6 (Janet Butcher (teletype) 7 Vivian - ?? (teletype) 8 Ruby MacMurdo (wcx) 9 Mary Cunningham (teletype) 10 Hazel Fowler (tas) 11 Minnie - ?? (radio) 12 Elenor Sveen Charles (tas) 13 Harry Schofield (wc mngr) 14 George Bailey (teletype mngr) 2nd Row - 1 Stan Stanton (wcx) 2 Gus Carnahan (wcx) Jo 3 Chomlak Mitchell (teletype) 4 Peggy Campbell 5 Bunny Blakley (tas) 6 Elaine Mclaughlin (teletype) 7 Marion Slater Jones 8 Ruth Krull Williams (tas) 9 Mona Adamson (secretary) 10 Cec Davidson (radio) 11 Jack Charles ( arpt tkt ctr) 12 Fred Kirkman (wc) 13 Bob Livingstone 3rd Row - 1 Len Rachuk (wc) 2 Doug Stewart (tkt macdonald htl) 3 Johnny Lee (wc) 4 Jerry Mchale (wc) 5 Charley Tillbrook ( radio) 6 Freddy Domries (radio) 7 Sid Pearce (wcx) 8 Karen Jones 9 Jack Burgess 4th Row - 1 Stan Harris 2 Carl Peterson (maintenance) 3 ?? 4 Earl Gerow (crew chief) 5 ?? 6 Frank Heim (maintenance) 7 Gord Thoms ( supervisor maintenance) 8 ?-- Gilbert (maintenance) 9 Sid Willis (crew chief) Murray Phipps - In NetLetter nr 1012 we published a photo of a L1011 "Fly by wire" submitted by Jerry. Vesta questioned the authenicity of the photo, and this is, in part, the email exchanged - Subject: RE: Re: L-1011 My 1st impression of this photo is that "it's a lucky shot" next "it's a hoax" but if it's true photo then what's the story behind it, please. From Jerry You are right about the photo. It was just a lucky, unintentional shot of L-1011 on approach to YYZ. The security in those years was not as it is now. As for the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, I am not a member yet. I want to finish my Spitfire first, presently getting the engine for it. As the former Air Force officer I am involved in the CZECH AIRMEN ASSOCIATION. (http://www.csletci.cz/) Every year I spend about 5 months in Czech Republic. We are working now on the DVD of the history of the Czech Republic Air Force. Many of our pilots were trained in Canada to fight in Britain during WW 2nd. I am trying to get any copy of their involvement which could be in Canada, USA and Britain, archives. I tried to send the E-mail to their museums, but did not get an answer. Do you know anybody I should contact? Thanks. Jerry Website: www.javifix.com This story by your co-pilot was in NetLetter nr 267 I recall a story I read in a book called 'Survival In The Sky' - It was called 'Luckiest Man Alive', about a 20 year old co-pilot and test observer, called Harry Griffiths, who was a brother of Maurice, a Trans-Canada Air Lines pilot in Toronto. Harry's job was to test flight the Boston A20 aircraft prior to being flown across the Atlantic to the RAF. On the 21st December 1942, Harry was checking such an aircraft with pilot Sid Gerow. The plane took off from Dorval and flew across the Lake St. Louis. The engines were throttled back, in turn, and feathered each propeller in turn and then restarted the engines, this to ensure reliability incase one engine failed during the Atlantic trip. Harry was in the nose and had removed his parachute due to space restrictions, and then checked the instruments in the cockpit, finally, while crawling back into the nose to check the bomb sight, the lower hatch gave way and Harry found himself hanging underneath the aircraft. The pilot guessed what had happened but could not leave the controls as automatic pilot was not available, and he knew Harry could not hang on too long, nor could he land the aircraft, so he flew low over the ice covered Lake St Louis, and Harry fell out. A farmer witnessed this event and saw this 'package' roll across the frozen lake for about half a mile before it spun to a stop - thinking it was a practice bomb, but the 'package' moved and the farmer realized that someone had fallen from an aircraft. Harry's limbs and body were badly bruised, but not a bone broken. |
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Help Wanted
Subject: To Down Under and Back.Geoff is requesting help. I have a request, my Travel Partner and I are planning a trip to the U.K. and on to Australia Sept. 2008. to visit Family. Our proposed Itinerary would be Vancouver- London, stopover 2wks. London- Perth, stopover 3wks. Perth- Adelaide, stopover 10 days. Adelaide-return -Vancouver. I am 85, my Travel Partner, my brother-in-law is 81, this will be our Swan Song. Problem is I have never attempted an enterprise such as this before and don't know where to start. Are there any World Wide Travelers out there who might help? With great expectations, and appreciation I respectfully await the avalanche of suggestions. Greetings to all TCA./AIR CANADA fellow travelers. Geoff. |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 From the ACFamily Forums -"This is to inform you that, if an employee is bumped off a flight and if there is another flight of same destination, the gate would then list the employee for the next flight on the same day. However, if there are no flights on the same day, employee then has to list on the Employee Travel Website. Thus, the gate agent would not be able to make a booking for the employee, the next day. Therefore, under special circumstances the gate agent would have made a booking." Air Canada Vacations new and additional summer services to sun holiday destinations include: Toronto-Turks & Caicos; Holguin, Cuba; Varadero, Cuba; and to St. Lucia Montreal-Santa Clara, Cuba and to Montego Bay, Jamaica Vancouver-Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Cancun, Mexico, and to Maui Remember, all employees/retirees can purchase discounted Air Canada Vacations packages featuring confirmed air and hotel through the Employee Travel site on the Portal. BAA receives okay to hike Heathrow, Gatwick charges more than 20% The UK Civil Aviation Authority is allowing BAA to raise charges at London Heathrow and Gatwick by more than 20% next year. In its final decision on price controls at LHR and LGW for the five-year period ending March 31, 2013, CAA is increasing the price cap at Heathrow by ?2.44 ($4.92), or 23.5% in real terms, to ?12.80 per passenger for the year starting next month. Charges in the four subsequent years could rise by 7.5% per year above inflation. At Gatwick, the price cap is set at ?6.79 per passenger in 2008-09, a 21% increase in real terms from the current cap. Charges in the next four years are allowed to increase 2% above inflation annually. (Before you ask - we do not know how, or if, this charge will affect the charges on our passes - eds) |
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Vesta's Corner
In 1973 Transair made Rosella Bjornson the first woman pilot in Canada to be hired by an airline. In 1990 she became the first female Captain with Canadian Airlines.ELLEN EVAK PANEOK, ALASKAN AVIATION PIONEER, DIES AT 48 - Ellen Evak Paneok, of Anchorage, who died March 2 at age 48, was the first Native Alaskan woman bush pilot, and accumulated more than 15,000 hours of flight time, much of it along Alaska's remote northern coast. She delivered mail and supplies to Eskimo villages in all kinds of weather. "The most challenging part," she said in the 1997 book "Women and Flight," "is the off-airport work, like landing on the sandbars, landing on top of a mountain with big tires, maybe on a 20-degree grade, landing uphill and taking off downhill - to me, that's the epitome of bush flying." Paneok also worked for the FAA as an operations inspector and was statewide aviation safety coordinator for the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation. She was one of the few pilots authorized to fly the vintage aircraft owned by the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. She was also a writer, published in Alaska Magazine and AOPA Pilot. This weeks postcard is a pretty one from my personal collection -  For those following the Clipper story here is our next segment. (Continued from NetLetter 1013) The following day, bathed and refreshed, they took off and flew westward across the Gulf of Oman toward Arabia. After just a bit over eight routine hours of flying, they landed in Bahrain, where there was a British garrison. Another frustration presented itself the following morning as they were planning the next leg of their journey. They had planned to fly straight west across the Arabian peninsula and the Red Sea into Africa, a flight that would not have been much longer than the leg they had just completed from Karachi. "When we were preparing to leave Bahrain we were warned by the British authorities not to fly across Arabia," said Ford. "The Saudis had apparently already caught some British fliers who had been forced down there. The natives had dug a hole, buried them in it up to their necks, and just left them." They took off into the grey morning and climbed through a solid overcast. They broke out of the clouds into the dazzling sunshine, and the carpet of clouds below stretched westward to the horizon. "We flew north for about twenty minutes," Ford said, "then we turned west and headed straight across Saudi Arabia. We then flew for several hours before there was a break in the clouds below us, and damned if we weren't smack over the Mosque at Mecca! I could see the people pouring out of it, it was just like kicking an anthill. They were probably firing at us, but at least they didn't have any anti-aircraft." The Pacific Clipper crossed the Red Sea and the coast of Africa in the early afternoon with the Saharan sun streaming in the cockpit windows. The land below was a dingy yellowish brown, with nothing but rolling sand dunes and stark rocky outcroppings. The only sign of human habitation was an occasional hut; every so often they flew over small clusters of men tending livestock who stopped and shielded their eyes from the sun, staring up at the strange bird that made such a noise. The crew's prayers for the continued good health of the four Wright Cyclones became more and more fervent. Should they have to make an emergency landing here they would be in dire straits indeed. Later in the afternoon they raised the Nile River, and Ford turned the ship to follow it to the confluence of the White and Blue Niles, just below Khartoum. They landed in the river, and after they were moored the crew went ashore to be greeted by the now familiar hospitality of the Royal Air Force. Ford's plan was to continue southwest to Leopoldville in the Belgian Congo and begin their South Atlantic crossing there. He had no desire to set out across the Sahara; a forced landing in that vast trackless wasteland would not only render the aircraft forever immobile, but the crew would surely perish in the harshness of the desert.  (We will continue this story in another NetLetter, stay tuned - eds) |
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Star Alliance News
 United Airlines announced a domestic downsizing to help negotiate rising fuel costs and a slowing US economy, with the carrier planning to ground 15-20 mainline aircraft this year. As part of initiative to save fuel in 2008 it plans to install APB winglets on its 757-200s, perform single-engine taxi, selectively reduce speeds, improve climb/descent profiles and streamline fuel supply chain. |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
February 18th 1987 - Weekly cargo service to Thailand to become the first Canadian carrier to provide scheduled service to Thailand. March 1st 1987 - Edmonton-Ottawa non-stop reintroduced after being discontinued October 1986. April 26th 1987 - Vienna returned to the network with two flights a week. This route had been discontinued in 1977. April - 1987
 Air Canada launched a helicopter service from Pearson International Airport to downtown Toronto on August 11th, 1986 The fare was $15.00 for executive passengers, $20.00 for economy, $35.00 for discount passengers and $45.00 for non Air Canada passengers. Service between Toronto and Dallas-Fort Worth which commenced in 1975 was discontinued on September 8th, 1986. Trans-Canada Air Lines was the first international carrier to serve Chicago on July 2nd, 1946. Captain Walter Fowler was the captain of several inaugural flights including Montreal - Moncton November 1st, 1939, Toronto - New York May 10th, 1941, Moncton - Newfoundland May 1st, 1942 1986 - The inaugural flight, a B747, from Manchester to Toronto was under the command of Captain Bernard Lacroix, also on board were Flight Attendants Maria Morgan and Helga Federko. Apr - Wardair became one of 70 domestic and international carriers to join Canada's largest reservation network - ReserVec. Musings from "Horizons" - From issue dated September 1985 - On Oct 22nd, an agreement was made with Time Air to share the YVR-YYJ-YVR route. Air Canada operated B727 aircraft and Time Air introduced, for the first timer in Canada, the Short SD360  Pictured is a postcard handed out during flights  Where are they now. A319 C-FYNS fin 253 c/n 639 returned to GECAS Dec 2007 and then sold to Skybus OH has been sold on to Aigle Azu of France. |
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Bytes and Pieces
I found an interesting video of an emergency landing of a small aircraft. If you choose to watch the video (link below), it is quite amazing how the pilot keeps on a straight line with a gear up landing. He's either very,very good or just "plane" lucky (pardon the pun).See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9zXweJ4O3s  TTYL, Alan Rust |
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TCA/AC Events & People Gallery
Vincent Brimicombe has sent us the following photographs -  25th anniversary of class "46" taken at LAX in 1971l to r - Dave Young, Sales Manager LAX, Reg Cook, Al Godbolt, Vince Brimicombe, Bob Nicholson, Sales Manager YWG and Hugh Bolduc.  Graduation class of 1946 taken at Stevenson Field Winnipeg with Lockheed CF-TCM. Unfortunately we do not have any identification of the members. Manager Meeting Conference at Montreal circa 1960l to r Standing - are Peter Johnson, Max Eagles, Jim Somerville, Art Russell, Murray Law, Gordon Wilson, Johnnie Maxwell, Lil Parker, Dave Bonnell, Frank MacDonald, Bill Holmes, Al Godbolt, Eric Stull, Brian Johnson, Luke McCarthy, Peter Coglin, Al Murphy and Al Reid. l to r sitting - are Kay Smith, Harvey LeSage, Bud Findlayson, Earl Strugnell, Al Felix, J. Crawford, Brian Kemp, Anson McKim, Doug Bartola, Charlie Fitzgerald, Wendell Cook, V.E.B., Elliott Bolton, John Clowes and Reg Cook.  Vince Brimiscombe is in the centre of this group at SFO in 1981 celebrating his 35th anniversary with Air Canada. On his right is Claude Taylor (President) and D.Young (Sales Manager LAX) On his left is Bob Nicholson (Sales Manager - WPG) and Pat Labrie (V.P. USA)From "Horizons" October 1985, we have three pictures of staff taken during the visit by President Pierre Jeaniot to Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth.    |
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Air Canada News
 Winter service expanded to Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Air Canada is enhancing service to its major South American destinations next winter with the introduction of new non-stop service to Buenos Aires from Toronto December 1st with B777-300 equipment. An exclusive flight to Santiago and the introduction of a Boeing 777-300ER for Sao Paulo. |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
Nordair was founded on February 25, 1946 as Mont Laurier Aviation in Roberval, Quebec. On May 24, 1957. together with Mid Canada Line, Nordair was formed.  Some of the Nordair fleet. P.W.A. people, check out this web site - very interesting.www.pwareunion.com/index.htm  Here are some of the PWA fleet - Pictured is the CPAL timetable issued 1943 and saved by Bjorn Larsson view more on www.timetableimages.com |
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Readers Feedback
Gerald Archambeau sends us this information - The NetLetter Family were kind enough to have given me mention in your NetLetter #945 when I self published my first Autobiography " A Struggle to Walk with Dignity" with Trafford Publ. Well all I can say is "Wonders never Cease", since that time in Oct. 22, 2006 my book caught the eye of a prominent Canadian publisher, "Blue Butterfly Books". This was a once in a life time opportunity for me as a new author, and they made me an offer that I could not refuse. My book is now being re published and completely re edited by one of Toronto's best editors, as a 2nd edition that will be on the market in April/08 in Chapters, Indigo, Coles and other book stores across Canada. As a proud PIONAIR in the Central Ontario District, I would like to encourage other retirees to pursue their dreams because anything is possible in life. Anyone can get more info on the book launch on the www.bluebutterflybooks.ca and at www.chapters.com . I would like to thank you, Vesta and Terry Baker for your encouraging words to the PIONAIRS across our AC system. Sincerely, Gerald A. Archambeau |
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Help Wanted
Fraser Muir is seeking information Subject: Travel Info Joan and I are interested in visiting the European War Memorials this summer; could we have some guidance on surface transportation and B & B's, please?? I am a Veteran of WW2, flew 35 Operations with RAF Bomber Command, 50 Squadron, on Lancasters from Skellingthrope, Lincolnshire. Fraser Muir |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 HOT DEAL from StarTrips Presenting: EAST MEETS WEST It only happens once every Spring. Our best deal on motor home holidays is NOW. When: Now until April 25. Where: Toronto to Vancouver & Halifax to Vancouver Whats Included: Kits, Preparation, CDR Insurance, And your RV. How Much: $0.00, Nada, Zippo, Nothing. What Size of RV: 22 foot and 24 foot Motor homes, fully equipped. Anything Else: Oh, yes you get a $500.00 fuel credit!
 Log onto www.startrips.com for all of the information!Some great resort picks in the Caribbean including the Dominican Republic, St. Croix, Barbados, Freeport, St. Martin and Aruba. Holland America has also just released interline space on Trans-Pacific cruises between North America and Asia/Australia. You will also find 7 night Southern and Western Caribbean cruises beginning at $399 and South American 12 night cruises from $599. Check out our great selection of Mexican and Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. We also introduce great land tour packages exploring the wonders of China. You can select a short Beijing holiday or a more extensive land tour and cruise on the Yangtze which starts in Beijing and ends in Shanghai. We have plenty of great options for cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal. Now is the time to plan your next interline vacation. For information and reservations, please call INTERLINE WORLD VACATIONS AT 1-866-279-8480 toll free or (604) 279-8482 or email us at |
Vesta's Corner
Saint Exupery Mystery Solved?
In my surfing of the Internet I found this item of interest and will put this late author on my book list.
Let me know if you do also.
Has the final chapter been written in one of the great aviation mysteries?
A former Luftwaffe pilot says he shot down Antoine de Saint Exupery as the French writer, considered by some to be the greatest aviation author, flew his P-38 off the coast of France in 1944. But Horst Rippert, now 88, who claimed 28 victories during the Second World War, says he never would have opened fire if he'd known his favorite author was at the controls. "If I had known it was Saint-Exupery, I would never have shot him down,"
Rippert told the London Daily Telegraph. "He knew admirably how to describe the sky, the thoughts and feelings of pilots. His work inspired many of us to take up our vocation."
Apparently Rippert has kept the secret all these years and gave it up after being tracked down by Luc Vanrell, a diver who found the wreck of Saint Exupery's aircraft in 1998, and a war researcher named Lino van Gartzen. Saint Exupery was flying for the Free French from Corsica and was on a reconnaissance flight when Rippert said he spotted the Lightning from above and it was easy prey for his Me-109. Many believed the writer, who penned such classics as Pilote de Guerre (Flight to Arras), had committed suicide, but there has also been a persistent theory that he was shot down.
World's biggest hockey stick, Duncan, B.C.Originally built for Vancouver 's Expo '86 was moved to it's permanent home at Duncan's community centre in 1988.At night this Canadian icon is illuminated by hundreds of light bulbs. Length 205 feet weight 31 tons..
message reads.
Hi Vesta, Just a quick note from the home of the Cowichan Valley Capitals to say how much I appreciate The NetLetter.
Keep up the good work
Alastair Alves.
Another installment of the "Clipper" story from NetLetter nr 1014 - Early the next morning they took off from the Nile for Leopoldville. This was to be a particularly long overland flight, and they wanted to leave plenty of daylight for the arrival. They would land on the Congo River at Leopoldville, and from there would strike out across the South Atlantic for South America.
The endless brown of the Sudan gave way to rolling green hills, and then rocky crests that stretched across their path. They flew over native villages, and great gatherings of wildlife. Herds of Wildebeest, hundreds of thousands strong, stampeded in panic as the Clipper roared overhead. The grassland soon turned to jungle, and they crossed several small rivers, which they tried to match to their maps. Suddenly ahead they saw a large river, much bigger and wider than others they had crossed, and off to their right was a good-sized town.
The river had to be the mighty Congo, and the town was Bumba, the largest settlement on the river at that point. From their maps they saw that they could turn and follow the river downstream to Leopoldville. They had five hundred miles to fly.
Late in the afternoon they raised the Congolese capital of Leopoldville. Ford set the Boeing down gently onto the river, and immediately realized the strength of the current. He powered the ship into the mooring, and the crew finally stepped ashore. It was like stepping into a sauna. The heat was the most oppressive they had yet encountered; it descended on them like a cloak, sapping what energy they had left.
A pleasant surprise awaited them however, when two familiar faces greeted them at the dock. A Pan American Airport Manager and a Radio Officer had been dispatched to meet them, and Ford was handed a cold beer. "That was one of the high points of the whole trip," he said.
After a night ashore they went to the airplane the next morning prepared for the long over-water leg that would take them back to the western hemisphere. The terrible heat and humidity had not abated a bit when the hatches were finally secured and they swung the Clipper into the river channel for the takeoff. The airplane was loaded to the gunnels with fuel, plus the drum of oil that had come aboard at Noumea. It was, to put it mildly, just a bit overloaded. They headed downstream into the wind, going with the six-knot current. Just beyond the limits of the town the river changed from a placid down stream current into a cataract of rushing rapids; pillars of rocks broke the water into a tumbling maelstrom. Ford held the engines at takeoff power, and the crew held their breath while the airplane gathered speed on the glassy river. The heat and humidity, and their tremendous gross weight were all factors working against them as they struggled to get the machine off the water before the cataracts. Ford rocked the hull with the elevators, trying to get the Boeing up on the step. Just before they would enter the rapids and face certain destruction, the hull lifted free. The Pacific Clipper was flying, but just barely.
Their troubles were far from over, however. Just beyond the cataracts they entered the steep gorges; it was as though they were flying into a canyon. With her wings bowed, the Clipper staggered, clawing for every inch of altitude.
(Another episode in another NetLetter - eds)
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Star Alliance News
 Star Alliance going under one roof in Toronto. US Airways is moving from Toronto Airport's Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 on March 29.The carrier operates flights between Toronto and Philadelphia, Charlotte, Phoenix and Las Vegas. With this move, US Airways will join other Star Alliance members, Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines, LOT, and Austrian Airlines, in one central location, making access to all Star carriers operating to/from Toronto easier Air China and Shanghai Airlines joined the Star Alliance network December 12th, 2007 An application from Air India to join the alliance has been accepted. |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
In NetLetter nr 1015 we noted that service charges were being applied for retirees effective January 1st 1988- this decision was later rescinded by President Pierre Janniot in October 1987. (For a while anyway! - eds) From "Horizons" issued January 1986 - On December 14th 1985, a B767 captained by E.Maslak departed Toronto as flight 964 and, upon arrival in St. Lucia became the inaugural flight and the first B767 to touch down in St. Lucia. The balance of the crew were F/O C.Cassidy, Purser Robert Brunet, and flight attendants Bev Clark, Diane Brown, Alix McNeilly, Katherine Bosanac and Connie McElory.  A 15 foot Christmas tree was presented as a gift to the local children.From "Horizons" issued December 1986. During November 1986, Air Canada became the first carrier in Canada to offer advance boarding passes, allowing passengers to receive their boarding passes before arrival at the airport. January 1987 - Voyage two - "Around the world" trip. B747 fin 304 CF-TOD set off on a 23 day trip around the world under the command of Capt. Don Stinton assisted by Capt. Jim Chivers.  We have this picture of the crewApril 30th 1987 - Rapidair celebrated 15 years of operation between YYZ-YUL-YYZ.since 1972.hh |
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TCA/AC Events & People Gallery
 Pionair looking forward to receiving their new mode of transportation.Musings from "Horizons" -  The 40 year club October 1985 from the issue October 1985 Pierre Jeanniot honoured the group in Montreal.L to R - Bert Wilson, Larry Lavery, Jeanniot , Ernie Sparkes, Gerald Kiely and Hoppy Hopkins. Seated L to R - Bert gagnon, Bill Loke, Gus Garnahan and Stu Leslie.  The London, England sales force in 1985.From the issue dated November 1985.  At New York, the reservations office turned up in bizarre and colourful apparel for Halloween. Eleven Customer Sales & Service Agents from Dorval take retirement - New pilots join the airline. Apprentices complete their program at YUL.From the issue dated April 1986 -  London England reservations staff hold western style evenings for travel agents - |
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Found on the Internet
QANTAS is preparing to receive their first Airbus A380-800 c/n 14 VH-OOA which will be operated on the SYD-LAX-SYD route scheduled for August.Correction The story elsewhere in this issue regarding the Pionair aircraft should have included the fact that this aircraft, a Convair CV-580 was delivered to Pionair Adventures based in Brisbane, Australia. (Perhaps our Pionairs are diversifying their assets? - eds) |
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Bytes and Pieces
This day in History...Here's some stories that will help you celebrate "This day in History" Don't be fooled! This is serious stuff!
You can read more articles by following this link... Alan Rust (Happy April Fools Day!) PS - some of you may remember that a year or so ago on April 1, I sent out a Newsletter to the ACFamily Network that had a device claiming you could get Internet Access through the toilet. I thought it was obviously a joke and most would think so too, but I received email for months after from people that wanted to know where they could get it... (never again). But the biggest joke that never was came when Air Canada filed for bankruptsy protection on April 1, 2003. |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
Joe Moniz sends us these stories - Subject: Winter memories Feb12/85 I have this photo in the old CP AIR news magazine that was copied from a photo in the Star news paper. It shows four of us on the top of the wing of a 747 sweeping the snow off .  The pic must have been taken from the Dep lounge at gate 51 of the old Terminal 1Regards Joe Winter of 2007/2008 was pretty bad in the eastern Canada with huge dumps of snow which necessitated home owners shoveling off their roofs - |
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Readers Feedback
From: Bernie McCormackSubject: Air Jamaica Summer of 1969. A few of Air Jamaica's first flight Attendants and our DC8-61.  This aircraft flew KIN-MBJ-JFK then we all overnighted at a nearby hotel and then flew JFK-MBJ-KIN, turned around again and back to New York via MBJ, overnight and then back to Montego Bay and Kingston. Then there was a complete crew change. The replacement pilots traveled to the airport in one car and we took that car and dropped our crew off at their homes. A variety of schemes got the car back to its owner's home. Our wives could not have driven our children to school (Priority), shopped and run chores and so on without a car and they were far too costly to own two. (cars). Also theft was a potential hazard had we left them parked at the airport for two overnights. One of the chaps had a door completely removed from his car while there overnight. Our maintenance foreman said "if they find the thief send him to me. We'll hire him". (a good job of removal and a joke!) We then had four days off. This was done for just over a year by the original intake of Air Canada pilots and took a little juggling at vacation time. The pilots were Captains Frank Milburn, Ray McGregor, Bill Graham and Larry Brewin. First Officers Tim Trail, Bernie McCormack, and Dave Kandal. S/O's Mike Hart, Bob Ferne and Garry Dodwell. The extra Captain gave us reserve protection. The DC8 chief pilot was Bert Palmer and he sub'd for all of us when required (Cpt, F/O or S/O).At the same time there were two DC-9s and crews flying Kin-MBJ-MIA and back. ( the junior run). Bernie McCormack (AJ's 1st F/O) gram& (From your Co-pilot - I do recall the time when a bunch of Air Jamaica female flight attendants trained at the base in YUL, it gave us pleasure to watch them cavorting in the snow between the cafeteria and the simulator building, during our coffee break, which, by popular demand, was extended that morning.) Bev May sends us this suggestion - Subject: Boeing Clippers May I suggest you have a look at the following website for some interesting information on the Boeing Clippers (Pan Am) that you are currently featuring. www.rbogash.com/B314.html Regards Bev. May |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 Some of the deals Dargal offers -7 Night Western Caribbean ~ Carnival Victory ~ Carnival May 04 | More Dates ... Miami, Florida; At Sea; Cozumel, Mexico; At Sea; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; At Sea; Miami, Florida Bring your friends and family for as little as $50 more. From: Interior: $479 Oceanview: $569 Balcony: $779 Suite: $999 9 Night Western Caribbean ~ Grandeur of the Seas ~ Royal Caribbean May 29 | More Dates ... Baltimore, Maryland; At Sea; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Samana, Dominican Republic; Labadee, Haiti; At Sea; Baltimore, Maryland Bring your friends and family for the same great price! From: Interior: $899 Oceanview: $1,199 Balcony: $1,749 Suite: $1,949 Dargal brings you Interline rates from both Alamo car rentals and National car rentals. Choose to bundle a car rental with your Cruise or Resort stay or just hit the open road and take advantage of the discounts. Best pricing policy means you get the best price available at the time, and confirmed Interline rates means significant savings for you. For more information on these & other Dargal Interline specials: Call Toll Free: 1-800-690-3223 International Toll Free: (country code)-800-2832-7425 Suite 200-1632 Dickson Ave Kelowna BC V1Y 7T2 Open weekdays:8am-10pm (EDT) Sat: 10am-9pm(EDT) Sun: 11am-8pm(EDT) www.dargal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! London Heathrow Terminal 5's long-anticipated opening recently was marred by numerous technical problems, including the failure late in the day of the facility's much publicized high-tech baggage handling system. The £4.3 billion ($8.6 billion) terminal, used solely by British Airways, has been touted as the antidote to customer service problems at the busy airport, but its first day of operation was far from smooth. BA cancelled 34 flights and suspended all bag check-in after 5 p.m., forcing passengers to choose between boarding with only carry-on bags or rebooking flights. The computer-controlled baggage system was problematic throughout the day, with large groups of arriving passengers reportedly gathering around baggage carousels for as long as 2 hr. and a number of flights departing before checked baggage could be loaded. Late in the day, the computer controlling the system shut down operations completely because conveyors were filled to capacity. "It is extremely disappointing that this should happen on the first day of our operations from Terminal 5," BA said. "We always knew the first day would represent a unique challenge because of the size and complexity of the move into Terminal 5." It added that "teething problems have included car parking provision, delays in staff security screening and staff familiarization with the terminal." The baggage system's shutdown came after 18 month of extensive testing on 10.5 mi. of conveyor belts, the largest such system in Europe. BA has said that the system would be able to handle 12,000 bags per hr. using "trolleys" that can carry bags as fast as 23 mph UK Dept. for Transport said, "We expect British Airways and BAA to work hard to resolve these issues and limit disruption to passengers." |
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Smilies
We thought you might enjoy this cartoon.  Recently, The BC province has committed to return , by air, to the appropriate province those criminals who have been hiding out in BC. The scheme has been dubbed "CON AIR". We thought that this cartoon from a copy of "Horizons" issued March 1988 was in keeping with the news. |
Vesta's Corner
Ross Smyth
I just received this email and thought you may want to know that Ross Smyth's health is declining rapidly, just in case you know of anyone who might want to say their farewells as Ross knew many other staff members.
From Pamela Smyth - My father was one of the first employees with Air Canada/TCA and eventually become the Public Relations Manager. I believe he often attended the Pionairs annual conventions. On Good Friday, I received a call from St. Mary's Hospital (Montreal). His health is declining rapidly and if you know him and wish to contact him, he is on the 5th floor in the Palliative Oncology Ward. He experiencing some memory loss, but still has his sense of humour and knows who I am. Yesterday, he told me that he's lived a good life but is scared.
Currently, I am trying to arrange a flight and accommodations to see him before he passes and thought that anyone who knew him in your organization might like to say their farewells. His room is 5312. There is a phone beside his bed (514-345-3511 extension 3087). You can also ask to speak with the nursing station (Shannon or Brie) as they are very nice. I live on Vancouver Island and my phone number is 250-757-9559. If you get my voice mail it will say 'Biostrat' which is my company name, so please leave your number so I may return your call. My email isThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sincerely,
Pamela Smyth
Currently, I am trying to arrange a flight and accommodations to see him before he passes and thought that anyone who knew him in your organization might like to say their farewells. His room is 5312. There is a phone beside his bed (514-345-3511 extension 3087). You can also ask to speak with the nursing station (Shannon or Brie) as they are very nice. I live on Vancouver Island and my phone number is 250-757-9559. If you get my voice mail it will say 'Biostrat' which is my company name, so please leave your number so I may return your call. My email is
Sincerely,
Pamela Smyth
This weeks postcard - SOUTHEAST ALASKA
Primary stops for the cruise ships and ferries include KETCHIKAN, JUNEAU the state Capital of Alaska, SKAGWAY gateway to the Klondike and SITKA Old Russian capital.Women in Aviation conference
The historic and continuing contributions of women to aviation will be front and center at EAA AirVenture this July. Women in Aviation International (WAI) announced at its annual conference in San Diego that WomenVenture will culminate in the largest gathering of female pilots ever assembled on Aeroshell Square, the centerpiece exhibits area of AirVenture.
The gathering will follow a week of seminars, speakers, business and social events in Oshkosh. "This is a dynamic time for Women in Aviation, International, as we continue in our mission to spread the word about the passion, excitement and career opportunities aviation offers to more and more women," WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian said as the conference closed on Sunday.
A total of 3,320 people registered for the weekend conference, including 250 active military personnel, and there were 151 companies and organizations in the commercial exhibit. WAI handed out $710,855 in scholarships to WAI members for training and the permanent endowment fund used for some of those scholarships swelled by $28,000 to $563,000 thanks to a well-received silent auction.
Next year's conference, the 20th, will be held in Atlanta from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28.2009.
Website: Woman in Aviation International - www.wai.org
Another installment of the "Clipper" story continued from NetLetter nr 1016 The engines had been at take-off power for nearly five minutes and their temperatures were rapidly climbing above the red line; how much more abuse could they take?
With agonizing slowness the big Boeing began to climb, foot by perilous foot. At last they were clear of the walls of the gorge, and Ford felt he could pull the throttles back to climb power. He turned the airplane toward the west and the Atlantic.
The crew, silent, listened intently to the beat of the engines. They roared without a miss, and as the airplane finally settled down at their cruising altitude Ford decided they could safely head for Brazil, over three thousand miles to the west. The crew felt revived with new energy, and in spite of their fatigue, they were excitedly optimistic. Against all odds they had crossed southern Asia and breasted the African continent. Their airplane was performing better than they had any right to expect, and after their next long ocean leg they would be back in the hemisphere from which they had begun their journey nearly a month before.
The interior of the airplane that had been home to them for so many days was beginning to wear rather thin. They were sick of the endless hours spent droning westward, tired of the apprehension of the unknown and frustrated by the lack of any real meaningful news about what was happening in a world besieged by war.
They just wanted to get Home.
After being airborne over twenty hours, they landed in the harbor at Natal just before noon. While they were waiting for the necessary immigration formalities to be completed, the Brazilian authorities insisted that the crew disembark while the interior of the airplane was sprayed for yellow fever. Two men in rubber suits and masks boarded and fumigated the airplane.
Late that same afternoon they took off for Trinidad, following the Brazilian coast as it curved around to the northwest. It wasn't until after they had departed that the crew made an unpleasant discovery. Most of their personal papers and money were missing, along with a military chart that had been entrusted to Navigator Rod Brown by the US military attaché in Leopoldville, obviously stolen
by the Brazilian "fumigators."
The sun set as they crossed the mouth of the Amazon, nearly a hundred miles wide where it joins the sea. Across the Guineas in the dark they droned, and finally at 3 AM the following morning they landed at Trinidad.
There was a Pan Am station at Port of Spain, and they happily delivered themselves and their weary charge into friendly hands.
The final leg to New York was almost anti-climactic. Just before six on the bitter morning of January 6th, the control officer in the Marine Terminal at La Guardia was startled to hear his radio crackle into life with the message, "Pacific Clipper, inbound from Auckland, New Zealand, Captain Ford reporting. Overhead in five minutes."
(The next episode in a later NetLetter - eds)
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Star Alliance News
 Turkish Airlines became the 20th member of Star Alliance in ceremonies in Istanbul on April 1st, culminating a 16-month process that began in December 2006 when the airline signed a protocol agreement to join the grouping.Star Alliance expects to make an announcement regarding a new Latin American partner this year, CEO Jaan Albrecht announced on the occasion of Turkish Airlines' joining in Istanbul. He acknowledged that it is "no secret" Star is talking to TAM and that a number of members already have bilateral partnerships with the Brazilian carrier. Star has had no presence in the region since the collapse and dismissal of Varig and Mexicana withdrew in 2004. |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
1987
1988
 During a recent visit, Pierre Jeanniot performed a ribbon cutting ceremony in New York to officially open the new City Sales Office. Since Air Canada has been serving New York in 1941 the midtown ticket office has moved its location nine times!1989 - Mar 12 - Inaugural service to Nice, France from YYZ via LHR.. From "Horizons" issued October 1987 was this story entitled "The Viscount years and the Winnipeg spirit" Written by Ray Sarrinen who had retired to the west coast, was an Aircraft inspector and did other related jobs at Winnipeg during the Viscount years. A trip back to Winnipeg to attend a funeral and a visit to the Legion there brought him in touch with many friends and retirees, mostly from the old maintenance base. This brought the memories flooding back and sparked this article. I think Winnipeg is unique in the way good times and good fellowships are organized. There's a real "Winnipeg spirit". Maybe it's because of the multi-cultural workforce, or the "cool" winters, but YWG Maintenance has always been a good place to work because of this attitude. I joined Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) in the Fall of 1951. Worldwide airline growth was just starting and TCA ran a defense contract for the Air Force. Those were the days of piston engines and 200 mph was fast for a passenger airplane. Economy class had just been invented on the North Stars, but more important, a crossover exhaust system on the RR Merlin engines meant you could now talk in flight. Many new employees started about this time. True enough, the work was different, but the recreational activities became a surprise to us all. Be it sport, social, educational, etc., the Recreation Association was there as an organizer and leader. Remember the 25c "Mayday" draws? The Airline Credit Union was certainly a grass roots organization and it served us well. Remember I% on the unpaid balance? Then there was the Rod and Gun Club, and the Lodge. Was it on White Lake? Certainly in the early 50s, there was nothing to match the variety of activities of the Winnipeg Base. It was late in 1954 when the first Vickers Viscount was delivered to Winnipeg from the 'old sod". This revolutionary new aircraft with its Rolls Royce Turbo Prop engines started a whole new world for all of us. (More next time - eds) |
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TCA/AC Events & People Gallery
 For the 50th anniversary of Air Canada, Calgary staff dreamed up their version of the B767 for the city's Stampede parade in 1986. And this is the effort of the Winnipeg staff for the 50th anniversary.Musings from "Horizons"  Issued June 1987 - Bonny Higney was the first female Cargo Station Attendant in Atlantic Canada employed at Halifax International Airport. Miami staff celebrate the companies 50th This unique team is composed of Fred Weidlich, Lead Mechanic in the Power Plant at YUL and his daughter Alkison, Cat II Mechanic in the same section.Issued August 1988 -  New faces appeared on the ramp in YYZ - here's some of them |
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Found on the Internet
AIRLINE PAYS PASSENGERS TO FILL SEATSFacing a deadline to meet a target on its route from Norwich, England, to Dublin, local airline Flybe paid 172 temp workers to fill the seats., The airline had to transport at least 15,000 passengers on the route in the 12 months ending on Monday, or it would forfeit a 280,000-pound ($550,000) rebate from the airport. The airline tried to negotiate a partial rebate for coming close, but the airport said it was all or nothing. Flybe also offered free flights to all comers via its Web site, but when it still came up short, the temps were enticed with an open bar. Richard Jenner, managing director of the airport, called the airline's strategy "ludicrous" and said the target had to be met by regular fare-paying passengers. |
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Bytes and Pieces
With the explosion of Online communication that the Internet started with email, chat rooms, instant messaging, blogs, forums, etc. there has been a noticeable increase in WWW (World Wide Web) users using various shortcuts to get their point across.While most of you may know what WWW stands for (no, it's not what came after WW1 and WW2) you may not be "up" on other short forms that have crept in since the late 1980's. Luckily, most of the short forms are used in IM (Instant Messaging) where friends are chatting online. I know many of you have grandchildren and great grandchildren that may be using these short forms in communicating with you. I regulary use TTYL (talk to you later) and VBG (very big grin) in my emails, but on the whole, with shortforms, not so much. Here's some samples to try out on your grandchildren... afaik - as far as I know, asap - as soon as possible, atb - all the best, b4 - before, bbfn -bye bye for now, bbl - be back later bcnu - be seein' you, bf - boyfriend, bg - big grin, bc - because, brb - be right back, bs - I don't believe you, btw - by the way cb - ciao baby, cm - call me, cu - see you, cul8r - see you later, dk - don't know, eod - end of discussion, f2f - face to face, f2t - free to talk, fbi - I'll look into it, fya - for your amusement, fyi - for your information, gf -girlfriend, gr8 -great, h2cus - hope to see you soon, hak - hugs and kisses, idk- I don't know I have some more for next week. TTYL, Alan |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
Canadian Regional Airlines - a history The roots of Canadian Regional go back to the 1930's when Time Air was formed by Lethbridge Alberta businessman, Walter "Stub" Ross. Time Air acquired Southern Frontier Airlines and North Canada Air. In January 1991, Canadian Regional Airlines was formed as a holding company to hold and manage Canadian Airlines Corporation's regional airline interests. At that time Canadian Airlines Corporation acquired 100% of both of Time Air and Ontario Express as well as 70% of Inter-Canadien. In April 1993, Canadian Regional Airlines brought the operations of Time Air and Ontario Express together to operate as Canadian Regional Airlines. The two carriers were legally amalgamated in July 1998 and by then, Inter-Canadien had become a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Regional Airlines. Canadian Regional Airlines was then the largest regional carrier in Canada. In September 1998, Canadian Regional sold Inter-Canadien. Canadian Regional was integrated into the Air Canada family during the year 2000 and legally amalgamated with Air Canada Regional and the other Air Canada regional carriers on January 1, 2001. (Source www.flyjazz.ca) |
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Readers Feedback
Bill Wood sends this informationSubject: Boeing Plant YVR www.seaislandhome.org/Boeing.html This should bring back a few memories!  In 1939 Boeing of Canada, headquartered at Vancouver, B.C., built a huge manufacturing factory on Sea Island beside the middle arm of the Fraser River to build aircraft for the war effort. The Boeing Aircraft Company's Sea Island, BC plant was well known during WWll for building PBY Catalina Aircraft for off-shore air patrols and the mid section of the B-29.  Boeing Aircraft of Canada built 362 PBY flying boats and amphibians designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego and 16 British-designed Blackburn Shark torpedo aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The RCAF called the PBY's Cansos.Bill Wood |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 Duty Free Update for U.S.-Bound Travellers - YVR passengers heading to the United States now have the option to purchase duty free items after clearing security. This means you can carry your selections onto the plane as carry-on baggage.Previously, any duty free liquor or fragrance purchases (liquids) had to be purchased at the pre-security duty free store and packed into your checked baggage before proceeding through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process. This existing pre-security duty free location will continue to operate. Look for the newly-opened Aldeasa duty free retail shop in the transborder departure gates area near Gate E86, offering a great assortment of duty free products including top-selling liquor, tobacco, fragrance and cosmetics. The store is open from 4a.m. to 8p.m. daily. Due to current rules and regulations on the carriage of liquids, gels and aerosols, some restrictions on duty free purchases still apply for travellers making certain connections, which Aldeasa retail staff can explain should you wish to pick up a few duty free items. |
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Smilies
 In NetLetter nr 1016 we ran this article, but the gremlins stole our picture, so we are rerunning it -  Recently, The BC province has committed to return, by air, to the appropriate province those criminals who have been hiding out in BC. The scheme has been dubbed "CON AIR". We thought that this cartoon from a copy of "Horizons" issued March 1988 was in keeping with the news. Everyone in Dorval will recognize this view of Frank Gardon entering his office, or is that "orifice". Frank is a Tank Sealer, and this picture appeared in "Horizons" issued September 1988. |
Vesta's Corner
This weeks postcard - CARMEL by the Sea
A quaint and charming village located south of Monterey, on the California coast. from my personal collection. May 7 1990.
Here is the final episode of the "Clipper" story - continued from NetLetter nr 1017In a final bit of i irony, after over thirty thousand miles and two hundred hours of flying on their epic journey, the Pacific Clipper had to circle for nearly an hour, because no landings were permitted in the harbor until official sunrise. They finally touched down just before seven, the spray from their landing freezing as it hit the hull.
No matter -- the Pacific Clipper had made it home.
The significance of the flight is best illustrated by the records that were set by Ford and his crew. It was the first round-the-world flight by a commercial airliner, as well as the longest continuous flight by a commercial plane, and was the first circumnavigation following a route near the Equator (they crossed the Equator four times.)
They touched all but two of the world's seven continents, flew 31,500 miles in 209 hours and made 18 stops under the flags of 12 different nations. They also made the longest non-stop flight in Pan American's history, a 3,583 mile crossing of the South Atlantic from Africa to Brazil.
As the war progressed, it became clear that neither the Army nor the Navy was equipped or experienced enough to undertake the tremendous amount of long distance air transport work required. Pan American Airways was one of the few airlines in the country with the personnel and expertise to supplement the military air forces.
Captain Bob Ford and most of his crew spent the war flying contract missions for the US Armed Forces. After the war Ford continued flying for Pan American, which was actively expanding its routes across the Pacific and around the world. He left the airline in 1952 to pursue other aviation interests.
The Crew of Pacific Clipper: Captain Robert Ford, First Officer John H. Mack, Second Officer/Navigator Roderick N. Brown, Third Officer James G. Henriksen, Fourth Officer John D. Steers, First Engineer Homans K. "Swede" Roth, Second Engineer John B. "Jocko" Parish, First Radio Officer John Poindexter* Second Radio Officer Oscar Hendrickson, Purser Barney Sawicki, Asst Purser Verne C. Edwards.
* Poindexter was originally scheduled to accompany the Pacific Clipper as far as Los Angeles, and then return to San Francisco; he had even asked his wife to hold dinner that evening. In Los Angeles, however, the regularly scheduled Radio Officer suddenly became ill, and Poindexter had to make the trip himself.
His one shirt was washed in every port that the Pacific Clipper visited. This article originally appeared in the August 1999 Issue of "Air and Space Magazine"
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Star Alliance News
 EgyptAir Chairman Atef Abdel Hamid said the carrier's effort to meet the requirements for Star Alliance membership is nearing conclusion and it expects to be ready for a Cairo joining ceremony scheduled for July. |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
AirBC was formed in 1980, when the Jim Pattison Group of investors purchased six smaller commuter airlines and amalgamated them into a larger, more efficient operation. In 1987, Air Canada purchased 85% of AirBC, marking the beginning of AirBC as an Air Canada regional partner. Eight years later, in March 1995, Air Canada purchased the remaining shares. Now renamed Jazz. 1988
Issue February 1988  Under an article headed "Women move onto the ramp" was this picture.Issue dated April 1989  With the inauguration of the YYZ-LHR-Nice, we have this picture of some LHR staff giving the passengers a send off.Issue dated June 1989  With the inauguration of the YYZ-LHR-Nice service, we have this picture of the crew operating the first flight April 17th. Here we have the second installment of "The Viscount years and the Winnipeg spirit" started in NetLetter nr 1017 From an initial order of 15, the popularity and public acceptance resulted in a total fleet of 51 aircraft. It certainly provided work and challenge to all who looked after its care and well-being. By comparison, a Viscount has roughly one half the passenger capacity, gross weight, and speed of the DC-9. As I recall, a Viscount cost about a million dollars each.let's see what else comes to mind. First of all we had to learn a a new vocabulary, mostly British We learned of spigotts, and skew bars, fuel trim actuators and maxarats. The there were gimble rings and geometric locks in telescopic rods. The bolts started at 2BA and 4BA and something called whitworth. Later the terms came easier. We learned the O.A.T. as well as the F.C.U. or P.C.U. would effect the J.P.T.and who can forget the M.O.C., the T.S.O. and I.S.A. plus 10? The facilities, shops and equipment expanded in size and shape to take care of our new bird. The panics, problems procurements were passed on to the newly-formed planning department. Engineering took some bold and innovative steps. Along with the welding department they rebuilt, reclaimed,. and recycled expensive engine hardware. Engine overhaul,life then reached unbelievable heights. Training and Publications rewrote the maintenance manual and gratefully, it was now easy to understand and follow. This was not always the case with the "spares" book, remember? The records people established many firsts in pioneering proper' effective recording and control of the aircraft, its components and modification status. They always knew the calendar time, flying time' cycle time and overhaul time of just about everything.' (More next time - eds) |
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TCA/AC Events & People Gallery
Musings from "Horizons" Issue dated August 12, 1987  Six Montreal Flight Attendants celebrate 25 years serviceIssue dated October 1987  The President visits TimminsIssue dated March 30 1988  Direct from Down Under during a visit by the President Bonne chance to Linda Marcoux who moves to Flight Operations -Issue dated May 1988  Taken during the visit to Moncton by the President in 1988, we have this photo The ACRA presidents and System Events Chairmen held their third joint meeting in Montreal earlier in 1988. We have this assembled picture.Issue dated August 1988  The President, Pierre Jeanniot visited Prestwick and Glasgow offices and we have this picture but, unfortunately, identities were withheld for some reason! |
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Found on the Internet
KRONOS, MA was selected by Air Canada to provide Altitude MPP (Manpower Planning) for its flight operations. AERO VENTURES, which owns 48% of AIRASIA X, identified a former Air Canada CEO as a founding shareholder in company, but no name provided. Several airlines have recently filed for bankruptcy and stopped service including - ATA Airlines. - Aloha Air Group Inc - OASIS Hong Kong in operation for 17 months. - Skybus Airlines in operation for 12 months and who, in October 2007, received two A319-112 ex Air Canada C-GKOB & C-FWTF |
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Bytes and Pieces
Do you get a lot of email from friends, family, strangers, with attachments of powerpoints or web links, jokes, chain letters, etc? Well, so do I, and although I get a LOT of email (at least 100 a day after the spam is filtered) I get some really neat stuff sent to me. From time to time, I'll share some of these links and powerpoints with you. Here's an unofficial site with excellant photos from a shuttle mission with Endeavour. Using the photos and Wikipedia as reference, it looks like these photos were taken in August 2007 at the same time that Hurricane Dean was active. (Thanks Mr. Watson)See: www.texasjim.com/NASApix/NASA%20pix.htm for the photos See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Endeavour for information on Endeavour. (Continued from last week) I know many of you have grandchildren and great grandchildren that may be using these short forms in communicating with you. I regulary use TTYL (talk to you later) and VBG (very big grin) in my emails, but on the whole, with shortforms, not so much. Here's some more samples to try out ... imho - in my humble opinion iow - In other words iou - I owe you j4f - just for fun kc - keep cool khuf - know how you feel l8 - late l8r - later lol - laughing out loud luv - Love m8 - mate nc - no comment nething 2+? - anything to add? njoy - enjoy pcm - please call me pls - please ruok - are you ok? sol - sooner or later spk - speak t+ - think positive t2ul - talk to you later ttyl - talk to you later 2dA - today 2moro - tomorrow wan2 - want to wot - what TTYL, Alan |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
In September 1988, Canadian Airlines International mounted a major cross Canada advertising campaign to promote its new B767-300 and upgraded seats for Business class.  Unfortunately one of the important elements were replaced by a lounger chair as this photograph shows. |
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Readers Feedback
In response to a request from Fraser Muir in NetLetter nr 1015, we received this response - Dear Fraser and Joan: I have passed your request onto my step-cousin in Vancouver, who has volunteered extensively with The Maple Leaf Legacy Project. She is not only very knowledgeable, but her daughter, also a retired AC flight attendant is now giving guided tours of the area and speaking to groups on the history of the War Memorials. I am hoping my contact will be in touch with you or pass this on to her daughter. But in the event that you don't hear from her, her daughter's name is Valerie Stuart-Bince. She can be contacted at either of these e-mails; You may also want to go to the Maple Leaf Legacy Project site which will offer you much info before you set out. Here's the site www.mapleleaflegacy.org Best of luck and have a great trip. Sharleine M. Haycock Pionair (spouse) Mississauga, ON |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 Don't forget ...Employees, retirees, family members and other pass holders are reminded that while they have registered for Air Canada flights, it is absolutely necessary to cancel if they do not intend to travel. At one time 21 contingent passengers were registered for a flight. Only nine actually checked in. The boarding station has pre-ordered 12 meals too many, resulting in unnecessary cost to Air Canada. Interline World Vacations - www.interlineworld.com ---------- CALL NOW TO BOOK at 1-800-665-3100 -------------- Interline Specials If you want to get a low cost taste of Mediterranean cruising - check out this weeks 4 and 5 night offers from Royal Caribbean International aboard the Navigator of the Seas leaving from Barcelona. There is also some short cruising options from Celebrity aboard the Century and an introductory 3 night cruise on Holland America's new ship the Eurodam. Lots of great bargains here if you look closely. You will also find some terrific "Jammin in Jamaica" offers at All-Inclusive resorts. It is time to make time for your next great Interline vacation Check out our great selection of Mexican and Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. We also introduce great land tour packages exploring the wonders of China. You can select a short Beijing holiday or a more extensive land tour and cruise on the Yangtze which starts in Beijing and ends in Shanghai. We have plenty of great options for cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal. Now is the time to plan your next interline vacation. |
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Smilies
 February 17th 2009 is the date when TV transmissions will be in digital format instead of analog format. Rumour has it that the same gang responsible for Terminal 5 at LHR are in charge of this change over!A man wrote a letter to a small hotel on Vancouver Island, which he planned to visit on his vacation. He wrote, "I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?" An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bed clothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel, and if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too!" |