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Vesta's Corner
 Why not allow the NetLetter to be your platform and opportunity to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC etal?
Share your experiences with us! |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
1995
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TCA/AC People Gallery
On July 29th 1990, AirBC reservations forces joined Air Canada at Vancouver.
 We have this picture taken in 1995.Musings from "Horizons"
Issue November 1995
 Mother and daughter team up to work an A340 flight.
Frankfurt reservations await the launch of the YVR-YYC-Frankfurt service.
 We have this picture of the Frankfurt reservations staff.On October 29th, thirteen Air Canada jets left Canada for U.S.A. destinations.
 We have this picture of the in-flight crew for the inaugural Vancouver to Denver.l to r - Bruce Acthim (YWG), Cheryle Kraemer (YWG), Susan Davidson (YYZ) and Christine Piechowiak (YUL).  Startup crew for SFO to YVR picturedl to r - Jon Moore In-charge, Jill Hong F/A, Kirk Davis F/O, Neville Fong Mgr CSO SFO, Capt C.A.McKinnon, Peter McKenna-Small F/A and Ginger Miller Reg. Sales Mgr.
 New style uniforms were introduced. We have this photograph.Issue dated February 1996  Here is a picture of YVR volunteers who assisted with the inaugural service to Hong Kong. |
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Bytes and Pieces
 She's ba aack...I really get a kick out of the Nicoderm Commercials with the flight attendant. You know the ones, they have a stressed out flight attendant trying to quit smoking. Well the first one was great and the second one is even better. I haven't managed to find the full version of the second commercial yet, but I have part of it (below). The actress is very funny and she's Canadian as well.  Her name is Anna Silk and you can read about her on Wikipedia and also at: www.imdb.com/name/nm0798014/  Just click on the image to view the slideshow or visit - www.youtube.com |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
1960 - Mar 5th - CPAL Britannia 314 introduces service between YYZ-YUL-Rome.
 1961 - Jun - DC8-43 equipment replaces Britannia on YYZ-YUL-Rome service. 1968 - DC8-63 equipment allows for expansion of YYZ-YUL-Rome to Athens.
1971 - Service YYZ-YUL-Rome-Athens expanded to Tel Aviv. 1979 - YUL-Rome-Milan service started but withdrawn in 1994 to be reintroduced in 1999.
2000 - Kevin Benson steps down as CEO replaced by Paul Brotto effective March 1st, 2000. From the "canadianflyer" magazine Issue dated March 2000 -
Under the heading of "It's a family affair" (with photos of family members who worked for the airline)
Shelley Lamb Canadian flight attendant, her father retired Ray McCloed, brother and sister-in-law Cam and Laurie McCleod and her husband all work for Air Canada.  This picture of Doug, Shelley with daughter Christine and friend. Also Michael Perucho with Canadian YVR operations, and his sister Nerissa Renault of Air Canada and we have these three pictures of other family members.  Joan and Brian Alderdice Pam Sarkissian and twin sister Lorna Holman. Bill, Julie and Jack Gray.Under "Our history"
  Andrew Geider, Canadian archives had an article regarding the Curtiss C-46
Issue dated April 2000 - Under "Our history" Andrew Geider, Canadian archives had an article regarding the Douglas DC-3. |
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Readers Feedback
Bob Carswell sends us this memory -
Here is a memory for you, triggered by, I do not know what, probably thinking about the attached information. When I was probably about 5 years old I remember that the fellow who I think ran the Air Canada paint operation at Dorval was a neighbour and we looked after his son during the day. Walter, my older brother Jim and I were inseparable in those days. I was about age 5 I guess when he took us with our parents out to Dorval to take a look at the new 4-engine Lockheed passenger airplane, the newest and largest of its day (early 1950s era).  I know I was small because I remember standing at the back of the aircraft inside and looking at the very long aisle of the virtually empty aircraft then taking off down the aisle running to the front of the airplane as young kids will do. The seat backs were very high and I had to look up to see the top of them.There are some visual images that stick with you for a lifetime. Anyway, enough of the old days. Cheers Bob |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 Terry was on vacation taking advantage of his own travel tips when this issue was created.
Travel tips will continue with the next issue! |
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Vesta's Corner
Why not allow the NetLetter to be your platform and opportunity to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC etal?
Share your experiences with us! Fossett Search Continues, A Year Later Francois Legault sent us this web site address with more information - FYI - according to www.adventurescience.ca/updates.php |
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Air Canada News
 Air Canada will begin offering passengers in-flight Internet service in spring 2009 via Aircell's Gogo mobile broadband service. AC plans to roll out the Gogo system on select flights to the US next year, initially installing the system on its A319s operating on transborder routes. VP-Marketing Charles McKee said the carrier ultimately plans "systemwide" deployment.AC becomes Aircell's first non-US customer for in-flight Internet service. Passengers will be able to access Gogo with a standard Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device. "Initially, the Gogo system will be powered by Aircell's existing network and only [will be] available in the US in order to make Air Canada's rollout fast, economical and simple," the airline said. "Upon successful completion of the initial phase, Air Canada plans to extend the system throughout its North American and international markets as Aircell's coverage network expands." Star Alliance News Continental Airlines plans to leave the SkyTeam Alliance and join the Star Alliance Air New Zealand said recently it is looking for 50 people willing to be a "cranial billboard" with a message temporarily tattooed on their shaved heads for two weeks advertising new speedy check-in services. The airline said it will pay NZ$1000 ($666) per head, making it easy money for bald-headed frequent fliers.". (Source: Reuters) |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
1991 - L1011 aircraft retired from service and those not sold were stored at Mojave. 1994 - Three L1011, fin's 504, 507 and 514. brought back from Mojave for service. In June the L1011 was reintroduced on the daily service between LAX-YVR-YYZ. 1996 - L1011 finally retired back to the Mojave desert.
We have this photo of the crew on the final flight on Jan 14th YVR-YYZ.
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TCA/AC People Gallery
From Peter McMahon,
Issue dated March 1996   London England reservations move to Radius Park at LHR in late December 1995Issue dated April 1996  Don Bailey and Harvey Muttart in Fredericton celebrated their 30 year service anniversary, here are those who help the celebration. Moncton also had a celebrant in the name of George Surette, and here is a picture of the gang who helped in the 30 year celebration. and in Ottawa, Madeleine Richer also had a 30th anniversary, enjoyed by her co-workers in this photograph. |
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Bytes and Pieces
World Clock 2008I found a neat site the other day while looking for a time zone chart on the internet. Do you ever need to know what time it is in Vancouver (so you don't phone at 6:00 AM in the morning), or how many hours ahead of us it is in London, England?  Just click on the image to view the site or click on this link.It takes a while to learn how to navigate and has a lot more features than World Time. You can check Population, Death, Illness, Environment, Enery, US Crimes, Food and more! What's interesting is the numbers going up as you watch the stats (estimates of course). |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
If you are a ex-P.W.A. employee, there is a web site for you at www.pwareunion.com,  and here is a photograph of the crew and a C46 at YXD. Unfortunately, no identities - can you help? This Douglas DC-3 was the first DC-3 to be owned and operated by a "home grown" B.C. airline, - Queen Charlotte Airlines. She became Pacific Western Airlines first DC-3 and as such was assigned the fleet number of 301. Today, CF-PWH is the oldest surviving DC-3 in Canada.(This aircraft is preserved at the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley B.C.) www.canadianflight.org  Those of you familiar with DC-3 CF-CPY, presently serving as a weather vane or sentry guard in Whitehorse Airport may wish to renew their acquaintance with the aircraft by visiting the web site www.moctel.org/2008/CF-CPY.html From the "canadianflyer" magazine Issue dated May 2000  Under the caption "Our history" Andrew Geider, Canadian Archives had this article on the Lockheed Lodestar. The registrations were CF-CPA thru K, T, U and Z, the record lists 14 Lodestars.Issue dated June 2000  The Pearson Tower bites the dust on May 28th, 2000. The 36 years old former control tower is demolished to make room for two new runways and a new terminal to replace terminals 1 and 2. |
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Readers Feedback
In NetLetter nr 1032 we had a picture of the Wardair Bristol Freighter with no location - Danny Holmes sends this suggestion - Unless I am greatly mistaken, the Bristol freighter in Wardair livery is on a pedestal at YZF (Yellowknife.).Best regards Danny Holmes and Michael Smith adds his comments - The top photo is of Bristol 170 CF-TFX the first one owned by Wardair, it's on a pedestal at Yellowknife Airport. YZF. I believe the second photo is a Promotional photo for the Boeing 747. Cheers. Michael Amongst a bunch of photos sent in by Brian Dunn (yyznews.com) is this one of the recent flood in O'hare airport in the aftermath of hurricane Ike..  Caption could be "Snowplowing in September?"Jim Miller has responded with some names for the Wardair crew pictured in NetLetter nr 1032 We have repeated the photo for those that missed it.  Pilots are, back Row F/O Dale Paul, Middle row Captain Doug Mckinley, Front row F/E Doug Marfleet.The picture was taken soon after 1st B747 arrived George Brien sends us this information to set the record straight - Just a clarification re pictures of Maritime Airlines , a.k.a Maritime Airways schedule in NL 1032. M.C.A. had no connection with them. In actual fact, the time table should have accompanied the story in NetLetter nr 1012. and one picture shows the old "Millidgeville Airport" at Saint John. To those who are affectionate to the Vickers Viscount - Did you know there is an excellent web site dedicated to the Vickers Viscount www.vickersviscount.net The following story was in the August edition of their newsletter and may interest you; JACK STEPHENS, from Canada, an early Vickers Viscount Network member and stalwart, recently contributed by sharing with us his account of his Viscount years with TCA - Trans-Canada Air Lines. MY VISCOUNT YEARS 1954 - 1962 by JACK STEPHENS INTRODUCTION On 26 November 2006 I was asked by Brian Burrage and Geoff Blampied, historian and webmaster of the Vickers Viscount Network Virtual Museum in the United Kingdom, to be their Canadian researcher. As with the other researchers, I have been gathering photos and history, forwarding them to the web site. (If you have any memories or photographs relating to the Viscount years we would welcome them for the NetLetter, and we will forward them on to Jack - eds) Brian and Geoff both agree that the history of this great aircraft is more than images, dates and facts. There are also the personal testimonies of countless men and women. From air crews, ramp personnel, maintenance and ticket agents, all have a story to tell. Many have passed on with their stories, while others are not able or see the need to write. Their stories will be lost forever. Prone to being rather sentimental is part of my motivation to recount those years. It is also the fond memories of my father, Bart Stephens, Air Engineer, Douglas DC-3, DC-4 and Vickers Viscount, that moves me. He was a founding member of the present Western Canada Aviation Museum in the old No. 1 hangar where the Viscounts were overhauled and repaired.  Canadian Department of Transport Viscount c/n 70 CF-GXK.Mixed in are the memories of my younger brother Garry Stephens, aircraft mechanic Line Maintenance. The three of us worked at the Trans-Canada Air Lines Winnipeg Overhaul and Maintenance Base where the 51 Viscounts were repaired and overhauled. This included the Department of Transport, Royal Bank of Canada, and many private American aircraft. The guys that I worked with were for the most part, proud of their craft. To them, the Vickers Viscount was like having a new car and doing everything to keep her in top notch condition. The Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, off the North Star (DC-4), were overhauled at the Base and the mechanical engine accessories by the men I worked with. When the Viscounts arrived one by one they already knew the high quality and dependability of Rolls-Royce.  They expected no less from the Dart engine and they were not disappointed. Western Canada Aviation Museum Viscount c/n 279 CF-THS.As a Canadian, I count it a privilege to have been part of the Trans-Canada Air Lines/ Air Canada Maintenance and Overhaul Base. In June 1985, 23 years after I left the company, I returned to the Base, now the Western Canada Aviation Museum. That day, with my wife and my mother, we toured the museum. There was CF-THS looking like she was just overhauled and painted. As we were leaving the hangar, I asked my family to wait for me. Quickly going into the annex, I climbed those ever familiar stairs to the former accessory shop. It was like entering a time machine. "My bench was right about here", I thought to myself, "and Gord sat there and Graham over there". The test room was now filled with aircraft parts and materials. 'The fuel and prop control units were tested right there". Ah, yes and "I stood about there testing Dart burners. In that corner I started overhauling Dart oil coolers my first job in the shop".  The first TCA Viscount c/n 40 CF-TGI. later sold to TransairSometimes it is best not to go back, but to remember things as they were, but not so today. It was good! And as I hurried down the stairs, I thought, just for a moment, I could hear the 4:30 PM bell ending the work day. 'Vicki old girl, you were more than our job; more than another aircraft. You were special. Your Darts had a whine unlike any other. What commercial aircraft ever had picture windows that passengers raved about? You were born out of the war years, when folks in the UK were on ration cards, and yet you broke the back of the American monopoly. They never forgave you for that Vicki! The big jets came all too quickly soon to overshadow your unique contribution to commercial aviation around the world. Undaunted, you pressed on, a faithful lady, favourite of pilots and appreciated by all those knew you.' Jack Stephens Photos are courtesy of www.vickersviscount.net  This photo by Bill Blanchard, was taken on the 1st October 1995 during the 'Plein Vol' exhibition at the Marché Bonsecours market building in Montréal, Canada. Understood to be an ex Air Canada aircraft (Can anyone identify this aircraft by c/n or registration? - eds)Dave Peters sends this update - Thought you might like some updated photos of our Viscount Project in Victoria.    Regards, Dave Peters |
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This and That
 Do you miss being involved with the airlines? - Green Coats assist travelers with directions, provide information on services available in the airport, and even act as unofficial tour guides, informing customers of the many features and attractions to be found in Vancouver and British Columbia.YVR's group of 220 Green Coats speak a collective 21 languages and in 2007 contributed more than 36,000 volunteer hours at YVR. As YVR prepares to welcome the world for the 2010 Winter Games, we're looking for more Green Coat Volunteers to join the team, to help provide care to our customers leading up to and during Games time. Hours are flexible, roles are varied, and the airport environment is dynamic and interesting. Interested in volunteering at YVR now and during the Games, or know someone who might make a great Green Coat? Please send an email to See: www.yvr.ca/greencoats for more information ALASKA AIR EQUIPS JETS WITH AIRPORT NAVIGATORS Plenty of pilots are familiar with technology that tells us to "Turn right" or "Turn left" in a friendly female voice - because it's installed on the dashboards of our cars, fresh from Best Buy. Now Alaska Airlines will be the first airline to provide similar to technology for all of its airplanes, to guide pilots around airport runways. Their technology, however, fresh from Honeywell, will cost $20,000 per airplane. Lance's 20 years The weekend of September 13/14 marks 20 years of operating the restored Lancaster Bomber based in Hamilton airport. Affectionately known as the "Lank" this was the most successful British heavy bomber of WWII. The Lank had speed, ceiling, and lifting power that no other aircraft of the day could match. Weighing 36,900 pounds empty, the Lancaster was capable of taking off with an additional 33,100 pounds of fuel and bombs. Chances are pretty good that if you see a Lancaster today, you are at an Air Show or Museum. Only two airworthy Lancaster bombers remain in the world and one of those flies out of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton. For every hour of flight that the Lancaster has taken over the past 20 years, a crew at the museum has worked for seventeen hours to make it happen. The people taking care of them donate their time and risk their lives to keep these pieces of history in the air. (Source www.yyznews.com) |
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Airlines Travel Club
 We are all excited here at ATC with the news that the WORLD AIRLINES ROAD RACE will be held in beautiful Hangzhou, China next September, 2009. Beautiful Hangzhou indeed- on first seeing this place, Marco Polo once said, "This must truly be Paradise!!" For those not familiar with this area, Hangzhou is located about 2 ½ hour drive from Shanghai. Many of us will be bidding our 2009 vacations very soon so this would be a very good time to choose your vacation to coincide with this event, the Airlines largest and most exciting event of the year!If you are not a runner you can join many others who choose to walk the 5k/10k, or just come along and enjoy the fun events and greeting the thousands of interliners from all over the world - camaraderie and fun times for all. For more info click here! |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 When using the safe in your cruise cabin, if the safe uses a credit card or similar encoded card, then use your ships ID card, otherwise you would have to carry your credit card at all times, when you do not have a need for it while on board.Connecting to the US via YUL? We experienced that recently and found a distinct lack of directional signs. Head for gate # 47, turn a couple of corners and the corridor leading to all the US gates is on your left - well signed posted! Family Affair specials to Honolulu. For the month of September, Family Affair specials to Honolulu will be available with discounts representing 30% off the current FAMILY fares. Family Affair features confirmed air travel. Details on the Family Affair program are available on the Employee Travel Site under News & Policies. For reservations or inquiries, please contact Call Centers at 1-888-247-2262. Destiny Beach Resort Interline Rates available. Call for rates on Fall Golf Packages All rooms sleep 4 persons. One night's deposit is required at time of booking. Located in the heart of Desert Wine Country, away from the crowded motel strip, situated on the west side of Lake Osoyoos lies a little holiday oasis entitled The Destiny Beach Resort. Osoyoos Lake is the warmest fresh water lake in Canada. We boast having a very long golf season that can be experienced on one of two golf courses located in Osoyoos and several others just a short drive away. Amenities include cozy beach furniture on a private beach, table umbrellas, and fire pits on the beach. If you are traveling on business, or just can't be away from your laptop, we offer free wifi in and around the pool area and beach Gazebos'. Just to mention a few events taking place here in September: Osoyoos Sailing Regatta, Osoyoos Octoberfest, Pentastci Hot Jazz Festival Penticton, and Desert Country Wine Tours will be operating until early October. The weatherman is promising the southern Okanagan 30C temperatures in September, so come join us for a beautiful Indian summer. Managed by Retired Airline Employees Trish and Chris Destiny Beach Resort 20 Magnolia Place Osoyoos, B.C. 250 495 7592 www.destinybeach.net |
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Smilies
 Rumours have it that, following the lead of Jazz, cruise ships that ply their all their cruise within 50 miles of land, will not need to carry life jackets, therefore a saving in weight due to high fuel costs!Some airlines are contemplating arranging air fares to charge passengers by their weight, this will not only cover the fuel charges, but would avoid possible a class action by under average weight passengers. Some airlines are even thinking of setting up a small boutique in their gate area where passengers may purchase duty free items, earphones, pillows and blankets. Another weight saving initiative. Don Palmer sends us this - Subject: QUICKIE Ross phones WestJet to book a flight. "Certainly sir" replies the assistant... "and how many will be flying with you Mr. Manton"? Ross replies......"How the hell should I know, it's your plane?" |
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Vesta's Corner
Why not allow the NetLetter to be your platform and opportunity to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC etal?
Share your experiences with us! I noticed that the Museum of Flight at Seattle had Style in the Aisle Panel Discussion and Flight Attendant Day at the Museum on Saturday, May 17th,2008.
It's Flight Attendant Day at the Museum! Admission to the Museum is free for former and current flight attendants all day just show us your wings or airline-issued identification at the ticket counter! Flight attendant guests must pay regular admission (I have not heard from any of our retired Flight Attendants who went, but perhaps next year - eds.) |
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Air Canada News
 We are making pricing more transparent by eliminating add-on fuel surcharges and instead adjusting our advertised base fares for flights within Canada and between Canada and the Unites States, to cover the cost of fuel, effective September 18, 2008.(Source The Daily Sept 18) (Now we will never know if the fuel surcharge is withdrawn - eds) |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
1943 - June 6th - Victoria BC became the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Air Lines, Trans-continental service when a Lockheed Lodestar CF-TCT commanded by Capt. Don Brady with F/O Norman Ramsey and Stewardess Mina Wood. 1943 (cont) - Victoria airport was, in fact, the RCAF Pat Bay station and, by order of the Western Air Command. during the war years, passenger aircraft, including TCA aircraft, were required to land and take off with the blinds drawn over the passenger windows 1947 - Aug 1st - At Pat Bay RCAF hangar #4 opened as T.C.A. administration building and passenger terminal. 1961 - Jan 2nd - Inauguration of scheduled Viscount service from Victoria B.C. 1996 - May 14 - Lamar Durrett succeeds Hollis Harris as President and CEO. |
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TCA/AC People Gallery
Over the past months we have been publishing photographs from earlier "Horizons", should any prompt a memory seeing one of them, feel free to send us that memory.
Musings from "Horizons" magazine Issue dated May 1996 -  Photograph of the staff in India.In 1992 the YVR launched an expansion for the International Terminal building. On June 1st 1996 the new terminal was in operation.  We have this picture of a group of CS&S agents viewing their new work space.Issue dated June 1996  Between August 1994 and March 1996 All Northwest DC-9's were refurbished.Here we have this picture of the crew but, sadly, no identifications. (Anyone want to attempt to identify any of the crew - eds)  Employees at Winnipeg celebrating their 25, 30 and 35 year anniversaries. London England retirees Ron Jeffriesand Stan Gregory |
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Bytes and Pieces
Pan Am Video of the good old days!This Pan Am promotional video from 1958 is almost painful to watch, for those of us who remember how wonderful airline travel used to be. For those too young to recall, the level of service shown in this video will look more like science fiction than fact -- but trust us, it really used to be this way!  Just click on the image to view the video or click on this link. |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
 from YVR to Pat Bay Airport with Lockheed 14 aircraft.1946
Issue dated June 2000 Under the caption "Our history" Andrew Geider, Canadian Archives had this article on the Curtiss T-32 Condor.  Registered CF-BQN c/n 32 aquired by YSAT 7/8/42 sold to C.H.Babb, Glendale, CA |
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Readers Feedback
In NetLetter nr 1031 we had an article under "This and That" about the Bermuda Sky Queen.In response, Don Demeza sends us this information - Good morning - always enjoy your netletter - this morning's edition contained a bit of misinformation - I was a radio operator on duty in Goose Bay the evening that the Bermuda Sky Queen landed beside the weather ship while our North Star circled overhead - we didn't provide direct communications but we did listen to the communications. Your info implies that it was a Pan American Boeing (the picture) - Actually this was just after the war and I am sure that it wasn't PAA or a Boeing long range flying boat. As I recall it was probably a converted Sunderland bomber and it was a "one-of" charter operation by a crew - the story at the time was that the navigator had never navigated an aircraft previously but was a sailor. I can't remember the scuttlebut about the pilot. It was a "one of" trip - a converted aircraft and an inexperienced crew - the waves were 18 feet and the aircraft went under twice before floating - by the time the weather ship managed the transfer all 18 or so passengers were very sick - then they sank the aircraft as a menace to shipping. Don Demeza We sent this reply to Don -  We got the info from a Boeing web site, and did not realize that I had a book about the event called "Survival in the Sky" of which this was in one of the chapters.The Capt was Steve Abulet and the aircraft a Boeing 314 flying boat owned by American International Airlines and carried 62 passengers. The aircraft was 5,000 lbs overweight and did not take into account the headwinds in their flight planning. eds and Gordie Aitchison has this information on the subject of the Bermuda Queen - Thanks for subject netletter and info on Bermuda Sky Queen. This event occurred three weeks before I joined TCA at Prestwick and I was aware of it at the time from newspapers. Some time after joining TCA, the subject must have cropped up in conversation with other staff who had been there at the time and I was told that the Captain was Steve Albulet flying one of our 6 unpressurized DC4M1s but I don't know which one. The story went on that Steve had a camera with him and that he had followed the Sky Queen down as she made her landing approach to the sea and took several photos of the flying boat on the water before climbing up and resuming his flight to the UK. He contacted the press on arrival in the UK with the information that he had photos of the incident which was still very much hot news and the press were only too happy to buy his as then undeveloped photos - price unknown! Keep up the good work and regards, Gordie Aitchison Conrad Karsen has sent us several photographs taken at Goose Bay to add to the nostalgia.  Pictured is a T.C.A. Super Constellation at Goose Bay in 1957. This is E.P.A. aircraft in 1959. And here is an M.C.A. aircraft in 1957 Another MCA aircraft in 1959. Finally two MCA aircraft in 1959, Is that a Viscount too?To add to the list of defunct airlines in Canada listed in NetLetter nr 1031 and 1033, we have two more from Bryce Paton - ...really enjoy the Netletter. A great stroll down memory lane each month. Here's two more airline names in Canada, no longer in existence: Ontario Worldair (DC8 charter operator - late 70's) and as of today, Zoom Bryce Paton, PWA/CDN 72-93 In NetLetter nr 1034, under CPAir, Canadian, Wardair etal events and people we mentioned the inaugural flight to Rome on Mar 5th 1960, and we received this information from Bill Marette - I was the Second Officer on the Brittania CF-CZW on the first revenue flight to Rome, from Montreal via Lisbon to Rome Citiavechia. This was on Feb 27th 1960, the present airport Leonardo da Vinci was still under construction. The pilots were Capt George Craig, FO Keith Thomson and myself plus Check Capt George Jarvos. Also on board was the mayors and Bishops of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal plus Grant Maconachie Regards, Bill Marette In NetLetter nr 1035 we had a picture of an unidentified Viscount in Bonsequer Market in Montreal. We noticed this possible solution in the September Newsletter of the Vickers Viscount Network at www.vickersviscount.net Debate surrounds this aircraft's identity. Firstly Vickers Viscount Network UK researcher Simon Ellwood suggested that it might be CF-TIE c/n 385, then Roy Blewitt suggested that it might be CF-THZ / C-FTHZ c/n 308. Can someone conclusively identify this aircraft please? |
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This and That
 Victoria BC airport was located at Lansdowne Aerodrome and the first service was by British Columbia Airways operating a Ford Tri-motor G-CATX on July 23rd 1929.  Service to YVR was priced at $11.00 and $20.00 return SEA was $12.00 and $22.00 return. YVR-SEA was 18.00 and $35.00 return.On October 22nd 1931, Charles Lindburgh took off from Lansdowne Aerodrome in a Vega aircraft. Nov 2nd 1931 - Lansdowne Aerodrome closed to commercial traffic and services for Victoria were operated from the nearby Gordon Head Airport. Some of the now defunct airlines operating in the south of Vancouver Island, BC were B.C.Airways, Western Canada Airlines, Canadian Airways Ltd, Royal Air Lines, Coastal Airways BC Ltd, Coast Air Transport, Wells Air Transport, Island Airways, Westinghouse Airways, B.C. Airlines Ltd, and Alaska-Washington Airways of B.C. Kevin Clews needs to locate some old "whites" I have lost my old "whites" that I had when I worked for TCA and would like to know if anyone has any tucked away in the loft or anywhere. I would have liked to wear them at the Goodwood Revival event held in England every year or indeed any Canadian Military uniform. This event encourages everyone to dress up in old uniforms to watch the old WW2 racing cars and aircraft. I have seen all kinds of uniforms but no Canadian ones, I would like to show off something Canadian, even my old Commissary "whites" if I had them. If anyone that may be able to help, Please email me.. Many Thanks, Mr K.Clews Ops co-ordinator LHR (retired). Email: |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 Eric Scher is asking for help here -My wife and I will be traveling to SYD and AKL in November. Any suggestions for reasonably priced B&B's/Hotels/Apartments in SYD and AKL. We'd spend 3 nights in SYD and 3 nights in AKL. In between we'll be on a cruise with HAL. Many thanks for any suggestions you may have. Eric Scher < Empl. # 093841. Visiting Vancouver Island? There are several ways to get there from YVR (a) Jazz flights, but if they are full, another option (b) is (b) a taxi (approximately $70) to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, then the Ferry, or option c would be (c) public transport located on the ground floor, extreme right of the terminal exit, 424 bus to Delta exchange station, transfer to 620 bus to ferry terminal cost $3.75 or $2.50 for seniors. Then board the Ferry to the Island. Time about 1 hour to the Ferry Terminal. Don't forget to get a transfer ticket. You can also catch a bus on the Ferry to Victoria if that's your final destination. Seen during a recent visit to YOW notices posted by the airport authorities thanking the passengers for the $15.00 AIF which helps to operate the airport and build improvements - my ticket shows AIF at YOW as $30.00 - who pockets the 15 bucks extra??? At YOW, the Airport shuttle costs $15.00 per person, or $11.00 per person if two together, or $8.00 per person for a group of four. (While waiting for the shuttle in the hotel lobby, why not chat up your fellow travelers and reduce your costs! - eds) |
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Smilies
 This cartoon seems appropriate today, but is from the "Horizons" dated June 1966. |
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Vesta's Corner
Why not allow the NetLetter to be your platform and opportunity to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC etal?
Share your experiences with us! FLIGHT RIGHTS FOR PASSENGERS IN CANADA, SORT OF Passenger groups fighting airlines for the right to spend delays in relative comfort (as opposed to confined to stuffy aluminum tubes) have won ... something ... in Canada. Canada has launched a Flight Rights Canada program that offers passengers using Canadian-based airlines a degree of protection from ground-bound suffering with new guidelines that direct airlines to offer drinks and snacks to passengers who have been boarded onto then-delayed aircraft. The rules are not legislation or regulation, but because Canadian airlines say they're on board with the plan, Canadian officials feel the guidelines will suffice. In the case that a delay exceeds 90 minutes, the airline will offer passengers the option of de-planing until that aircraft can depart. In the case that a flight is delayed by more than four hours, passengers will get vouchers for a free meal. Due to caveats written into the rules, like "if it's safe, practical and timely to do so," it's not clear exactly how the guidelines will play out in practice and consumer groups have dismissed the measure as pre-election rhetoric with no stick to back it up. Fossett's Decathlon Located Near Mammoth Lake WRECKAGE CONFIRMED AS FOSSETT'S DECATHLON Authorities have confirmed that wreckage found in the Mammoth Lakes area of northeastern California is that of the Super Decathlon Steve Fossett was reported missing in just over a year ago. However, early reports of the circumstances of the crash may raise more questions than they answer about the end of a flight that sparked the largest air and ground search in recent memory. "It was a head-on crash into the side of a mountain, into a rock," Madera County Sheriff John Anderson told a news conference, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "The plane disintegrated. We found the engine 300 feet from the fuselage". No body has been found. When Fossett took off from Barron Hilton's Minden, Nevada-area ranch, the weather was clear and Fossett was reportedly going on a local flight to check out dry lake beds for a planned land speed record bid. Mammoth Lakes is a mountainous area east of Yosemite National Park. Anderson said the wreckage was found at about the 10,000-foot level and was about a quarter mile from where a hiker found Fossett's pilot certificates and clothing two days earlier.  Qantas has honoured Australian pioneer aviatrix Nancy-Bird Walton at a ceremony to officially name the airline's first A380 aircraft after her.The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said Nancy-Bird was one of the legends of Australia's aviation history, and the airline was proud to recognize her contribution to the industry. Nancy-Bird began learning to fly in 1933, when she was just 17 years old, right here at Mascot. She was taught by the world's greatest aviator, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, and graduated in 1935. |
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Air Canada News
 Bruins sign on with Air Canada Jetz. The Boston Bruins have contracted with Air Canada Jetz for the upcoming 2008/2009 NHL hockey season, bringing the total number of sports teams in the Jetz roster to eight!The Boston Bruins are the first US professional sports team to charter Jetz for the season. Jetz also carries all the Canadian NHL teams - Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, plus Canada's only professional basketball team, the Toronto Raptors. Air Canada announced that beginning January 5, 2009, it will offer the only daily non-stop service linking Vancouver and Fort McMurray. In addition, Air Canada will restart its popular non-stop weekend flights between Kelowna and Toronto beginning in December during the upcoming winter ski season, onboard Air Canada's new 93-seat Embraer 190 aircraft. Star Alliance news Brazilian carrier TAM is expected to join the alliance next week. The Star Alliance has had no presence in the region since the collapse and dismissal of Varig |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
On August 10th, 1949, the Avro Canada C102 JetLiner had its maiden flight. This was two weeks after the De Havilland Comet and five years ahead of the Boeing B707 prototype. The Jetliner could have entered service 12 years ahead of the similar sized DC-9. The project started in 1946 for Trans-Canada Air Lines. The design was higher than what TCA required. The planned Rolls Royce engines were not available for civil use, so another power plant was selected and four engines would be installed. The switch from two to four engines attracted a growing list of differences between Avro and TCA, some of which Avro considered outrageous. In the spring of 1949, President Gordon McGregor made it clear the airline had no more interest in being the first North American airline to introduce jet aircraft for the travelling public.  However, Howard Huges was greatly impressed by the Jetliner. The prototype flew for the last time Nov 23rd 1956, shortly afterwards the order was issued to scrap the aircraft, only the nose being saved and is now in the National Aviation Museum YOW. |
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TCA/AC People Gallery
Over the past months we have been publishing photographs from earlier "Horizons", should any prompt a memory seeing one of them, feel free to send us that memory.
 Andy St-Laurent sends us this message - I'm attaching a photo that was taken in 1960, this seminar took place at the Alpine Inn hotel in St Adele. I've included the names of all the persons in the pictures.Andy St-Laurent 87491 Retired FSD-YUL  Jan Balledux sends us this photograph taken, he believes, in Hangar 2 at YUL in Feb. 1963 of the gang working on a Vanguard. He is in the last row second from the right.Also, somewhere, Jan remembers Erik Keskel, Morris Senecal, Vorstenbos, Rudy Gerhard Burk the inspector are in the group.(We are asking for some identities here - eds) We have received a memory from Gordon Gilmour which we will serialize and hope you enjoy it - ALIAS MR. SMITH One evening in the late 1970s after the day's work was over, I was disturbed at home by a phone call from Geneva. Calls at home while off duty were not infrequent for lots of reasons but this one was unusual and it started off a sequence of events which had a touch of mystery about them. The call was from a small Charter Company in Geneva with whom we had never had contact before and of whom we had never heard. The caller stated that they had just been contracted to fly an executive jet to Prestwick in order to pick up a Mr. Smith who was arriving as a passenger the following morning on our flight from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The jet would be leaving Geneva within a few minutes, arriving at Prestwick in two hours time and we were being requested to handle the aircraft arrival and the subsequent departure in the morning. This is not uncommon practice in the business and involves arranging Customs and Immigration clearance, fuelling, crew accommodation and transport, food supplies etc. all in the interests of a smooth and speedy operation. The small jet duly arrived with a crew of two pilots and a stewardess, the aircraft was fuelled and bedded down for the night and the crew dispatched to a local hotel. (More next time -)  In NetLetter nr 1036 we indicated two pictures of LHR retirees, one of Stan Gregory, which appeared, but we missed the one for Ron Jeffries.(Sorry Ron - eds) |
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Bytes and Pieces
Identity Theft!There is a growing concern regarding Identity Theft in Canada and elsewhere and there is some good information available from Public Safety Canada regarding this. Rather than copying the info here, below is a link to their web site. I personally use the Internet for all kinds of credit card transactions and have had no problems. Some things to look out for though are;
 Just click on the image to view more information regarding Identity Theft or click on this link. |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
 Your co-pilot had the privilege of being invited to the "Meet & Greet" party on Friday Sept 26th, for the "YXY 2008 Reunion" organized by Marlie and Phil Kelsey, Pat Besier and Brian Walsh.This was the second such reunion, the first being five years ago. This diverse group of approximately 50 people consisted of GM,s Managers, pilots, flight attendants, maintenance and ramp personnel, reservations and general clerical staff who, at one time in their careers, worked or passed through Yellowknife or Whitehorse. The atmosphere of the group was quite electric as people who had not met since the last reunion, or even longer, greeted, hugged and bussed each other, and caught up with past memories. On Saturday a full day had been arranged to include a 4 hour cruise and golf, followed by a dinner and dance in the evening. Those who survived the evening had a farewell breakfast on the Sunday morning. Many voiced the thought "Why did we wait so long?" We hope to include some pictures later, meantime, check the web site http://cedarcoast.ca/yxycp and see what you missed. Extracted from the www.pwareunion.com web site - QUICKET - Self Serve Kiosks. Calgary-Edmonton Airbus.- G. Hickey During the 80's the ongoing popularity of the Airbus service was resulting in lengthy line-ups each day creating the need to find a solution. The Company looked at various options, one of which was to study how self service might help. American Airlines had been pioneering the development of Self Serve ticketing in the U.S. and following a series of meetings with them and with their major supplier, NCR we decided that the technology they were using and their approach was not suitable for the Airbus product and so we elected to design our own system from scratch The software component was designed in conjunction with Air Canada computer services to PWA specifications and in order for it work with the AC Reservac System Development took some months throughout 1986 and was not without it's challenges and not all were technical. Labour Relations issues, Transport Canada security issues and accounting issues, particularly the credit card industry requirement for signature authorization. All were addressed and all were firsts in the industry in Canada. The physical kiosk design came from a local Calgary design company. The Quicket name and graphic design came from our Advertising Agency and two kiosks were installed in each of the Calgary and Edmonton Municipal Airbus counter areas. Credit Card driven, passengers made their choices through a keypad and could choose either window or aisle and smoking or non smoking and were issued with a printed ticket/boarding pass Branded as "Quicket" the service was launched successfully and while the uptake was quite slow, as expected, (with the exception of Japanese business men who took to it readily) the expectation was that the usage would grow in similar fashion to the experience the banking industry first saw when they introduced ATM's. Sadly, we would not find out as the subsequent purchase and merger with Canadian Pacific Airlines in 1987 meant the kiosks, designed to work with the AC system now could not function with the CP System. It is testament to PWA thinking of the time however, that airports not just in Canada, utilize similar technologies extensively in order to assist passenger processing today, however, the first development and live trial of this type of technology by any airline in Canada was by Pacific Western Airlines. Here are a few pictures from yesteryear that should bring back some memories. Sent in by Viv Rivers -  The Wardair ex A310 in CAF colours was having an engine run-up when it suddenly rolled forward 600 ft into the chemical storage building behind CP's YVR hangar and imbedded itself in the structure. White is fire chemical.  DC-10 in National tail colours. Aircraft went to National on lease after construction instead of directly to CP Air DC-10 with slides deployed was the result when take-off at YVR was aborted and aircraft left the runway and came to rest in soft ground. (If anyone has any information of these incidents, we would like to hear it- eds) |
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Readers Feedback
In NetLetter nr 1036 we had this picture showing a Viscount asking for identification. We received this email from Brian Burrage.  It shows Viscount Model 805 C/N 258 CF-MCJ of Maritime Central Airways with one of their Curtiss C-46 Commandos in the background. They operated this Viscount from June 59 until April 62. Kind regards, Brian Burrage (Brian is the website co-founder of www.vickersviscount.net) We at www.vickersviscount.net invite all you Canadian Viscount lovers to tour the Virtual Museum and check out all those TCA/Air Canada classics. Sincerely, Jack Stephens Goldendragon posted a correction to a statement in NetLetter nr 1036 Lamar Durrett succeeds Hollis Harris I believe the year was 1996. (Actually, we published the correct info in NetLetter nr 1035 - eds) In NetLetter nr 1033, Under TCA/AC People gallery: "Musings from Horizons: Aug.1995": Dave Welham makes this observation - Re AC884/21Jun at TLV: "...only Canadian carrier to land in Israel". This is perfectly correct for that day or that year, but it might give the impression that AC was the only Cdn carrier to ever land in that nation, which of course is not true. I think somewhere I have a certain orange timetable showing an earlier Canadian airline that, I believe, pioneered that route for Canada and offered a regular scheduled service for several years. Your avid reader, Dave Welham, Pionair, Toronto. (In checking the book "Canadian Pacific Air Lines It's History and Aircraft" by D.M.Bain, CPAL operated YYZ-ROM-Tel Aviv DC-8-63 service from April 2nd 1971 and suspended in 1976. - eds)  In NetLetter nr 1032, we mentioned that a model of an A380 was erected at LHR, we received this information and photograph from Dennis Kennedy - With reference to the article that a model of an A380 in Emirates colours was being built at Heathrow (LHR), I happened to be in LHR this summer (July) and snapped a photo as we drove buy. I have attached it for your info.Regards Dennis In NetLetter nr 1033 - The part titled 'BYTES AND PIECES", TIME TO SAY GOODBYE VINTAGE SLIDESHOW with soundtrack by ANDREA BOCELLI, was amazing says Liz McGeough of Kelowna, B.C. who sent us these comments - The slideshow showing all the old airlines, crews and Andrea Bocelli singing in the background, literally choked me up. It brought back feelings of how the airlines truly were a family for many years. There was joy and excitement (along with hard work) to be associated with the air industry. At the end of the slideshow, I had tears in my eyes, as I felt proud to have been a part of the airlines. I originally started Dec. 1965 with Canadian Airlines in the old airport,in Richmond. I then went to the Sales Dept. on Hornby St. until June 1973. I then left and went travelling for a few months to Israel and Europe. It was a wonderful adventure and I remember being so excited at Athens airport when I saw the "Orange Bird" (CP Air). I returned to the airlines in Feb. 1974 and worked as an Agent in Payload until Feb. 2001, when I took early retirement. During that period there were all the changes, PWA buying Canadian Pacific, then they bought Wardair and then Air Canada bought us. I saw many changes during this period and was happy to retire with Air Canada. Thank you to all the people who made my experience in the airline industry, one that I will never forget. I cherish all the good memories over the years. Vesta, I wish to thank you for keeping this newsletter going. Liz McGeough Kelowna, B.C. Gord Girvan has dug into the depths of his memory to send us this - The references to MCA by Don Palmer in NetLetter 1032 twigged more memories for me; with the part about Resolution Island in particular. One look at the picture Don included tells the tale. Can you imagine anyone flying over that island and dropping something out of the aircraft window and missing the island below? Well I have the dubious distinction of having done just that. The scenario was a DC-3 flight from Frobisher Bay to Goose Bay with Capt Doug Stults at the controls. I was along for the ride. Doug had a friend who worked at a weather station on the island and he had wrapped a bottle of booze very carefully for a 'free drop' and I was the designated 'dropee'. The plan was for me to stand by one of the removable hatches at the rear of the aircraft and when Doug put his hand down once, I was to open the hatch. When he put his hand down the 2nd time I was to throw the bottle out. We were about 500 feet off the deck I think and I saw him put his hand down, so I opened the hatch and put it on the floor. Doug put his hand down the 2nd time and I belted the bottle into space. Apparently Doug factored in the fact that the hatch was sometimes a bit difficult to remove and he didn't realize that I had removed it so quickly, so he considered his 2nd 'hand down' to be his 1st. Needless to say the bottle undershot the intended target and dropped into the water, and his friend was unable to retrieve it. It was a 'dry' night at the weather station. End of story. Gord Girvan |
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This and That
Frank Pedder sends us this information - First flight of the Avro Arrow on March 25th 1958 - An excellent film of a piece of Canada's aviation history. Sound track and picture of Jan Zurakowski, CF-100 and F-86 chase planes, and even a brief glimpse of a TCA Super Connie in the background, seen during the landing.. Guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes of real airmen! Don't forget to turn up the sound. Good views of the undeveloped area around Malton in 1958.  Produced by AVRO CANADA for the first flight of the fantastic CF-105 Arrow interceptor on March 25, 1958; this film is a nostalgic look on the incredible lead Canada had in aircraft design and production in the post-war years. The Arrow was so advanced that its performance figures and concept were at least 20 to 25 years ahead of all the other countries that were producing such aircraft. Even today, close to 50 years after the Arrow first flew, Canada's front-line fighter, the CF-18 Hornet, can't match the performance of the Mk.I Arrow in top speed (Mach 2.0). There was a Mk.II model with the Canadian Iroquois engines that would have exceeded Mach 2.5, and a high-altitude Mk.III that was predicted to reach Mach 3.0! What an aircraft! Too bad it was cancelled in 1959, because it would have kept the Arrow flying high all the way up to the early 1990's before being replaced by another design. Maybe this was the stuff of dreams, but it actually was done here in Canada in 1958!!! For video, click on image or visit this link. We received this story from Ray Wall in YVR. Airline Stewardesses  Before 1930 only men served on airplane crews. Ellen Church, a nurse and student pilot, convinced United Airlines that having females on board would help ticket sales... but not for the reason you'd think: "don't you think it would be good psychology to have women up in the air?" she asked the directors, "how is a man going to say he is afraid to fly when a woman is working on the plane".United agreed and told her to hire seven women. The women had to be under 5'4" and 115 lbs,age 25 or less,single and registered nurses. Their wage:$125 a month for each 100 hours in the air. On top of serving passengers, the first stewardesses also had to help the crew clean the plane, load the baggage, gas the plane and push it from the hangar.  Here is a stamp issued to celebrate 100 years in aviation, includes military & civil. |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 Travelling interline? - have a look at www.nonrev.net and check their forum, they may have the answer for you.Travelling with a ZED ticket? Jim Pearce sends this information - A site that indicates space available chances in colour. WWW.FLYZED.COM Login info; User ID: ACA Password: 014 Cheers Jim P. Subject: ICE - 'In Case of Emergency' Apparently this is a standard procedure all paramedics follow at the scene of an accident when they come across your cell phone. ICE - 'In Case of Emergency' Most of us carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know whom to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. All you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency). In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.' For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference! Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today! It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. ICE will speak for you when you are not able to. |
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Smilies
 Found in the national newspapers |
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Vesta's Corner
Why not allow the NetLetter to be your platform and opportunity to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC etal?
Share your experiences with us! S-(Lee) Schacter sent this article with a comment - (you'd never know it when traveling on a pass .....!!!) Passenger growth hits five-year low: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released international traffic data for June revealing a continued slowing of demand growth for air transport. Passenger demand growth fell to 3.8 per cent, the lowest level since 2003. Passenger load factors dropped to 77.6 per cent, 1.2 percentage points below the 78.8 per cent recorded for June 2007. Although the passenger demand grew by 3.8 per cent, this is the slowest growth that we have seen since the industry was hit by the SARS crisis in 2003. With consumer and business confidence falling and sky-high oil prices, the situation will get a lot worse, says IATA director general and CEO Giovanni Bisignani. Global passenger traffic growth of 3.8 per cent is well below the 5.4 per cent recorded year-to-date. Capacity growth of 5.5 per cent outstripped demand, pushing the passenger load factor down to 77.6 per cent. North American airlines saw demand growth drop to 4.4 per cent (sharply down from the 8.2 per cent growth recorded in May). |
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Air Canada - our first 70 years
1995 - June 19 - Announcement of service between Calgary and Houston effective October 29 with Airbus A320 equipment. - June 19 - Non stop service between Montreal and Washington DC National airport. This is the first non US airline to serve this destination. 1996
 The final flight using this equipment was C-GDVZ fin 910 c/n 278 on October 3rd 2008. |
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TCA/AC People Gallery
Over the past months we have been publishing photographs from earlier "Horizons", should any prompt a memory seeing one of them, feel free to send us that memory.
Andre Tison has sent us these photographs -  Undated TCA DC-3 CF-TDU at Gander. and Super Connie CF-TEY.in flight.  North Star CF-TFF in the late forties, location unknown.Here is another segment of the story from Gordon Gimour Aitchison which we started in NetLetter nr 1037 - ALIAS MR. SMITH The following morning, the crew of the executive jet were out bright and early in plenty of time to meet our flight. On inquiring as to their destination, the pilot said that they would not know that until Mr. Smith arrived and they would therefore plan to file their flight plan from the aircraft by radio. On the same question being put separately to the stewardess, the answer was exactly the same. All she had been told was that she should be prepared to be away for a few days and to pack her bag accordingly. As our own flight approached Prestwick, it called up on Company radio and sought confirmation that an aircraft was waiting to pick up a deplaning passenger named Smith. On being assured in the affirmative. our Captain next asked if we could arrange with Customs and Immigration that Mr Smith and one other be permitted to transfer immediately on arrival from one aircraft to another on the ramp and this was duly cleared with these authorities. Since they were arriving from abroad and immediately proceeding abroad, this was quite legal, if very unusual. (More next NetLetter) Musings from the "Horizons" Issue dated August 1995  Here we have a picture of the Vancouver Dragon Fly team which took part in the festival at the end of June. The Air Canada team battled to third place, including top honours for the exceptional team t-shirts designed for the event.(Sadly, we have no identities - Anyone help? eds) June 16 - With the delivery of its first Airbus A340 aircraft at the Paris Air Show, Air Canada officially became the first North American operator of this aircraft type.  A happy group of A340 lotto winners.  and this picture of the first official crew of fin #982.May 26th - Toronto based In-charge Ruth Kirwan retired after 43 years service.  This picture of her last flight with her co-workers. For his last day at work, Calgary Customer Sales & Service Agent Keith Wallace wore his original TCA uniform. To prove he could get into it, we have this photo. |
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Bytes and Pieces
About space toilets and "Shooting Stars" - Col. Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency visited the Ontario Science Centre and spoke about some of the very human aspects of space travel. See the video below, it's quite interesting and funny. Just click on the image to view the video or click on this link. |
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
Leeds Bradford UK airport extended its runway on November 4th 1984 to allow for and long haul carriers to operate into Leeds Bradford airport. The opening event was marked by the arrival of the airport first ever transatlantic flight by Wardair.(Any information on this anyone? - eds) Only 37 of General Dynamic's Convair 990 - Coronado.were built and it is reported that Nordair leased or were thinking of leasing, three of these aircraft. (Anybody have any information out there? - eds) From the "Canadian Flyer" Issue dated July 2000. Jun 30th - Canadian Regional Airlines offered for sale until August 31st July 4th - After a 9 year absence of serving , an inaugural B767 flight commenced from YYZ-YVR-SYD via HNL. Service to Australia was first served in 1949.  The inaugural flight from Sydney was on July 4th and we have this picture.Andrew Geider- Corporate Archivist has this information on the  Lockheed Electra L188 This picture of a PWA Hercules under the banner of "Herc reunion in September" referred to the reunion planned for 2000. Check www.pwareunion.com for more information on PWA employee alumni.Issue dated September 2000 Aug - With no successful bidders within the 60 day period for the Canadian Regional Airlines, the CRA moves into the Air Canada family. Andre Tison has sent us these photos  A PWA B7076 at Manchester UK in 1970  and a Super Guppy of Aero Space Lines on contract with PWACan anyone supply more information - eds) |
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Readers Feedback
In NetLetter nr 1032 we had pictures of Vancouver Airport during WWII, supposedly - we have this email from Craig Harnett -I enjoy reading your netletter. Thanks for the time you put into it. I'm surprised that, apparently, nobody commented on the pictures in issue 1032 of a camouflaged Boeing factory in Vancouver during World War II. Despite the labels somebody attached to the pictures, I'm pretty sure that's not Vancouver Airport in the early 1940s! Consider these observations of the "before" picture at http://thenetletter.org/images/1032/d10c1d.jpg :
Craig Hartnett Our Alan Rust responded - Thanks for your investigative work! I wondered about that too as I saw similar photos earlier this year, but I was fooled by the labeling as well and didn't double check. I figured they must have camouflaged a lot of plants during the war... See: http://www.eatliver.com/i.php?n=2350&source=rss Seems it was a Lockheed Burbank Plant. I wonder where along the line they were labeled as Vancouver? Alan Rust Les Tulett has sent us this memory - It was in 1954 when as a passenger agent in YYZ,737 Church Street the new Viscount went into service and as telephone agents we were deluged with calls from customers who wanted to go on the Vikki. Of course we could only manage a few. One person I remember was desperate and would not take unable as an answer. Then he started shouting over the phone that his doctor had ordered him when flying to YUL that he must take a Viscount for the sake of his health and he was ordering me to put him on one (all full) in the end I had to transfer him to a supervisor and do not know what happened after that. They were wonderful customer service planes. two abreast seating, good legroom and big windows in line with the seating (40 seats). Les Tulett Viv Rivers has sent us these photos -  A photograph of an early CPAL building. and a picture of the Bristol Britannia.(Can anyone supply the location and dates? - eds)  Following on the recent articles of information supplied by Don Palmer regarding Maritime Central Airways we came across this photo of a DC-6 originally owned by MCA and registered as CF-MCK and is now with Air Atlantique of the UK.It was sold by MCA to Eagle Airways of the UK in January 1959 and, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the present owner has repainted the machine in British Eagle colours. Prompted by the Pan Am video article in "Bytes and Pieces" by Alan in NetLetter nr 1036, Ron Lingwood sends us this memory - Ahh the nostalgia of it all. I flew jet for the first time in 1963 in a B737 BOAC en route from LHR to Australia. Although the flight was long 26 hours(a few delays) the flight was comfortable and the flight attendants tolerated the children (including my 4 year old son) playing in the aisles to relieve the boredom. The Pan Am film must have been made in first class, although I have only on a few occasions found bad in flight service. Maybe we never complained because we were "cons" and so did as we were told!! But and the big BUTT that cigarette being lit by the F/A, who wants to go back to that Yuck!! And no seat belts on, a bit of exaggeration regarding no noise or vibration, still compared to the old pistons I guess they were correct. In all the time that has passed some things never change, the airspeed and cruising altitude quoted, about the same as today. Keep up the good work Alan, you are appreciated. Ron Alan responded - Thanks for the comments and kind words. Regarding smoking, I had a shock a few years ago when I visited China for the first time and the trains were full of smoke and butts everywhere. Butt (sic) we managed <VBG> and Ron came back with this correction and further comment - Reviewing my letter I see that I made the mistake of referring to the aircraft I flew to Australia in as a B737 it was of course a B707. Yes I was quite surprised that the Chinese government has made great attempts to ban smoking in China, I guess half a million smoking related deaths a year really have an effect!! I have to remember also that the first airline to actually ban smoking was I believe Singapore Airlines this was while AC and CP were quibbling over the time frame and managed to get a year suspension of the government act. Ron |
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This and That
 After zipping across the oceans, the poor Concorde, G-BOAD "Alpha Delta" has been spending its days tethered to a barge on New York's West side loaned by BA to Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.But, due to renovations, the Concorde was moved to Brooklyn's Floyd Bennet Field, which was where it had its nose sheared off by a passing truck. It is reported that Air Canada calls its Embraer 175's and E190's "game changers", and claims they are 20% cheaper to operate than its Airbus on a per trip basis. (If the Embraer replaces an A319 suffering a mechanical delay for some reason - should the passengers be looking for a 20% refund of their ticket purchase? - Nooo! - eds) |
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Terry's Travel Tips
 New releases from Disney, Costa, Princess, MSC Cruises, Seabourn and others offer interliners plenty of new opportunities to save on terrific cruises. Whether it be simple, short Bahamas, Canada/New England, Europe or Caribbean - we have great selections for you. Also see our fall All-Inclusive bargains on sun & sand resorts. For information and reservations, please call INTERLINE WORLD VACATIONS AT 1-866-279-8480 toll free or (604) 279-8482 or email us at |
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Smilies
 Rules are rules, and stupidity is stupidity.A recent female passenger at Kelowna International Airport in B.C. was stopped at security and made to remove her "weapon", a 2 inch pistol-shaped pendant dangling from a chain around her neck. She was told that replica firearms are banned from aircraft and that she was obliged to place her jewelry in her checked luggage. Later, the security company (CATSA) wrote the passenger, a student, an apology. If you are a gourmet, then you may fancy a flight on SpiceJet - all their fleet of B737's are named after different spices. |