Vesta's Corner
Found on the Internet -
On the Boeing B787 Dreamliner there is 61 miles of wiring plus 4.5 miles of fibre optics versus a total of 328 miles of wiring on the Airbus A380 according to Boeing. This week's postcard - Madrid 2002
On the back - This city is very clean and the people, friendly (I was born here many years ago) <G> Happy New Year Julio.. Note: for our new readers, I have been collecting postcards from our travelling NetLetter "family" for many years. If you are away and have a minute, I'd be delighted to get one from you as well. You can obtain my address by sending an email to
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Air BC Memories
AirBC was born in November 1st.,1980, after Vancouver businessman Jim Pattison had acquired seven small airlines in B.C. In acquiring these small airlines together with their licenses and routes Pattison aimed to create a regional airline.
The small airlines purchased were Airwest Airlines, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Gulf Air Aviation, Island Airlines, Haida Airlines, Trans-Provincial Airlines and West Coast Air. The original name was to be Great Pacific Air, however the name Air BC prevailed to become the largest Canadian regional airline, with 107 aircraft comprising of Twin Otters, Otters, Beavers, Gooses, Mallards, DC-3, Beech 18's, BN Islanders, various Cessna and an Apache. - In 1983 a code sharing agreement was made with CP Air. - In April 26th., 1987 Air Canada bought out AirBC. - 1988 May 13th the first BAe146 arrived and entered service a week later as a charter to Prince Rupert. The introduction of pre jets was a tremendous boost for the employees and that years annual party was named "Jet Blast". - The float plane operation was sold in January 1996 to West Coast Air. - A new name Jazz was finally introduced on March 22nd 2002, the end of an era for Air BC. More info about Air BC can be found here.
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Readers Feedback
From: Clarke < Hi Netletter people;
Just to let you know how much I enjoy reading about he old TCA days. It brings back a lot of great memories, In 1939 I was working for the DOT at the radio range station in Calgary when Al Loke invited me to join TCA as a radio operator. I remember Dave Clark was station manager but I can't remember the rest of the staff except for Charles Skelton ( I hope I have spelt that last name correctly) the terminal had not been built yet so we worked in a small shack. In less than a year Charles and I had moved to Winnipeg me to become a Flight Dispatcher and Charlie to become pilot. Those were great and exciting days, Stan Clarke
Picture of Al Loke and the radio and passenger shack from "Between Ourselves" August 1943
Brian Dunn editor of YYZNEWS sends this
Amid all the 787 roll-out hoopla, perhaps the coolest event went unnoticed. On Saturday night, Boeing had all of the 787 airline representatives at an event at the Museum of Flight. At 7:07 PM, an Omega Air Refueling Services 707 landed in front of the crowd (after taking off from Paine Field in Everrett). At 7:17, an AirTran 717 landed. This continued until 8:17 when an Air France 777-300ER landed. Click on photo for large image
In the end, the 707, 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 were lined up nose-to-tail on the taxiway. It is the first time Boeing has had every 7-series airplane in the same place (not counting the 787, which couldn't make the flight, of course).
Conclusion of the story related by Trev Trower (continued from NetLetters #985 and #984)
Every few minutes one of us would walk up and down the aircraft monitoring the passenger needs, and making sure that a lighted cigarette had not fallen. Several babies were sleeping in their "sky-cots" attached to the overhead luggage racks. It was a dark and clear night and now half way across the ocean, we could see out of the port-side windows, a fantastic view of the Northern Lights. Looking down you could just make out the glaciers of Greenland, bitter cold in their frozen glory. Inside the cabin all was quiet though the engine noise was very loud around the cabins mid-section. We continued our card game while E.B. took an hour's rest in the crew-bunk up front. Three hours to go and time to prepare the breakfast. We put away the cards, and I started breakfast while the Purser began the flight's paperwork for health, customs and immigration at Prestwick.
Captain Found had told us that this flight might set the record for a transatlantic crossing. We were flying in the jet stream which for whatever reason was moving eastward at a lower altitude than usual, we were flying at eighteen thousand feet, with a tail wind of one hundred and eighty miles per hour, and our airspeed of three hundred meant that our ground speed was four hundred and eighty miles an hour, which was unusual. We served the economy passengers their breakfast, orange juice, two eggs and bacon with sausages, rolls and butter, coffee or tea. Our Nine F.C. passengers breakfasts, we prepared as they woke up. The crew didn't eat breakfast on board when the airplane was going through Prestwick; a treat was in store for us every time we landed there. A table was prepared for the crew in the airport restaurant dining room, complete with all the first class amenities. In the center of the table was a silver bowl of fresh flowers and a T.C.A. flag. We would make our way from the airplane and cut across the ramp, take our seats for an excellent meal. A filet steak and eggs; Porridge, kippers, smoked haddock, any thing we fancied would be laid on for us and of course the airline would pick up the tab. We all looked forward to this service like a sort of bonus.
We had finished our service and were cleaning up the cabin and galley, Mr. K. didn't look too well, he was between fifty and sixty, short and corpulent with brown watery eyes and an unpleasant facial expression, I couldn't help thinking what could such a pretty young girl see in such a man.; Johnnie could answer that question with just one word. Captain Found came on the P.A. and made an excellent announcement; he first wished everyone good morning, talked about the terminal weather and a few other pleasantries, then he finished his announcement to let everyone know that they had just broken the speed record for a transatlantic crossing. We had been descending for some time and had less than fifteen minutes to go to touchdown, when we flew over the Isle of Aron at about four thousand feet. Suddenly the aircraft shook and did a sort of twist, there was a cut in power and quiet for a second or two then the plane spiraled in turbulence which threw the passengers around and up and down the cabin, it was over in just a few seconds. I had been in the process of stowing the bars, we had been hurled to the ceiling then back onto the floor two or three times and I had landed on a pile of broken glass and had superficial cuts and blood all over my uniform but the worst was the bump on my head, which had swollen so much I couldn't wear my uniform hat. My colleagues had been thrown around the cabin but had only sustained minor injuries. Many of the passengers had been wearing their seatbelts and apart from a nasty fright were not hurt. Our first thought was of the babies in the sky cots. We rushed to check them and to re-assure the mums; one of the babies had been thrown out of the cot, had hit the ceiling then the floor and had rolled under the seats for several rows, we found the baby and returned it to its mum, it was totally unhurt and smiling. Quite a lot of the passengers had been thrown up out of their seats and had hit the overhead air-vents and reading lights and sustained bloody injuries. Reporting to the Captain just before touchdown he was appraised of the condition of the passengers and cabins and he was able to alert Prestwick to our extra needs. We continued to give first aid to the injured until moments before touch-down. After landing and the passenger needs were taken care of, the medical staff decided to take thirty five of the passengers to the local hospital for further care and x-rays. The airplane had to be checked for turbulence stress, altogether a delay of three hours would be taken before departing for London. It's a mystery to me how the newspaper reporters got the information so quickly and were able to get onto the ramp to take photos and to question the passengers. No-one was interested in communicating with the news hawks. But one of the sleaziest of the reporters sidled up to me and asked "what's the deal with that old ******* and the chick?' I was almost tempted to make some comment but I pleaded ignorance. When we had cleaned ourselves up a bit, we joined the front-end crew at breakfast, what a feast that was, my filet steak and eggs were wonderful, The flight engineer that trip was Aubrey Cooke, and when I asked him about the turbulence check, with his English accent he said he was going to double- check that personally. Finally we were about to continue our flight to London. Half of our load was destined for Prestwick and another dozen had decided to finish their trip to the capitol by train. Altogether we had only about thirty people for London. As they boarded I offered gravol. The final leg of our flight took us a bumpy one and a half hours. We were pleased to reach the end of the long duty day. That day's Evening Standard front page news declared our Captain Pound a hero. The front page of the Evening News referred to our Captain Hound, while calling E.B. Campbell a hero telling the world she was thirty two years old. Neither of these crew-members was that happy with the papers A week after our return home, John and I were invited to headquarters in Montreal, we were to be questioned in regard to a security matter. We met at the office of Mr. Fabro who was our Director of Passenger Service. Our new Director of Security took charge of the meeting; after a brief introduction he began rather a thorough interrogation. After a few minutes questioning it became apparent that there was an agenda that we were not privy to. I remember asking what the problem was. The investigator indicated that there had been a complaint made by a passenger on that flight that one of the flight attendants might have stolen some-ones watch during the turbulence. The meeting was to determine the truth of the matter. John and I looked at each other for a moment or two. There was no opportunity for either of us to have taken the watch even had we been so disposed. We indicated that the meeting was over and any future investigation into the watch business would have to be with the union in attendance. We left and returned home, there was no further action taken. Johnnie and I had expected some sort of thanks from the brass, for our job being well done. I never found out whether Mr. Kliptik enjoyed his weekend. Or whether he got his four thousand dollars worth, or whether or not he had become a member of "The Atlantic Mile High Club."
I hope not. Trev Trower is the author of "The Traveling Man" http://www.canadianaviationbooklist.ca/bktrvlman.htm
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TCA/AC Events & People Gallery
First Officer Glenys Robinson - DC9 was, in 1995, the youngest female pilot ever hired by Air Canada, joining in 1980 at age 21 years.
Picture from Between Ourselves June 1944 |
Terry's Travel Tips
From Caesar Hotels - Ireland
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You will be traveling in style in a luxury motorcoach with your own personal driver/guide. You'll have the chance to visit the Burren region, Connemara and Cliffs of Moher. While in Dublin, you will experience a panoramic Dublin City tour, The Old Jameson Distillery Tour and much more! The Sites & Cities Tour Includes:
Departs Nov. 3, 8, 10, 15, 24, 29 Dec. 1, 6,8, 13, 15, 2007; Jan. 24, 26, 31; Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21 23, 28; March 1, 6, 8, 2007 Ireland, Scotland and the UK for summer and fall departures Emerald Package 8 Day Ireland Vacations Air, Car, 6 nights Accommodations B&B from $779* Land Only from $359 Emerald Castle Package Same great package as above and one night castle stay from $849* Land Only from $451 Sites and Sounds Most popular escorted tour to Ireland Air, 4 nights accommodations, 2 nights Galway, 2 nights Dublin, fully escorted tour, 2 nights Galway, 2 nights Dublin from $739* Scotland Tartan B&B Package from $497 Land Only and UK B&B Packages from $497 Land Only Confirmed air options available Contact Caesar Hotel Vacations at www.airwayvacations.com |
Vesta's Jump Seat
Why not allow the NetLetter be your platform, and opportunity, to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC etal. and share your experiences with us!GIRLS WITH WINGS SCHOLARSHIP Girls With Wings is devoted to introducing young women to role models in aviation-related occupations and it's currently seeking scholarship applicants to show their motivation, inspirations and future plans in essay form. The scholarship winner must not yet have received her private pilot's license, must be female, and will be sent a check to be used toward flying lessons at the flight school of her choice. Last year's winner, then-20-year-old Amy Blechman, a student studying aviation management with a pro-pilot minor, wrote a winning essay of less than 800 words. This year's winner will get a flight training boost of up to $1000 made up of donations matched (up to $150) by "K. Jones," according to the Girls With Wings Web site. The funds are made up of donations, and at the time of this writing the pool was $625. There are some requirements for the winner, who will be notified Dec. 1, 2009. See the website at: www.girlswithwings.com |
Air Canada - our first 70 years
1946 Spring - Flight Control staff stationed at Prestwick Scotland providing 24 hour coverage. February Link training facilities of the R.A.F. Transport Command at Dorval taken over to provide periodic checks of B.O.A.C. personnel at Dorval. March 18 - Prohibitions on the carriage of children over the Atlantic were lifted. Child under 2 years charged 10% of the adult fare. Children between 2 years and 12 years will be charged 50% of the adult fare, and a child must be accompanied by a passenger over 12 years. July 1st - Inaugural flight Toronto - Chicago with DC-3 equipment. Aug 1st - Inauguration of Toronto - Cleveland with DC-3 equipment |
Star Alliance news.
United Airlines unveiled a second-bag fee for passengers on some international routes, following a trend set by US Airways and Continental Airlines. Passengers flying trans-Atlantic routes will pay USD$50 for a second bag at the airport or USD$45 if purchased on the carrier's website. This applies on routes going from the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean to Europe and back. Travelers going from the United States to Mexico or the Caribbean will pay slightly less -- USD$30 at the airport and USD$27 online |
This n That.
Qantas will operate three sightseeing flights over Antarctica during the southern summer with its new A380. It has partnered with Antarctica Sightseeing Flights of Melbourne since 1994 using 747-400s. The first A380 flight is scheduled for Dec. 31 from Melbourne, the second on Jan. 24 from Sydney and the third on Feb. 14 from MEL. Fares start from A$999 (US$859) for the 14-hr. flight, which includes two meals. The most frequently used route takes the aircraft over the icecap, the South Magnetic Pole, the French scientific base at Dumont d'Urville and finally the spectacular Trans-Antarctic Range. Approval has been secured for 19 Antarctic flight routes, with final selection based upon weather and viewing opportunities. With effect from December, passengers traveling in Economy Class on all intercontinental flights operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines can choose seats offering greater comfort. The new Economy Comfort zone offers up to ten centimetres more legroom and back supports that can recline twice as far. What's more, Economy Comfort passengers can also disembark quicker after landing because their seating zone is located at the front of Economy Class. Depending on the distances involved, the price of the new zone will amount to between €80 and €150 for a single leg of the journey. The service in Economy Comfort will be the same as that in Economy Class. |
Alan's Space
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Stan Hegstrom sends this update on the Viscount refurbishing project at Victoria BC CF-THG is now in the new Hangar at BCAM in Victoria, we moved it in on Monday 14th of Sept with the help of the staff of 433 Sqn of the CF as their Tow Tractor was needed, now we can go ahead and complete the interior this winter Here are some photos of CF-THG in its new accommodations - Stan and Jack Stevens sent us these photos of the event. Here's a photo of Al Catterall, David Peters and Bob Hallworth the original Viscount nut cases. Here is the whole gang. and with the tug. Jack . Bob Messmer sends us this information -Hi. Below is a link to a video clip featuring retired AC captain Dick Pulley and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Lancaster. Thanks for your excellent news letter. Bob Messmer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogukonyjtbc Jack Stevens sends us this memory prompted by an article in The Summer Journal 09 edition by the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (C.A.H.S.) magazine. The article by Jerry Vernon, "Adventures in Procurement", retrieved a few memories. I grew up near the Winnipeg Airport during the years of the Mustang and Vampire. Later, around 1959, as a shop mechanic with Trans-Canada Air Lines, I recall when the last Mustangs left Winnipeg. The shop which is the present Western Canada Aviation Museum, overlooked the field. We crowded the second story windows, to watch the end of an era. Across the field, a group of P-51 Mustangs from the 402 "City of Winnipeg" Aux. Squadron, were lined up preparing for take-off. We were told they had been sold, and were heading for the States. In pairs, the aircraft took off, and assembled north of the airport. It was quite a sight to behold. Suddenly they appeared in formation, making a farewell low pass. The windows were open so we heard them loud and clear. We watched as they disappeared to the south, a scene probably never to be repeated, at least in Winnipeg. One of my school buddies, lost his dad, when his Vampire crashed across the Assiniboine River in the community of Charleswood. It was a Sunday morning and Terry's dad was part of the 402 Aux. Squadron. Sincerely, Jack Stephens (There is another article entitled "Air Canada and the Supersonics" by Clayton Glenn in this edition - eds) Aubrey Winterbotham. shares this memory with us - I've enjoyed reading the NetLetter since it began in the mid 90's. Seeing the pictures of #405 being dismantled conjured up memories of when I was a junior mechanic in 1959 and I worked on the Super Connie fleet out of hangar 4 at Dorval. In those days the planes were picked up at the gate and taxied to the hangar by the licensed mechanic or crew chief and after servicing they were taxied back to the gate. In this particular instance a group of us were ushered into a jeep and driven to the aircraft parked at the blast fence. The licensed mechanic Charlie Galas, two mechanics and a radio man climbed on board the aircraft using the roof of the jeep and yours truly was told to follow the aircraft in the jeep to pick up the guys from the gate and bring them back to the hangar. The only problem was that I had just been hired by the company and had been in Canada just a few weeks and didn't know how to drive a standard shift jeep. But without hesitation I put the jeep into what I hoped was reverse and gingerly let the clutch out, lo and behold the jeep started to back away from the aircraft just as the mighty #3 engine prop was turning over. All the best and keep up the good work. Aubrey Winterbotham. |
Trivia.
In the "Between Ourselves" issued in the early '40's we see that photos of various captains sported 3 gold rings on their sleeves. but the issues after 1947 we notice the captains had added an additional ring making four - as today.Anybody offer any reason for the change? We assume additional crew members on board dictated this change. |
Terry's Trivia & Travel Tips
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Vesta's Corner
More on my favourite aviatrix -
One Earhart Search Fades, Another Emerges As a group that has pored over Gardner Island several times failed in its attempt to find conclusive evidence that the island is the final resting place of Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan, another effort to solve the 70-year-old mystery has received fresh funding, thanks in part to its exposure in AVweb. Last week The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery wrapped up its latest effort, recovering a part of a zipper and a melted bottle that might have been used to boil water, but nothing that proves Earhart was ever there. Official accounts say she and Noonan crashed at sea, but theories persist that they crashed on an island and perhaps survived for a time, either as castaways or prisoners of the Japanese.
An Australian man hopes to test his theory that Earhart's plane came down on New Britain Island off Papua New Guinea and the $75,000 in funding pledges David Billings has received since his podcast interview in AVweb a month ago will go a long way toward that effort. Billings believes an Australian army patrol found the wreck of Earhart's Lockheed Electra and dutifully reported the discovery, including engine and airframe serial numbers. Although Billings has searched the area on foot, he believes the aircraft is so buried by jungle the only way to find it is with an airborne metal detector. That will cost about $150,000 and, with the money pledged so far and some promising leads on the way, he hopes to finally launch the search.
This week's postcard - THE SYDNEY AUSTRALIA OPERA HOUSE AT TWILIGHT
and the message reads - It's a long way from Brussels to Sydney but worthwhile. What a city!! On to New Zealand and later a tour to Alice Springs by car. Dick Vandam and wife
Note: for our new readers, I have been collecting postcards from our travelling NetLetter "family" for many years. If you are away and have a minute, I'd be delighted to get one from you as well. You can obtain my address by sending an email to
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Star Alliance News
UNITED PILOT NOTICED FOR NICENESS Flanagan won his 15 minutes of fame this week when Wall Street Journal travel columnist Scott McCartney singled him out as an island of niceness amid a sea of mere bland competence. While other pilots may get you to your destination in one piece, Flanagan does that plus checks on your pets and your luggage, calls the parents of children flying alone to reassure them, invites families into the cockpit, makes jokes, raffles off free bottles of wine, and orders hamburgers for passengers during delays.
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PWA Reunion Postponed
Unfortunately, the 2007 Reunion had to be postponed until your Planning Committee has "retrenched" and considered how to deal with this setback. Perhaps a more casual approach for a reunion would be better. If you have any ideas, please pass them on to us. We'll consider the feedback and see what might be planned for the future. Please send your feedback to
On behalf of all of us on the Planning Committee, thank you to those who registered and to those who volunteered their time for the August 17-19 weekend. |
Viscount Restoration - CF-THG
Restoration of former TCA/Air Canada Viscount CF-THG at Victoria International Airport - Saville Hambleton sends us the information he received from Al Catterall
At the BC Aviation Museum, we are now underway restoring an AC Vickers Viscount, fin 625 c/n 224 originally received March 28th., 1957 withdrawn from use April 1974 and sold to Beaver Enterprises. The aircraft has been stored at Winnipeg and then Vancouver before being shipped to BC Aviation Museum.
Al Caterall a retired AC pilot and Museum member will head up the restoration team of a minimum of 4 Museum members. Here's a picture of the Viscount taken August 11th., 2007. Bob's got the black shadowing on, and the masking tape has been removed from all the words except "Trans". From here we will be detailing the upper fuselage and red side panels prior to the final pressure wash. We will then mask off the lettering and prime everything prior to the final finish. When that has dried, we'll peel off the masking tape and the "Trans-Canada Air Lines" will be revealed. We're still trying to get good quality pictures of the TCA logos for the forward fuselage, the half-wing TCA logo for the vertical fin and the style of print used on the word 'Viscount' on the tail. These pictures are required by the decal manufacturers so they can replicate them. We're rubbing down the aluminum below the red with # 600 wet & dry sandpaper prior to buffing. The aluminum shines like a mirror after Dave uses his buffer on it. The restoration team members are Bob Hallworth, Dave Peters, Stan Hegstrom, Wally Hasker, Gus deJardin and I understand Dave Work is going to join the group. As for Viscount pilots, I can vouch for Bob,Wally,Gus and Dave but at this point, I'm not positive about the others.
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Readers Feedback
From: Ross Smyth <
Subject: North Star Memories Memories of the North Star by Bill Norberg were most interesting in NetLetter 987. I was in the first group of trans-ocean flight dispatchers under Al Brown in Montreal in 1946. I enjoyed Bill`s comments about Captain Ron Baker, one of the great builders of our airline. I remember Ron Baker when I was a green radio operator on the midnight shift in Kapuskasing in 1943. It was snowing heavily and it took him several approaches before landing. As the only person on the airport I was standing on the hanger roof with radio in hand. As I nearly froze to death, I bought a parka next morning. When we were both retired and my vision had improved, he helped me to become a small plane flight instructor by coaching me on his home table-top computer to become an instrument pilot. He once let me land his own Cessna on floats, my only such experience. When I much later caused a takeoff accident, he helped me by telling me about his very early accident in northern Manitoba. He was a friend to so many, an outstanding person, and one of the main pioneer builders of a great airline. Bill Norberg also made a very valuable contribution to the airline.
Picture taken in May 2007 - Ross Smyth with wife and Alan Rust in the middle.
And now we have yet another story from Bill Norberg -
The Bristol Freighter Story
There are probably not many people associated with Air Canada these days who have ever heard of these aircraft, let alone the story of how they became a part of its fleet. The year was 1953. In those years Canadian Pacific Airlines was allowed to operate domestic passenger service up to 25 % of the Trans-Canada Air Lines passenger traffic levels. They were anxious to increase their presence domestically and applied to be the sole domestic Cargo carrier. They had the aircraft to do that job and Trans-Canada Air Lines was not about to let that happen without a fight. They however did not have cargo aircraft so went about obtaining some. They decided to purchase 3 British Bristol
Freighter aircraft in late fall of 1953 in order to have then available for operations in 1954. These aircraft were picked up in England by flight crews hired by
Silver City Airways and flown across the Atlantic to Dorval where they were to be modified to meet TCA and Canadian standards. As these aircraft were built to British requirements, in order to fly them across the Atlantic we sent a complete set of radio equipment that would be installed for the flight. When the aircraft arrived in Dorval the equipment was removed and sent back to England to be installed in the second aircraft. This was repeated again for the third one. During the modification program, the aircraft were to have a standard TCA radio installation, a new and revised instrument panel, a heating system and various cargo handling features. Work had started on the first aircraft in September 1953 when it was determined that the wiring standard used in the aircraft systems was not acceptable. This was serious and a decision was made to re-wire the complete aircraft to AN standards. This was a major task and the wiring was removed to make way for the new standard. We required a complete set of new wiring diagrams and Engineering set about doing that while wiring was
being removed. As diagrams became available we began to fabricate the cables and started installing the cables starting from the wing tips and tail assembly working toward the main junction box aft of the cockpit area. We had to use every employee at Dorval who had ever been involved in electrical or radio wiring to try and complete this major task by January 1st 1954. The electrical engineers led by Ray Farren and Jack Mitchell worked long hours to complete the diagrams but it was not until midnight before the first ground run was scheduled that we were given a complete set of diagrams. The pressure to complete this task on time was unbelievable and there were many roadblocks that seemed to pop up regularly. Three individuals who had basic responsibility to get this task done literally collapsed due to the stress and had to be taken off the job for their own good. The responsibility to get the first aircraft weighed and ready for test flight fell on my shoulders. I had been working a double shift about every second day for months and triple shifts occasionally. I was exhausted by this time and ready for a break. We made the schedule of January 1st but as I remember it, the fleet was not placed in regular operations until about April or so.
For those who have never seen a Bristol Freighter a small description might be of interest. It was without doubt one of the ugliest aircraft I have ever seen. It had a bulky fixed landing gear as well as a tail wheel and was powered by Bristol sleeve valve engines. As a matter of interest the Bristol fleet was the only one in TCA service that never had an in- flight failure of an engine. The flight crew had to climb a ladder on the side of the freight compartment in order to reach the cockpit. When we were installing the new instrument panels during the modification program we found that the aircraft varied in width by up to 1 inch. Not important but interesting. In today's world where
aircraft are being built in different parts of the world and assembled in another. Being close doesn't count under those circumstances. The nose of the aircraft had two large doors that opened to permit large freight items to be carried. There was a widely told story about the first flight of the Bristol freighter to New York City. The air traffic controller acknowledged its arrival and asked what kind of an aircraft it was as they had never seen one before. The pilot proudly described it and all its particular qualities. The controller listen patiently and finally responded. Make it yourself? The fleet was based in Toronto and operated until North Star aircraft were modified for freight operations. All I can say personally is that it was an interesting experience....but I wouldn't want to do it again. Bill Norberg
From the "Between Ourselves" November 1953 edition these pictures -
All three aircraft were later sold to Central Northern Airways.
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TCA/AC Events & People Gallery
From "Horizons" special edition April 10th., 1957 - l to r Capt. Herb Seagrim, Stewardess Victoria Stewart and Capt.
L.Weathersall. l to r - F/O J.G.Turner, D.P.Davies, Capt. George Campbell and forecaster
L.T.Campbell. |
Found on the Internet
The gate guard aircraft on a pedestal at the entrance to Ellington Field in Houston Texas is a B707 registered N939NA which was used to simulate weightlessness for astronauts and was affectionally known as "Vomit Comet". |
Vesta's Corner
A cable car climbs the steep Hyde Street Hill.
This one is also from Ken Day and I choose it randomly because of the name of the city splashed across the front of the card. |
Star Alliance News
Bombardier recommended yesterday that Q400s with more than 10,000 cycles be grounded after the landing gear collapsed on two separate flights operated by SAS Scandinavian Airlines this week. Singapore Airlines' A380s will be configured with a main deck first class cabin consisting of 12 "Singapore Airlines Suites," 60 business class seats on the upper deck and 399 economy seats spread across both decks. New Air India reportedly selects Star Alliance; airport regulatory bill tabled Indian Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel recently informed the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) that the merged Air India's board voted to join Star Alliance, according to the United News of India news service and The Economic Times. ANA will roll-out its innovative SKiP service - which does away with the need to check-in at the airport - across all 50 airports in Japan to which ANA flies, from September 4 this year. At the same time, it will migrate to a completely e-ticket environment, leaving passengers with nothing more to do than present themselves at security check in order to catch their flight, without the need for check-in or a paper ticket. |
Friends of Front Street Reunion
6TH ANNUAL FoFS (FRIENDS OF FRONT ST.) REUNION LUNCHEON Same location as 2006: There will be a cold buffet lunch of sandwiches, cold cuts, etc. for your dining pleasure. The cost per person will be kept to a minimum. Once numbers have been established I will be able to be more specific. For those who have previously attended, you know that bar prices are a bargain! More details will be coming your way through the usual EVITE format. Watch for it and please block Nov. 17th on your calendar NOW! In order to get an idea of numbers, it would be VERY MUCH appreciated if you could respond back to me, upon receipt of this message, indicating whether this date will work for you! Thanks and best regards.
Shirlee Schacter PS: If you want to refresh your memory about the previous reunions, check out the website: http://imageevent.com/fofs/fofsreunions;jsessionid=l8u83q5tk2.tiger_s .......and make sure to check out the "Others" Album because new pics of people you know have been added: http://imageevent.com/fofs/fofsreunions/fofsother |
Our 70 Years
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Readers Feedback
From: Stan Clarke <
Subject: The old days Hi Netletter people; Just to let you know how much I enjoy reading about he old TCA days . It brings back a lot of great memories, In 1939 I was working for the DOT at the radio range station in Calgary when Al Loke invited me to join TCA as a radio operator. I remember Dave Clark was station manager but I can't remember the rest of the staff except for Charles Skelton ( I hope I have spelt that last name correctly) the terminal had not been built yet so we worked in a small shack. In less than a year Charles and I had moved to Winnipeg me to become a Flight Dispatcher and Charlie to become pilot. Those were great and exciting days, Stan Clarke
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Terry's Travel Tips
Spring getaway specials from Doma Hotels for our travel industry friends!! ** Bentley Suites, Forrest, ACT ** For only $170.00 stay overnight in a two bedroom suite and receive a complimentary Privileges card offering 20-50% discount at over 90 restaurants and cafes in Canberra.
Bentley Suites
Cnr Canberra Avenue and Dominion Circuit Forrest, ACT 2603, Australia Phone: +61 2 6124 0000 Central Reservations: +61 2 6163 1888 Email for reservations: Web Site: www.domahotels.com.au ** Pinnacle Apartments, Kingston, ACT ** For only $160.00 stay overnight in a two bedroom apartment and receive a complimentary Privileges card offering 20-50% discount at over 90 restaurants and cafes in Canberra. Pinnacle Apartments ** Bay Waters, Batemans Bay, NSW ** For only $100.00 stay overnight in a river view room and receive complimentary breakfast for two adults. Bay Waters All offers are valid for stays until 30 November 2007 and strictly subject to industry rate availability. Industry Identification is required upon check-in.
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Vesta's Corner
Found on the Internet
Boeing delays 787 first flight at least two months, says first delivery on schedule
Boeing pushed back the 787's first flight from this month to between mid-November and mid-December, citing incomplete work by some suppliers, manufacturing documentation issues, a global fastener shortage and delays in completing flight control system software.
Happy New Year from Grenada, known as the Spice Isle because of all the wonderful spices that grow here. The most famous is Nutmeg (on their flag) This is the small spice you see here - the lacy part is mace and the nutmeg it self is right inside the mace. The large one is cocoa - from which we get chocolate and cocoa. regards Doris Servais Note: for our new readers, I have been collecting postcards from our travelling NetLetter "family" for many years. If you are away and have a minute, I'd be delighted to get one from you as well. You can obtain my address by sending an email to
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Star Alliance News
BMI (British Midland Airways) will postpone its planned services to the US from London Heathrow, which it expected to start when the EU-US open skies agreement takes effect, to at least 2009 owing to continuing operational difficulties at LHR that may be exacerbated by the reorganization scheduled to follow the March opening of the new Terminal 5, Chairman Michael Bishop said transfer traffic has declined at LHR as passengers look to avoid the long lines and delays plaguing the airport. BMI will launch service to 14 international destinations on Oct. 28, increase service to two others formerly served by BMED and start flying daily to Cairo on Nov. 4 in what CEO Nigel Turner called "the single largest expansion of the bmi brand in the history of the airline."
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Where are they now?
A340-300 CF-DRO c/n 048 which was returned to ILFC has now been leased to Aerolineas Argentinas.
A340 CF-TNQ fin 981 c/n 088 returned to ILFC being leased to Iberia in the 4th quarter 2007. A320 C-FMST fin 230 c/n 350 returned to KJ Aviation Services NJ has been bought by Etihad AUE |
Our 70 Years
1961 - Jan 4th Montreal - Paris non stop introduced.
- Jan 15th DC-8 service introduced on Southern services.
- Feb 1st Vanguard introduced on Montreal-Toronto-Vancouver via Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary and Edmonton.
- Apr 30th Cleveland-LHR via YYZ inaugurated YWG-LHR non stop DC-8 inaugurated.
- Jun 30th Last North Star transcontinental freighter flight and
North Stars subsequently retired. - Trans-Canada Air Lines now ranked as 7th largest airline in the world.
1962 - 1st Feb "Silver Dart" service YUL-YYZ-YVR introduced.
- Constellation aircraft completely retired. - Operations at Midway Airport transferred to O'Hare in Chicago.
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Readers Feedback
From: "Doug Davidson" <
Subject: Bristol freighter (re NetLetter nr 988) Hi folks: There's a Bristol Freighter in Winnipeg at the Western Canada Aviation Museum. That one was bought in 1955 by RCAF, sold to Wardair and ended up with Norcanair of Saskatchewan - its current livery. Best regards, Doug Davidson From: "Don Demeza" <
Subject: More on Bristol Freighter (re NetLetter nr 988) More on Bristol Freighter - during the 50's I always remember an event in the Toronto hangar - G.R. MacGregor was addressing the staff and reviewing accomplishments - a Bristol Freighter was in the hangar - during his talk G.R. waved toward the freighter and commented: "As for this - we're not sure if its parents were married".
Don Demeza - Belleville From: "peter" <
Subject: aircraft models These models were made recently. Peter, 022208. I don't want to overload you with items from down east, but thought this article would tie in with NL 986 Although TCA had its first official flight into the new YSJ Airport on Jan 8, 1952, the Maritimes own Airline, Maritime Central Airways, had officially opened the airport almost 6 months earlier. Headlines, pictures and excerpts from the local paper tells the story. Saint John Air Terminal officially opens
Two M.C.A. aircraft welcomed today "Under a bright early Autumn sun and with a minimum of formality, Saint John's new multi-million $ terminal came into official use this AM. A silvery DC3 swooped low over the verging forest lands to touch down smoothly on a runway there shortly before 9 AM"
These headlines and poetic quote from the Saint John Telegraph
Journal/Evening Times Globe announced the beginning of Airline Service at the new YSJ Airport on Aug 11th, 1951. The aircraft piloted from Fredericton by Capt H.S. "Junior" Jones from Apohaqui, F.O. was Don Douglas of Salisbury along with stewardess Dorina Cassie of Rogersville. Also on board was Capt Carl F Burke, V.P. and General Manager of the airline.
Lower picture shows the M.C.A. crew being greeted by dignitaries from the Airport Committee and Mayor Howard of Saint John After 9 years of operating out of the Millidgeville airport, where short runways restricted passenger loads to 4 passengers, Capt Burke was glad to be at the new airport. Dept of Transport were also anxious to have them move although only one runway had been completed and also the move and installation of the Radio Range, that was still in use at Pennfield, would not be completed for a few more months..
Fifteen minutes later, as in the upper picture, another M.C.A. DC3 arrived, piloted by Capt Charles Trainor. It then took off for a destination kept secret for security reasons.
The plane carried a party of 14 men who were to unload ships.
(I guess after 55 years, I can divulge the "secret' destination). They would fly to Goose Bay YYR and then transfer to a MCA Canso, landing on the Bay on the coast of Labrador, where a secret Radar site was being installed . (I did this secret destination trip on MCA in the spring of 1953, landing at N28 a.k.a. Hopedale Lab. to work as a Radio Operator)
Retired AC Capt Alan Macleod recalls when he was growing up in Charlotttetown, Capt Jones (Jonsey) would take him up in the Lockheed on local training flights.
Capt Charlie Trainor, the pilot of the second aircraft, among many honours during his career, was awarded a plaque from Boeing for 20,000 successful landings in a 15 year span.
It would be after the New Year, with the completion of the second runway and an operational Radio Range system, before TCA would move their operation over from Pennfield.
TCA's first Station Manager at YSJ was Bill Hegan and others moving over from Pennfield would include Radio Operators Bill Scott and Myron Ziggerchuk along with Station Attendant Bob Anderson.
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Terry's Travel Tips
Fancy a week at a timeshare in Canmore? Up for sale again this year, below are the dates available and the link to the property. Asking price is $700.00 for the week, regular nightly rates at this place are 300.00-400.00/night. This two bedroom condo has everything including washer/dryer, three TV's, two full baths, fireplace, mountain view and sleeps 8! Great location for a small family reunion. See: http://www.grandcanadian.com/ - check out the images Reservation for the 24th to the 30th of November of 2007. If anyone is interested or have friends that may want a getaway for this week please let us know via email Trish and Chris Arbique AIR TRAVEL SECURITY TOUGH ON THE WAISTLINE
It has been long suspected that waiting in line to take off your shoes for complete strangers is hard on your blood pressure but now there's a report that suggests it might also be making people fat. www.Confectionarynews.com says a study shows sales of candy and snacks at airports went up almost 12 percent in 2006 to a total of $1.9 billion and says stiffer airport security is the reason. Before leaving the country, make a telephone call to the issuer of any credit card you plan to use while away by dialling the toll-free number on the back of the card. When you get through to a Customer Service Agent, advise them where you're heading and that you plan to use your card while there. Banks and other card issuers use fraud detection software that looks for unusual patterns in the location, amount and frequency of client
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