Remember when?
On August 23rd, 1967, three RCAF T-33's flew low over Pointe Claire, QC. The fly-past was to mark the unveiling of a memorial to commemorate the first Air Meet ever held in Canada. The meet, known as the First Canadian International Air Meet was held on a farm at Lakeside Heights in Pointe Claire in July 1910. Among those present at the unveiling was J.A.D.McCurdy, who made the first ever flight in Quebec, Walter Brookens, who set a Canadian altitude record of 3,510 feet, and Count de Lesseps, who electrified the city by taking off in his Bleriot monoplane, 'Scarabee', and flying a complete circuit of Montreal. Other guests were G.R.McGregor, at that time President of Trans-Canada Air Lines/Air Canada. The memorial, which stands in the grounds of the Pointe Claire City Hall consists of a futuristic airplane suspended on a cantilever beam over a reflecting pool. The opposite end of the pool has a granite block with an appropriate plaque. (Your copilot, who used to live in the area, remembers this memorial, and wonders if it is still there! - eds ) |
Air Canada and Star Alliance News
Ottawa-Frankfurt: Daily non-stop service year-round, using Boeing 767-300 aircraft, effective June 1, 2008. |
Air Canada - the first 70 years
1972
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Readers Feedback
Subject: re NL995 Hi there, Just to prove that we read all your NetLetters with interest and in detail, I must point out that the picture of the TCA timetable #16 front cover was correct but the inside schedule was for 1949. Clues - it shows North Stars on the sched. and also no flights operated into Yarmouth or Porquis Junction until later in the 40's I've got way too much time on my hands cheers George In NetLetter nr 994 under Our 70 years, we noted that Gordon Magregor retired in 1969, which prompted the following comment from Charles R. Jané Cannot repeat too often how much I enjoy your publication. In the above-mentioned issue, under the 70th Anniversary section, I had always believed that Gordon R. MacGregor had in fact retired in 1968 rather than the May 1969 date indicated in your note of events. I have seen the 1968 date in previous publications. Thank you and best regards, Charles R. Jané. (According to his book "The adolescence of an airline" the year was 1968, actually May 31st - eds)
From: "William Cameron" < Subject: Saskatchewan Scheduled Air Line Service 1938 to 1957 Attached is a summary of the early scheduled airline services in Saskatchewan 1938 to 1957 - by Prairie Airways, and later by Canadian Pacific Air lines. My personal involvement was that I was hired by CPAL at Regina in 1948 as Relief Radio Operator/Agent for the Central District - Northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and from 1950 to 1955 as Radio Op/Agent at Prince Albert, SK. My first airplane ride was on one of the two Prairie Airways Beechcraft S-18D aircraft from Moose Jaw to Regina in June, 1942. Pictured the Beechcraft S-18D Trans-Canada Air Lines Ltd., began scheduled passenger airline service from Winnipeg, MB to Regina, SK and on to Lethbridge, AB on April 1st, 1938. The first aircraft flown on the route was the Lockheed 10A 'Electra', followed shortly by Lockheed 14 'Super Electra', and Lockheed 18 'Lodestar' aircraft. The Douglas DC-3 was put into service on the route in 1946. On August 2nd, 1938 Prairie Airways Limited of Moose Jaw, SK, under General Manager R.W. (Dick) Ryan, began operating a 'feeder' airline service, connecting with Trans-Canada Air Lines at Regina. The route initially flown was Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, SK, and return. The schedule was daily except Sunday, and the aircraft were two Beechcraft S-18D, low-wing, all-metal aircraft, powered by two Jacobs L6-MB engines. Canadian Pacific Limited bought Prairie Airways in June of 1942, and along with ten other regional carriers formed Canadian Pacific Air Lines Limited. From 1942 to 1949 several different aircraft types were flown on the 'feeder' route in Saskatchewan: Beechcraft S-18D, Boeing 247D, Barkely-Grow T8P; and Lockheed 18 'Lodestar'. Operations at Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford continued throughout the war years 1940 to 1945 at the airports constructed for British Commonwealth Air Training Plan bases. Although a BCATP base was also built at Moose Jaw, CPAL operations remained at the turf-covered Rosedale airport, just west of the city. In 1946 CPAL moved its operation at Moose Jaw to the now city-operated former BCATP south of the city. In 1949 CPAL inaugurated service on the Saskatchewan 'feeder' route with 24 passenger Douglas DC-3 aircraft, and that was the equipment that continued to fly in Saskatchewan until the district was sold to Transair in 1957. In 1952 CPAL ceased operations at Moose Jaw, SK - due to declining traffic and the re-opening of the former No.32 SFTS base for military flying training by the RCAF. The Saskatchewan 'feeder' route was extended in 1952 from North Battleford to Lloydminster, SK, and in 1953 further extended to Edmonton, AB. In 1953 an Avro 'Anson' Mk.V five-passenger shuttle service operated daily except Sunday, from Saskatoon to Prince Albert and return, in addition to the extended DC-3 services. The Saskatchewan 'feeder' service was established at almost the same time as Trans-Canada Air Lines transcontinental routes, and in 1938 in the waning years of the great depression, was the only regional airline providing regular scheduled passenger, mail and cargo service; using modern, twin-engined wheeled aircraft, anywhere in Canada. Bill Cameron Okotoks, AB The conclusion to the B747 story by Bill Norberg - (continued from Netletter #994)
Our first 747 arrived in February 1971. All the planning and preparation was now to be tested when the aircraft was initially assigned to the YUL.... MIA morning flight departing from Gate 22 at Dorval. Its huge red fin with the Air Canada Maple leaf insignia was a beautiful sight. Pictured CF-TOA c/n 20013 fin 301 delivered Feb 9th 1971 It is always tempting to make comparisons and the differences between our original Lockheed 14's and a 747 is no exception. In terms of speed alone, the 747 is more than twice as fast. From a passenger transportation point of view, it would take about 40 Lockheed 14's and 80 pilots to do the same work as one 747 with two pilots... and take more twice as long to do it. Interesting! The 747 fleet grew and we became very relaxed with it in spite of its size and our initial fears. The aircraft had 5th pod capabilities and we could move spare powerplants around the system as needed with great flexibility. The JT-9 powerplant became very reliable and we developed many special skills in monitoring its performance and condition. I loved the aircraft and learned to respect its structural integrity and fabulous productivity. It was truly an outstanding aircraft. John (Bill) Norberg |
Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
A project is underway to reconstruct the Lockheed Lodestar registered CF-CPA, which had fin nr 261 and c/n2177. Built in 1943 and registered by CPAL on Jun 30th., 1943. eventually sold to Hollinger Ungava Transport on June 6th., 1950. On August 20, 1960, while CF-CPA was performing aerial photography, it suffered from fuel starvation and belly-landed 100 miles north of Schefferville, Quebec. Because of the extraordinary skills of the pilots, no one was injured and the plane sustained only minimal damage. My name is Marc-Andre Lapierre, I'm currently working on a restoration project www.cf-cpa.ca This is the first airplane that Canadian Pacific Airline acquired back in 1940. Actually, we are looking for any pictures that you or your members might have. Also, we are trying to find who was the pilot, co-pilot and photograph when the airplane crashed in august 1960. Thanks a lot! The web site is www.cf-cpa.ca Contact is Marc-Andre LaPierre
From the "Contact" magazine year 1989 loaned by Bill Wood - |
Vesta's Corner
In NetLetter nr 996, we omitted to add the message from the Kinsale card that was featured, so it is repeated below.Summercove, Kinsale, Co.,Cork . With it's houses climbing up the wooded slopes of Compass Hill and overlooking the winding estuary of the Bandon River,has an old-fashioned appearance. The town is mostly of the 18th century, with narrow winding streets and interesting ruins, Kinsale is now one of Europe's leading angling centers.The traditional Kinsale cloak,a hooded garment has left it's influence on modern Irish fashion houses. Off the Old Head of Kinsale, the Lusitania was sank in May 1915.(no signature) 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 |
Air Canada and Star Alliance News
ACE Chairman and CEO Robert Milton will be retiring as Chairman of Air Canada and leaving the Board of Directors. The effective date will be January 1, 2008. Robert remains Chairman, President and CEO of ACE Aviation Holdings.Air Canada, together with 6 other airlines and various freight forwarders are taking part in an I.A.T.A. initiated project to test standardized procedures using electronic documents for air cargo. |
Air Canada - the first 70 years
1975
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
From the "Contact" magazine 1990-1 loaned by Bill Wood. Pictured staffers from the controllers offfice. Pictured Graham Stevens, senior lead stockeeper & Charlene Weston, stockeeper.
An Internet search also found this photo and a great article as well. (Click on images for complete information) |
Readers Feedback
Further to the article in NetLetter nr 994 from George Trussell - Tom Grant sends his comments -Subject: Air Canada Caravelle Editors - Further to your item on the Air Canada Caravelle these references may be of interest: Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at www.mae.org and see the collection which includes the actual Caravelle that was painted under the Air Canada livery http://www.mae.org/index.php?id=569 Also a good discussion and this aircraft and the Air Canada non-purchase of the Caravelle can be seen here: http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/3666140/ Interesting to note that the name "Air Canada" has been painted in upper and lowercase instead of all uppercase. C-GCVL (cn 273) Air Canada never operated the Caravelle, but the Musée de l'Air's F-GCVL was temporarily painted in AC colours for the shooting of the movie 'L'Instinct de mort', Jean François Richet on the life of the criminal Jacques Mesrine Cheers, Tom George Brien sends us some more information on TCA history from YSJ NetLetter 986 showed a picture of the first TCA flight into the new YSJ Airport on Jan 8, 1952 Now here is the rest of the story from the local Saint John Newspapers... T.C.A begins operations at Saint John Airport Nearly Perfect Flying weather favoured the opening of operations by Trans Canada Airlines at the Saint John Airport yesterday, and before the day's flights had been completed early this morning, about 200 passengers had used the field's facilities in 11 scheduled flights. "Overall operations were smooth and satisfactory in every way," W. H. Arrowsmith, airport manager, said last night. "Of course, minor problems arose throughout the day - and probably will for some time - but generally speaking we were delighted at the way the huge field came to life." Yesterday's flights were diverted from Pennfield and today T.C.A. goes on a regular schedule of flights using this airport. The last flight of the day was from Halifax and Moncton, scheduled to take off again at 2.20am for Montreal,, and all day planes bound to and from Boston and Montreal landed from Moncton, Halifax and Yarmouth, from those centres and from St. Johns Nfld, via Sydney. A Douglas DC3 Skyliner was the first T.C.A. craft to touch down yesterday. The silver-painted, 21 passenger aircraft was brought down in a flawless landing at 10.26am, by Capt Fraser Marshall of Montreal. At 11 o'clock it was airborne again, streaking away toward its destination and due there two hours and 45 minutes after leaving Saint John. Overnight the administration building- where "finishing up' work is still going on - became a bustle of activity. Telegraph offices were not yet installed, but customs and immigrations offices, and other services were manned. The restaurant is not yet in operation. Ceremony was at a minimum in the morning. Besides Capt. Marshall, others in the crew welcomed by Hugh McElliott, District Traffic and Sales Manager for T.C.A for Southern N.B., were First Officer F.O. Yates and Stewardess, Miss S E Kerr, R.N., both of Montreal The use by T.C.A. aircraft of Saint John Airport- a day earlier than scheduled - meant the closing down of the Charlotte County field at Pennfield. At midnight Sunday the radio range at Saint John went on the air; a signal that the airport was ready for business. Capt Marshall expressed pleasure at bringing the first passenger load on a scheduled T.C.A. flight to Saint John. No passengers were picked up here for the first flight out to Montreal, but there were many people in the comfortably-appointed waiting room destined to take later flights to other cities. The new airfield is but nine miles from the centre of Saint John, as against a 45 mile distance to Pennfield. Previous to yesterday's landing, T.C.A aircraft on familiarization flights had thoroughly tested the runways and facilities at Saint John. Capt Marshall commented favourably upon the ease of landing and the facility of handling which he noted at the new field. George Brien |
Christmas Gift Ideas
Cabin Fever Calendar - 2008The 2008 issue of "Cabin Fever - In the Wings" calendar is now available. "In the Wings" depicts the many roles that flight attendants play both on and off the aircraft. All proceeds are to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Cost: $20.00 and includes postage. See: www.cabinfevercalendar.com AIRLINE PILOTS OF CANADA - Editors Kip Powick and Duane Frerichs. © 2006 Memorable Collectors Edition CD containing 2,245 pages of biographies, stories, and memoirs, plus over 1200 photos. Cost: $29.95 + postage and handling See: www.acfamily.com/CD/ The AC Heritage Poster is a perfect gift for present, past and future Air Canada, Canadi>n employees and all the other airlines that had at one time been part of what is now Air Canada. There are over 300 aircraft on the poster that made up the fleets from Air Canada, Jazz, Tango, Canadian Airlines, Wardair, Pacific Western, Canadian Pacific, CP Air, Nordair, Transair, Eastern Provincial Airways, etc. Cost: 24.99 plus shipping and handling See: www.acheritage.com (A portion of the proceeds of every poster sold goes to Dreams Take Flight) |
Air Canada - the first 70 years
1977
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Readers Feedback
Subject: B747 Hangar Your article re the B747 hangar at Dorval was indeed extremely interesting. However, I think that a few clarifications are in order and they are as follows: As the Operations manager for Air France, Dorval airport, I have been personally involved in the company's 747 incident and was specifically assigned by the station manager at the time the task of liaison between Air Canada, the Boeing team detached from Seattle and the Air France maintenance team sent from Paris to assist in the retrieval and repairs of the damaged A/C. Incidentally, the air mattresses used were borrowed from PanAm JFK and shipped by road to Dorval. This 747 (Flight 031 Paris to Chicago via Montreal, not the reverse as stated in the article) took off around 1:30 PM on runway 28 but the captain (Captain Chanoine) decided to return to YUL a short time after due to hydraulic problems and the A/C lost its steering ability after landing and hit the snowbank with the resultant engine snow ingestion (3 engines changed) and damages to the front landing gear. Due to the very cold weather conditions, arrangements were made to use the AC hangar after arduous negotiations between the two airlines presidents caused by the fact that the hangar was not fully operational and penalty fees would be charged by the contractor due to the facility's unavailability. It took two weeks to return the airplane into service. I am now a full member of the AC Pionairs, having left AF and served with AC from 1977 to 1992. Sincerely, B. Halsey-Russaouen Dorval Archive Alert! Note: See Netletter #994 and #995 for the full story. Bill Norberg sends us yet another memory for your enjoyment- The Super Constellation years. The introduction of the Super Constellation fleet into Trans-Canada Air Lines service was an exciting time. The North Star fleet was well settled into its operations and the Viscount fleet had entered service with excellent customer approval. The addition of the Superconnies became the bridge between piston powered aircraft era and the planned arrival of the jet powered Douglas DC-8's in early 1960. An exciting time. The Superconnie was powered with 3350 HP Wright Turbo compound powerplants with Curtiss Electric hollow steel blade propellers. The only other time TCA had used Wright engines was when three DC-3W aircraft were based in Vancouver to operate the mountain flights. These Connie engines were to be overhauled by Bristol Aero Engine in Montreal as it was not economical to set up the power plant shop for the relatively few engines involved. This was the only time engine maintenance for TCA/Air Canada was subcontracted. The Superconnies were an interesting aircraft from a design viewpoint. They had a sweeping cambered fuselage shape that it was claimed, provided around 2.8 % of the aerodynamic lift, as well as having three tail fins. The powerplants were unique in the sense that 350 horsepower of its rated power of 3350 horsepower came from 3 Power Recovery Turbines that were powered by the exhaust gases as they exited the engine exhaust system. This was a costly system to maintain and while it contributed 10 % of the rated engine power, it was accountable for about 24 % of engine material costs. The propeller system was unique in the sense that it had, in addition to a Curtiss Electric propeller synchronizer system, it had an auto feathering system. This system was designed to feather a propeller as quickly as possible should there be a loss of engine power. This was required to reduce the drag presented by the large propellers. A torque cell was incorporated in each engine that measured Brake Mean Effective Pressure, or BMEP, and when this pressure dropped by 10 % or more, it would automatically feather the affected propeller. With this system in operation only one propeller could be auto feathered. If this system was not in operation due to choice or being unserviceable, then a 5000 pound payload loss would be invoked. This imposed a serious financial penalty on the profitability of the aircraft. Pilots consider the feathering of propellers to be a serious decision and one that should only be done with the full knowledge and decision of the pilot in charge. The pilots were suspicious of this system and insisted that Engineering carry out a very thorough investigation before this system would be approved for operations. They wanted to know for sure that this system could not be accidentally activated without their knowledge. Accordingly, when the first Superconnie arrived in Dorval from Lockheed it underwent the most detailed engineering examination possible. Every unit, switch junction box and wiring run was examined in detail and finally it was declared to be safe and airworthy. It was technically impossible to inadvertently feather a propeller, or to auto feather more than one propeller at a time. This was accepted by Flight Operations and the system was operational. I forget the exact date, but it was before 1955, when I was to become aware of an incident involving a double propeller auto feathering on a Superconnie during a ground run in Dorval. I was acting Foreman of the Accessory shop at the time and Walter Chopp was the Assistant foreman in charge of Electrical Line maintenance. After his morning tour he came to the shop and said there had been an incident of double auto-feathering during a ground run .My reaction was very simple..."It was not possible...The system will not allow it due to the interlock relays which deactivate the feathering circuits once an auto feathering has occurred." He agreed, but nevertheless said it had happened. I then asked what was found to be the cause. His answer was concerning in that they could not find a cause...the system appeared normal. The aircraft was released for service and departed for London England. The next thing we knew, the same thing happened in London during a ground run. The system was decommissioned, and the aircraft flew back with a 5000-pound weight penalty. Upon arrival in Dorval another detailed examination of the system came up with the same answer...again, everything was normal. Out it went for another ground run and guess what...it had another double auto-feathering. Walter was beginning to tear his hair out at this point. What to do next? He was sitting at the Flight Engineers position during the run up and when he went to stand up he bumped his head on the overhead panel. Immediately 3 auto-featherings happened! We now knew where to focus the investigation. The upshot of the investigation determined that the interlock relays, while operating perfectly from an electrical aspect, could be actuated by a physical blow or harmonic vibration caused by engine vibration during run ups. The solution was a redesigned relay box with relays that could not be activated with physical blows or vibrations. The other serious problem with operation of the Superconnies was engine over-speeds caused by a failure in the propeller synchronizer system. Cases of engine over-speed required inspection of the affected engines for possible damage. The Superconnies were often ferried back to Dorval on a "Three engine ferry basis" when a power plant change was necessary as spare power plants were not stocked at all stations. to be continued ..... John (Bill) Norberg You may recall that CF-TGE ended its life in a field in Quebec where it was rescued and set up outside the Constellation Hotel in Toronto, and then moved to the north side of Pearson Airport as a restaurant. Unsuccessful efforts were made to keep the aircraft in Canada.- eds. Fred Coyle sends us this update on CF-TGE fin 405 Pictured is CF-TGE at Seattle. I thought this might be of interest. They are making good progress and I think one day we will be proud of our restored old TCA Connie Kind regards, Fred Coyle The Connie has been towed and hangared - see here: Check the following web site for more pictures. www.rbogash.com/connie_tow.html A short history - Pictured abandoned in a field in Quebec Guarding the Constellation Hotel in YYZ As a restaurant on the north side of YYZ There are a lot of photos of CF-TGE at the Super Connie web site created when there was an attempt to have this airplane remain in Canada. See: www.canadiansuperconnie.org (We're very pleased that it ended up in good hands, even if not in Canada) |
Terry's Travel Tips
A sign of the future! American Airlines are testing "cash-less" flights where all purchases on board will only be with either debit or credit cards. Sydney Marriott is offering the Travel Industry a special for the summer months! - $199.00 per deluxe room per night including two fully cooked buffet breakfasts. Valid from 23 November 2007 to 27 January 2008 (excluding 28 December 2007 to 03 January 2008) - all bookings are strictly subject to industry rate availability. To book send an email directly to the hotel: 9361 8400 (+61 2 9361 8400) or fax 02 9361 8599 (+61 2 9361 8599). Located on Sydney's picturesque Hyde Park and minutes from Oxford Street, the gateway to Paddington, our Sydney Hotel is boutique in size and grand in style. At the Sydney Marriott Hotel experience world class service at the perfect location from which to enjoy all Sydney has to offer. Our Sydney hotel is at the junction of downtown Sydney's business precinct, cultural delights and moments from Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Botanic Gardens. With views of Sydney Tower, our contemporary guestrooms blend comfort with convenience including Marriott 'Revive' bedding. We distinguish Sydney Football Stadium and ourselves with exemplary staff and world class facilities, all within easy reach of vibrant nightlife, Oxford Street restaurants and for sports enthusiasts, close to major stadiums such as Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Sydney Marriott Hotel 36 College Street Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia Tel: +61 2 9361 8400 Fax: +61 2 9361 8599 Email for Reservations: Website: www.mirvachotels.com.au |
This weeks Smiley
(Click on image for larger photo)
Picture courtesy of
Canadian Aviation Historical Society (Montreal Chapter) Are you an aviation buff? Join the CAHS! See: www.cahs.ca for details. |
Christmas Gift Ideas
Cabin Fever Calendar - 2008The 2008 issue of "Cabin Fever - In the Wings" calendar is now available. "In the Wings" depicts the many roles that flight attendants play both on and off the aircraft. All proceeds are to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Cost: $20.00 and includes postage. See: www.cabinfevercalendar.com Canadian Aviation Historical Society Are you a Canadian Aviation History buff? Or do you know someone who is? This would make a great gift for someone interested in Aviation History. Joining the CAHS will bring 4 quarterly issues of the CAHS Journal right to your front door. You can subscribe at: www.cahs.ca (click on "Join Us". Cost: $40 per year (Canadian subscriptions) AIRLINE PILOTS OF CANADA - Editors Kip Powick and Duane Frerichs. © 2006 Memorable Collectors Edition CD containing 2,245 pages of biographies, stories, and memoirs, plus over 1200 photos. Cost: $29.95 + postage and handling See: www.acfamily.com/CD/ The AC Heritage Poster is a perfect gift for present, past and future Air Canada, Canadi>n employees and all the other airlines that had at one time been part of what is now Air Canada. There are over 300 aircraft on the poster that made up the fleets from Air Canada, Jazz, Tango, Canadian Airlines, Wardair, Pacific Western, Canadian Pacific, CP Air, Nordair, Transair, Eastern Provincial Airways, etc. Cost: 24.99 plus shipping and handling See: www.acheritage.com (A portion of the proceeds of every poster sold goes to Dreams Take Flight) |
Air Canada News
Air Canada announced it has signed a 10-year lease for one new Boeing 777-300ER from International Lease Finance Corporation to continue its wide-body fleet renewal and modernization program. Air Canada will take delivery of the leased aircraft in April 2009, bringing to 18 the total number of Boeing 777s entering the fleet. Air Canada has concluded agreements with Boeing for the acquisition of up to 34 Boeing 777s and up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The agreements include firm orders for 16 Boeing 777s, plus purchase rights for 18 more. The agreements also include firm orders for 37 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, plus options for an additional 23 aircraft. In addition, Air Canada previously entered into a lease with International Lease Finance Corporation for the lease of one Boeing 777 aircraft. To date, Air Canada has taken delivery of five 777-300ER aircraft and two 777-200LR aircraft, and is the first North American carrier to operate these aircraft types. Air Canada's first 787 is scheduled for delivery in 2010. Starting May 1, 2008 Air Canada will be launching daily year-round, non-stop service between Charlottetown and Ottawa. All flights will be operated with a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ jet. |
Air Canada - the first 70 years
On May 10th., 1941 Lockheed Lodestar CF-TCW inaugurated the route from Toronto to New York LaGuardia. On board was Capt. Arthur Hollingsworth April 1st 1955 - The first turbine powered scheduled flight in north America when Capt.'s Walter Kent and Dave Tribe operated a Trans-Canada Air Lines Vickers Viscount from Montreal to Winnipeg. 1979
1980
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Canadi>n/CPAir/PWA, Wardair, etc. Events & People
From the "Contact" magazine 1990-1 loaned to us by Bill Wood. Pictured are Paul Jakob (left) avionics mechanic Vancouver and Pat Neville (right), manager, Strategic Planning From the "Contact" magazine issued August 31st 1990. "An Empress dies in Miami" One of CPAir's last DC-8-43 being sliced into furnace sized pieces for recycling. CF-CPJ fin 605 c/n 45661 delivered to CPAL May 3rd 1963 and bore the names of "Empress of Toronto/Sydney/Mexico City" depending upon the route being operated. Sold to Aerovias Colombianas December 12th 1981, but never entered service, and resided at Opa Locka in Miami for 7 years before being acquired by Blue Side Corporation, a recycling company. From the "Contact" magazine issued June 21st., 1991 Remember when! On May 21st 1991, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney flew on a Canadi>n B767 charter from Vancouver to Hong Kong. Captained by Terry Lambourne. This was the very first B767 North Pacific revenue flight for any airline in the world. Where are they now! DC10-30ER C-FGPF fin 904 c/n 46543 with Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Check following url http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=VuHGwrmNJYE Franz Metzger sends this information - Very interesting pictures received from Capt. Bob Goldie's son. Received their permission to post these in your Netletter Picture from the Van Province Feb 5, 1949 TRANS-PACIFIC RUN MEN GET READY. Top CPA Pilots Back at School. Picture of CP's first Pacific Crew 1948 Geoff Goldie wrote, "This is a scan of a photo my dad has. I've never seen any other copies so perhaps you haven't seen it before. My mom wrote the names on the photo, which I guess is both good and bad! Perhaps it would have been better on the back however ..." Names that I can ascertain from left to right are: Capt. Craig Stevenson, Capt. Medden, Navigator Pat Roy, Capt. North Sawle (Chief Pilot), Capt. Archie Van Hee, Capt. Bud Potter, Capt. Bob Goldie, Capt. Mel Lee, Capt. Len Fraser. Thank you, Franz Metzger |
Readers Feedback
Trans-Canada Air Lines got into the X-ray inspection process for aircraft structure thanks to cracks in Superconnie horizontal stabilizers and the need to inspect them easily.... and often. This was to become one of the best and most useful non-destructive aircraft structure inspection techniques in the industry and TCA was a leader in its development and application. We also progressed from X-ray to Radioactive isotopes that could inspect engine interiors without disassembly. All in all the Superconnie was a great learning experience. In was so noisy inside due to engine and propeller noise that the First Class section was placed at the rear of the aircraft The Wright Turbo Compound engine had some distinct characteristics when compared to other radial engines we had operated previously. This engine had a fuel injection system instead of the usual carburetors and a low tension ignition system. The low-tension ignition system was designed to overcome the problems associated with the old magneto system that delivered hi tension voltage directly to the spark plugs via special insulated wires. This often led to insulation leakage problems due to the hi voltages in these lead which worsened at the higher altitudes. On the other hand the low tension system delivered low voltage pulses to a transformer unit located at each spark plug. The hi tension lead as a result was very short and eliminated the previous insulation leakage problems. The fuel injection pumps delivered fuel directly to each cylinder from a series of pistons in the pumps which were driven by the engine. These injection pumps had a problem in that at high altitudes where the outside air temperature was very low these pistons would tend to "hang up" and fail to deliver fuel to the cylinders. I remember quite clearly one such event when this happened. A Superconstellation was headed west across the Atlantic with Captain Steve Albulet in command. We received an anxious radio message from Captain Albulet to the effect that he was losing power on at least two of his engines. We suspected that injection pump piston hang up was the cause and recommended that he reduce altitude to get the engines into a warmer environment. The situation worsened and he was now experiencing intermittent power losses on as many as three engines. Under these conditions Captain Albulet was in no mood to lose any altitude as he was still some way from Gander Airport, the first place where he could land. He had no difficulty so indicating! Captain Albulet was a rather easily excited individual and when he was excited his voice could become rather shrill to say the least. It was shrill that day! He struggled on with the intermittent power loss until he was within easy distance of Gander when he was willing to reduce altitude. When he did, of course the problem disappeared. With the planned arrival of the Vanguard aircraft a retirement plan was developed for the fleet to use as much as possible of the remaining power plant and major unit hours to prevent having to overhaul any more engines than absolutely necessary. With the progressive delays in delivery schedule of the Vanguard fleet we were constantly having to prepare new retirement plans. I believe that in the end we had prepared at least 14 different ones. By the time the Vanguards arrived in early 1961 we had learned more about the reliability we could expect from its Rolls Royce Tyne engine. It was not great! By this time we also had a good idea of the production capabilities of the new power plant shop at Dorval which was to handle the new Conway jet engine for the DC-8's and the turbine powered Tyne engine for the Vanguard. When we did computer forecasts of what spares level we could expect under these operations and workloads we quickly determined that we would likely be grounding Vanguard aircraft by mid summer of 1961 due to a lack of spare Tyne engines. This of course was unacceptable. We had to extend the operating life of the Superconnies to back up Vanguard operations until we could improve Tyne reliability and produce the required number of spare engines to meet airline operating requirements. Regrettably our forecast turned out to be quite accurate, but we had arranged for the Superconnie back up. We eventually did manage to retire the fleet! We had two interesting operational events with the Superconnie fleet. An aircraft approaching Toronto airport slowly descended into the ground at Brampton. As luck would have it no one was seriously injured or killed but the aircraft was a complete write-off. It burned completely. It was a sad case of crew inattention and failing to monitor the approach carefully. The Captain lost his job over this incident and went on to fly for a charter operator. He was later in charge of the flight that overflew Quebec City instead of refueling. It ran out of fuel and crashed in a swamp in Quebec. Another Superconnie landed in Toronto without benefit of the landing gear being extended and was seriously damaged. It was an interesting fleet from so many viewpoints, and always a challenge. Archive Alert! Note: See Netletter #998 for the first part of this article. |
Terry's Travel Tips
Caesar Hotels Airway Vacations announces Honolulu on Sale with confirmed air! Honolulu from $379* Includes round trip confirmed airfare from LAX or SFO and 3 nights hotel accommodations Travel now through January 6 - 29, 2008. Longer vacations and upgrade options are also discounted. *Per person based on two people traveling. airline taxes are additional. Must be booked by Dec. 12, 2007 These deals move quickly...CALL TODAY! 1 800 422 3727 Interline World Vacations - http://www.interlineworld.com Interline Specials - Nov 27, 2007 This week begins with our terrific Mexican Resort Highlights, including Viva Resorts, Barcelo, Crown and El Cid properties. Now is the time to take your next beach vacation. Looking for great interline cruises - check out Royal Caribbean in South America or prepare for next spring's European vacations with Holland America. Carnival Cruises has made some substantial upgrades to the Carnival Imagination. CALL NOW TO BOOK at 1-866-279-8480 Traveling to Japan? Effective November 20, the Japanese Ministry of Justice has implemented a biometric registration process for entry into Japan. All visitors (16 years of age and over) who are not in possession of a Japanese passport will be required to have their fingerprints scanned and facial photo taken before being interviewed by Japanese immigration inspectors upon arrival in Japan. Individuals refusing to follow this procedure will be denied entry into Japan. Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel - The Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle offers special room rates to all Air Canada employees and friends and family members until March 2, 2008 upon presentation of a valid employee i.d. For details, log on to the Portal > My Life > Employee Discounts. Due to the rapid escalation of fuel prices, the Cruises Lines listed below will be implementing a fuel surcharge as shown. 1. Princess, Carnival, Holland America, Seabourn, Costa, and Cunard - These cruise lines all have announced a fuel supplement of $5 per passenger, per day, for all voyages departing on or after February 1, 2008. The supplement applies to the first and second passengers in a stateroom up to a maximum of $70 per person per voyage, for both new bookings and those that are currently under deposit or fully paid. 2. Cruise West Cruise West will be adding a fuel surcharge of $12 per guest per cruise night for each of their cruise itineraries. This is a capped amount, applies for all of their vessels and is effective Monday, November 12, 2007. 3. MSC Cruises MSC Cruise Lines will implement a $6.00 per person per day fuel surcharge. They will protect all existing bookings on all voyages that have names and are under deposit by November 30, 2007. The fuel surcharge will only apply to new bookings made December 1, 2007 and onwards and will be applicable only on cruise departures after February 1, 2008. In addition, the surcharge will only be applicable to the first two guests in a stateroom. 4. NCL Corporation - Effective on all new NCL and NCL America bookings made on or after December 1, 2007, the fuel supplement will be $7 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $3 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom. 5. Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises will be implementing a cruise fuel surcharge of $7.00 per guest per day for all currently published sailings unless the reservation is paid in full by December 1, 2007. 6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises has instituted a fuel surcharge of $7.50 per person, per day for all 2008 bookings that are not paid in full by Dec. 1, 2007. 7. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines - There is a fuel supplement of $5 per guest per day for sailings that depart on or after February 1, 2008. The supplement will apply only to the first and second guests in each stateroom and will not exceed $70 per person, per sailing for both new bookings and those that are currently under deposit or fully paid. 8. Silversea Cruises Silversea Cruises will assess a $10 fuel surcharge per person per day effective on all new cruise bookings for 2008 voyages made on or after November 14, 2007. The surcharge is applicable to all guests in the suite. Reservations made prior to November 14, 2007 will be exempt from the surcharge. |
Vesta's Corner
Here is another story about female pilot's -story about Margaret Fane Rutledge at www.canadianflight.org/history/mfr01.htm and her group of seven.From: Eric van der Holt < Subject: Postcard of pub in NetLetter nr 999 - Hello Vesta, I have to differ with G.J. Ward of Sudbury who claims that England's oldest pub is in Nottingham! My information is that the oldest pub is in Winchester City near the Cathedral and dates back to the 800s and is said to be the oldest continuous-serving pub in England. I have been there and enjoyed a few beers in that still dark and dingy pub Eric van der Holt Do you ever wonder where Terry and his wife Dawn go on their vacations away from the NetLetter? Here's one place. Monaco - Monte-Carlo Hello Vesta. We visited Monaco on Saturday and today, Sunday, Marseilles in France. paid for an inside cabin and got upgraded to an outside cabin-very luxurious! Weather sunny but cool 7 more days to go, take care, Terry and Dawn 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 |
Christmas Gift Ideas - Last chance!
Cabin Fever Calendar - 2008The 2008 issue of "Cabin Fever - In the Wings" calendar is now available. "In the Wings" depicts the many roles that flight attendants play both on and off the aircraft. All proceeds are to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Cost: $20.00 and includes postage. See: www.cabinfevercalendar.com Canadian Aviation Historical Society Are you a Canadian Aviation History buff? Or do you know someone who is? This would make a great gift for someone interested in Aviation History. Joining the CAHS will bring 4 quarterly issues of the CAHS Journal right to your front door. You can subscribe at: www.cahs.ca (click on "Join Us". Cost: $40 per year (Canadian subscriptions) AIRLINE PILOTS OF CANADA - Editors Kip Powick and Duane Frerichs. © 2006 Memorable Collectors Edition CD containing 2,245 pages of biographies, stories, and memoirs, plus over 1200 photos. Cost: $29.95 + postage and handling See: www.acfamily.com/CD/ The AC Heritage Poster is a perfect gift for present, past and future Air Canada, Canadi>n employees and all the other airlines that had at one time been part of what is now Air Canada. There are over 300 aircraft on the poster that made up the fleets from Air Canada, Jazz, Tango, Canadian Airlines, Wardair, Pacific Western, Canadian Pacific, CP Air, Nordair, Transair, Eastern Provincial Airways, etc. Cost: 24.99 plus shipping and handling See: www.acheritage.com (A portion of the proceeds of every poster sold goes to Dreams Take Flight) |
Air Canada News
Air Canada Jazz inaugurates the only non-stop seasonal service between Yellowknife and Vancouver. The departure December 4th of Air Canada flight AC8226 marked the launch of the only daily, non-stop service between Yellowknife and Vancouver. Air Canada Jazz now operates seasonal daily flights from the diamond capital of North America to Air Canada's Asia gateway hub with 50-seat, made-in-Canada Bombardier CRJ aircraft. |
Readers Feedback
Photo of a familiarization flight for TCA employees on a North Star to Bermuda about Jan 10th., 1953 - Pictured are Joan Bartel, an unknown Manager of Harmony Hall, Juanita Scot (Ollivier), Wally Jones TCA Bermuda, an unknown girl from YUL, a TCA employee from Windsor, an unknown girl, and unknown TCA Manager at Bermuda. (If anyone can fill in the missing names we will pass them along - eds) From: Richard Dunsterville I was very pleased to see the 1948 photo of the first trans-pacific crews of Canadian Pacific Airlines. One name correction is second from the left, Capt. Humphrey Madden, (not Medden). "Hump" was my uncle who retired in 1965. I followed him, joining in '66 and flying till '99. Interesting articles, thanks. Richard Dunsterville One of our readers sent in a link to an amusing video called Lost Luggage on YouTube, which we found quite hilarious and we share this URL with you; www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZt7Pu2jc6Y together with the following; Article from the June 1950 edition of "Between Ourselves" called "The Bag's Lament". Cartoon from a local newspaper. |
Terry's Travel Tips
"Singing the standby blues" They call it the standby blues. Every airline employee has their own horror story to pass on, tales of being stuck in Rome or marooned in the Caribbean. Problem is, the regular guy, paying big bucks to get from A to B, doesn't give a hoot and would probably find it hard to sympathize with airline employees stranded on the other side of the world. After all, they fly cheap. Real cheap! Follow this link for the full article |
Smilie
PAINTING THE TOWN REDSingapore air force officials were red-faced recently after a ground test by the elite Black Knights air demonstration team left a lasting impression on its neighbors. According to air force officials quoted by the Straits Times, the Black Knights were trying out a new dye intended to create a red smoke trail from their F-16s. However, it also turned about 200 tons of unharvested vegetables, numerous cars, and anything else in its path (including a pet cat) varying shades of red, after high winds carried the smoke over the neighborhood Frank Pedder sends this - It was mealtime during a British Airways flight: - "Would you like dinner?" the flight attendant asked the man seated in the front row. - "What are my choices?" the man asked. - "Yes or no," she replied. |