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About us!
Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker have been issuing an email newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have provided us with their email addresses. The Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally simplified to just "The NetLetter".
We believe that our NetLetter, which originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to use this medium to disperse information for retirees of Air Canada.
The NetLetter contains airline related information such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap... excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours, interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep our Air Canada family together and in touch.
Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only the Internet email addresses of those who would like to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to other retirees who can then subscribe right from the forwarded link at the bottom of this email.
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Air Canada Heritage Poster
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Dear NetLetter,
Welcome to the 958th issue of "NetLetter". The NetLetter is the longest running newsletter (since 1995) that is dedicated to Air Canada retirees.
We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2744 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends. The "NetLetter" is written by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker from Vancouver Island (see sidebar) and also with articles and comments from "you" our readers. Formatting of text, photos, etc. for this HTML version is done by Webmaster Alan Rust and it is published courtesy of the ACFamily Network at www.acfamily.net
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Need to know
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Air Canada has pulled its summer service from Abbotsford to Toronto, at virtually the same time as the local airport confirmed that, in 2006, it attracted more than 500,000 passengers for the first time. (Source Abbotford News)
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Hercules Canada Reunion Association
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Stu Russell sends details of this event -
Pacific Western Airlines
HERCULES CANADA REUNION ASSOCIATION Reliving the Excitement - 20 + years later
Hercules Canada Reunion Association - Hercules Reunion 2007
Where: Ramada Edmonton Inn - Edmonton, Alberta
When: Fri 14 Sep 2007 - 1700/2100 - Hospitality Room
Sat 15 Sep -------- 0700/1000 - Breakfast Buffet
Sat 15 Sep -------- 1200/1600 - Hospitality Room
Sat 15 Sep -------- 1700/0100 - Dinner and Dance
Sun 16 Sep ------- 0800/1100 - Breakfast Buffet
Price: for $120.00 per person you get:
1 Fersten Form Fit Reunion 2007 ball cap
1 Reunion lapel pin.
2 Breakfast buffets
2 Open house sessions for slides, photos & beer talk.
1 Dinner and dance with all wine supplied
a number of really cool door prizes
and ....................
a chance to spend time with your fellow Herc Rats.
Payment: Mail cheque payable to HCRA before 01 April 2007:
Hercules Canada Reunion Association
228 Scenic Glen Place NW
Calgary, Alberta, T3L 1K3
Hotel: Special Reunion Room Rate $85.00 Single or Double
Ramada Reservations Edmonton @ 780-454-5454
Toll Free Number: @ 800-661-4114
Quote reference when booking "Hercules Reunion"
Details: Stu Russell 403-241-9105
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Note: for more info on the Hercules Aircraft, click the link below.
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More info on the Hercules Aircraft |
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One of the trusted - RAPCAN article
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 This was published in the RAPCAN eMailNews recently issued by Jim Miller -
RAPCAN thanks Bud Husband from Vancouver Island for sending this fine article.
One of the Trusted
You are at cruising altitude. The westering sun is pink on the distant horizon.
Your eyes flick the gauges.The engines are contented. Another day, another dollar.
You look down at your hands on the wheel. They are veined and hard and brown.
Tonight you notice they look a little old. And, by George, they are old. But how can this be?
Only yesterday you were in flying school. Time is a thief! You have been robbed, and what have you got to show for it?
A pilot, thirty years a pilot, a senior pilot. But what of it? Just a pilot.
The voice of the flight attendant breaks in on your reverie.
The trip is running full;
Can they begin serving dinner to the passengers?
The passengers, oh yes, the passengers. You noticed the line of them coming aboard; the businessmen, the young mothers with their children in tow, the old couples, the two priests, the four dogfaces.
A thousand times you have watched them file aboard, and a thousand times disembark.
They always seem a little happier after the landing than before the take-off.
Beyond doubt, they are always somewhat apprehensive aloft.
But why do they keep coming up here in the dark sky despite their fears?
You have often wondered about that.
You look down at your hands again and suddenly it comes to you. They come because they trust you, you, the pilot.
They turn over their lives and their loved ones and their hopes and their dreams to you for safekeeping. To be a pilot means to be one of the trusted.
They pray in the storm that you are skillful and strong and wise. To be a pilot is to hold life in your hands, to be worthy of faith.
No, you have not been robbed. You aren’t “just a pilot”. There is no such thing as “just a pilot”. Your job is a trust. The years have been a trust.
You have been one of the trusted. Who could be more?
GILL ROBB WILSON
Note: To find out more about RAPCAN or if you are a Pilot and would like to join, follow the link below.
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RAPCAN - Retired Airline Pilots of Canada |
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Pacific Operations - appeal for help
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Pacific Operations - appeal for help in NetLetter 957 -
Note: we were quite impressed with the replies we received and the vast knowledge base available from our NetLetter readers.
William Cameron sends this information In response to your queries about Pacific operations:
1. First CPAir international service was Canada Australia, inaugurated on July 13, 1949. The service was operated by Canadair C-4.1 aircraft, initially once every two weeks. Flight was YVR via SFO, thence to HNL for a 36 hour layover (crew rest) thence to Nadi, Fiji (15 hours) for another overnight, thence 9 hours to Sydney.
2. Auckland was added to the route on December 28, 1951 and suspended on April 24, 1969. Re-instated with jet aircraft on Nov. 1, 1985
3. North Pacific operations began on September 19, 1949 from YVR, Anchorage, Shemya/Tokyo, Hong Kong. Aircraft was Canadair C-4.1. A route proving flight had been operated on April 19, 1949 - including Shanghai, and was the last commercial aircraft through that airport prior to it's fall to the forces of Mao Tse Tung. The aircraft used on the proving flight was a DC-4-M.1 borrowed from the RCAF
4. First CPAir scheduled service to the People's Republic of China began on April 29th, 1985 - Vancouver to Shanghai.
William J. Cameron This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Okotoks, AB
Retired CPAir 1986
Your co-pilot had already conveyed the above to Dorothy, plus this additional info -
1949, 10 July
VANCOUVER-AUCKLAND TRANS-PACIFIC SERVICE
Commenced by Canadian Pacific Airlines (CPA) using the Canadair C-4 CF-CPI, "Empress of Sydney", the route being Vancouver-Honolulu-Canton Island-Suva- Auckland. A large cachet was applied to mail in Vancouver.
and more!
Responding to NetLetter #957 "Urgent Help" regarding North and South Pacific flights.
from Frank Metzger
I worked for CP as Regional Airport Manager for Japan/Asia based in Tokyo and retired in 1999. Responding to your help, am familiar with North Pacific more than the South and are as follows:
* What is our oldest route in the North & South Pacific?<br> * Nopac: Vancouver-Tokyo-Hong Kong - 1949 by Canadian Pacific Airlines.
* Sopac: Vancouver-Sydney - 1949 by Canadian Pacific Airlines/
* When did we start flying to Tokyo and Hong Kong?
* September 18, 1949 - Canadian Pacific Airlines. Once a week from Vancouver at 12:05 a.m. Monday. Number of passenger 40.
* How long did it take? any stops enroute?
* Refueling stops Anchorage, Alaska; Shemya in the Aleutians.
* What type of aircraft was used?
* Canadair DC-4M “North Star”
* Fare: Vancouver Tokyo return $1,287.00
* Fare: Vancouver HongKong $1,437.50
* Fare: Tokyo HongKong $310.85
* When did we start flying to SYD
* 1949 July 13 - Canadian Pacific Airlines departed Vancouver
* Canadair DC-4M "North Star"
* Refueling stops: San Francisco, Honolulu (overnight), Canton Island, Fiji (overnight), Sydney
* 37 hours 18 mins. one way fare $685 with 2 nights at Royal Hawaiian Hotel, HNL and one night in Fiji. (source: Wing Walker by Peter Pigott)
* YVR-SFO 3:55 hrs. SFO-HNL 10:25. HNL- Canton Island 08:07. Canton Island-Fiji 05:57. Fiji- Sydney 08:33.
* When did we start flying to Peking?
* 1972 Aug. 13 CP Air operated charter DC8 flight to Peking. Routing including fueling stops: YVR-HND- HKG-CAN-PEK. Due to no airways between Japan and China, flight had to fly all the way to Hong Kong to enter Chinese mainland.
* 1986 April 29 Canadian Airlines commenced operation to Shanghai. YVR-SHA
* When did we, AC, start flying into Japan?
* 1994 September 24 to Kansai International Airport, KIX.
* B744-400 combi. YVR-KIX.
Other information regarding flight operation to Japan after WWII.
1946 Aug. 1 Northwest Orient Airlines commenced operation to Tokyo, Haneda AP
1947 Jun. 26 Pan American Airways, Pan Am, operated to Tokyo, Haneda AP
1948 Mar. 25 BOAC operated to Iwakuni airbase with flying boat.
1949 Sep. 19 Canadian Pacific Airlines commenced operation to Tokyo, Haneda AP
Vancouver-Shemya-Haneda-Hong Kong. 33 hours 30 mins.
1949 Nov. 26 BOAC operated into Tokyo, Haneda AP
1951 Apr. 27 SAS oeprated into Tokyo, Haneda AP
from foregoing our operation to Japan was one of the first next to NWA, Pan Am and BOAC.
Other info:
In 1950 CPAL hired Chinese stewardesses for Hong Kong flights.
Regards,
Franz Metzger This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Yokohama, Japan |
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Star Alliance News
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BMI Regional is taking delivery of a further four E-145s in the coming months, raising its fleet to 20 aircraft. The additional capacity will support three new routes: Edinburgh-Zurich, Aberdeen-Kristiansand and Leeds Bradford-Copenhagen. The BMI subsidiary also will increase frequencies on existing services for the summer schedule, including additional flights from EDI to MAN and LBA. (Source: Air Transport World)
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Found on the Internet
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 British Airways said it will change its baggage policy from Feb. 13 by placing restrictions on the number and size of bags that can be checked and charging customers fixed fees of up to £120 ($232) per excess bag.
Long-haul economy passengers will be restricted to one checked bag weighing no more than 23 kg. (50 lb.) as well as one piece of sporting equipment, such as a golf bag. Passengers traveling long-haul to select locations, including North America, still will be able to check two bags. First-class passengers will be able to check three 23-kg. pieces at no charge and business-class passengers will be allowed two 23- kg. pieces.
On short-haul routes, including all domestic flights, economy passengers will be permitted to check just one 23-kg. bag while Club Europe premium customers will be allowed two. On all flights, passengers with infants will be allowed to check "a collapsible baby buggy" in addition to one bag for the young traveler. Under the new rules, domestic passengers checking extra bags will be charged £30 per bag, short-haul travelers will be charged £60 and long-haul £120. Passengers can get discounts of £6-£24 per bag, depending on flight distance, if they pay the excess baggage fees online before coming to the airport.
British Airways is holding critical talks with representatives of the Transport & General Workers Union following Monday's vote by the union's cabin staff in favor of industrial action that could begin as early Jan. 31. |
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TCA & Forgotten Airports
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Earlton YXR
In NetLetter nr 956 we gave some info regarding YXR which prompted the following response to George Brien -
We had corresponded once some years ago about Yarmouth. Your little note about the service into YXR reminded me about the time I had spent there!
I worked under Bill Lucas when I was at YXR back in 1957. I was the only Station Agent and there were no Station Attendants. The station stop was 10 minutes. So it was not a fuelling stop, but I had to dip the tanks nontheless. I well remember the routine! Bill would offer some assistance when the flight came in if required. The usual on/off load would be just 2 or 3 passengers. If I remember rightly, the flight numbers were 390 and 391.
Eric van der Holt
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Interested in Canadian Aviation History?
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The Canadian Aviation Historical Society is the oldest and largest organization dedicated to the celebration and documentation of Canada's flying heritage. Members receive the CAHS Journal, Canada's premier aviation history magazine, regular newsletters, and an invitation to participate in the local activities of 10 regional chapters. You can join by following the link below.
(The web site www.cahs.ca is presently being rebuilt by Alan Rust of the ACFamily Network and is scheduled to open for February 2007 - eds) |
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Join the CAHS |
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Terry's Travel Tips
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In NetLetter nr 955 we had an article about Frank Shettlesworth and Thailand -
Joyce Carette sends us this follow up -
Just wanted to thank you on Frank's article. Used to work for same department as him under Vic Wozniak, me in Montreal (head office) and Frank in London. We probably met a few times but it has been many years ago.
I retired in 2004 and afterwards, spent 7 months in Thailand. It was absolutely marvelous. My brother lives in Thailand now so he was a good guide. Too bad I did not know about Frank being in Chiang Mai, my favorite city. Hope to get back there soon so I can look him up. Actually, I sent him an e-mail after reading about him in your newsletter and he sent me all his coordinates.
I know it is such a far destination (and flights are full most of the time) but I would encourage all employees to at least experience Thailand once in their lives. Fly to Hong Kong, then purchase standby fare with Thai Airways (very cheap) to Bangkok ($100.cdn return) and good for 90 days. Another way is to fly to Los Angeles and buy standby with Thai L.A. to Bangkok directly. Or go to London, England but that is a last resort.
The first time I was there (only one month at the beginning) it was cheaper than spending one week in Barbados (hotel, food, tours, massages every day, cooking school, hair done, clothes washing, etc.). You have to see it to believe it.
No wonder they call it the Land of Smiles.
Happy Travels (don't tell too many Pionairs) the flights are really full already!!!!!!! Just kidding
Joyce Carette This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WEEKEND IN LISBON PORTUGAL
"LISBON WEEKEND".
This programme is valid for all week ends of 2007 subject to Hotel availability.
Victor Carvalho - WACA Representative
Price: From 01JAN till 31MAR GBP105,00 per person twin sharing with WACA fee.
GBP 40,00 additional for single supplement.
From 01APR
GBP125,00 per person twin sharing with WACA fee.
GBP 50,00 additional for single supplement.
Extra.nights: on request basis.
Package includes:
2 nights accommodation with breakfast at Hotel
BERNA *** (or similar).
1 sightseeing tour by bus.
Package does not include:
Expenses of a personal nature, transfers, laundry and telephone calls etc.
Airfare to and from Lisbon.
Transfer APT/HTL about GBP10,00
grants for this event IDICN2 tickets subject space availability:
Europeen Flights GBP 65,00 Intercontinental flights GBP130,00
Note: no endorsement or refund applies to these tickets.
Registration forms and full payment must be submitted 3 weeks before date chosen.
Not accept personal cheques.
Bank service charges for bank transfers will have to be borne by the participants.
RESERVATION/PAYMENT:
For further information please contact:
INTERLINE CLUBE DE PORTUGAL
Rua Coronel luna de oliveira 24-30
1900-167 LISBOA
PORTUGAL
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 351 21 8146625Fax: 351 21 8146798
And from Ceasar Hotels Interline Vacations
-"Discovery Ireland" Our first all inclusive special to Ireland. From $599*
From the minute you arrive at the 4 star Killarney Plaza, you and your guests will enjoy the Southwest of Ireland at your own pace for one unbelievable price. A dedicated concierge will be at your service to arrange your daily activities. Whether you want to play golf or take a half day Ring of Kerry Tour, the choice is yours and is already included in this package. Choose from golf, spa treatment, Ring of Kerry tour, Blarney Castle and Cobh tour and much more. Of course, all meals are included. Breakfast and lunch are served daily at the Killarney Plaza hotel and evenings you'll have a choice of lcoal restaurants in Killarney town. This is absolutely the best value you'll find in any destination package.
What's Included: 4 nights Killarney Plaza Hotel, Kerry, all transfers from pick up to drop off at Shannon airport, all meals, biking, horse riding, art galleries, museums, tennis, spa, golf, sightseeing tours, squash, guided walks.
Depart Jan. - Feb. Land Only from $599, March $709* April $1,009, May $1,174, June - September $1,240, October $1,009, Nov. - February 2008 $601 Confirmed available from NYC, BOS, CHI, WAS, DTW, HOUS, PIT, ATL, LAX, DFW, DEN, MCO Call today!
WOW! Two for One airfare to Kauai! Confirmed air from $516*
5 Days/4 Nights Aloha Beach Resort with rental car!
5 Days/ 4 Nights ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa with rental car from $546*
wo for One aifare special good for newbookings only and must be paid within 24 hours of booking. Hurry these deals go fast!
1 800 422 3727 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm CST Saturday Hours 9:30am to 1pm CST |
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AC Heritage Poster
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Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
- Trans-Canada Air Lines
- Canadian Airlines
- Pacific Western
- Eastern Provincial
- Nordair
- Transair
- Wardair
This 68 x 96 cm (27 x 38 inch) poster is printed in full colour on high quality paper and depicts over 300 aircraft and liveries flown by Air Canada throughout its history.
The cost of the poster is $24.99 plus tax and shipping where applicable. This is a great gift for Christmas, reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.
A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold. Any other profits support the operation of the ACFamily Network which brings you this newsletter.
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More info here |
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Submissions
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Important reminder, for all new articles, submissions and or comments for the "The Netletter" please send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Please add to your Address Books).
This e-mail address has been set up so that both of us Terry & Vesta (exclusively) will get an automatic copy and so we can keep up with the continuity of news for the NetLetter.
To make changes to your e-mail address or to unsubscribe, please see the links at the bottom of the page for "Update Profile/Email address" and SafeUnsubscribe. This is now automated so that you can remove yourself from the list or change your email address (or name) without our assistance. We will still do this manually if you have any difficulties.
Many of our members are having difficulty finding these links. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page, the link is similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).
Vesta, Terry and Alan thank you for your co- operation.
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NetLetter Archives
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The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily Network Forums area. They are in plain text format so you can print them from there if desired. If you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet, we encourage you to join us there. Non members can Register here. (It's Free!)
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NetLetter Archives Link |
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