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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.

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2713 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 in similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator

Air Canada Security risk assessment for March 23, 2006:

Security forces in Israel are in a higher state of alert to avert possible attacks by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Fatah-related groups for the coming week and to contravene their goal of disrupting the March 28 Israeli parliamentary elections.
We are monitoring the situation closely, and we advise crew members that vigilance is always required.

We remind our employees, including crewmembers and retirees, that they should always exercise appropriate caution during their stay in Israel, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice: Avoid large gatherings, crowded places and demonstrations, as well as proximity to other possible targets, including pedestrian promenades, shopping malls, open markets, restaurants, discotheques, bus stations, and public buses. Carry passport and money separately (Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months) Keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page with you. Declare video cameras, laptop computers, etc. upon entry, and proceed through the red zone at Customs Do not leave parcels/bags unattended Follow the orders of police and security officials at all times Avoid casual comments about security measures that could be misinterpreted in these tense times.
In case of emergency, the following numbers can be used in Tel Aviv: 100 for Police, 101 for Ambulance and 102 for Fire.

Air Canada’s network expands to Yellowknife; new routes from Western Canada. Today we announced the expansion of our network with the start-up of two new, daily non-stop flights to Yellowknife, NWT, the diamond capital of North America and gateway to Canada’s north. Air Canada Jazz will begin daily non-stop service to Yellowknife from Edmonton on July 3rd and from Calgary on July 4th. Jazz will also launch daily, non-stop service on August 1st on the following new routes: Edmonton- Victoria, BC; Calgary-Comox, BC; Edmonton-Kelowna, BC and Winnipeg-London, ON. These destinations will be operated by Air Canada Jazz with 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft

Employee Travel billing process enhanced. Employee Travel has implementedan enhancement to their billing process for travel profile holders with billings that are rejected by their credit card companies. For your convenience, if the credit card you used when registering for your trip is declined, Employee Travel will now be able to apply the amount to the credit card that you have provided as the default credit card. To protect the cardholder’s privacy, the credit card companies do not disclose to Air Canada the reasons that they decline charges on Air Canada billings. By going to the default credit card, Employee Travel hopes to avoid unnecessary calls to the profile holder.

A Reminder:
Only the profile holder’s own valid credit card should be used to both pay for individual trips and be stored on the profile as a default. The credit card belonging to a parent/partner/spouse/child, etc. should never be used.
First point of contact for all credit card billing inquiries should be directed to 1-866-473-4732 (North America) or 732-694-2021 (Outside North America) or by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The credit card company should not be contacted.

Plug pulled on B767 polish program
- Evaluation trial reveals maintenance costs outweigh benefits. Following a three-month test phase, Air Canada Maintenance has opted not to proceed with the polished B767 program. The paint-stripping process, which shed approximately 360 pounds from FIN 613, translated to annual fuel savings of some $24,000. However, teams that analyzed how the polished fuselage stood up against harsh operating environments determined the extra maintenance costs outweighed the benefits. Moreover, the silver fuselage was given “low scores” from an aesthetic perspective. “Keeping safety as our number one priority, we will continue to explore all possible areas to reduce costs and offset record fuel prices,” FIN 613 will be repainted in the spring as its operating schedule permits.

Air Canada and Mexicana to end code share later this month. On March 31, we will be ending our six-year-old code share on Canada-U.S.-Mexico routings with Mexicana, whose Star Alliance membership ended on March 31, 2004.

British Airport Authority to close Heathrow’s T2 in 2008. - British airport operator BAA today announced it would close the oldest terminal at London's Heathrow Airport after a new fifth terminal is completed in 2008. The BAA said it had decided to close Terminal 2 because passenger numbers using the building were forecast to fall from the current 9 million a year to fewer than 1.5 million after the new terminal opens. According to the BAA, the decision will not affect proposals to spend up to GBP£1.5 billion ($2.62 billion US) on a new passenger terminal at Heathrow, in time for the 2012 Olympics. The giant fifth terminal currently under construction is Europe's biggest construction project. The BAA also plans to close or redevelop Terminal 1 and renovate Terminals 3 and 4. Heathrow is one of the world's most congested airports and is nearing peak capacity.

In NetLetter nr 920 we printed an article regarding excess baggage charges by Ryanair UK,

Here are some horror stories -
Of the passengers who have contacted Sun Travel furious at the new rules, ALL have been allowed to happily travel from the UK but have then been hit with the excess baggage charges on the way home. Anxious to catch their flight and unable to leave items behind, they are forced to pay up.

Passenger Cathryn Sheppard had to fork out £11 because her bag was two kilos over the limit. Check- in staff at Girona, Spain, refused to let Cathryn, 41, from Rotherhithe, London, transfer stuff from her case to her 12-year-old son Joe’s bag to avoid the charge.
Cathryn, Joe and husband Andy, 45, had flown out from Stansted airport for a three-day ski break in Andorra. But the family and other passengers were never challenged on the weight of their cases on the way out. Cathryn said: “It was as if Ryanair were setting a trap for customers. They let you fly out, then clobber you on the way back. A lot of people complained that their bags had gone through fine in England but on the return, when there was nothing they could do about it, they were being charged an excess fee ­despite not packing anything extra in their bags.
“One family was told they would have to fork out £36. They emptied their luggage into black binbags provided by Ryanair, then took them on as hand baggage.”
The airline made sure TWO excess baggage windows were open so passengers could pay the fine. And having initially queued up to check-in, passengers had to queue again to pay their fine and were then forced to line up again to collect their boarding cards.
Cathryn added: “Many families of four had only taken two bags to put all their stuff in, thinking they were cutting back on luggage. Consequently they were charged an excess fee. If they had taken four bags with the same amount, they would have been OK. It might be a cheap airline but they are getting cash out of customers in other ways. People should think twice about flying with them in future.”

One unfortunate family flying back into Glasgow’s Prestwick airport were charged a whopping £130 in excess baggage for putting all their clothes in one case. Furious Patrick Bennett pooled wife Jennifer, 39, and four-year-old son Martin’s baggage into one case. It was no problem for the family on the way out to Spain. But the civil servant from Cumbernauld was stunned to be told he owed £130 in excess charges. Patrick, 40, said: “Lots of folk were in tears, pulling jumpers and coats out of their suitcases and putting them on. Others were throwing away suncream, T-shirts and flip-flops to try to lighten the load.”

Ryanair’s response has been typically bullish. They state all passengers accept the company’s conditions when they book tickets and that details are on their website. Regarding Cathryn’s excess baggage, the spokesman added: “It was an oversight by staff at Stansted who should have charged the family for excess baggage on the way out ­ as well as the way back.”
But as they are the ONLY airline I know that doesn’t allow passengers travelling on the same booking to pool luggage allowances, it’s no surprise the first travellers hear about the rules is when they are hit with charges. Everyone accepts that Ryanair has transformed air travel in the UK with some fantastically cheap fares. But the old saying that you get nothing for free is never truer than now.
Ryanair claim they’ve reduced fares by nine per cent across the board and that anyone travelling with just hand luggage is actually better off.
But I for one would rather pay a fair price and know upfront what I’m paying for, rather than be tempted by a 99p flight then discover that the taxes, charges, fees and excess baggage fines will turn it into a figure 100 times bigger.

Handy way around thr rules...
What to do ... follow our Sun World tips

ONE way to get round Ryanair’s change in baggage allowance is to take only HAND LUGGAGE. The quota has doubled from 5kg to 10kg for flights booked after March 16, so you can take one 10kg case and avoid charges. But can you seriously pack for any more than an overnight in just 10kg?

Bristol Freighter - The possibility of a Bristol 170 Freighter C-GYQS flying again is imminent. The aircraft, owned by Hawkair and on loan to Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin Alberta, is due to be sold to raise funds for the creditors of Hawkair. Hawkair operated out of Terrace BC and is presently under chapter 11 protection.

Trev Trower sends details of his new book - My book "THE TRAVELING MAN, an Air Canada memoir" Is available at long last.

The book is included in the Canadian Maple Leaf Wings reading list which is listed in the website at www.globalynx.net/books this site shows the front and back cover of my book, etc. Scroll down authors to TROWER or down titles to THE TRAVELING MAN. The price is ca$29.00 plus ca$10.00 post and packing if required. 260 pages. (anyone picking up the book from my house would not only save the PP$ but also would join us for a nice cup of tea)
I live at 14071, Fifth Side Road , Georgetown On.
Phone# 905. 877-4352
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All the best for now,
Trev Trower

Own your own time share in Portugal? - One week studio in Alburfeira on the Algarve coast of Portugal. Take anytime between November and February. ca$700 to own.
If interested contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Norwegian Cruise Line - Interline only

FOUR DOLLAR CRUISE - $4.00 7 nights on Norwegian Spirit: New York; At Sea; Pt.Canaveral; Miami; Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas); Nassau; At Sea; New York April 23 April 30 (May 7 add $30.00) cruise: $4.00 plus: port: $165.00 taxes: $86.39
Interliner can get two more cabins at the same rate.
THIS IS GUARANTEED TO SELL OUT SOON
Book now - just see:
http://members.shaw.ca/jamesrose/quote.htm (do not call - just fax your booking information) Usual terms & conditions apply, including: all rates are per person, based upon double occupancy, port charges & taxes are extra.
Prices and availability is NOT guaranteed to last, and can and do change without notice. However, once you book and pay - your price is guaranteed. Prices are in USA funds.

JAMES F. C. ROSE - YOUR Cruise Expert
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
web site: http://members.shaw.ca/jamesrose
information: (204) 889-3885
fax: (204) 889-3885
reservations: (204) 889-3885 & (800) 414-8091

Some of the many deals offered by Dargal - 7 Night Alaska aboard Ryndam
May 28 | Jun 11
Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska; Cruise College Fjord; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Haines, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
From:Interior: $399 Oceanview: $499 Suite: $1,849

7 Night Alaska aboard Veendam May 21 | Jun 04
Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska; Cruise College Fjord; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Haines, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
From: Interior: $399 Oceanview: $499 Suite: $1,699

7 Night Alaska aboard Veendam May 28 | Jun 11
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia; Ketchikan, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Cruise College Fjord; Seward, Alaska
From:Interior: $399 Oceanview: $499 Suite: $1,849

7 Night Alaska aboard Statendam
May 26 | Jun 09
Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
From:Interior: $399 Oceanview: $449 Suite: $1,699

7 Night Alaska aboard Ryndam
Jun 04 | Jun 18
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia; Ketchikan, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Cruise College Fjord; Seward, Alaska
From: Interior: $449 Oceanview: $549 Suite: $1,849

7 Night Alaska aboard Statendam
May 19 | Jun 02 | Jun 16
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia; Ketchikan, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Seward, Alaska
From: Interior: $449 Oceanview: $549 Suite: $1,549

7 Night Alaska aboard Zaandam May 12
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington; Juneau, Alaska; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
From: Interior: $799 Oceanview: $699 Suite: $1,539

7 Night Alaska aboard Oosterdam
May 13
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington; Juneau, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
From: Interior: $699 Oceanview: $749 Balcony: $999 Suite: $1,299

7 Night Alaska aboard Westerdam
May 14
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Juneau, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
From: Interior: $699 Oceanview: $749 Balcony: $999 Suite: $1,299

Cruises: Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars per person (based on double occupancy). PORT CHARGES ARE INCLUDED. Taxes, fees and Dargal's non-refundable $40 Service Fee per room is not included. All rates are subject to change, availability and eligibility. All offers apply to new bookings only, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. All offers apply to new bookings only, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice.

Dargal Interline Worldwide
Phone: 1-800-690-3223
International:(Int'l Access Code)-800-2832-7425

Here are some signs and notices written in English that were discovered throughout the world, mostly collected by an American airline employee. You have to give the writers an 'E' for Effort. Here are some samples :
In a Tokyo Hotel: Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such thing is please not to read notis.

In a Bucharest hotel lobby: The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.

In a Leipzig elevator : not enter the lift backwards, and only when lit up.

In a Belgrade hotel elevator: To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor. If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor. Driving is then going alphabetically by national order.

In a Paris hotel elevator: Please leave your values at the front desk.

In a hotel in Athens: Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.

In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.

In a Japanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery: You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.

On the menu of a Polish hotel: Salad a firm's own make; limpid red beet soup with cheesy dumplings in the form of a finger; roasted duck let loose; beef rashers beaten up in the country people's fashion.

Outside a Hong Kong tailor shop: Ladies may have a fit upstairs.

In a Bangkok dry cleaner's, drop your trousers here for best results.

Outside a Paris dress shop : dresses for street walking.

In a Rhodes tailor shop: Order your summers suit. Because is big rush we will execute customers in strict rotation.

Similarly, from the Soviet Weekly: There will be a Moscow Exhibition of Arts by 15,000 Soviet Republic painters and sculptors. These were executed over the past two years.

Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
- Trans-Canada Airlines
- Canadian Airlines
- Pacific Western
- Eastern Provincial
- Nordair
- Transair
and 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 reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.

A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold.

The hosting, and mailing of the NetLetter as well as the conversion to HTML format is provided compliments of the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!

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.

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!)

About us!

Need to know...

Nice to know...

Air Canada News

Star Alliance News

Found on the Internet

Where are they now?

Reader FeedBack

Terrys Travel Tips

Smilies

AC Heritage Poster

Sponsors

Submissions

NetLetter Archives

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.

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2714 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator

Employee Travel Site - revision to child policy. Effective immediately, the definition of "child dependency" has been modified so there is no longer a requirement for children to be enrolled in continuous schooling to be eligible for dependent employee travel privileges. To review the new dependency criteria, visit the Employee Travel Site at www.travel.aircanada.com - look for the revised "Child Policy" under "News & Policies". For additional information, e-mail the Employee Travel team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1 866 473 4732.

All Non-Revenue tickets must be submitted to Winnipeg Finance - Refund Services for processing on a deferred basis. You must submit your original ticket along with your Request for Refund of Non- Revenue tickets (ZED/ID) that you will have previously downloaded. Two versions of this form exist: Unused tickets (ACF23A) and Partially used tickets (ACF23B). Refunds will be completed within one week of receipt.

Diane Carignac sends this information -
Earn 75 Aeroplan Miles when you buy a shop! card from Cadillac Fairview Aeroplan announces another exciting way for Aeroplan members to earn valuable Aeroplan Miles. Until June 12, 2006, Aeroplan members will earn 75 Aeroplan Miles when they buy a Cadillac Fairview shop! card worth $75 or more. Cadillac Fairview shop! cards are redeemable at over 4,000 stores in 28 of Canada's finest shopping centres. Learn more about it in the Promotion Section at www.aeroplan.com or www.shops.ca

Now's a great time to become an Aeroplan member and/or a Costco member­ online.
Tell your family and friends­Aeroplan® announces another innovative way for Aeroplan members to earn valuable Aeroplan Miles. Until May 10, 2006, Aeroplan members who shop online at www.costco.ca may earn one Aeroplan Mile for every dollar spent on purchases*, excluding taxes. And, if Aeroplan members sign up for a Costco membership online, they may earn 1,000 Aeroplan Bonus Miles. If you're not an Aeroplan member and want to become a Costco member, why not maximize the benefits? We suggest that you apply a two-step strategy: become an Aeroplan member by enrolling online at www.aeroplan.com, then, with your Aeroplan membership number in hand, become a Costco member at www.costco.ca and shop online to your heart's content.

Air Canada recently launched the new leisure hotels website for active and retired Air Canada employees. The new site is accessible through the Employee Travel Website (be sure to use Internet Explorer). Once on the Employee Travel Website, simply click on the "Hotel" icon located in the menu and then select "Personal AC".
This site offers a large selection of discounted hotel rooms around the world and special offers from selected properties. In addition, internet links to industry rates offered by major hotel chains are also available on the home page.
Those who have questions can send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Be sure to visit the site often as new hotels are frequently added. Happy travelling!

Upcoming new routes
Apr. 8: Toronto ­ Fort McMurray
May 1: Edmonton ­ Los Angeles *
Jun. 8: Toronto ­ Salt Lake City *
Jun. 16: Toronto ­ Abbotsford
Jun. 16: Montreal ­ Denver
Jun. 17: Toronto ­ Shanghai
Jun. 17: Montreal ­ Mexico City
Jul. 1: Toronto ­ San Diego
Jul. 3: Edmonton ­ Yellowknife *
Jul. 4: Calgary ­ Yellowknife *
Aug. 1: Edmonton ­ Victoria, BC *
Aug. 1: Calgary ­ Comox *
Aug. 1: Edmonton ­ Kelowna *
Aug. 1: Winnipeg ­ London, ON *
* Operated by Air Canada Jazz

SWISS and South African Airways join Star Alliance.
On April 7th, Star Alliance carriers welcomed SWISS into the family during a ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland. This summer the carrier will serve 69 destinations in 42 countries, and operates a fleeth, another welcoming ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa will see South African Airways officially join the Star Alliance team. The airline serves 34 airports in 26 countries, and operates a fleet of more than 55 aircraft. With the addition of these two carriers, Star Alliance will grow to 18 major airlines and three regional carriers. Together, they will serve 842 airports in 152 countries.

Star Alliance plans to add two more airlines during 2006 and are having talks with Air China Ltd, China Eastern Airlines Corp and Shanghai Airlines.

Star Alliance is working on collective specifications for the 787, Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe told the group's meeting in Johannesburg earlier this week.

gbp15 million error! An expensive accident occurred at the Airbus factury in Chester UK over Christmas when a crane carrying the 50 tonne wing for an Airbus aircraft snapped. The wing, destined for a Lufthansa aircraft, is being repaired at a cost of gbp5 million.

The only Concorde on display at the South East of England is at Brooklands Museum, Surrey. The museum, which is on the road between Weybridge and Byfleet is open from 10:00 to 15:00

Canadian start up Flair Airlines is based in Kelowna BC using Kelowna Flightcraft B727-200 for passenger charters as well as an ex-Afrjet B727-200 which is based in YYZ and flown on behalf of Cubana Airlines to Havana. These flights were previously operated by the now defunct All Canada Express.

Spend a few minutes seeing what others are offering - http://airlinemeals.net/index.html

Taxes by destination: The taxes and official charges (including the September 11th Security Fee of usd$2.50 per US Enplanement, US International Transportation Tax, US Customs User Fee, US INS User Fee, US Aphis Fee, Passenger Facility Charge and Iceland Passenger Fee) listed below are approximate and may fluctuate due to exchange rates. In addition to these taxes and official charges which apply to all destinations, each destination also adds additional taxes and official charges which appear in parentheses after each destination.

Between US and:
- Amsterdam (includes Netherlands Noise Isolation Charge, Security Charge and Passenger Service Charge): $90
- Copenhagen (includes Transportation Tax and Passenger Service Charge): $90 Faroe Islands (includes Departure Tax from Faroe Islands): $71
- Frankfurt (includes Airport Security Charge and Passenger Service Charge):$85
- Glasgow (includes UK Air Passenger Duty and Passenger Service Charge): $115 (Business Class tickets may add additional fees)
- Greenland (includes Passenger Service Charge): $75
- Helsinki (includes Passenger Fee International and Security Charge): $73
- London (includes UK Air Passenger Duty and Passenger Service Charge): $115 (Business Class tickets may add additional fees)
- Oslo: $74 (includes Passenger Service Charge)
- Paris (includes Aviation Civile Tax, French Airport Tax and Passenger Service Charge International): $90
- Reykjavik (includes Airport Service Charge): $90
- Stockholm: $78 (includes Passenger Service and Security Charge)

Taxes and official charges on international airline tickets are imposed by the US government, and that of the destination. The tax amount is not a percentage of the fare amount, and therefore does not change according to the base fare. More fees may be added for travel involving multiple stopovers.

- Hawaii $3.30 ZP tax per segment, a $2.50 per enplanement September 11th Security Fee (not to exceed $10) and PFC surcharge of $3- $4.50 where applicable will be applied to each ticket purchase. Taxes, fees & other restrictions apply.

Airline Taxes
All airline tickets are subject to various foreign and domestic government taxes. These include security charges, airport facility charges, customs and immigration fees, inspection fees, fuel surcharges and more. The total of these taxes vary anywhere between $85 and $200 per passenger and must be paid with your airline tickets issued by Celtic Tours.

The items which make up a total tax may include some, but are not limited to any or all of the following:
U.S. Taxes and Fees
U.S. Transportation Tax: $26.80 per passenger
Custom User Fee: $5 per passenger
Federal Inspection Fee: $7 per passenger
APHIS User Fee: $3.10 per passenger
Security Fees: Between $16-$30 per passenger
September 11th Security Fee: $2.50 per enplanement per passenger (maximum $10 per roundtrip).
Passenger Facility Charges: $3-5 per passenger per flight
Segment Tax: $2 per passenger per flight

Foreign Taxes and Fees Foreign taxes and fees vary greatly by country. Fees potentially include International Boarding Tax, Embarkation Tax, Travel Tax, Security Tax and more. Typically these fees range from $20 to $70 per passenger.

Fuel Surcharge
A fuel surcharge may be levied by some airlines ranging from $65 to $95 per ticket.

The only aircraft in the fleet of Orange Air operating out of Sierra Leone is a Boeing B747-217B c/n 20929 registered 9L-LOR previously with Pakistan Internationmal Airlines as AP-BCL.
Former employees of CP Air will recognise this as their former B747 registered as C-FCRE.

DHC8-102 c/n 211 fin 810 C-GABH now with North Cariboo Flying Service registered as C-FNCG since Dec 15/05.

Recently, Alan Rust, administrator of www.acfamily.net visited China, while he hasn't gotten around to telling us about the trip, here is a response from Bob Burnett which may be of interest -

Hope that you had a good vacation and Tour of China, I was very fortunate back in the mid eighties to have travelled to China a number of times, at the time I was Director of Cargo Sales- Wholesale and went there to negotiate a contract with the Gov't for the importation of Canadian Cattle from Alberta, took about two years to get off the ground even though they wanted the cattle. We transported them in our DC 8 Freighters that we had at the time. It was a very exciting time for Air Canada Cargo and an even more exciting time for me, lots of red tape to wade through. You talk about Internet problems, in 1986 they hardly had phones, no office space to work out of, most hotel rooms were rented by businesses for office space, communication with AC Headquarters was difficult, had to use our Embassy help on a number of occasions.
Saw a recent documentary shown over a two night period on CBC about the modern China. what a change in 20 years. Anyhow glad that you have been there you will fascinate your friends with your tales about the place.

Thanks again for the "NetLetter" I really enjoy reading them and I appreciate the effort that you put into its publication.

Bob Burnett ========================================

and Alan's response -

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the feedback and kind comments! I remember working on the freighters and wondering who decided to let cattle fly... Now I know!
I worked in Aircraft Maintenance and remember the smell afterwards as we did our regular maintenance. Luckily I didn't have to clean up after them.
I was generally impressed with China, I think they have lessened some of the red tape now. I figured it would take some time entering the country but it was as easy (or easier) than entering the USA.
I'm glad you like the NetLetter as well, it's different from all the other newsletters out there. I only put it together for mass mailing and have little to do with the content, that's Vesta and Terry's job and they do it well. (since 1995)
I hope to get time to add my insights of China to the NetLetter and also publish them on the ACFamily Network in the near future. I need to do this while it is still fresh in my mind.
Regards,
Alan

The Nanaimo Coffee klatch held on Apr 12th was attended by Terry Baker, Cec and Arlene McCulloch, Hans Brouwer, Leo Goulet, Ray Tsuji, Bryan and Carol Humphrey. A lively discussion took place regarding out of province medical insurance, experiences flying on the CRJ and EMB aircraft and recent cruises. The next meeting will be on May 10th

OUR FLYING HERITAGE is the newest book by author Ross Smyth This illustrated book of 151 pages covers early Canadian air heroes right through to the jet age. Its chapters vary from aviation humour and air mysteries to the role of women in flight. Other books. Readers may receive a copy by sending a cheque for $19.95 to;
Ross Smyth,
8965 Tolhurst St.,
Montreal QC H2N 1W9

Help!
Trev Trower sends this plea!
Bish Boucher-Found's address or email i would like to get in touch with her, she and Mickie were on my flight to TPA ( F902) leaving for their honeymoon, gosh that seems like so long ago.
Thanks
Trev Trower This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visiting the U.K.? Here is some accommodation you may consider - ENGLAND ­ Westcliffe on Sea, Essex Beaches and sea a five minute walk. A 2 bedroom, very comfortable, self- contained Upstairs apartment. Recently modernized, fully furnished and equipped. TV-stereo-microwave and ceiling fans in all rooms. Close to shops and restaurants (and pubs). Thirty mins east of London, commuter trains and express buses (five mins walk) to central London, Tower of London and Trafalgar Square, Brochure available at request $600 weekly; Tel: 905-822-3540, Fax: 905-823-5212 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Colin Waters tells us that his son lives and works in Reading ,U.K.direct bus there every 20 mins from Heathrow.
His son is on sabbatical for the summer and wishes to rent at C$1800.per month.
It is also advertised on the acfamily.net also on ACPA.
cheers
Colin M Waters
# 94621 retired may1 2000
Contact: phone 905 839 8893
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Here are some more signs and notices written in English that were discovered throughout the world, mostly collected by an American airline employee.

A sign posted in Germany's Black forest: It is strictly forbidden on our black forest camping site that people of different sex, for instance, men and women, live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for that purpose.

In a Zurich hotel: Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.

In an advertisement by a Hong Kong dentist:Teeth extracted by the latest Methodists.

In a Rome laundry: Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.

In a Czechoslovakian tourist agency:Take one of our horse-driven city tours - we guarantee no miscarriages.

Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand: Would you like to ride on your own ***?

In a Swiss mountain inn: Special today -- no ice cream.

In a Bangkok temple: It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner is dressed as a man.

In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:We take your bags and send them in all directions.

On the door of a Moscow hotel room: If this is your first visit to the USSR, you are welcome to it.

In a Norwegian cocktail lounge: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.

In a Budapest zoo: Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.

In the office of a Roman doctor: Specialist in women and other diseases.

In an Spanish hotel: The manager has personally passed all the water served here.

In a Tokyo shop: Our nylons cost more than common, but you'll find they are best in the long run.

From a Japanese information booklet about using a hotel air conditioner:
Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in your room, please control yourself.

From a brochure of a car rental firm in Tokyo: When passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor.

Two signs from a Majorcan shop entrance: English well talking. - Here speeching American. Reply With Quote

Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
- Trans-Canada Airlines
- Canadian Airlines
- Pacific Western
- Eastern Provincial
- Nordair
- Transair
and 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 reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.

A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold.

The hosting, and mailing of the NetLetter as well as the conversion to HTML format is provided compliments of the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!

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.

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!)

About us!

Nice to know...

Vancouver Spring Luncheon Reminder

Air Canada News

Found on the Internet

Where are they now?

Reader FeedBack

Deals

Terrys Travel Tips

Smilies

AC Heritage Poster

Sponsors

Submissions

NetLetter Archives

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.

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2716 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator

Star partners adopt Air Canada's economy baggage allowance. Eleven of our Star Alliance partners - including Thai, United Airlines, Lufthansa, US Airways and Swiss - have adopted the economy baggage allowance of two bags each not exceeding 50 lbs/23 kg each. As of June 1, this allowance will be extended to apply to all destinations in Asia, except Japan. Brazil is also exempt from this baggage allowance modification.

New generation kiosks - installation begins this week. Starting today and over the next few weeks, "IBM N2" kiosks will be installed at select stations in Canada. The first of these new generation kiosks, equipped with passport readers and two- dimensional barcode scanners, is being set up today at Ottawa airport. Next in line is Toronto's T2 on April 26, followed by Edmonton and Winnipeg early next week. The IBM N2 kiosks will wear Air Canada's new colours and branding, and will eventually replace our current green Express Check-in boxes at all airports where we have proprietary kiosks. The N2s currently being installed should be up and running for our customers by the end of next week.

Pionairs announce our 2007 Annual General Meeting will take place in Victoria British Columbia, on March 12th to 14th, 2007 at the Beautiful and Elegant Empress Hotel. Please mark your Long-Range Calendars.

The District Spring Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 in the Gun Room at the Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt. Take Head Road off of Esquimalt Road to the Barracks. We hope to have someone directing you to the parking. Social Hour from 11:30 to 12:30 followed by a wonderful Roast Beef and Baked Salmon Buffet prepared by oldstream Caterers. Our Guest Speaker will be John Hopkins, National President of the Air Canada Pionairs. Door prizes and 50/50 Draw. Cost per person including Tax and Gratuity is $20.00

Send cheque payable to AIR CANADA PIONAIRS to
Marjorie Thorpe, 1769 Astra Rd., Comox, B. C., V9M 4B6, NO LATER THAN MAY 8, 2006

Air Canada will have Boeing install the Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) on its B777 and B787 making the airline the first in North America to operate a class 3 (EFB) integrated into the commercial aircraft's avionics.

New fuel purchasing company to be operational this spring. FuelCo, Star Alliance's fuel management company, has been incorporated and will likely begin operations in Frankfurt this spring. The current shareholder is Air Canada, who will likely soon be joined by Lufthansa, SAS, United and Star Alliance GmbH. With oil prices hovering around $60 US per barrel, reducing fuel costs for participating member carriers and ensuring an uninterrupted supply have become very important goals. "At present, Star Alliance carriers spend some $26 billion US annually on fuel. That equals about 25 per cent of the global jet fuel demand," said Petra Dreyer-Decher, General Manager, FuelCo. In February, founding members Air Canada, Lufthansa, ANA, SAS and United met to agree on the future role and structure of the new company, and also on the hubs that FuelCo will target. While the actual cost of fuel is beyond the carriers' direct control, other elements are not, such as the cost of transportation, delivery and storage. FuelCo's purpose will be to negotiate with suppliers with a single voice representing Star Alliance carriers to ensure carriers get the best terms possible and a guaranteed supply in agreed key locations.

The world's largest commercial airliner, the 555 seat Airbus A380, will make its British debut when it flies into London's Heathrow Airport on 18th May 2006, to carry out airport compatibility checks in conjunction with airport operator British Airports Authority.

British Airways raises fuel surcharge. British Airways said it was raising its fuel surcharge on long-haul flights as crude oil prices shot to record highs. The airline will increase its surcharge on tickets to GBP£35 ($62.2 US) per flight from GBP£30, the first time it has increased the levy since September. BA said it will not increase surcharges on short-haul flights where it faces stiff competition from low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, which do not have fuel surcharges.

Capt. Russ Brown CPA (ret'd.) tells us that ex CP AIR DC-8 63 CF-CPP (fin 802) - now N819AX - AUG 2005 Operated by Airborne Express for DHL he last flew this particular DC-8 on 23 DEC 81, YYZ - YEG - YVR with F/O Ross Ens & S/O Don Craig.
Click on photo for larger image.

Help!<br> Clint Ward sends us this appeal -
Subject: search
Hi - On June 1st of 1957 a very interesting flight was completed that might be a bit of a milestone in Canadian Aviation history.
The first ever non-stop flight between Toronto and Vancouver. It was Trans-Canada Air Line's Pacific Mercury Flight 5. Today long range flights are old hat but back in 1957 it was eventful enough to have a major kick-off out of Toronto with red carpets, speeches and a pipe band. I am looking for the names of anyone who might have been involved in this flight - agent, passenger, crew, band members and so on. Any ideas how we might dig into the past and come up with some names? Perhaps among the ranks of retired AC personnel there might be a clue or two. Or any other direction we might proceed to. There is a radio interview with the Captain which is in the CBC archives. I have a feeling we should commemorate this milestone in some way at the 50th anniversary.

Clint Ward
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Karin Fulcher sends this -
You might have heard that my husband Bob Fulcher pilot, (Canadi>n Airlines 1962 - 1996) died on April 5, 2006 after a 10 year battle with lymphoma, prostate and bladder cancer. Karin Fulcher - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Our condolences to the family - eds)

Gerald A. Archambeau sends this -
I would like to complement you and your colleges; for the thoughtfulness as volunteers of your group, and by giving me as a new author the opportunity to get some exposure within our AC Pionair group and the many others who have access to the Net Letter around the world.
Being so pleased in the way you presented my blurb in the Netletter #920, I must say was impeccable and most appreciated by me.
Please pass on the good news to your friends that the hits on my web site have greatly increased.
For me as a retiree, it is more than I ever expected, now that I am doing book signings and speaking tours regularly in southern Ontario.
All the best for your future efforts and success in your personal endeavours in assisting our fellow members and former coworkers in AC.
Stay in touch should you need any information that I can help with.
Sincerely, Gerald A. Archambeau

I was really surprised by the article on Ryan Air as I recently booked on them and on their web site they are very clear about what the luggage restrictions are and what the excess charges will be.
They allow 10 kg. carry on and 20 kg. checked. If you indicate when you book that you have one checked bag you are charged 3.50 euro whereas if you wait until you check in the charge is 5 euro. There is also a charge for sporting equipment such as a golf bag but unfortunately I can't remember what that was. I ended up paying only 22.00 euro between Dublin and Edinburgh as the fare was .99 euro, the checked bag 3.50 euro and the rest was taxes - still a terrific deal. If anyone is going to Ireland in the next few months Aer Lingus has a special from London to Dublin - one euro plus taxes and handling. My ticket from Heathrow to Dublin May 23 was 25.45 pounds. I would have used RyanAir but Aer Lingus is out of Heathrow which is a lot easier as I am flying there from Canada. And thanks for all your hard work on the NetLetter.
Bronach Cole
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vaccaro Spa is a full service salon and spa with an experienced team of massage therapists, estheticians and hairdressers, located in the Sheraton Hotel in Terminal 3 in Toronto. Vaccaro Spa is happy to offer all ACE employees, retirees, and their families 25% off ALL services during each visit. In addition, employees will receive 1 Reward Point for every $20 spent. 1 point can be redeemed as $1 off.
To benefit from this offer, all you have to do is inform Vaccaro Spa that you are part of the ACE Corporate Loyalty Program when you make your appointment. Please feel free to visit the Vaccaro Spa website at www.vaccarospa.com, take a look at the Spa Menu and Pricing and book your appointment today!

United Van Lines offers all ACE employees and retirees exclusive discounted rates on all services including storage. For further information, contact Jennifer Moore at United Van Lines at 1-800- 268-9990.

RBC General Insurance is offering all active and retired Air Canada employees with preferred Home and Automobile insurance rates. As the insurance specialists of RBC Financial Group, they will provide expert advice and personal attention to employees' personal insurance needs.
The program is available to all Air Canada employees, their spouse, and children living in the household. Some of the features of the program include:
24/7 emergency after-hours claim service
Flexible payment options
Preferred pricing
Dedicated employee 1-800 number
Comprehensive online quoting

Get a quote online by visiting the RBC General Insurance website at: www.rbcinsurance.com/quote/aircanada/
or call 1-800-ROYAL 2-9 for a no obligation quote.

StarTrips.com is the Star Alliance website for the people of the Star Alliance. Employees and Retirees from diverse places like England, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Canada, and New Zealand and beyond access StarTrips to learn more about Star Alliance and its member carriers, dovetailed with the very best in interline travel opportunities.

StarTrips features extraordinary accomplishments and every day teamwork. We provide in-depth articles about member carrier initiatives; technology in the workplace, travel incentives and business model changes that affect the Star Alliance and the airline industry as a whole.

As a crucial part of the Star Alliance communications suite, StarTrips records our unique business and employee culture and connects our expansive community at home and across the continents.

StarTrips is in testing right now at www.startrips.com Testing will last until May 2nd when the site will be pulled down for refinement. StarTrips will be launched system wide on May 14th, 2006 to the entire membership in commemoration of the 9th Anniversary of the Star Alliance.

"We are pleased to use StarTrips.com as an additional source for employees to access industry information," said Christian Klick, VP Corporate, Star Alliance. "Our member carriers have important things to say to employees, and StarTrips is another way of getting news out to them. As internal communicators know, getting information to frontline employees can be difficult at times because not all employees have access to intranets, e-mail and other forms of electronic distribution. The StarTrips site is attractive to employees because it is a fun and interactive website that they can go to anytime."

StarTrips.com the Star Alliance Employee Website

Overheard at the tower frequency at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (EHAM) in The Netherlands..."

Tower: KL123 you are cleared to land on runway 24
KL123: (with a loud background noise) Thank you sir, KL123 cleared to land runway 24
Tower: KL123, what is that high noise on the background?
KL123: It's just normal cockpit noise
Tower: You sound like a Fokker 50 cabriolet
KL123: Fine, I'll close the window

Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
- Trans-Canada Airlines
- Canadian Airlines
- Pacific Western
- Eastern Provincial
- Nordair
- Transair
and 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 reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.

A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold.

The hosting, and mailing of the NetLetter as well as the conversion to HTML format is provided compliments of the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!

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.

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!)

About us!

Need to know...

Vancouver Island Spring Luncheon Reminder

Air Canada News

Where are they now?

Reader FeedBack

Terrys Travel Tips

Smilies

AC Heritage Poster

Sponsors

Submissions

NetLetter Archives

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.

Correction - I erroneously left out "Island" in the last NetLetter when I published the information regarding the Vancouver Island Spring Luncheon. I'm sorry if it caused any confusion. It's repeated below with a map added as a bonus. (One word can make a big difference)!

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2717 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator

Personal Travel in Premium Economy Class - Some international routes operated by Boeing B767 aircraft now offer Air Canada Premium Economy Class, a new international, premium economy service in place of business class.

For flights offering Air Canada Premium Economy Class, any confirmed space employee travel programs allowing booking/upgrading in business class will correctly be booked in the appropriate class. The onboard service will be Air Canada Premium Economy class.

For flights offering Air Canada Premium Economy Class, any space available employee travel programs allowing for registration in business class (such as C1/J10) will appear to be registered in J (business) class instead of Premium Economy Class. It is important to understand that although the flight registration will show up as "J" inventory, the onboard service for these flights will be Premium Economy Class. We suggest that employees check Policies to see the list of probable flights and routes where Premium Economy Class is offered. Onboard service will be in Air Canada Premium Economy class.

There will be no refunds or adjustments to allotments if employees were accommodated in Air Canada Premium Economy Class.

For a list of product characteristics and routes offering Air Canada Premium Economy Class, please refer to the News section of News and Policies on http://travel.aircanada.ca.

The Vancouver Island District Spring Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 in the Gun Room at the Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt. Take Head Road off of Esquimalt Road to the Barracks. We hope to have someone directing you to the parking. Social Hour from 11:30 to 12:30 followed by a wonderful Roast Beef and Baked Salmon Buffet prepared by oldstream Caterers. Our Guest Speaker will be John Hopkins, National President of the Air Canada Pionairs. Door prizes and 50/50 Draw. Cost per person including Tax and Gratuity is $20.00

Send cheque payable to AIR CANADA PIONAIRS to
Marjorie Thorpe, 1769 Astra Rd., Comox, B. C., V9M 4B6, NO LATER THAN MAY 8, 2006

Note: Click on Map image for larger map.

======================================== HURRAY!!!!
Renovations at the Breakwater Cafe in Sidney have been completed and we will resume our Koffee Klatch on Wednesday, May 10 at 9:30 AM and then every second Wednesday of the month.
Breakwater Cafe is located at 9815 Seaforth which runs of Beacon down by the wharf.
Hope you'll all come out for some informative and social discussion.
Sincerely,
Bob Walker

Last Air Canada CRJ flights operated April 30. April 30th marked the last day the Canadair Regional Jet operated in the Air Canada fleet. All of Air Canada's CRJs are transferring to Air Canada Jazz. The CRJ first joined Air Canada in the Fall of 1994, and with the signing of the Open Skies Agreement in 1995, this aircraft quickly became the backbone of the airline's expansion into the United States. Nicknamed 'hub-buster', the CRJ played a key role in opening many underserved or unserved city-pairs between Canada and the United States.

Look what C1's and upgraded cons can look forward to!!! - Executive First onboard service changes May 1st Customers travelling in Executive First between Canada and Europe or Delhi, India will notice a few changes to the services offered onboard. The most noticeable change will be the re- introduction of the meal tray, which will replace the current trolley presentation service for table settings, appetizers, and cheese. The snacks offered during the first bar service will change from a ramekin of warm nuts to individual miniature olive jars and packaged almond snacks. We will continue to offer a light meal prior to landing. On flights from Canada to Europe, a continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, warm breakfast pastries, yogurt and cereal will be served along with beverages. On flights from Europe to Canada, the 'lite bites' service will feature fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette, a choice of hot savouries and sauces accompanied by a full selection of beverages.
Customers will have a choice of three meal options: a four course meal consisting of a choice of appetizer, choice of three main courses, cheese plate, and choice of two desserts. Two alternative meal options are available for customers who want more time to sleep or work during the flight. The Gourmet Express meal features a cold plate; main course, cheese plate, and dessert. The other light meal option features a choice of appetizer, cheese plate, and dessert. We will implement these changes on our other international flights starting with Tel Aviv on June 1, followed by South America and the South Pacific on July 1, and then Asia and Japan on August 1.

B737 C-FCPK c/n 23176 delivered CPAIR Apr 1986 sold to GPA Dec 1986 who leased it to VASP registered PP-WTB, then to Morris Air as EI-CHD presently flying with Southwest Airlies as N698SW

From: "Bill Cameron" This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Subject: Aviation History
Greetings..!

Some time ago I had asked if anyone out there in cyberspace had any information about, or had worked on or with, two Beechcraft S-18D aircraft bought in 1938 by Prairie Airways of Moose Jaw, SK. Both aircraft remained in service with CPAL after 1942, and were sold to TACA in British Honduras (now Belize) in 1944. Amazingly, both have survived and are in museums in Arizona and Tennessee. These two aircraft were contemporary with the Lockheed 10A operations across Canada of Trans-Canada Air Lines in 1938-1942, and have some considerable historic significance in Canadian Aviation.

I did make contact with many people whose careers touched on those two aircraft, and many of those folks were in their mid-eighties and ninties, and were a 'gold-mine' of information -pilots, air engineers, and others.

The research article that I produced is published in the Canadian Aviation Historical Society Journal Vol.44 No.1 - Spring 2006, with photos of the two aircraft and personalities such as Grant McConachie, Dick Ryan, Ted West, Ted Fowler - all of CPAL in 1943.

I have just heard about an incident - probably the winter of 1942/43 - in which several USAAC B-26 Marauder aircraft force-landed (or crashed) in the vicinity of Watson Lake. The area apparently became known to pilots and other personnel of CPAL as "Million Dollar Valley". It seems that some CPAL aircraft may have visited the site in that winter, and I would be interested to know if anyone out there still remembers details of the incident.
Would it be possible to ask that question on the NetLetter?

Sincerely,
Bill Cameron
Okotoks, AB
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aeroplan® partner Hilton Hotels offers exclusive discounts in the Caribbean
Wouldn't some time in the sun be lovely? With hotels and resorts worldwide, Hilton Hotels invites active and retired ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. employees to take advantage of special rates at their properties in the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, Tobago and Trinidad. To benefit from this offer, you must book on-line at www.hiltoncaribbean.com/travelindustry.shtm and insert AL as the promotion code. Alternately, you may dial 1.877.GO.HILTON (toll-free from Canada and the US) and mention promotion code AL at time of reservation. You'll be asked to present your ID/travel card at time of check-in. Bon voyage!

Frank Pedder found this one -
For those that don't know, "The Sled" is the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane from the 1960's and still the fastest airplane.

In his book, "Sled Driver", SR-71 Blackbird pilot Brian Shul writes: "I'll always remember a certain radio exchange that occurred one day as Walt (my back- seater) and I were screaming across Southern California 13 miles high. We were monitoring various radio transmissions from other aircraft as we entered Los Angeles airspace.
Though they didn't really control us, they did monitor our movement across their scope.
I heard a Cessna ask for a readout of its ground speed."90 knots" Center replied. Moments later, a Twin Beech required the same. "120 knots," Center answered. We weren't the only ones proud of our ground speed that day as almost instantly an F-18 smugly transmitted, "Ah, Center, Dusty 52 requests ground speed readout." There was a slight pause, then the response, "525 knots on the ground, Dusty." Another silent pause.
As I was thinking to myself how ripe a situation this was, I heard a familiar click of a radio transmission coming from my back-seater. It was at that precise moment I realized Walt and I had become a real crew, for we were both thinking in unison. "Center, Aspen 20, you got a ground speed readout for us?" There was a longer than normal pause....
"Aspen, I show 1,742 knots" (That's about 2004.658 mph for those who don't know)
No further inquiries were heard on that frequency.

When Hillary Clinton visited Iraq last month the Army Blackhawk helicopter used to transport the Senator was given the call sign "broomstick one". And they say the Army has no sense of humor!

Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
- Trans-Canada Airlines
- Canadian Airlines
- Pacific Western
- Eastern Provincial
- Nordair
- Transair
and 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 reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.

A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold.

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