Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

About us!

Need to know

Nice to know

Vancouver Island Chapter CAHS Christmas Luncheon

Star Alliance News

Where are they now?

Medical insurance info

Sheila Moscoe's Trip

Terry's Travel Tips

Smilie

A great Christmas Gift!

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.

Welcome to the 952nd issue of "NetLetter". We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2739 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 published courtesy of the ACFamily Network at www.acfamily.net

From: Lyle and Marilyn
Subject: fed ex discounts

FYI we were just at our local FedEx at YWG airport and was told that as of Nov 30/06 they do not offer discounted rates for retirees for shipments to the U.S.A. I never asked about other international locations, but would assume also nix for retirees.

On Dec 5th., the UK announced that taxes on airline passenger tickets will double to £10 ($19.80) for most flights from Feb. 1, with duties on long-haul business class tickets doubling to £80 per ticket, as part of an effort to reduce carbon emissions.

Subject: Vancouver Island Chapter CAHS Christmas Luncheon

Chapter members and friends,

Notice: The annual Vancouver Island Chapter Christmas Lunch is at Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe, 11:30 am, Wednesday, December 13, 2006.

Please let Stoney (250-478-7567) or myself (250- 544-2183) know if you are planning to attend, as we will be reserving a table. Remember that aviation friends and partners are welcome.
We are looking forward to an enjoyable visit with lots of you.

Please Note:
At the November meeting of the Vancouver Island Chapter the vote to continue as a chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society was unanimous. The following discussion also felt that the Chapter should reach out to the wider aviation community, including the BC Aviation Museum, for more members and chapter participants.

Please put on your New Years Calendar:
The next meeting of the Chapter will be; Saturday, January 20th, 2007. This will be our first Saturday meeting and our first Breakfast meeting.

Breakfast; 9:30 am, Saturday, January 20th, 2007 at Mary's.

Meeting: 11:00 am, Saturday, January 20th, 2007 in the Norseman Room at the BC Aviation Museum. (A follow-up notice will go out in January).

Speaker: Gary Grass, Quality Manager, First Officer and training officer, Flying Tankers Inc. Gary has also been an instructor with BCIT. He will be doing a LCD presentation and a discussion about flying the Martin Mars.

This will also be the chapter Annual General Meeting and an election of officers for 2007 will take place.

To those of you that I won't see in the next month; All the Best Wishes for a very Merry Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Love and cheer,

Jacqueline Frampton

On Dec 5th., Lufthansa's board approved orders for 20 747-8 Intercontinentals-the first of the variant to be sold by Boeing-plus 20 options and seven A340-600s, a total investment in long-haul planes valued at nearly $7 billion.

Star Alliance was chosen as the world’s Best Airline Alliance. In total, Star Alliance partners earned top honours in 12 categories.

A320 C-FLSF fin 406 c/n 279 which was returned to the lessor Jul 31/06 has now been leased, by MSA, to Eirjet and reregistered EI-DOZ

A suggestion from the RAPCAN eMailNews - Examine your medical insurance

First rule: read and understand every single word in the policy
Toronto Star Sep. 24, 2006. 01:00 AM
JAMES DAW
Buying travel medical insurance can be a minefield if you do not read, and understand, every word in the policy. Never assume a policy will cover you without examining it carefully.
The health questionnaire for some policies may not ask if you have had a problem with your heart or lungs in the past. But read on.
You may discover in the policy exclusions that you will not be covered at all if you have had heart or lung problems.
The policy application may ask if you have ever been treated for a heart or lung problem.
You may think you have not, but read on: the policy's definition of "treatment" may include taking any form of medication * even a baby aspirin as a preventative measure, a pill to reduce your cholesterol or an inhaler to control asthma.
You might think that getting a clean bill of health at your annual medical check-up would clear your way for obtaining coverage.
But you may have to ask questions if you discover the word "investigated" in the clause that limits coverage when you have had a pre-existing medical condition. Ask if it's possible a hardline insurance adjuster would deny a medical claim if your check-up included something extra, such as a heart stress- test or a series of special blood work.
A sales brochure may state that you will be covered for a medical emergency if a pre-existing condition has been stable for 60 or 90 days. Again, read the policy: It may make special reference to heart, lung or other internal problems, and require the conditions to have been stable for one to five years.
Most policies require you, or someone aware of your situation, to call the insurer's emergency assistance line before you receive medical treatment outside of Canada.
Naturally, this requirement is aimed at controlling costs. But it could also protect you from unnecessary operation, an inadequate level of care or a delay in treatment.
Be sure to check the penalties for not notifying the insurer prior to treatment, though.
Some policies will only pay a certain number of dollars toward the cost of treatment, while others will only pay a percentage of the total bill.
Either way, if the disputed treatment costs a million dollars you would owe a lot of money to a foreign hospital or doctors.

We have another update from Sheila Moscoe on her travels - Hi everyone
It's been a long time since I last wrote from Perth, Australia. Actually, Shirley and I spent the day in Fremantle where our ship was docked as we had been in Perth on a previous cruise.
So, after sailing for 3 more days, we arrived in lovely Adelaide. We took the train from the port into the city, and then hopped on the free shuttle which took us around. Fortunately it was Sunday, so there wasn't much traffic and we were able to get a pretty good bird's eye view of the surroundings. Wide avenues, beautiful turn of the century buildings, and very easy to navigate around by ourselves. Shirley and I took the tram to Glenelg which is a popular seaside town for the locals. She and I wandered around and had lunch, then rode back to Adelaide. The tram fare was included in the day ticket that we had purchased for the train. After getting back to Adelaide, we went window shopping on the pedestrian mall, and watched the world go by. Before we knew it, it was time to return to the train station and head back to the ship. After another day at sea, we then arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday, November 7th which was a state (Victoria) holiday there. Also, the Melbourne Cup was held that day - that's horse racing for those of you who aren't in the know!! We took the train from the ship into the city and then took another free shuttle bus around all the neat areas from one side of the river to the other. Stopped in Chinatown for some noodle soup and spent some time in Federation Square which was set up for the race with huge screens, pony rides for the kids, and lots of buzz happening around. Despite the cool weather (around 12C) there were lots of people milling about. By the way, we had a Melbourne Cup Race Day party on board the Pacific Princess and my horse came in 2nd! And Shirley and Nancy's horse came in 3rd. So, we won some money and had lots of fun celebrating.
The next day we were in Tasmania and docked in Burnie. That's another wonderful place to visit, very laid back, friendly merchants and easy to get around. All these Australian ports of call we had been before, but it was certainly nice to visit them again.
The cruise came to an end, after 29 days, in Sydney, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We docked at a naval dockyard, and so we didn't get to sail past the Opera House or underneath the Harbour Bridge. But, sailing into the harbour is spectacular no matter where the ship docks. It was like coming home again.
We all stayed at a hotel in Darling Harbour for the first night, and on Saturday, our friend Peter picked Shirley and I up and we drove to Newington to stay at their (Glenn's) house. Nancy and Charlie followed in their car. They stayed for lunch and we then said our good byes. It was sad to leave them after spending a wonderful holiday together. We had been Charlie's angels for 5 weeks and we knew we were going to miss him (and Nancy, too).
Shirley and I had a lovely week-end with Peter and Glenn, and before you knew it, it was time to pack again and leave for New Zealand.
And that's where Shirley and I are right now. We flew to Auckland where we spent 3 nights at an art deco apartment/hotel building downtown. Did all the touristy things that I did last year when I was there with Karen and Trevor and Erin. This time, it wasn't winter, but warm and in the 20's. Shirley and I love to go to the casinos wherever we travel, and this was no exception. We were winners both nights! We rented a car and drove to the Coromandel Coast which is a spectacular drive along the coastline, with twists and turns, ups and downs, and of course, on the "wrong" side of the road! I managed to stay on my side all of the time.
We enjoyed our rest and relaxation at a motel overlooking the bay.
Took in all the sights, and then we headed to Rotorua.
This is the sulphur city with thermal waters all around. In fact, we spent an hour today in different mineral pools at the Polynesian Spa. The temperature in the pools varied from 36C to 42C. Very relaxing, after a day at the Maori Culture Centre (Te Puia) and visiting the Museum.
Weather is cool, with some rain now and again, but lovely all the same.
We're off to the wine region of Napier and Hastings, then on to Wellington, and eventually back to Sydney, then home.
I have been thinking of you and wanted to get to a computer with some quiet time and tonight I found it at this hotel.

Love, Sheila

To get to Vancouver Island when there is no space on Jazz. A cab will cost around $55.00 to the ferry terminal. Why not try Translink public transport, unfortunately, not all busses are equipped with special areas for your baggage -
From YVR bus nr 424 will take you to the Delta Hotel where you transfer to the bus nr 620 which will whisk you off to Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Cost is between $2.50 and $3.50 The reverse will get you to YVR - where your space available airline seat awaits you!

Airbus parent EADS' board gave its approval late Friday for the industrial launch of the A350 XWB, the first of which will enter service in 2013.
(We notice the parent company is EADS - these initials stand for a chain of stores in most north American shopping malls called "Everything A Dollar Store" we pass this information on in case you are looking for a Christmas present - eds)

Order now for Christmas Gift giving!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Must know

Nice to know

Air Canada News

More Air Canada "firsts"

Star Alliance News

Found on the Internet

News from the Districts

Reader Feedback

Terry's Travel Tips

Smilie

A great Christmas Gift!

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.

Welcome to the 953rd issue of "NetLetter". We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2740 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. It is published courtesy of the ACFamily Network at www.acfamily.net

Passport requirement for travel to the United States. Effective January 23, 2007, passports will be the ONLY acceptable form of identification for Canadian and U.S. citizens travelling by air to the United States.

The requirement to carry a passport for ground and sea travel will be applicable at a later date.

From: "Conrad Karsen" <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> Subject: Fedex
Just to comment, we have had recent occassion to send packages, one from Canada (PEI) and one from the States (Virginia) to Poland via FEDEX. Absolutely no problem with discount and FEDEX staff very pleasant and accomodating, as always.
Cheers,
(Be aware that shipment can be refused at some agencies for Fedex - eds)

Air Canada said new aircraft entering its fleet will continue to drive operating costs down.
Costs were down across the board in the first nine months of 2006, Executive VP and CFO Joshua Koshy said yesterday in New York at the Calyon Securities Airline Conference, which was available via webcast.

Koshy noted that AC will begin taking delivery of 18 777s on firm order next year. "The 777 is 26% cheaper on a CASM basis than the A340-500s" the new planes will be replacing, he said. He added that E-190s, of which it has ordered 45, have "18% cheaper costs per trip" than the A319s those jets are replacing. In addition, 14 787s on firm order to begin delivering in 2010 are 30% less costly to operate than the 767-300s they will replace.(Source ATW)

United Airlines and Continental Airlines each declined to confirm numerous US media reports that they are discussing a potential merger.

Green Coat volunteers, who provide directions and information to visitors at YVR, consists of 232 members, who speak 22 languages among them. Up to 15 Green Coat volunteers work each day.

Some 46 retirees and spouses attended the Mid Island Luncheon held in Parksville for the Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands Pionair district.

The meal provided was very well received and the 50/50 prize was won by Carol Humphrey. Several bottles of wine, Pionciana plants and a lamp were given out as door prizes.

The Director, Harold Thomas, encouraged those present to get their bookings in early for the 30th AGM being held in Victoria next year, and also sought volunteers to assist in the organisation of future lunches and events in the Mid Island area.

From: Ron Peel <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Subject: Books

Like many RCAF veterans I wrote a personal account of "My Time At War...And A Little Bit More". This included some details of navigating the Lancastrians of the Canadian Government Trans Atlantic Air Service across the Atlantic and TCA's other early involvement in overseas operations. My second book "Air Navigation As Practiced By TCA And Air Canada" provided a more technical account of the systems, methods and procedures employed by our Company since its infancy until today to ensure that its aircraft reached their destinations in the safest and most efficient manner possible.

The latter book was distributed free of charge to organizations and individuals whom I assumed would be interested in an authoritative account of the methods used by Company pilots and navigators throughout its history.

Although I no longer have copies for distribution I am prepared to e-mail excerpts from "Air Navigation...." to retirees or employees who might be interested in specific chapters. A list of the 39 chapters in the 136 page illustrated book is available on request from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

and

Arlene Mcculloch <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> sends us this information -
Subject: South Florida transportation Checked out this rail system
www.tri-rail.com
Check it out ! Proven to be a good alternative to Ft. Lauderdale departures.
For example the cost one way from Miami International Airport is just us$3.00

Overheard while flying practice approaches at Sioux City, Iowa:

Tower: "Skylane Eight Seven Charlie, cleared for the approach; caution, waterfall in the area."
Short silence, presumably while the Skylane pilot questioned passengers on the transmission.
Skylane: "Eight Seven Charlie, say again?"
Tower: "Skylane Eight Seven Charlie, cleared for the approach; caution, waterfall in the area." Again, short silence.
Skylane: "Ah, cleared for the approach, but what do you mean by the waterfall caution?"
Tower: "Waterfall, you know: Ducks and geese...Waterfoul."

Order now for Christmas Gift giving!

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.

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.

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.

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

Terry's Travel Tips

Smilie

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.

VESTA, ALAN AND TERRY WISH ALL READERS OF OUR NETLETTER A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THE VERY BEST FOR 2007, HAPPY TRAILS

Welcome to the 954th issue of "NetLetter".

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2741 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. It is published courtesy of the ACFamily Network at www.acfamily.net

Parking Discounts at any Park'N Fly

Parking Discounts for all Air Canada Employees at any Park'N Fly location across Canada. Active and retired Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz employees can take advantage of a 50 per cent discount for leisure travel on SelfPark and Valet Parking at any Park'N Fly location across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Windsor, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. To obtain the discount you will be required to quote the applicable coupon code, which is posted on the Employee Discounts page of Aeronet. You will be required to present your Air Canada identification card. Park'N Fly is Canada's only national parking company and all locations are conveniently open 24- hours a day, 365 days a year.

From the London England monthly Pionairs newsletter

Pass Allotments will be refreshed on 6th January so if there are any changes you wish to make to your profile now would be a good time. 4 C1/J10 passes will be included as well as your 10 partner passes.
Travel completed and billed prior 6th Jan will come out of your 2006 allotment however any travel that occurs on and is billed on or after 6th Jan will come out of your 2007 allotment, even if it's only the return portion of a trip.

On December 16th., Air Canada inaugurated a daily, non-stop flight from Calgary to Palm Springs, California. Air Canada Jazz operates the flights with CRJ-705 aircraft. This seasonal service will operate until April 10, 2007.

On 11 December, a jet belonging to the Austrian Airlines Group landed according to schedule at the international airport of Erbil in Iraq. By so doing, the Austrian airline had taken the first step integrating this destination into its global route network.

PRINCE CHARLES FLIES "GREEN"

Well, we don't expect to sit beside him while we're putting our shoes back on after security at the airport, but Britain's Prince Charles says he's going to skip the convenience of private transport as his sacrifice to help save the planet. Starting in February (no point in rushing these things), Charles reportedly intends to make more use of commercial airlines, trains and biodiesel-powered cars to commute between his various castles and his princely appointments, rather than hop on a private helicopter or bizjet. A spokesman for the prince says he's determined to "reduce our carbon footprint" and will be taking a variety of measures to lighten his considerable environmental load.

Looking for most of the interline deals? Log onto the AC Family Network at www.acfamily.net and key on "Interline Deals" on the Main Menu to check the forum where all the fine details are posted regularly.

Bangkok recently transferred all scheduled flights to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport from the Don Muang Airport. An unusual feature of the Don Buang Airport was its Kantarat Golf course, built between two runways. A taxiway cuts through the course between the 11th and 12th fairways. The largest golf buggy the course had ever seen was a Quantas B747-400, in Sept 1999, when it aquaplaned and overran runway 21L and ran through the manicured green.

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.

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.

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.

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

Park & Fly Discount update

Air Canada News

Star Alliance News

Reader FeedBack

Sheila Moscoe - concluding espisode

Terry's Travel Tips

Smilie

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.

Welcome to the 955th issue of "NetLetter".

This is the last "NetLetter" for 2006 and we'd like to thank our dedicated readers for all the comments, suggestions and feedback we've received from you throughout 2006. Your input is greatly appreciated and welcomed. We will be changing the format a bit for 2007 and also upgrading our website as well.

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2742 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. It is published courtesy of the ACFamily Network at www.acfamily.net

Air Canada offers more than 600 non-stop flights per week to 49 sun destinations.

The saga of the Park & Fly Discount

New seasonal non-stop flight launched from Edmonton to Cancun. AC 1894 departed Wednesday December 20th., marking the launch of the only non- stop, scheduled flights from Edmonton to Cancun. This seasonal service will operate every Wednesday until April 11, 2007 departarting Edmonton at 08:20 arriving in Cancun at 14:45. AC 1895 departs Cancun at 16:00, arriving back into Edmonton at 21:05.

Air New Zealand said it would buy a further four Boeing 787s to meet expected growth over the next decade. The order brought the company's purchase to eight 787s with options on a further eight production slots. Air New Zealand expected to introduce the first plane in 2011 and the last of the eight in 2013.

George & Noreen Brien has sent us this information -
Subject: more TCA history Some more TCA Airport historical stuff with some links to previous posted items in past NL's.

Pennfield Ridge YPN
This airport was constructed in the early 40’s as part of the BCATP program and used as a training airport by the Air Force. It is located 30 miles sw of YSJ, on the highway to the US Border www.geocities.com/blacksharbour/pennfield. html

On April 1st 1947 it was taken over the Ministry of Transport and TCA moved its operation from Blissville to this location to serve YSJ. At this time the new Trans border service began on the route YHZ/YQI/YPN/BOS.
The Station Manager was Bill Hegan and Customer Service Supervisor was Freddie Robinson. Ziggy Ziggerchuk and Bill Scott were two of the Radio Operators. Bob Anderson was one of the Ramp crew. TCA ended its operations into YPN when the new YSJ airport was opened in 1951.
There is still one runway operational and used by JD Irving Ltd

George & Noreen Brien This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sheila Moscoe has finally returned from her "round the world" tour, and this is her concluding episode -

Hi everyone!
The last time I wrote you I was in Rotorura, New Zealand. Well, after we left that smelly town (sulphur smell that is!), we drove via the interior road to Napier. Shirley thought it would be nicer to see some green pastures and sheep instead of twisting and turning mountainous/coastal roads. And sheep we saw! In fact, we were able to stop by the side of the highway to watch the farmer and his dogs round up thousands of sheep. That's something we hadn't seen yet.

We arrived in Napier which is a coastal town on the east side. We found our motel and were glad that we had booked ahead as all the motels had a "No Vacancy" sign. We were right across the street from the ocean.

Napier is an Art Deco town, very laid back, lovely brick sidewalks, 2 storey buildings built in the 30's after the earthquake. We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour with an excellent guide who explained the designs on the buildings. So, we're now experts on Art Deco!!

This area is the wine region so we were able to visit a few of them near the town, and had lunch at The Mission winery with spectacular views of the vineyards. We were able to enjoy our meal out on the patio. We had tasted the wine before lunch! This was the first winery I had been where there was no charge for wine tasting.

We then drove to Hastings, another town close by, and managed a few more wine tastings. Fortunately, you only get a small amount in the glass and if you don't like the taste, you just spit it out. And since I was driving, and it was in the middle of the day, I spit out a lot of wine!

We stopped at a strawberry farm and were able to pick strawberries to our heart's content! The woman didn't even charge us because we didn't have enough to fill a pail and the picking season was starting the next day! But, we did have a berry ice cream cone.

We drove up to the highest point, on the Te Mata Peak Road. Talk about a stomach churner. This one took the cake. Thank goodness there weren't any cars coming in the opposite direction. When we got to the peak to look out, we were swarmed with sand flies! Anyhow, been there, done it!

After spending 3 days in Napier, we then drove to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. It was a magnificent drive, the scenery was spectacular and just before we reached Wellington, we went through another mountain pass. By this time, I was a pro!

Arrived late Friday afternoon in the big city with lots of traffic. Somehow, we managed to find our way to the motel. If you think your city has one way streets, think again! Wellington tops them all.

It's a lovely city with lots of restaurants, good food, wonderful museums (Te Papa is THE museum to visit), but, no casino! So, like Rotorura and Napier, we played the pokies (slot machines) in the local pubs. Thank goodness they're only 2cent machines, so not much to lose, but you can still win some good money as Shirley will agree!

We took the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens and walked through them. On our way down the huge hills, we joined in on a wedding party, then visited the magnificent rose gardens, and finished the walk through a cemetery which brought us right back down into the city.

After 3 nights in Wellington, we flew back to Sydney and stayed with Peter and Glenn and spent the whole day unpacking and repacking over and over again. Thank goodness I knew an airline person who was able to have Air Canada waive our excess baggage charges. The new weight limitation is only 23kg for each suitcase. But, we were allowed to max it out at 32kg. We had 2 bags each to check in.

We flew to Honolulu and had to clear Immigration and Customs and check in again! and then we flew to Vancouver and had to clear Immigration and Customs and check in again to Toronto.

Needless to say, it was a very long journey. We had 2 Tuesdays after crossing the International Date Line, and Australia is 16 hours ahead. So, if you can figure it all out, we were travelling for approximately 25 hours!

It was great to see my brother David at the airport, and it was great to see my bird Blue, and it was great to see my apartment again!

Life has been very hectic since returning 10 days ago, and believe it or not, I am going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on the 19th December until the 30th! This time I will be relaxing in an all inclusive adult resort with nothing to think about except what to eat and how they make a martini!

So, folks, at this time I would like to wish you all a Happy Chanukah and a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

Love, Sheila Moscoe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (If any reader has any travel or career stories to share, we would be happy to include them in our NetLetters - eds)

Fancy Thailand for a vacation?

Frank Shettlesworth is an ex-Air Canada-er from London Enagland and operates a travel office, here are some details -

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS -- AVIATION STYLE
Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,
Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.
The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care,
In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.
The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,
With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.
I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.
A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick".
I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome this magical flight.
He called his position, no room for denial,
"St. Nicholas One, turnin' left onto final."
And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!
With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:
"Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!
On Comet! On Cupid!" What pills was he takin'?
While controllers were sittin', and scratchin' their head,
They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,
The message they left was both urgent and dour:
"When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower."
He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
Then I heard "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."
He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh
And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho, ho-ho- ho..."
He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost
And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.
His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn't inhale.
His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His boots were as black as a cropduster's belly.
He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low- lead."
He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious for drainin' the sump.
I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.
He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.
He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, "Clear!"
And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.
"Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilot's discretion"
He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
"Your traffic's a Grumman, inbound from the west."
Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed through the night,
"Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."


Author unknown

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.

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