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About us!
Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and
Terry Baker have been issuing an email
newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have
provided us with their email addresses. The
Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the
name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a
TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar
with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed
to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion
when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally
simplified to just "The NetLetter".
We believe that our NetLetter, which
originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to
use this medium to disperse information for retirees
of
Air Canada.
The NetLetter contains airline related information
such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the
recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap...
excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours,
interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep
our Air Canada family together and in touch.
Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair
group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only
the Internet email addresses of those who would like
to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to
other retirees who can then subscribe right from the
forwarded link at the bottom of this email.
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Please visit our Sponsors
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Dear NetLetter,
This Issue was scheduled to be emailed on August
20, 2005 but I was away and not able to obtain a
high speed Internet connection while I was away. My
apologies to the Netletter readers and to Terry and
Vesta.
Regards, Alan
For our new readers
We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by
over 2700 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
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| Must know... |
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Travelling to Rome? This may cause some disruptions
for you! Italy's flag carrier Alitalia faces the prospect
of a peak travel season strike as flight attendants
with the SULT union confirmed an August 30-31
protest over a contracts dispute
Travelling to LHR? - This may disrupt your plussing
plans to LHR! Talks aimed at resolving a dispute at
the catering supplier to British Airways which
triggered a wider walkout of airline staff and threw
the country's flagship carrier into chaos have broken
down.
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| North Star Feedback |
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More on the North Stars
From: "Joyce & Jim Griffith"
Subject: Re: North Stars
I am a retired AC pilot and I am researching the
North Star crash on Mt. Slesse near Hope, B.C. in
1956. So far I've gathered a lot of information
but I need to fill in some specific gaps. Journalists at
the time seem to have distorted some aspects of the
inquiry.
I have three different radio transcripts that don't
quite agree. I think the ATC and TCA audio tapes
may still be around somewhere. They are not in
the national archives. If anyone knows where they
might be I'd appreciate knowing about them.
The chief investigator was Denis D. Murphy; if
anyone knew him or knew of him I'd like to know a
little about his personal history. The RCAF were in
charge of the search. If anyone knows how I might
get information on who the search master was,
which squadron he was from and how I might get
details from squadron operational notes on the
search I'd appreciate the advice.
Jim Griffith This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(and more)
With regards to the article in NetLetter nr 893 - I
was flying North Stars to newfoundland in 1958...So I
guess they were stil around then.
Capt. Pierre Guy Charbonneau (ret)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Regarding Jack Russell's memories (ret'd
since '83)
I want to tell you that I was the District Manager -
Sydney - at the time of an overshoot of a North star
which seemed to receive minimal damage on the nose
wheel. There were no passenger injuries.
Unfortunately, I was out of Sydney at the time,
attending a meeting, but remember meeting the
maintenance crew that flew in to assist the local
staff with repairs.
Jack Morgan (retired "75")
You're right, Jack...one old Codger still remembers
the North Star incident at Sydney...The acft sitting
at the end of the runway resting on the main
undercarriage and a collapsed nose wheel...I went to
Sydney to do a survey and prepare an accident
report along with the late Pete Blyth,who took all the
photos for me...Tony Bruneau from YXF was in
charge...They decided to make temporary repairs
(lock the nose gear down, and wire the n/w doors
closed)and fly back to Base. A stranded passenger
(rev) was offered a seat on the return trip......He
was boarded via the motorized baggage conveyor
belt to the front exit door and settled in 1st Class...
An excellent take-off and an uneventful trip back to
YUL(except for some snide remarks from another
passing N/S...,I believe the pilot on this Ferry Flt was
Capt. Art Tonkin.......Lee Cooper (who retired in'83
also)
Hi!... My memory is also not too sharp, but you can
remind Jack Russell that, - as the aircraft flared for
landing at Sydney, it struck a mound of earth which
was at the landing end of the runway. The existence
of the mound was not posted on the NOTAMS
(notice to airmen messages), which were provided to
all aircraft operators and normally passed on to the
flight crew. The gear was damaged badly and as the
plane landed and bellied in, the Purser Steward (his
name is gone) was out the door before the thing
came to a complete stop, and was catching
passengers as they jumped. No one was seriously
injured. The aircraft was patched up on a temporary
basis, ferried to UL, eventually repaired and returned
to service, but they said it flew with a bit of
a 'wallow' thereafter. You'd better check to see if
the Crew are still with us, they will surely have more
precise info. I don't remember when it happened, it
could have been before or during '48 when I was a
Purser on the Atlantic. but I think it was when we
were Flt. Ops. in Ground School at the time, so it
was some time after '57, therefore it must have been
an M-2 ? In any case, wouldn't the number have
been 208? ....Glen
Below is a link to the Project North Star web
site where they are restoring a North Star (among
other projects).
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Project North Star Link |
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| Reader Feedback |
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Help!
From: "Ronald A. Stunden" This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.<
br>
Subject: LAX
Anyone know how (transport) from LAX to union
station in LA. Bus or what ever. Thanks Ron
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| Where are they Now? |
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Saville Hambleton sends this message - The
British Columbia Museum, located at Victoria
International Airport, has acquired a former AC
Viscount, fin 625, CF-THG c/n 224, and will shortly
be recruiting interested Pionairs to help in the
restoration. This aircraft was originally delivered to
TCA on Mar 28th 1957, withdrawn from service in
April 1974, sold to Beaver Enterprises who later sold
it to Pacific Vocation & Institute in 1980. It has been
residing at Vancouver International Airport until early
this year.
The British
Columbia Aviation Museum. located at
Victoria Airport, Victoria, British Columbia is pleased
to invite all retired airline employees to a Museum
Open House on Tuesday, September 6th
from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ----- Entrance is free
to all retirees and spouses.
Please have some airline ID to present at the
reception desk.
Of primary interest will be the Vickers Viscount, fin
625, recently acquired by the Museum. Others of
interest are an airworthy Tigermoth and Chipmunk
are among some of the aircraft at the Museum. If
you like a challenge, you may even want to join a
restoration team. Coffee is free all day.
When: Tuesday September 6 th, 2005,
10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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| Other News |
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A comment about 'What's next?' - In the
past, when making an airline reservation, one was
asked "Window or aisle seat?" Then it was "Smoking
or non smoking" and now -"Will you be using your cell
phone?" Will the airlines partition the cabins for cell
phone users only from those who would like peace
and quiet without listening to conversations being
shouted into a miniature cell phone?
How irritating is it to see drivers roaring past you
with a cell phone jammed into their ear or the teens
talking to their friends, who are probably across the
street from them.It seems that the populace can no
longer exist without being "in touch" - what ever
happened before the advent of the cell phone?
Victoria's Picnic
After a rainy night the sun came out and shone on
the 39 participants at the annual Victoria Pionairs
picnic held at Mount Doug Park. Lots of games,
prizes, food and comraderie made this a great
success.
FYI for our stamp collectors: U.S.P.S. has
issued 10 stamps featuring significant aircraft...
Travellers FYI. (slightly edited by VBS)
Flyers passing through U.S. have few rights.
A senior lawyer for the U.S. government has told a
judge hearing a lawsuit over xxxx deportation to xxxx
that foreign citizens passing through American
airports have almost no rights. At most, Mary Mason
told a hearing in Brooklyn, N.Y., passengers would
have the right not to be subjected to "gross physical
abuse."
The policy has implications for Canadians who head
for international destinations via big American
airports in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other
major centers.
Mason said the U.S. government is interpreting its
powers in such a way that passengers never
intending to enter the U.S. connecting to
international flights at U.S. airports must prove they
are no threat and could be allowed to enter the
country.
If passengers are deemed to be inadmissible, they
have no constitutional rights even if later taken to an
American prison. Mason told Judge David Trager
that's because they are deemed to be still outside
the U.S., from a legal point of view.
"Someone who's inadmissible is in the same category
as the people that the CIA snatches and grabs from
other countries," said Barbara Olshansky, a lawyer for
the U.S.-based Center for Constitutional Rights,
which is suing a number of U.S. officials on xxxx
behalf.
"You are fair game for however executive branch
wants to treat you."
Mason said the interpretation means travellers can
be detained without charge, denied the right to
consult a lawyer, and even refused necessities such
as food and sleep.
That's what happened to xxxx, a Canadian-xxxx
citizen who was stopped while trying to board a
connecting flight in New York in 2002 and accused of
having terrorist connections.
The Ottawa engineer was detained, not allowed to
speak to a lawyer or the Canadian consul, and
eventually deported through xxxx to xxxx, where he
claimed he was tortured while being held in prison for
a year.
At most, Mason told the judge, a foreign passenger
detained while travelling through a U.S. airport might
have a limited right to protection from "gross physical
abuse."
However, department spokeswoman Cynthia
Magnuson issued this short statement: "The United
States does not practise torture, export torture or
condone torture."
In legal briefs written by U.S. Attorney General
Alberto Gonzales, the Justice Department has defined
torture to mean "pain consistent with major organ
failure or death."
=================================
From: "ken bell"/ From: Jana & Bud Husband - I found
this on the ACFamily website and just thought you
may wish to pass it on to your NetLetter membership.
(reprinted here especially for those who are not able
to read ACFN).eds
A Woman of Achievement - Lillian Kinkela Keil
This Lady was a Hero and an honor to the
profession!!!!!
Lillian Kinkela Keil - passed away June 30,
2005 published by the LAX Chapter of Clipped Wings
Lillian became a United Airlines stewardess in 1938 at
the airport in Oakland, CA. Within days, she went
from a nurse in the pediatrics ward of St. Mary's
Hospital in San Francisco to the mail cabin of a
Boeing 247-D tending to passengers with the same
care she gave her patients. "No one showed us how
to be a stewardess we just did what had to be
done." Many passengers who flew then were famous.
She met Eleanor Roosevelt, Lily Pons, Admiral Byrd,
Charles Lindbergh and Cary Grant who took her on a
date.
When the U.S. entered WWII and many other United
stewardess joined the war effort and were trained as
flight nurses. By 1943, she was in England pulling
wounded and frostbitten crewmen out of B-17's
returning from bombing raids. There she witnessed
the first buzz bomb attack on London. In June of
1944 she was aboard a C-47 crammed full of gas, oil,
rations and medical supplies. D-Day had arrived and
she was heading for Normandy to collect the
wounded.
After 250 missions and 25 transatlantic flights at
war's end, Lillian returned to her old job with United
where she became Assistant Chief Stewardess at
LAX. By 1950 she was in Korea as a flight nurse,
where she clocked another 175 air evacuation
mission, including the Chosin Reservoir with the
Marines.
In 1953, Lillian became the technical adviser for the
movie 'Flight Nurse' based on her experiences with
the 801st Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron
in Korea. She went on tour with its star, Joan Leslie
who became a life long friend. Lillian was featured on
Ralph Edwards This Is Your Life, 1961, receiving one
of the ten highest mail responses due to so many of
the recovered vets who recognized her.
United Airlines Stewardess 5/1938 - 6/1943
Assistant Chief Stewardess, LAX 1/1946 - 4/1947
Alaska to San Francisco Mail Service Flight,
5/26/1938
Honolulu to San Francisco Inaugural Flight,
5/1947
Member of LAX Clipped Wings, Co Historian
The recipient of numerous military decorations
including: 4 Air Medals, 4 Presidential Unit Citations,
World War II Victory Medal, European Theater w/4
Battle Stars, Korean Air Service Medal w/7 Battle
Stars, American Defense Medal.
Lillian was the most decorated woman in Military
History and was interred with Full Military Honors at
the Riverside National Cemetery July 8, 2005 - she
will be with her Marines.
Lillian was also a member of the Orange County
Chapter of the Chosin Few - survivors of the battle
of Chosin, N. Korea-Nov/Dec 1950. My spouse,
Forrest, is a member of the Chapter and how I met
Lillian. She was a remarkable woman.
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| Star Alliance News |
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United Airlines' recent aircraft lease
restructuring is a key victory for the embattled
carrier, a move that could accelerate its bankruptcy
exit if it wants to leave court protection late this
year or early next.
Airbus has successfully integrated the electronic Lido
eRouteManual and the airport and route charts from
Lufthansa Systems into the On-board Information
System (OIS) of the A380. Since last year, Airbus
and the IT services provider have been working on a
complete solution for the paperless cockpit as part of
their cooperation.
Thai Airways International is considering postponing
the acquisition of two new Airbus A340 aircraft to
next year after heavy losses.
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| Smilie |
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Space tourists now can buy a flight around the moon
for $100 million. (Use your credit card to get those
Aeroplan miles, then exchange them for a flight
back to earth! - eds)
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| Terry's Travel Tips |
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In NetLetter 895 we missed the url for the coupon -
Discounted Rate Voucher for your employee
groups - Banff/Canmore
Bow Valley Bedfinders in Canmore extending
the following discount to all employees/retirees.
Receive 25-50% Off Rack Rates On All Room Types
When you book your getaway to the Canadian Rocky
Mountains. You can download a voucher and print it
from
www.rumrabbit.com - Interline Virtually
Anywhere tm.
Deals offered by INTERLINE WORLD
VACATIONS
TUSCAN ITALIAN HOLIDAY
====================================
Tuscan Villa Holiday plus Mini-Cooking School
7 Nights - Oct 15, 2005
Enjoy the beauty and history of Tuscany. While
there - learn to cook Tuscan style. This fabulous
holiday includes a 9 hour mini-cooking school delivered
by excellent, experienced local chefs. Your holiday
will include a car rental with unlimited miles. To learn
more about this exciting holiday in one of Italy's most
popular regions - Contact Us For A Detailed Itinerary
Limited Space - Only $1499 USD per person based on
double occupancy. Does notinclude Air.
====================================
FEATURE RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISING
====================================
Seven Seas Mariner - Sep 26 for 14 Nights
Tokyo - Hong Kong
Starting in Tokyo with stops in Nagasaki, Dalian,
Tianjin (for Beijing),Shanghai, Hong Kong.
Oceanview: $3500
----------------------------------------------
Seven Seas Mariner - Oct 10 for 14 Nights
Hong Kong - Singapore
Starting in Hong Kong with stops in Hong Gai (for
Hanoi), Halong Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon), Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Singapore.
Oceanview: $3500
----------------------------------------------
Seven Seas Mariner - Oct 24 for 14 Nights
Singapore - Sydney
Starting in Singapore with stops in Bali (Benoa),
Komodo Island, Darwin, Thursday Island, Cairns,
Hayman Island, Sydney.
Oceanview: $3150
====================================
JUST RELEASED FROM THE YACHTS OF
SEABOURN
====================================
Seabourn Spirit - Oct 23 for 16 Nights
The Red Sea & Africa
Starting in Alexandria (Cairo) with stops in Transiting
the Suez Canal, Sharmel Sheikh (Sinai), Aqaba
(Petra), Safaga (Luxor), Cruising the Red Sea,
Cruising the Gulf of Aden, Cruising the Indian Ocean,
Mombasa.
Oceanview: $3200
===================================
BAHAMAS & BERMUDA CRUISING
===================================
Norwegian Dawn for 7 Nights from New York
Bahamas
Starting in New York with stops in Orlando (Port
Canaveral), Miami, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau.
Aug 28 - Inside: $499 Oceanview: $549 Balcony:
$649
Sep 4 - Inside: $499 Oceanview: $549 Balcony: $649
Sep 11 - Inside: $499 Oceanview: $549 Balcony:
$649
----------------------------------------------
Jewel of the Seas for 10 Nights from Boston
Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean
Starting in Vancouver to San Diego with stops in
Astoria, Pacific Ocean, Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili Kauai,
Lahaina Maui, Kona.
Sep 12 - Inside: $699 Oceanview: $899 Balcony:
$1099
Oct 2 - Inside: $749 Oceanview: $949 Balcony:
$1149
All cruise prices quoted per person based upon
double-occupancy in USD. Port Changes Included.
For information and reservations, please call
INTERLINE WORLD VACATIONS AT
1-866-279-8480 toll free or (604) 279-8482
Some deals being offered by Dargal
-
12 Night Europe - Viking Sun
Viking River Cruises
Aug 25 | Sept 18
Ports of Call: Antwerp, Belgium; Brugges, Belgium;
Delft, Netherlands; Gouda, Netherlands; Amsterdam,
Netherlands; Arnhem, Netherlands; Cologne,
Germany; Koblenz, Germany; Rudesheim, Germany;
Heidelberg, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Breisach,
Germany; Basel, Switzerland from: Oceanview:
$1399
12 Night Europe - Viking Sky
Viking River Cruises
Aug 26 | Sept 19
Ports of Call: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cologne,
Germany; Rudesheim, Germany; Mainz, Germany;
Wertheim, Germany; Wurzburg, Germany;
Rothenburg, Germany; Nuremberg, Germany;
Regensburg, Germany; Passau, Germany; Melk,
Austria; Vienna, Austria; from: Oceanview: $1399
Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars per person (based on
double occupancy).
PORT CHARGES ARE INCLUDED. Taxes, fees and
Dargal's non-refundable $25
Service Fee per room is not included.
Contact Rob Corey at Dargal Interline Worldwide
Phone: 1-800-690-3223
International:(Int'l Access Code)-800-2832-7425
More deals from Caesar Hotels Interline -
Ireland B&B Fall/Winter Special 5 Nights B&B, 5 day
car rental, Full Irish breakfast daily from $399*
Experience the warmth and cordiality of authentic
Irish hospitality and have the freedom and flexibility
to enjoy Irealnd at your own pace! Our unbeatable
package includes 1st night hotel, 4 nights B&B, full
Irish breakfast daily, 3 door economy car with
unlimited mileage + entrance to the world famous
Waterford Crystal Factory and receive 10% off
purchases right at the factory! Book now for travel
between Sept 1 and March 31, 2006
Ask about confirmed air options, car upgrades and
additional days/nights.
The perfect time and price for an Irish fling!
Honolulu 6 Days/ 5 Nights with confirmed air from
$502*
This hotel is located close to the fun and excitement
of the world famed Waikiki Beach. Package includes
round trip confirmed air from LAX, arrival and
departure transfers, 5 nights accommodations
Ohana Maile Sky Court.
Airline taxes are additional. Travel between August
24 and December 8, 2005
800 422 3727
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| Luxury Condo in Kauai, Hawaii for rent |
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This year Norm and Joan Randall do not
expect to be using their luxury condo weeks on the
Island of Kauai, Hawaii, and would be willing to rent
them out.
We have two units that sleep 6 people each. Both
are 2000 sq. ft. in size. They may be available either
as 2 units consecutively, or possibly both units for
the same week, i.e. for a large family gathering;
or one week at a time. We would have to apply for
the dates requested. The availability depends on
dates requested in the complex by other owners.
The complex is called Pahio at
Ka'Eo Kai and is located in the community of
Princeville on the north end of
Kauai - the garden island, where many
movies have been filmed, including South Pacific,
Blue Hawaii, and Jurassic Park.
For further information, visit: www.pahio
.com/kaeokai.asp this will bring up the home
page for these units.
On left side of page see;
- Directions
- Amenities
- Floor plans (there are 2 different 2 bedroom units
each 2000 sq. feet)
On right side of home page see;
- Garden Island Description
- Island Activities
We would like $1150.00 CDN dollars per week for
each unit – for 6 people this is about $28.00 per day
per person.
For more info- regarding dates etc; contact Norm
or Joan Randall @
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – or phone 604-261-
4308
Note: this ad has been placed here in return
for a donation to the ACFamily Network to help pay
for the costs of this NetLetter.
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Click here to visit the Pahio at Ka'Eo Kai |
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| Sponsors |
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The mailing and formating of the NetLetter for HTML
format is provided by 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!
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Please support the ACFamily Network |
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| NetLetter Archives |
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The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily
Network Forums area. They are in plain text
format so you can print them from there if desired. If
you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet,
we encourage you to join us there. Non members can
Register here. (It's Free!)
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