Archives 1997

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|\^/|
_| TCA |_            B E T W E E N   Y O U R S E L V E S
_|\| AIR |/|_                   N E T L E T T E R
> CANADA   <
>_./|\._<                   for Air Canada retirees
|
Your crew is: Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson
Co-pilot     - Terry Baker

number 208     date Nov 6th 1997

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. We recently welcomed Ron Groves, and he sends us this bio -

I started with AC in April of 1969 as Passport and Facilitation
Clerk. Back when there was only one passport office in the country
(in Ottawa).
All urgent passport and visa requests came to me for expediting.
this only lasted about a year and a half because regional passport
offices opened up, but it was a very interesting year and a half
and I got to know many embassy staff. After that short stint I was
Budget and Expense clerk for a few years. Some people may remember
the local Ottawa publication "Flypaper". I was chief editor,
photographer, writer, layout and everything else involved in getting
that little newsletter out. It was great fun and I enjoyed every
minute of it. I still have some copies somewhere in the house.
Around 1974 I moved into reservations as an agent in CTS (Central
Travel Service), AC's special setup for Gov't travel. After a short
six months I moved out to the airport. That was when I knew I worked
for an airline. I still remember the feeling when I walked in for
my first shift at 0600hrs. After a couple of years I was promoted
to Supervisor and was also a relief Duty Manager in the STOC Centre.
I worked pretty much all aspects within the airport environment,
including a little ramp work during 1 short strike.
With everybody above me in the "food" chain, as young as myself and
content in their positions, I felt the only way to get ahead was to
seek promotion in the larger AC system.
My wife suggested she would be very happy if I got a promotion to
one of the islands. Guadeloupe came close but I finally came home
one day and told her I got an island. That was Gander, Newfoundland.
Not quite what she wanted but the the H... .
I reported there on June 1st 1988. My wife remained in Ottawa a few
weeks to finish off her work commitments. I called her one day and
interupted her vacuuming the pool, only to tell her that I was
looking out the window at 13 inches of snow on the ground. Not a
promising start!! We were supposed to be there 3 to 5 years.
I hoped to get the experience needed to then maybe get a posting
out of the country. No such luck. By Feb 1989, AC announced the
closure of Gander and turnover to Air Nova.
So in June of 89 I ended up in Fredericton. That was about the time
that reorganizations and cutbacks were picking up steam. Well I
managed to dodge the bullet for a few years. BUT!!!!
April 94 was my official retirement with 25 years and 24 days of
service.

Ron Groves.

~-=o0o=-~

. 60th ANNIVERSARY -
Cory McAdam sends us this update

Fredericton has just advised that they will be holding a
reception to celebrate AC's 60th anniversary this Friday,
November 7, from 1830 to 2130 at the Sheraton Hotel.

Bermuda has planned a dinner on November 24.
I'll send along more details as I receive them.

Zurich is holding an event on November 27 at the Marriott Hotel

Paris is hosting a Kart Race and buffet on December 1

Glasgow is holding a dinner on December 15 at the
Brig a Doon Hotel, in Ayr.

With just a few events to go for the 60th, I am preparing a
re-cap of the events for Air Canada. I welcome any comments or
suggestions you may have as a result of attending your local
celebrations. Please forward them to me and I'll include them
in my report.
Many thanks    Cory McAdam at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

~-=o0o=-~

. NEWS FROM THE DISTRICTS.

Pionair Executive Meeting will take place in Toronto on Nov 19/20th
One item on the agenda is the site selection for AGM-99 and AGM-2000.
Olie Moore has asked each District Director to come with a sampling
of member preferences for Canada or the USA. Your comments would be
most welcome. Send items for inclusion on the agenda to your local
District Director prior to Nov 15th.

~-=o0=-~

. Found on the Internet.
On July 1, 1999, all duty free sales for passengers travelling
between European Union member countries will be banned by a EU
directive, affecting not only air travellers but also ferry and
train passengers across Europe. European Commission Director for Air
Transport Michel Ayral explained the EU decided to abolish all duty
free sales because the principle of duty free sales doesn't fit with
the end of border controls between EU member countries.

AIRCRAFT ORDERS
Finnair (AY) has placed an order for five Airbus A319s (126 seats),
three A320s (150 seats) and four A321s (188 seats) all powered by
CFM56-5 engines from CFM International. The carrier also took option
on an additional 12 aircraft. It's the first time a customer
purchases all three A320 family models in a single order, according
to Airbus.
Delivery will start in the first quarter of 1999.

Lufthansa (LH) has exercised options for two Boeing 747-400s
(420 seats) in a deal valued at USD 330 millions.

Tunisair (TU) has signed a contract for three Airbus A319s
(144 seats) and four A320s (174 seats), with delivery scheduled to
begin for summer 1998. The carrier is the first African customer
for the A319, Airbus' latest narrow body aircraft.

China has ordered (1) B747, (8) B777, (36)B737 and (5)B757 from
Boeing.

Maersk Air, a Birmingham UK franchise of British Airways has
ordered (3) RJ's and options on (12) from Canadair.

=================

Dutch carrier KLM has suspended a pilot and two flight attendants
for dancing on the roof of one of its Boeing 747-400s grounded in
Guatemala City (Guatemala). The one week suspension came after a
picture of the scene was widely distributed by Dutch newspapers.
Had one of the participants slipped, the likely result would have
been death as the top of a 747 is about six stories high.
(Only Olympic allows dancing - but that is in the aisles! - eds)

AIR INDIA CAPTAIN POPPED FOR "HORSE" SMUGGLING:
In this case it was a kilo of heroin in the false bottom of a chart
bag an Air India 747-400 captain tried to take on his Bombay-JFK
flight.

~-=o0o=-~

. Interline stuff.

Travelling out of London Heathrow (LHR) after Nov 1st will incur
a UKP20.00 passenger facility tax.

Montreal has recently announced a CA$10.00 passenger facility tax.

CARNIVAL PANAMA CANAL CRUISE (NOV 10 and DEC 1/97)
****************************
***PLUS UPGRADES TO THE BEST AVAILABLE STATEROOM***

- 11 Day Panama Canal Cruise from San Juan
- November 10 and December 1/97 only
- Inside Cabin from US$799
- Outside Cabin from US$899
- Rates include port charges
- Based on Double occupancy

See http://www.interline.ca/cruise/carnival/trop_11day.htm
for itinerary and more information!

Call Toll Free at: 1-800-665-3100 and mention Pionairs.

Ed Scarth sends us this plea from Winterpeg!
Subject: Help!
Do any of your readers have any suggestions for us...we were going
to head to Myrtle Beach at the end of the month for a couple weeks,
but weather is too crummy, so now are planning on going to St.
Pete's, Florida. Does anyone have any suggestions for hotels or
condos, on the beach, not too pricey (we're not fancy folk) or in
that area? Just need somewhere to hide for a short while from the
snow!!!! If we love and adore it, will spend February there perhaps!
By then we should be completely insane from being snow-ridden.
Thanks for any help or ideas.
Let Ed know at: Eddie & Peach This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

~-=o0o=-~

. Smilie.

Pilot to ATC:
"...it's rougher than a stucco bathtub up here!"

~-=o0o=-~

. That's it for this time, please we need your input, send
comments and email addresses of any others who may be
interested to Vesta with a copy to Terry.

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...................................................
.                 GREETINGS FROM                  .
.                Vancouver Island                 .
.              BEAUTIFUL B.C. CANADA              .
...................................................

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and she adds 'I'm his favorite daughter... (*only* daughter..!)'
Bye for now! Jen Callum

(Some welcome Bryan - sorry - eds)

and now David Livingstone tells us that
Murray Phipps, Frank Stevens, Dave Clarke are still living in
Courtenay on Vancouver Island.
(Sorry about that too! eds)

~-=o0o=-~

Your editors Terry and Vesta are pleased to announce that
"Between Yourselves - NetLetter" gained 19 new members during the
month of October, 1997. a record for all of us.<grin>
(yes, we are proud)

~-=o0o=-~

. Welcome to Aimee Gerar who has an email of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

~-=o0o=-~

Tom Grant reminds us that on the Discovery Channel of TV on
November 5th one hour show on Canadian aviation. This is the
first of a weekly program.

~-=o0o=-~

. NEWS FROM THE DISTRICTS

VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT.

Together with some 80 Pionairs and spouses, your co-pilot enjoyed
a sit down roast beef luncheon held for the Vancouver Island
District Fall event on Thursday Oct 23rd emceed by Director Bill
Fisher. Attendees included 4 from Vancouver, 2 from Parksville,
1 from Smithers and 1 from Georgetown, Ontario.
The keynote speaker was expected to be President of Pionairs
Olie Moore who was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, but
Roy McCormack, National Treasurer, agreed to fill in.
During the meeting, special pins were presented by Roy McCormack to
previous executives in recognition of their work -
Nancy Walchuck, Kay Napolitano, Helen Gunton, Laura & John Innes,
Bill McNutt and Leo Goulet.
Leo Goulet gave us some figures for the pension fund which, in 1996
reached CA$4.2 billion, an increase of CA$560 million over 1995
which represents a 16% return. For the period Jan '97-Jun '97, the
fund had increased by CA$300 million, bringing the total fund to
CA$4.445 billion. Pension payout was in the region of CA$195
million. Look for a full report in an upcoming 'Horizons'.
Due to pressures on the Voluntary Supplement Health Plan II, a
review of it's status will be held with Metropolitain Life on
December 3rd to see if an increase in premiums will be required.
Roy McCormack spoke briefly about the new incumbants on the
National Executive, and informed us that the Executive are
canvassing the Districts to see in which country the A.G.M. for
1999 should be held, either Canada or USA.
In 1978, the Miami AGM had 278 attendees, 1990 SFO attracted 870,
and YVR, in 1995 had 860 attendees. A disappointing 350 only were
at this years AGM in Montreal.
Bill Fisher mentioned that AirBC did not serve any city on the
Vancouver Island, except Victoria, and that Central Mountain Air
did not accept Air Canada passes, only ZED fares. The executive of
the Pionairs will approach Air Canada in the hopes of getting some
concession from C.M.A.
Bill Fisher confirmed that widows and widowers are still eligible
to use 25, 30 and 35 year unused service passes, although this is
being reviewed by Air Canada.
A passing comment from the podium to the effect that the new
layout for the Horizons was not an enhancement and provided to much
blank space - was greeted with applause.

. The HALIFAX DISTRICT
Errol Mitchell reminds us that their coffee get togther will
be on November 19th at 11.00am in the Air Canada conference room
at Halifax International Airport. All are welcome.

~-=o0o=-~

. Cruisin' by your co-pilot Terry-
On Sept 22nd, my wife and two non airline friends joined some 90
other interliners on the Panama cruise hosted by Fraser & Joan
Muir - past National President of Pionairs on behalf of Canadian
Interline Travel on the Crown Princess.
The cruise was from Vancouver to Los Angeles, and from Los Angeles
to Ft. Lauderdale, in fact 2 cruises. Included in the cost was a 7
days at a resort in Ft. Lauderdale and a space available pass to
return home - at the price charged, you could not afford to pass
it up!
Living on Vancouver Island, we had to get a ferry to the mainland,
but there was a direct bus service to the cruise terminal.
My friends and wife & I were fortunate in getting an upgrade
from 'K' to 'B' - quite acceptable.
The trip from YVR to LAX was a tad rough, and quite a few of the
passengers visited the medical facilities.
On leaving Los Angeles, after collecting another 28 to add to our
party, the ship hove to about an hour after leaving the cruise
terminal, we had to wait for a late arriving passenger, who was
catching us up in a water taxi. Fraser Muir assured us that the
late arrival was not an interliner!
Our group now comprised of members from several airlines -
American Airlines, United, Qantas, Alaska, Fedex, Canadi>n,
Air Canada, Aloha, Northwest, TWA, PWA and Lufthansa.
We enjoyed several parties hosted by either the Captain, or Fraser
& Joan on behalf of Canadain Interline Travel.
We saw a very large pod of dolphins one day, and another a school
of flying fish being chased by gulls.
Second port of call was Cabo San Lucas with 90 deg humidity, we
took a leisurely walk around the town. The old adage ' Never leave
home without insurance' came to reality as our departure was delayed
for several hours as one of our group suffered a heart attack and
had to await an air ambulance for tranfer to Phoenix. The party has
since been returned to Vancouver and is recovering.
Next we dropped anchor at Acapulco, we walked into town in dreadful
heat, and were pestered at each step by vendors.
Due to the approaching hurricane Olga, we had to bypass the next
scheduled port of Huatulco. The seas were really heaving by then,
and the medical services were severely tested - we hear!
Puerto Caldera in Costa Rica was a pleasant port, unfortunately the
nearest large town is San Jose about 60 miles away, but there were
some excellent craft shops in the terminal.
To travel the Panama Canal is an experience not to be missed, we
were up at 4.30 am to secure a preferred place in the forward dome
to view this spectacular event. The weather was perfect, and to
watch large container ships pass through the locks ahead of you was
just awesome - we had just 18 inches to spare each side when we
passed through.
A stop at San Blas Islands could have been missed, most of the day
was spent watching the inhabitants in their dug out canoes, which
constantly required bailing out, in between diving into the waters
for anything thrown from the ship.
Cartagena in Columbia was a very interesting city and, for the 4
of us, our guide charged US$40 for 4 hours, and kept us away from
most of the shopping centres as we requested.
Aruba was the cleanest place, you could almost eat your dinner
off the sidewalk! The people were pleasant and did not hound you
when you did go into the stores. Several of our group took a
bus tour but, unfortunately the bus broke down, and its replacement
did not fare much better.
At Ft. Lauderdale, many of our group stayed on for the 7 days at
the resort. The fact that these were time sharing condo's alerted
you to the fact that there would be a 'push to sell'. Fortunately
we were able to forestall the efforts; however, my guests and I
each ended up with the T-shirt and bottle of wine which was the
enticement gift package.
We visited the Everglades by airboat, spent time lounging around
the pool and visited several shopping malls.
Now we are back home again, trying to get used to cooking our own
food and making our own beds - so let's hope the next cruise is not
too far away!

~-=o0o=-~
. For the curious -

We know of the 707, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, but what
happened with the 717? Was there ever one?
Actually the 717 is the KC-135, the manufacturers placard on the
inside of the crew door says Model 717.
There was also the Boeing 720 and the 2707.
The Boeing 2707 was the proposed SST that never got further than
a mock up in a hanger somewhere in the USA.
The Boeing 720 is a later production variant of the 707, it was a
bit smaller and had a bit longer range. Sort of a 707SP... Pratt &
Whitney Canada flies a 720 testbed aircraft which has normally a
5th engine on a fuselage pod.

British Airways has recently dumped more than 56 tonnes of waste
paper from its Heathrow offices in an environmental spring clean.
Unwanted manuals, letters and documents have been sent for
recycling. In a symbolic gesture, 56 trees will be planted at the
new British Airways Harmondsworth Moor complex.

A Peach Air jet had to leave 10 passengers behind in Greece recently
because of exceptionally hot weather. The baggage of 130 who did
board was also left behind.The very hot conditions subjected the
jet - enroute to Newcastle, UK - to severe weight restrictions.
Peach Air is a subsiduary of Caledonian Airways.

A Britannia Airways captain has been suspended after a flight
attendant claimed she walked into the cockpit and found the
captain's wife flying the aircraft.

Beware when using the bathrooms on aircraft - because you could
end up in hospital. Several passengers have become victims of a new
vacuum toilet system which is replacing the flush chemical type.

~-=o0o=-~
. Interline stuff.

Standed in Florida due space?
Try these hotel options -
Holiday Inn, 4900 Powerline Rd. Ft. Lauderdale
(954)776-4880 US$45.00 single/double + tax.
Comp. shuttle every half hour.
Comfort In & Suites, 5301 N.W. 36th St. Miami
(305)871-6000 US$52.95 single/double + tax.
Comp. shuttle and deluxe continental breakfast.
Sofitel Miami Hotel, 5800 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami
(305)264-6101 US$99.00 single/double + tax.
Best Western Misami Airport, 1550 N.W. LeJeune Rd, Miami
(305)871-2345 US$52.00 single/double + 12.5% tax.
Everglades Hotel, 244 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. 20 mins from airport.
(561)243-0645 US$50.00 single/double + tax.

Car rental Budget has scored a first at Heathrow LHR with a new
rent-a-bike service. From UKP12 per bike perday, the 'bootbike'
is available in 2 frame sizes with 21 gears, puncture proof tyres
and thickly padded saddles, toolkit and lock.

Stuck at LHR due flights?
Hounslow Hotel give interliners special discounts for their
comfortable rooms, all ensuite with colour TV, phone & free
parking. Call 0800-731-0786

Don't forget departure fee at LHR is now UKP20.00 (CA$46.00)

~-=o0o=-~

. Smilies.

The acronym for the recent meeting of the Commonwealth leaders was
CHOGM - (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting).
Somehow the acronym has got to mean -
Cheap Holidays on Government Money!

~-=o0o=-~

. That's it for this time, please we need your input, send
comments and email addresses of any others who may be
interested to Vesta with a copy to Terry.

/------------------------\               |~~\_____/~~\__ |
| Between Yourselves     |______________ \______====== )-+
|       NetLetter         |                      ~~~|/~~ |
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~Between Yourselves-Netletter~
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...................................................
.                 GREETINGS FROM                  .
.                Vancouver Island                 .
.              BEAUTIFUL B.C. CANADA              .
...................................................

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Ron Groves living in Fredericton, NB email him on:

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Bryan McCormick living in Mississauga Ont. retired
as Line Maintenance Foreman, his email:

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Adele Wallace who is the President of the Calgary
District Pionairs and has an email:

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~-=o0o=-~

WHAT'S ON AND WHERE.

Friday October 31, 1997
***LONDON ENGLAND, AIR CANADA'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY
PARTY, Lakeside Country Club, 1700-1900hrs Family event,
1900hrs Dance Party (organized with ACRA)
Barbados System Badminton continued
Ottawa, KoffeeKlatsches, Family Restaurant,
Carlingwood Shopping

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE.EDS.

Saturday November 1, 1997
Barbados System Badminton continues
Sunday November 2, 1997
London Eng to Brighton Road Rally
Monday November 3, 1997
Halifax Bowling 1300 at Bayers Road Bowlorama
London, UK, coffee at 11am Harvester Pub, Ashford, Mdx.
Tuesday November 4, 1997
Kelowna/Vernon 10am Coffee&Chat at Muffin Break.
Penticton 10:am Coffee&Chat at Tim Hortons Cherry Lane
Shopping Mall
Prestwick, Lunch at St Nicholas Hotel
Wednesday November 5, 1997
Halifax Lunch Armdale Yacht Club
Thursday November 6, 1997
Montreal, Lunch at Chenoy's Pte Claire

~-=o0o=-~

. WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
From a recent exchange of emails we note that
Ted Duffield, Alex Douglas, Don Richardson and Ron Miles are
living in Sun City, California.
Murray Phipps, Frank Stevens, Dave Clarke and David Livingstone
are in New Brunswick.

~-=o0o=-~

. We recently welcomed Derek Frost, and he sends us this bio -

I was with AC for 26 years. I started in 1955 as a clerk in Flt.
Despatch in YYZ. From there to Crew Scheduling where I worked in
YYZ, YVR & YWG. I left Crew Sked to become a Commissary
Supervisor in YWG and after a couple of years was transfered to
YEG to run the Commissary there.
Derek Frost email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Edmonton

~-=o0o=-~

. Bill Norberg from Winnipeg sends us this -

Re Bob Robbins note on the change from Trans Canada Airlines to
Air Canada.

There is an interesting story about this change over that many
people may not know about. The change in name was I believe
officially made on January 1st 1965 but there was a rather special
occasion in October 1964 involving the name and livery change.
Trans Canada Airlines was to fly the Queen from Ottawa to London
after her Royal visit to Canada that fall.
This was the first time that Royalty had been flown on a Canadian
aircraft and everyone was quite excited about it all.
The aircraft to be used had to be modified extensively to
accomodate the needs of the Royals which was carried out at Dorval.
The aircraft to be used of course had to be powered by Rolls Royce
power plants so a Conway DC-8 was selected.
The selection of the new livery and logo were in process at the
time and it was decided that it would be used for this flight.
Two aircraft were modified to be available for this flight, one to
act as a back-up in event of a technical problem.
I was responsible for the program to get this all ready and in fact
acted for Frank Young by preparing a company document outlining all
the plans and procedures for the flight.
It was an exciting responsibility and also a bit frightening at
the same time.
Captain Art Anders was in command of the flight and naturally
everyone was a bit tense. Art said to me ...
"Don't worry Bill, once those wheels are off the gound we are not
coming back...next stop London". True to his word the
flight arrived in London within seconds of the planned schedule.
That was the way in which the new livery, name and Air Canada logo
were introduced to the Canadian public on television, thanks to the
Queen. I felt privileged to be a part of it.
(Thank you Bill for this interesting piece of information,
to be remembered if it ever comes up in a trivia game! - eds)

~-=o0o=-~
. TCA ALUMNI
This is another very informal group - "TCA persons" who worked
in the company at any time from April 1937 to June 1964 (the date
the name changed to Air Canada).
Each year they get together in florida for a laid back reunion.
This year's is in St. Petersburg, Florida, Nov 24th to 28th.
More details from Ilene Pedwell (613)596-6169.
(We understand that "AC persons" are also welcome!)

~-=o0o=-~

. News from the Ottawa Pionairs newsletter -

The Ottawa district have some 280 Pionairs. In case you are looking     for
a former co-worker, some of those members are -
Ken McCord, Art Scott, Lloyd Wedge, Jess Rougeau, Al Martel,
Cam Evans. Recent members are J.W.Morris & Carolyn now in
Bellville.
Frances Crane of the YOW ticket office. Frank & Joan West in
Bainsville. Joan Alexander in Ottawa. Judy & William Kane in
Lakefield. Brian & Elspeth Greer in Williamstown.

Links with the on-going Airline.
During the year, Pionairs gave many hours of assistance to the
airline - helping to check out the CHIP questionnaire for use
by the Employee Travel Call Centre.
- helping out in key roles at Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto,
Calgary and Vancouver airports during the 'Rapidair
Sweepstakes' sales promotion. In Ottawa, the team of
ten Pionairs, headed by District Treaurer Al Martel,
worked shifts to get the confidential documentation
for each flights draw to and from the Captain.
- Wils Foote & Helmet Hemmerich led the Pionairs group
for the 60th anniversary party at Ottawa.

This years A.G.M. -
Did you know that Air Canada contributed CA$5,000 toward the
banquet and a contribution of CA5.00 per member
- approx CA$38,000?

~-=o0o=-~

. Found on the Internet.

AIRLINES BACK TWO A3XX COMBI VERSIONS

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus Industries has announced it
has received support from airlines for two passenger/cargo versions
of its super-jumbo A3XX aircraft. The 550 seat standard A3XX-100 is
designed to carry 11 cargo pallets on its lower deck along with
passenger luggage but many airlines which don't need a 550 passenger
aircraft are interested in a combi version, carrying less passengers
and more freight.

VALUJET HAS A NEW NAME

Low cost US carrier ValuJet has shed the name associated with the
May 1996 crash in Florida's Everglades since it began operating as
Air Tran Airlines on September 24 in the first step of its merger
with AirTran Airways.

LAST FLYING MESSERSCHMITT 109 CRASHES:
The last flying World War II German Messerschmitt 109 has crashed
at an airshow show at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England.
It was reported to have been its last planned public appearance
before retirement. The pilot escaped unharmed after the Me-109
flipped over in a field after over-running the runway during an
emergency landing. Witnesses said the plane was trailing black
smoke and the engine was not making power on the landing attempt.

PSSSST...HEY BUDDY, WANNA BUY AN AIRLINE?
Step right up, folks, this one likely won't last long. One of the
more colorful airlines in North America -- Pan Am Air Bridge,
formerly Chalk's -- is up for sale. The asking price?
Only US$7 million.

MEXICO WORRIED ABOUT COLUMBIAN DRUGS:
Now here's a twist we haven't seen lately. Mexicana, the Mexican
airline, said Wednesday it suspended all of its service to Colombia
until further notice. The reason?
Someone found 68 pounds of cocaine hidden aboard one of its flights
from Colombia.

~-=o0o=-~

. Interline stuff.

When next on Vancouver Island, spend some time at the British
Columbia Aviation Museum at Victoria International Airport.
The museum is run by dedicated staff, several Pionairs, on a
volunteer basis. Aircraft displayed include the Ginson Twin Plane
(1910), WWI - Nieuport & SE-5A, Eastman Flying boat (1929),
WWII - fighters & Bombers, Post war civil aircraft and a DH Chipmunk
recently purchased by a member of the public from the RAF in the UK,
and who has agreed to place on show. Many displays of engines, books,
artifacts all of which makes for an interesting visit.
Cost: Adults CA$3.00, Seniors CA$2.00. Summer hours May - Oct
10.00 - 16.00 and winter 11.00 to 15.00

~-=o0o=-~

. Smilie.

During a heavy traffic period, a pilot comes on Center frequency,
speaking in slow Texas drawl:
"Good afternoon Houston Center, King Air 12345 checkin' in with
ya'll, VFR at eighteen-five."
(long pause)
"Ah, King Air 12345, sir, you can't be VFR at eighteen-five."
(shorter pause)
"Sure we can, Center. We're flyin' a Super King Air!"

~-=o0o=-~

. That's it for this time, please we need your input, send
comments and email addresses of any others who may be
interested to Vesta with a copy to Terry.

/------------------------\               |~~\_____/~~\__ |
| Between Yourselves     |______________ \______====== )-+
|       NetLetter         |                      ~~~|/~~ |
\------------------------/                         ()

~Between Yourselves-Netletter~
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...................................................
.                 GREETINGS FROM                  .
.                Vancouver Island                 .
.              BEAUTIFUL B.C. CANADA              .
...................................................

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Ron Groves living in Fredericton, NB email him on:

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Bryan McCormick living in Mississauga Ont. retired
as Line Maintenance Foreman, his email:

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Adele Wallace who is the President of the Calgary
District Pionairs and has an email:

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

|\^/|
_| TCA |_            B E T W E E N   Y O U R S E L V E S
_|\| AIR |/|_                   N E T L E T T E R
> CANADA   <
>_./|\._<                   for Air Canada retirees
|
Your crew is: Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson
Co-pilot     - Terry Baker

number 205     date Oct 28th 1997

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

. 60th ANNIVERSARY PLANS _
Cory McAdam sends us this update -

'Here is the latest update on the 60th anniversary celebrations:

Charlottetown: Held October 18, with a BBQ at airport
Tampa: Held October 19, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Atrium,
4890 W. Kennedy Blv. Included the travelling Memorabilia
show.
Saskatoon: Held October 25, with a Medieval Feast at "Cheers"
- Black tie and bl jeans.
London Eng: October 31, Lakeside Country Club,
17:00 - 19:00 Family evening
19:00- Dance party (organized with ACRA)
Zurich: November 27, Marriott Hotel
Glasgow: December 15, Dinner at Brig a Doon Hotel, Ayr
The following stations have advised us they will be holding an
event but have not yet planned the date and location:
Paris, Bermuda, Jamaica, Fredericton
Please note that retirees are invited to the event closest to their
permanent residence, as budgets cannot cover those who might wish to
attend an event at a holiday spot.
I'll keep you posted on events as I receive the details.
Cory McAdam

~-=o0o=-~

. Doug Fulton sends us his bio - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

'I joined TCA in 1959 and trained as First Officer on North Star
aircraft. Retired from Air Canada in 1994 as Manager, Flight
Operations Safety. One f my most interesting experiences was flying
frequently into Moscow our early scheduled DC-8 operations.
It was a challenging and rewarding career working with such fine
professional people. One of the company's greatest strengths has
been and continues to be - its ability to attract and retain truly
profession people.
Captain J. D. Fulton'

~-=o0o=-~

. Bill Norberg sends us this comment -

'There is one item I would like to bring to the attention of Air
Canada personnel who receive "Horizons..News for us".
They have recently upgraded the quality of the publication from
a paper and print quality point of view. It looks great!
I was rather shocked and dismayed to see the new format they have
used for the :In memoriam" section.
It looks like a disclaimer on the back of an insurance policy and
does little to dignify the memories of the people involved.
I wrote to the Managing Editor expressing my reaction and
concerns..I wonder if others have had the same reaction? If so,
I would suggest they do the same.
Bye for now and best regards.'
Bill in "The Peg"

~-=o0o=-~

. Tom Grant sends us this information -

AIR CANADA SWITCHES TO DEBT FINANCE
Air Canada is trying to strengthen its asset base and tax position
through debt-financing of aircraft deliveries.
Chief financial officer Rob Pederson says the switch to debt
finance is based on the fact that Air Canada wants to put some
assets on the balance sheet "free and clear."
T.G.

~-=o0o=-~

. Vesta your Chief Pilot sends us this update -

"Between Yourselves" NetLetter nr 193 Aug 31, 1997 follow up:
to Betty Morgan.
Re Major A.D.Carter.

'I made some inquiries in one of the conferences that I download
from ILink Network called 'Military' on my local BigBlue and
Cousins BBS, and the moderator is located in the UK.
He heard of the museum in Shoreham but has yet to visit it.
I didn't get any other replies. This was just before the death of
Princess Diana and perhaps the item got lost in the shuffle.
Sorry about that, I hope that you will carry on with your ideal.

~-=o0o=-~

. Don't forget all you ex P & S Stores types. Fred Pedder, editor
of 'Parts & Pieces', the newsletter for Stores by Stores people
has for sale at CA$20, a video of photographs from the newsletter
for the past 35 years with a musical soundtrack.
Email Fred at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and ask for 'Thanks for the
memories'

~-=o0o=-~

. Chris Doutre sends us this

+ The four European aerospace partners that make up the AIRBUS
CONSORTIUM said they had resolved many of their differences,
including a change of leadership, in an effort to smoothe the way
to becoming a limited company in just over a year, the better to
compete with Boeing.
Edzard Reuter will step down as chairman soon, with Manfred
Bischoff, head of Daimler-Benz Aerospace, favoured to replace him.
Regards, Chris Doutre

~-=o0o=-~

. News from the Districts.

From the OTTAWA DISTRICT Newsletter -

Christmas Luncheon will start at The Mill Restaurant at 11.30 AM
Wednesday Dec 3rd. Cost: CA$15 pp, includes taxes & tips.
Contact Al Martel on 820-0042 by Nov 25th to reserve.

Do you like 'Sunday Brunching' in congenial company? The Ottawa
Pionairs invite you to these jolly informal gatherings and plan
the next one for 11.00 am Sunday November 9th. Call Jess Rougeau
at 841-7091 for details of the next gathering.

Spring Lunch will be held on April 18th - details will follow.

How about the Friday Morning Koffee Klatsches held each week
at the Family Restaurant in Carlingwood Shopping Centre from
10.00 am to 11.00 am. They never know what the topics are,
but they are NON STOP!

THE ALEXANDRIA RETIREES GROUP

A substantial number of Air Canada retirees are settled in the area
between Cornwall and the Ontario/Quebec border - a comfortable
hour's drive from Ottawa. Many of them gather for lunch in
Alexandria on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. They have no
formal organizationb - just a network who keep in touch.
Each luncheon sees retirees present from a rich cross-section
of the Company's departments and locations.
Clive (Rocky) Rochfort co-ordinates the gathering, and can be
reached at (613)525-4819. Numbers for the lunch range from 30 to
100! Give it a try - you'll be sure to meet someone you've not
seen for a long time.

~-=o0o=-~

. Marg Firby sends us this information about the 60th at Winnipeg -

THE ONLY THING MISSING WERE THE ELEPHANTS!!

The morning of Oct. 4th dawned a beautiful fall day and I gathered
my family together to go to a party. There were nine of us in all,
and some were a little sceptical as to just what this birthday party
was all about.
Well, they needn't have worried....it was all a birthday bash should
be and more.
Clowns, face painting, bands (Shriners and Heather Belle pipers),
cotton candy, etc. We toured the oldest AC plane (Lockheed 10A) and
the newest which had just flown its inaugural flight from Toronto.
It was painted in the original TCA colors and logo. We met old
friends, looked at old photos and reminisced about previous years
and parties, ie. the wonderful Christmas parties at the auditorium,
the picnics and the adult Christmas parties.
Al Simmons entertained not only the children but the parents as
well, some of whom remembered him from his early beginnings in the
bars of Winnipeg.
The dancers and singers from Folklorama were a delight to watch as
usual.
Then like all good parties the yummies were served.....hot dogs,
potato chips, drinks, nuts, all things necessary to a successful
celebration.
We had to leave after 3 and 1/2 hours , and missed the big fashion
show with the oldest stewardess and continuing to the present flight
attendants. I heard later it was very entertaining.
The organization committee headed by Maria Weir (Res) worked really
hard to make this party the success it was. My congrats to all who
were involved.
My own involvement with AC/TCA began when the company was in its
teen years and my husband joined.
I can't believe the 60th birthday has arrived so soon.
C'est la vie.
Maybe for the old girl's 65th there WILL be elephant rides.
Marg Firby/Winnipeg.
(Thank you Marg for taking time to send us this - eds)

~-=o0o=-~

. Interline stuff.

Note: When travelling in the United States, always carry your
Canadian passport, citizenship or birth certificate.
A driver's licence is not considered valid proof of
citizenship.

AUSTRALIA - Los Angeles direct to Sydney - positive space
from US$549 pp.

Travel through the finest scenic routes of Australia & New Zealand.
Airline employees, retirees & travelling companions.
7 day Red Centre Melbourne to Alice Springs.
Interliner rate from US$544 pp, 2nd person from US$646 pp.
11 day Ayres Rock - Darwin
Interliner rate from US$1488 pp, 2nd person from US$1767 pp.
9 day Tasmania - Launceston return.
Interliner rate from US$956 pp, 2nd person from US$1136 pp.
9 day Outback, Melbourne - Alice Springs.
Interliner rate from US$1040 pp, 2nd person from US$1234 pp.
13 day Barrier reef - Cairns - Sydney.
Interliner rate from US$1560 pp, 2nd person from US$1854 pp.
8 day New Zealand, North & South.
Interliner rate from US$844 pp, 2nd person from US$1003 pp.
All rates quoted are pp dbl.
Contact 1-800-665-3100 for more details and mention Pionairs.

Varig, the Brazilian airline has become the 6th airline in the
Star Alliance. Now one is able to visit 642 cities on 1 ticket
and 1 baggage check. The Alliance has a total of 1,446 aircraft
and 230,000 employees. Rumour has it that Cathay Pacific Airways
and Singapore International Airlines may join in.
Contingency space available travel is charged with ZED fares.

~-=o0o=-~

. Smilie.

Overheard at O'Hare:
Cessna 152 pilot with obvious French accent:
"Center, I would like a vector back home".
Unidentified commuter pilot:
"Heading 090, 2000 miles".

Pilot: Request a flightlevel between FL210 and FL250
ATC: Roger, you can have either 230 or 250...which would you like?
Pilot: Affirmative.
ATC: Affirmative what?
Pilot: Affirmative...SIR?

Doug Fulton sends this contribution -

Great way to gather.
Flying an airplane is really much easier than riding a bicycle.
If you want to go up -- simply pull the stick back.
If you want to go down -- you simply pull the stick back more.

~-=o0o=-~

. That's it for this time, please we need your input, send
comments and email addresses of any others who may be
interested to Vesta with a copy to Terry.

/------------------------\               |~~\_____/~~\__ |
| Between Yourselves     |______________ \______====== )-+
|       NetLetter         |                      ~~~|/~~ |
\------------------------/                         ()

~Between Yourselves-Netletter~
mail to:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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...................................................
.                 GREETINGS FROM                  .
.                Vancouver Island                 .
.              BEAUTIFUL B.C. CANADA              .
...................................................

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