==================================================================
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T H E _| TCA |_
_|\| AIR |/|_
N E T L E T T E R > CANADA <
>_./|\._<
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( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 624A Supplement, October 5, 2001.
We first Published in October 1995
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
To get in touch with either editor/pilot our email address is
=================================================================
The following is a supplement page to our NetLetter.
=-0-=
To our new readers of the NetLetter.
If you have been wondering why suddenly you are receiving
unsolicited<G> copies of the NetLetter from Terry and I,
the reason is that you signed up to the CON LIST or RAPCAN of ACFamily.
If you do not find our NetLetter informative and interesting to you
then just drop us an E-mail at
and we will delete your name from our mailing list, but do give us a fair
read.
Please Welcome the following New Readers to our NetLetter.
.....
Donna Walker
Marguerite Silvain
Lynne Daniel
Wilf H. Barby
Eppie Mukler
Joan Kaye
Carole Davies
Dale Horley
Daniel Bereza
Gord Finch
Jim Davey
Jack Folkins
Barry & Diane Cuss
Michel Gauthier
Bruce Wrigley
Vesta of *the NetLetter* and ACFamily Network team.
==================================================================
. DID YOU KNOW?
That you can read or retrieve back issues of "theNetLetter" ?
Just visit our web site at:
http://www.acfamily.org/netletter
and click on the "Archives" button.
This area is only open to "the NetLetter" subscribers and you will
need the following password to enter -
User Name: netletter Password: vesta
================================================================
Mailing of 'the NetLetter" is a service of the ACFamily Network
**************http://www.acfamily.net **************
================================================================
Vesta
=================================================================
|
|\^/|
T H E _| TCA |_
_|\| AIR |/|_
N E T L E T T E R > CANADA <
>_./|\._<
|
( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 624 Oct 1st, 2001 We first Published in October 1995
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
To get in touch with either editor/pilot our email address is
================================================================
. Need to know.
Employee Travel and Recognition
Subject: Employee Travel email difficulties
I should advise that we have discovered some difficulty with the published
address for our department. It appears the
address
has somehow become "detached", and any emails being sent to this address are
landing somewhere in cyberspace.
We hope to have this situation remedied shortly, but in the interim
retirees are welcome to use
Travel.
Please pass along our apologies to any individuals who have emailed us
in the past few weeks.
Thanks, Leslie Cummings
Employee Travel and Recognition
From: Roger Rouse <
Subject: erroneous pass charges
Just read the comments on erroneous pass charges. I was wrongly charged
for a pass on my end-of-July pay cheque. I reported the problem on July
24th. The error was corrected on my end-of-september pay cheque. so it
seems that those on the monthly pay system must allow 2 months for the
correction. Roger Rouse.
|
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" ' "
. Like to know.
We received the following enquiry -
I keep reading about all retirees getting their Pin Number well I am a
60-70 retiree from Canadian and receive a pension cheque each month but
every time I call the Call Center they say I will not get a pin number, can
some one clear this area up for me.
Employee Travel responded -
Factor 60/70 retirees are former CDN employees who retired with factor 60 or
70,
i.e., service + age at the time of retirement equal between 60 and 79. To
qualify for retirement at AC, one must have at least Factor 80, e.g., 23 years
of service at age 57. The integrated pass policy extended unlimited C3/Y10
passes to former CDN Factor 60/70 retirees.
Unfortunately, this group will not have access to the Speech and Web until the
next phase. There are no current plans to include M or J pass status employees
into the
speech or web applications until the next phase due next year.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. Sandy Lager responds to the item in NetLetter nr 623 -
Subject: British Pensions
Thank you for putting the info re new British pension and bereavement benefits
on the net letter. However the information is correct but will not apply to
most ex Brits living in Canada. Being in a "frozen" country most of the new
rules will not apply simply because the British government will not uprate the
pensions payable to British pensioners. The Alliance of British Pensioners has
an excellent web site devoted to this problem. www.britishpensions.com.
As an aside, the British Department of Social Security is now named the
Department for Work and Pensions. Queen Victoria is alive and well in the UK.
Sandy Lager
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'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. In NetLetter nr 622, John Bosma sent a poser regarding the first Trans-At
flight -
Tom Grant responded with -
It was August 13, 1930, when Airship R-100 left St Hubert arriving at
Cardington, Bedfordshire, England after 57.36 hours of flight carrying 18 pax.
It is
considered to be the first trans-Atlantic passenger flight originating in
Canada.
BTW: April 12, 1928 the German Junkers W.33 "Bremen" piloted by Capt.
H.Koehl took off from Ireland to attempt the first East/West crossing of
the Atlantic. After 36 hours it landed on a small pond at Greenly Island,
Labrador slightly damaged.
Cheers,
Tom
NOTE - John Bosma informs us that he meant the first TransAt flight of an
aircraft.
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" ' "
Ross Smyth has had his recent book published and launched - look out for it -
"Aviation Memoirs: A Love Affair with Flight"
|
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" ' "
. Ted Tierney sends us this information from the local press -
Cash strapped UK airlines are very upset at the recent advertisements from
Ryanair, the
UK budget airline which offered over 1 million seats at a cut price of
GBP9.99 one-way.
The airlines consider this "blatant commercialization" in view of the sad
happenings in the
U.S. recently. Ryanair stated that they were trying "to keep the economy
going by
encouraging perople to fly" Ryanair only service Eurpoean destinations and
the cut-rate
are valid from October to January. Recently theu offered Derry, Ireland to
London, England for just .99p one-way.
Ryanair further stated that "They would not be cutting jobs"
.
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" ' "
. Terry's travel tips.
From Chris Arbique Events coordinator
Events for the employee group of STAR ALLIANCE
The Second Annual Sunshine Village Ski Week: January 20-24, 2002.
Four glorious nights at the Sunshine Inn, coupled with world class skiing, a
tour of Banff, all transfers, meals, fun races, parties and more. The Sunshine
Inn has nothing but the surrounding ski area. Beauty lies in its tranquil
remoteness. No vehicles, no valet parking, virtually no noise. The Inn is
nestled at 7082 feet/2160 metres with half the ski area above it and half
below. For the most part, you will be snow riding entirely above the tree line.
STAR ALLIANCE SUNSHINE VILLAGE Package Prices start at $669.00 CAD per person.
The Second Annual Snow Train To Jasper: February 3-8, 2002.
Enjoy first class overnight accommodation onboard Via Rail Canada’s Silver &
Blue Class Service. Our train will depart from Vancouver B.C to Jasper National
Park in Alberta. Prepared to be pampered with four nights of 4 Diamond
Accommodation at the world famous Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Two days of great
snow riding at Marmot Basin, and a day tour aboard luxurious coaches of the
world-renowned Columbia Icefields enroute to Calgary. This package includes
first class overnight train accommodation, 4 Diamond hotel accommodation,
meals, tours, lift passes, transfers, parties, fun races and more.
There are Nondownhill-touring packages available as well.
STAR ALLIANCE SNOWTRAIN Package Prices start at $888.00 CAD per person.
The Second Annual Banff Lake Louise Ski Week: February 10-17, 2002.
Includes five nights accommodation at the 4 Star Banff Park Lodge in Banff.
Choose from three world-class resorts - Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and/or
Banff Mount Norquay for three days of impeccable snow riding fun. This program
includes all transfers, hotel accommodation, lift passes, meals, parties, fun
races and more! There are Nondownhill-touring packages available as well.
STAR ALLIANCE BANFF LAKE LOUISE Package Prices start at: $589.00 CAD per
person.
The Jasper Snow Train package and the Banff Lake Louise Package dovetail. Do
both!
We look forward to playing in the snow with you in 2002!
All of these events are on the STAR ALLIANCE employee website: www.startrips.tv
Contact: Chris or Trish Arbique Toll Free: 1 888 547 6008.
Overseas: 403 547 6008. Fax 403 547 4317.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. Smilie.
An airline pilot was traveling with his young son aboard a company jet.
Late into the flight, the son said, "Dad, I can tell we are getting
ready to land."
The father proudly started thinking, "He must have noticed the attitude
of the aircraft changing, or maybe he heard the slats extending and
felt the speed brakes rumbling."
When he asked his son how he knew that they were about to land, the
reply was, "Because all the flight attendants are putting on their
high-heeled shoes."
Pierre DuBois in Tampa sends this one -
Problem Solved
A passenger jet is taxiing down the runway when it stops abruptly, turns around
and returns to the gate. After an hour-long wait, the plane finally pulls out
again, rolls down the runway and takes off.
A concerned passenger asks the flight attendant, "What was the problem?"
"The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the engine," the attendant
explains, "and it took us a while to find a new pilot."
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. DID YOU KNOW?
That you can read or retrieve back issues of "theNetLetter" ?
Just visit our web site at:
http://www.acfamily.org/netletter
and click on the "Archives" button.
This area is only open to "the NetLetter" subscribers and you will
need the following password to enter -
User Name: netletter Password: vesta
================================================================
Mailing of 'the NetLetter" is a service of the ACFamily Network
**************http://www.acfamily.net
**************
================================================================
=================================================================
|
|\^/|
T H E _| TCA |_
_|\| AIR |/|_
N E T L E T T E R > CANADA <
>_./|\._<
|
( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 623 Sept 26th, 2001, We first Published in October 1995
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
To get in touch with either editor/pilot our email address is
================================================================
Our deepest sympathy goes out to those who suffered the loss of family or
friends following the tragic incidents in America.
. Need to know.
From the eMailNews issued by Duane Frerichs of RAPCAN -
Subject: Inappropriate Pass Charges
Hi All!.. YWG Accounting tells me they are getting thousands of
erroneous pass charges being charged to people. The girl processing the
refunds says she'd never get any refunds out to people if she had to
take time to take the information over the phone. So, rather than
phoning to tell them about it, it is better to Fax them a copy of your
Air Canada pay Statement, and clearly mark the erroneous charge(s) with
something equivalent to (for example) "Boston Travel Not Mine" and send
it off! ( Or if you worried about privacy, send it back to them by
'snail mail', and let the Post Office lose your letter!) It'll save you
a phone charge and you'll only pay for the fax. However don't hold your
breath waiting for the refund, the back-log takes at least a month.
Incredible isn't it?, The problem may be solved sometime in 2002! The
Fax Number is 1-204-941-2939. good luck! I Fax'd mine off today Sept.
25, and I'll let you know how long it will take.
Glen Cawker <
Eric van der Holt sends this information as a result of his recent
experience travelling from the UK -
I have read your latest Netletter with the latest on con travel. You may want
to add that we were told that baggage will not be checked beyond the point of
confirmed travel. Thus standby psgrs will have their baggage checked to the
next point only. It will then have to be picked up from the baggage claim area
and re-checked on the next flight. In our case, coming back from GLA, this
meant claiming and re-checking our bags at YYZ and again at YVR. This involved
an awful lot of leg work and standby psgrs should make allowance for the extra
time required between flights. FYI, a special standby counter has been set-up
at YYZ T2 which is located by Tim Horton's at the far end of the Terminal. All
domestic standby psgrs must check in there. Also FYI, all the gate numbers have
been changed.
Regards, Eric
The following question was put to Employee Travel regarding using the
kiosks to book in -
One can use their Air Canada ID card or a credit card with a magnetic
stripe.
I assume that the credit card MUST have the same name as that which would
appear on the PNR and CHIP. ie if it is Bill Bloggs on the Air
Canada ID & CHIP, then a credit
card with William Bloggs would not connect? Or would it?
Employee Travel responded -
The Kiosk will not be able to associate Bill as the nickname for William
nor Bob
for Robert.
The kiosk will search for you and your partners based on your employee
number when
using your AC ID card. It does not use your name.
If you use your credit card then the kiosk will search based on your last name.
If
there is more than one with the same surname, then it will ask for your record
locator.
The following dialogue is supplied by a member of Employee Travel -
Quote
I checked at the Kiosk in Toronto last Sunday. My partner was with me.
Before she even tried to use her own credit card, when I used my card,
the
names of all 3 passengers appeared on the screen, mine, my spouse's
and my partner's. Because the flight was wide open, I was asked to
select the
passengers travelling. I selected all and all three boarding cards were
issued with C2
priority.
That was my first experience at checking in through the Kiosk with a
partner. My partner did not have to check in separately. It was
amazing!
Unquote.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. May Day.
From: Herb Noble <
Subject: Maui
We were paid up and booked to go to Maui
Oct 20 returning Nov 10, it is a one bedroom condo in Kihei. My wife is
refusing to get on an airplane to anywhere, and cancellation insurance only
cover medical reasons, so I am out $1700+ dollars if I can't rent it out, I
have been offering it to my Air Canada friends here in Calgary.. at $70.00
CAD funds per night including taxes.. if you are talking to anyone on the
island who might be interested they can email me, or call 403 601 6202
Take care,
stop to smell the flowers
Herb
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. Bill Willow sends us this information -
The following recently appeared in the "CARP FiftyPlus" magazine.
"ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR NEW U.K. BENEFITS?"
If you're a widower receiving state benefits from the U.K. you'll be
able to claim Widowed Parent's Allowance. Previously, only working-age
women could claim this benefit.
In addition, there's now a one-time tax-free bereavement payment for
eligible widows and widowers, as well as a bereavement allowance, which
replaces the Widow's Pension.
Also, new rules to be implemented in October 2002 reduce the entitlement
from State Earnings Related Pension (SERPs) that can be inherited from
your husband or wife. Proposed changes will result in additional state
pensions for low and moderate earners, caregivers and people with
long-term illness or disability.
A publication dealing with these changes, " New Bereavement Benefits",
is available at the U.K. Department of Social Services website at
www.dss.gov.uk
Thought the foregoing may be of interest to Pionairs that may have
worked/resided in the U.K. at one time or another.
Cheers - Bill
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. Vesta spotted these items recently, despite flying the NetLetter
single-handed! -
CONCORDE FLYING AGAIN, WITH PASSENGERS
For the first time in more than a year, Air France has flown one of its
Concorde jets with passengers on board.
Wednesday, September 19, 2001
=================================================
SPACE WALKER HADFIELD TO BE HONOURED
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will receive the Meritorious Service
Cross.
Wednesday, September 19, 2001
|
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" ' "
. From the YYZNEWS issued by Brian Dunn -
The amalgamation of Air Canada's regional carriers has been delayed,
with the company blaming the poor economy and labour troubles.
The five regionals were to be combined and given a splashy relaunch -
possibly under the name Air Canada Tango - on Sept. 24, but now the
rebranding will not occur until early next year.
"Given the current economic climate, it's not wise to make the
investment required to launch the brand effectively and to provide our
new airline with the launch it deserves," Joe Randell, president of
the carrier, told employees in a message yesterday.
"I know this deferral of the brand launch will be disappointing news.
The launch was a bright light during a difficult time." Air Canada's
regionals include Air Nova, Air Alliance, Air Ontario, Air BC and
Canadian Regional Airlines.
They employ 5,000 people and account for about 10% of the company's
revenue but they are not believed to be profitable, although results
are not broken out seperately.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. From "Parts & Pieces" issued by Frank Pedder Purchasing, Logistics &
Supply YUL -
At the conclusion of a very successful Golf Tourney, the
“Rescue Me” Golf Club, and for Lefties only we had a little raffle for an
Arnold
Palmer Titanium Driver, with all proceeds going to “Dreams Take Flight” the
raffle
raised $600.00. Along with the raffle we auctioned off an Odessey Putter that
went
for a final bid of $110.00. So in total we were able to hand over to Nick
Papathedorakos $710.00 for “Dreams Take Flight”
Thanks again for a great day of golf and camaraderie, we look forward to
seeing you all next year on August 24, 2002 so mark your calendars now.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. Another story sent to us by Edward (Ted) Tierney in Belfast -
c 1956. Occasion, the unfortunate
onset of polio, in Canada. Circumstance. The arrival at Dorval of an Air
France cargo Constellation loaded exclusively with live caged monkeys from
Africa intended to provide some immunisation from polio. Open mesh cages
piled one above another, so you may guess the atrocious consequences with a
proportion of the animals extremely sick or dead. During the oceanic flight
the cockpit at least had some supply of fresh air. But on engine shutdown
the foul air filled the entire ship. Three of us, lucky guys of crew 31,
were detailed to provide ground towage from the ramp to the hangar 5 area.
So myself, George Marshall and (Bernie Danis?) were faced with the obvious
dilemma...who was going to ride the brakes in the cockpit?.. So we flipped a
coin and George Marshall "won". However on opening the nearest cocpit/cargo
door he recoiled back and retreated fast. So we held a conference with yours
truly volunteering, but I had a trick up my sleeve. So after getting their
solemn oath not to fool around or delay getting me off I took a deep breath
and ran as fast as I could through the (narrow) aisle. Still holding breath
opened the captains window, stuck my body as a seal against the window frame
with my head in clear air. "Brakes off" and we trundled forwards. No
problem. However it became slightly painful as we were making headway. THen
I noticed the there was a slight headwind favouring me so I eased myself
back from the window, with fresh air incoming, great! So as we progressed
felt totally relaxed and on we sauntered, no bother....But it did not dawn
on me that we were on a gradual turn (wind direction) and all of a sudden
the air from the cabin welled forward past my ears and gee willickers I
jammed up to the window frame only this time really really hard. Made the
guys swear oaths again that all was set for my quick getaway. How the
"baggage" handlers made out later I can only imagine. All being a humourous
incident in comparison to what some befell some Canadians during that
terrible time. .......
Sincerely Ted Tierney.
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" ' "
. Murray Wadden sent us this -
Subject: Re: [The NetLetter] NetLetter nr 622 - The NetLetter
I can not tell you how much I have enjoyed the various pieces of information
rec'd
over the last number of months via THE NET LETTER.
The Gander message and Delta Airlines caused me to print it and take it to
local coffee
hangouts just to boast of the kindness of my Newfie ancestors.
Back in 1983 when we had the Cincinatti incident I was the Manager in Waiting
for AC YQX,
Val Dunn, who still minds every body,s business but his own, maintained an open
line from YQX to my house in YHZ.
Together , we did what had to be done, without a "may I", and enlisted EPA
Personnel to help
us deliver the bad news , to the families affected by our disaster.
Small town Canada may critize your deviant behavior, your different social
norms, however
when the chips are down sit back and watch them roll out the Mat of Human
Kindness!
Oh yes; I cried when I left Gander-Today I , like so many inconvenienced
passengers,
raise a glass in their HONOR!---Murray
e wadden <
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. From Employee Communications -
Air Canada hosts international table tennis tournament, a first for North
America. From October 1-4, the Air Canada Table Tennis Club will host the 22nd
Wings of Friendship Inter-Airlines Table Tennis tournament at the Bridgeport
Sports Club in Richmond, B.C. To raise funds to support this event, Ricky
Choh?s
famous dragon t-shirts by are available for $18.00. Buy yours today from 10:30
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the hangar Cafeteria or the Ops Centre 3rd floor
cafeteria in YVR. To buy one after the sale, call Priscilla at (604) 274-2100.
All employees, friends and family are welcome to cheer on our team at the
Bridgeport Sports Club. For more information contact Mark Glowacki at (604)
276-4864 or Shirley Yap at (604) 270-5675.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. Terry's travel tips.
Capt. Les Hare sent us this information -
Greetings from the East !
I think our readers may be interested in this contact for car rentals -
Andre Burtaire
European Cars Service - Toronto
416 - 366 - 2413
www.european-cars.net
I met him on one of our flights to London a few years ago , have used
his services and was very happy with his product .
Worthwhile checking with him when you plan to go to Europe , England , etc.
in my opinion.
Cheers !
Capt. Les Hare [ Retired ]
YYZ Flt. Ops.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. DID YOU KNOW?
That you can read or retrieve back issues of "theNetLetter" ?
Just visit our web site at:
http://www.acfamily.org/netletter
and click on the "Archives" button.
This area is only open to "the NetLetter" subscribers and you will
need the following password to enter -
User Name: netletter Password: vesta
================================================================
Mailing of 'the NetLetter" is a service of the ACFamily Network
**************http://www.acfamily.net
**************
================================================================
=================================================================
|
|\^/|
T H E _| TCA |_
_|\| AIR |/|_
N E T L E T T E R > CANADA <
>_./|\._<
|
( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 623 Sept 26th, 2001, We first Published in October 1995
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
To get in touch with either editor/pilot our email address is
================================================================
Our deepest sympathy goes out to those who suffered the loss of family or
friends following the tragic incidents in America.
. Need to know.
From the eMailNews issued by Duane Frerichs of RAPCAN -
Subject: Inappropriate Pass Charges
Hi All!.. YWG Accounting tells me they are getting thousands of
erroneous pass charges being charged to people. The girl processing the
refunds says she'd never get any refunds out to people if she had to
take time to take the information over the phone. So, rather than
phoning to tell them about it, it is better to Fax them a copy of your
Air Canada pay Statement, and clearly mark the erroneous charge(s) with
something equivalent to (for example) "Boston Travel Not Mine" and send
it off! ( Or if you worried about privacy, send it back to them by
'snail mail', and let the Post Office lose your letter!) It'll save you
a phone charge and you'll only pay for the fax. However don't hold your
breath waiting for the refund, the back-log takes at least a month.
Incredible isn't it?, The problem may be solved sometime in 2002! The
Fax Number is 1-204-941-2939. good luck! I Fax'd mine off today Sept.
25, and I'll let you know how long it will take.
Glen Cawker <
Eric van der Holt sends this information as a result of his recent
experience travelling from the UK -
I have read your latest Netletter with the latest on con travel. You may want
to add that we were told that baggage will not be checked beyond the point of
confirmed travel. Thus standby psgrs will have their baggage checked to the
next point only. It will then have to be picked up from the baggage claim area
and re-checked on the next flight. In our case, coming back from GLA, this
meant claiming and re-checking our bags at YYZ and again at YVR. This involved
an awful lot of leg work and standby psgrs should make allowance for the extra
time required between flights. FYI, a special standby counter has been set-up
at YYZ T2 which is located by Tim Horton's at the far end of the Terminal. All
domestic standby psgrs must check in there. Also FYI, all the gate numbers have
been changed.
Regards, Eric
The following question was put to Employee Travel regarding using the
kiosks to book in -
One can use their Air Canada ID card or a credit card with a magnetic
stripe.
I assume that the credit card MUST have the same name as that which would
appear on the PNR and CHIP. ie if it is Bill Bloggs on the Air
Canada ID & CHIP, then a credit
card with William Bloggs would not connect? Or would it?
Employee Travel responded -
The Kiosk will not be able to associate Bill as the nickname for William
nor Bob
for Robert.
The kiosk will search for you and your partners based on your employee
number when
using your AC ID card. It does not use your name.
If you use your credit card then the kiosk will search based on your last name.
If
there is more than one with the same surname, then it will ask for your record
locator.
The following dialogue is supplied by a member of Employee Travel -
Quote
I checked at the Kiosk in Toronto last Sunday. My partner was with me.
Before she even tried to use her own credit card, when I used my card,
the
names of all 3 passengers appeared on the screen, mine, my spouse's
and my partner's. Because the flight was wide open, I was asked to
select the
passengers travelling. I selected all and all three boarding cards were
issued with C2
priority.
That was my first experience at checking in through the Kiosk with a
partner. My partner did not have to check in separately. It was
amazing!
Unquote.
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. May Day.
From: Herb Noble <
Subject: Maui
We were paid up and booked to go to Maui
Oct 20 returning Nov 10, it is a one bedroom condo in Kihei. My wife is
refusing to get on an airplane to anywhere, and cancellation insurance only
cover medical reasons, so I am out $1700+ dollars if I can't rent it out, I
have been offering it to my Air Canada friends here in Calgary.. at $70.00
CAD funds per night including taxes.. if you are talking to anyone on the
island who might be interested they can email me, or call 403 601 6202
Take care,
stop to smell the flowers
Herb
|
'---o-o-0-o-o---'
" ' "
. Bill Willow sends us this information -
The following recently appeared in the "CARP FiftyPlus" magazine.
"ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR NEW U.K. BENEFITS?"
If you're a widower receiving state benefits from the U.K. you'll be
able to claim Widowed Parent's Allowance. Previously, only working-age
women could claim this benefit.
In addition, there's now a one-time tax-free bereavement payment for
eligible widows and widowers, as well as a bereavement allowance, which
replaces the Widow's Pension.
Also, new rules to be implemented in October 2002 reduce the entitlement
from State Earnings Related Pension (SERPs) that can be inherited from
your husband or wife. Proposed changes will result in additional state
pensions for low and moderate earners, caregivers and people with
long-term illness or disability.
A publication dealing with these changes, " New Bereavement Benefits",
is available at the U.K. Department of Social Services website at
www.dss.gov.uk
Thought the foregoing may be of interest to Pionairs that may have
worked/resided in the U.K. at one time or another.
Cheers - Bill
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" ' "
. Vesta spotted these items recently, despite flying the NetLetter
single-handed! -
CONCORDE FLYING AGAIN, WITH PASSENGERS
For the first time in more than a year, Air France has flown one of its
Concorde jets with passengers on board.
Wednesday, September 19, 2001
=================================================
SPACE WALKER HADFIELD TO BE HONOURED
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will receive the Meritorious Service
Cross.
Wednesday, September 19, 2001
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" ' "
. From the YYZNEWS issued by Brian Dunn -
The amalgamation of Air Canada's regional carriers has been delayed,
with the company blaming the poor economy and labour troubles.
The five regionals were to be combined and given a splashy relaunch -
possibly under the name Air Canada Tango - on Sept. 24, but now the
rebranding will not occur until early next year.
"Given the current economic climate, it's not wise to make the
investment required to launch the brand effectively and to provide our
new airline with the launch it deserves," Joe Randell, president of
the carrier, told employees in a message yesterday.
"I know this deferral of the brand launch will be disappointing news.
The launch was a bright light during a difficult time." Air Canada's
regionals include Air Nova, Air Alliance, Air Ontario, Air BC and
Canadian Regional Airlines.
They employ 5,000 people and account for about 10% of the company's
revenue but they are not believed to be profitable, although results
are not broken out seperately.
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" ' "
. From "Parts & Pieces" issued by Frank Pedder Purchasing, Logistics &
Supply YUL -
At the conclusion of a very successful Golf Tourney, the
“Rescue Me” Golf Club, and for Lefties only we had a little raffle for an
Arnold
Palmer Titanium Driver, with all proceeds going to “Dreams Take Flight” the
raffle
raised $600.00. Along with the raffle we auctioned off an Odessey Putter that
went
for a final bid of $110.00. So in total we were able to hand over to Nick
Papathedorakos $710.00 for “Dreams Take Flight”
Thanks again for a great day of golf and camaraderie, we look forward to
seeing you all next year on August 24, 2002 so mark your calendars now.
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" ' "
. Another story sent to us by Edward (Ted) Tierney in Belfast -
c 1956. Occasion, the unfortunate
onset of polio, in Canada. Circumstance. The arrival at Dorval of an Air
France cargo Constellation loaded exclusively with live caged monkeys from
Africa intended to provide some immunisation from polio. Open mesh cages
piled one above another, so you may guess the atrocious consequences with a
proportion of the animals extremely sick or dead. During the oceanic flight
the cockpit at least had some supply of fresh air. But on engine shutdown
the foul air filled the entire ship. Three of us, lucky guys of crew 31,
were detailed to provide ground towage from the ramp to the hangar 5 area.
So myself, George Marshall and (Bernie Danis?) were faced with the obvious
dilemma...who was going to ride the brakes in the cockpit?.. So we flipped a
coin and George Marshall "won". However on opening the nearest cocpit/cargo
door he recoiled back and retreated fast. So we held a conference with yours
truly volunteering, but I had a trick up my sleeve. So after getting their
solemn oath not to fool around or delay getting me off I took a deep breath
and ran as fast as I could through the (narrow) aisle. Still holding breath
opened the captains window, stuck my body as a seal against the window frame
with my head in clear air. "Brakes off" and we trundled forwards. No
problem. However it became slightly painful as we were making headway. THen
I noticed the there was a slight headwind favouring me so I eased myself
back from the window, with fresh air incoming, great! So as we progressed
felt totally relaxed and on we sauntered, no bother....But it did not dawn
on me that we were on a gradual turn (wind direction) and all of a sudden
the air from the cabin welled forward past my ears and gee willickers I
jammed up to the window frame only this time really really hard. Made the
guys swear oaths again that all was set for my quick getaway. How the
"baggage" handlers made out later I can only imagine. All being a humourous
incident in comparison to what some befell some Canadians during that
terrible time. .......
Sincerely Ted Tierney.
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" ' "
. Murray Wadden sent us this -
Subject: Re: [The NetLetter] NetLetter nr 622 - The NetLetter
I can not tell you how much I have enjoyed the various pieces of information
rec'd
over the last number of months via THE NET LETTER.
The Gander message and Delta Airlines caused me to print it and take it to
local coffee
hangouts just to boast of the kindness of my Newfie ancestors.
Back in 1983 when we had the Cincinatti incident I was the Manager in Waiting
for AC YQX,
Val Dunn, who still minds every body,s business but his own, maintained an open
line from YQX to my house in YHZ.
Together , we did what had to be done, without a "may I", and enlisted EPA
Personnel to help
us deliver the bad news , to the families affected by our disaster.
Small town Canada may critize your deviant behavior, your different social
norms, however
when the chips are down sit back and watch them roll out the Mat of Human
Kindness!
Oh yes; I cried when I left Gander-Today I , like so many inconvenienced
passengers,
raise a glass in their HONOR!---Murray
e wadden <
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" ' "
. From Employee Communications -
Air Canada hosts international table tennis tournament, a first for North
America. From October 1-4, the Air Canada Table Tennis Club will host the 22nd
Wings of Friendship Inter-Airlines Table Tennis tournament at the Bridgeport
Sports Club in Richmond, B.C. To raise funds to support this event, Ricky
Choh?s
famous dragon t-shirts by are available for $18.00. Buy yours today from 10:30
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the hangar Cafeteria or the Ops Centre 3rd floor
cafeteria in YVR. To buy one after the sale, call Priscilla at (604) 274-2100.
All employees, friends and family are welcome to cheer on our team at the
Bridgeport Sports Club. For more information contact Mark Glowacki at (604)
276-4864 or Shirley Yap at (604) 270-5675.
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" ' "
. Terry's travel tips.
Capt. Les Hare sent us this information -
Greetings from the East !
I think our readers may be interested in this contact for car rentals -
Andre Burtaire
European Cars Service - Toronto
416 - 366 - 2413
www.european-cars.net
I met him on one of our flights to London a few years ago , have used
his services and was very happy with his product .
Worthwhile checking with him when you plan to go to Europe , England , etc.
in my opinion.
Cheers !
Capt. Les Hare [ Retired ]
YYZ Flt. Ops.
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" ' "
. DID YOU KNOW?
That you can read or retrieve back issues of "theNetLetter" ?
Just visit our web site at:
http://www.acfamily.org/netletter
and click on the "Archives" button.
This area is only open to "the NetLetter" subscribers and you will
need the following password to enter -
User Name: netletter Password: vesta
================================================================
Mailing of 'the NetLetter" is a service of the ACFamily Network
**************http://www.acfamily.net
**************
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|
|\^/|
T H E _| TCA |_
_|\| AIR |/|_
N E T L E T T E R > CANADA <
>_./|\._<
|
( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 622 Sept 25th, 2001, We first Published in October 1995
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
To get in touch with either editor/pilot our email address is
=================================================================
. Must know -
From Employee Communications -
Personal travel embargo is lifted. Non-revenue travel embargo is lifted
effective immediately, parents and partners may now travel unaccompanied. Thank
you for putting your personal travel plans on hold. Your co-operation was much
appreciated by your colleagues at Airports and Call Centres.
Self-service Express check-in kiosks given the "all clear." Effective
immediately, customers and pass-eligible travellers can use the check-in kiosks
at the eight Canadian stations.Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto,
Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax. Kiosk users are subject to security screening
procedures.
In order to facilitate compliance with the enhanced security measures in
place
at Canadian airports customers are advised to:
· Arrive no later than two hours prior to their departure for domestic
flights and no later than three hours prior to their departure for transborder
and international flights.
· Carry photo identification regardless of destination
· Limit their carry-on baggage to one item
· Leave at home all non-essential electronic devices (including such
items as
hair dryers and electric razors). Any essential electronic device should be
packed as carry-on baggage and not as checked baggage.
Security measures are extremely stringent so please leave at home any sharp or
knife-like objects. These measures apply to employees, retirees and flight
crews in
addition to customers.
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" ' "
. Nice to know.
.Air Canada announced its winter sun schedule featuring 16 new routes and
increased service to many other spots. Here is a summary of the changes:
Vancouver-Honolulu increases to 16 times weekly including A340 and 747-400
service. Vancouver-Maui increases to five trips per week during peak winter.
Ottawa-Orlando weekly service eff Nov 3rd Ottawa-Ft.Lauderdale weekly service
eff Oct 28th.
Winnipeg-Orlando weekly service eff Oct 28th, Montreal-Orlando increasing to
daily by December 13th.
Toronto-Orlando increases to 21 weekly trips from seven.
Las Vegas will see twice-weekly service from Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal
effective Oct 25th, Toronto-LAS increasing to 12 trips eff Oct 28th.
New routes to Mexico include
Toronto-Cancun starting with 3 trips Oct 28th, increasing to daily by Dec
14th, Montreal-Cancun with weekly service eff Dec 15th.
Toronto-Puerto Vallarta weekly trip starts Nov 3rd, increasing to 4 trips per
week on Dec 17th. New routes to Caribbean include Toronto-Grand Cayman with
twice weekly service eff Oct 28th, Toronto-San Juan weekly eff Nov 3rd
increasing to 3 trips per week on Dec 21st.
Toronto-Nassau will go to three trips per week eff Oct 28th Toronto-Antigua
will increase to 2 trips per week eff Dec 16th.
The following are new charter routes being flown on behalf of Air Canada
Vacations; Montreal to Ciego de Avila Cuba with 2 trips per week eff Dec 21st,
Montreal-Holguin with weekly service eff Dec 24th.
Toronto-Holguin weekly service eff Nov 3rd increasing to twice weekly on Dec
20th.
Toronto-Turks & Caico (Providenciales (PLS)) with weekly trip eff Dec 29th
Toronto to Punta Cana with weekly service eff Oct 28th, increasing to twice
weekly eff Dec 22nd.
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" ' "
. Reminder -
How to ensure travel privileges of dependent children. Each year active and
retired employees, with dependent children aged between 18-24, must submit a
Declaration of Child Dependency for Travel Privileges form (ACF420D) to
Employee
Travel. To ensure their continued eligibility, fill out the form and return it
to People Services, if you're based in Canada, or Employee Travel and
Recognition, ACC 1245, if based elsewhere. Retirees and widows/widowers should
return the form by Canada Post. The form is available in the
September issue of Horizons, page 6. The form must be submitted by October 31.
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" ' "
. We recently welcomed
Charles Burgess retired Canadian Pacific Airlines Sheet Metal Mechanic
Ron & Val Hutchison retired CAI Supervisor Mtce Ops Control
Charles E. Martel Retired_AC Inspection Foreman
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" ' "
. News from the Pionair districts.
Vancouver Island -
UPCOMING EVENTS
1. McMorran’s Beach House: Tuesday October 2, 2001 we will return
to McMorrans for a luncheon. Price $17.00 per person PAYABLE BY
SEPTEMBER 27TH. Cash Bar. Reception will commence at 11:30 AM with lunch at
12:30 PM. Location: 5109 Cordova Bay Road, Victoria, phone 250-658-5224.
2. Princess Mary Restaurant: Tuesday December 11, 2001 we will hold our
Christmas luncheon at the Princess Mary Restaurant. They will provice an
excellant buffet. Cost $18.00 per person PAYABLE BY DECEMBER 4th. Cash Bar.
Location: 358 Harbour Road Victoria. Phone 250-386-3456.
FOR EACH EVENT, PLEASE SEND A CHEQUE TO DISTRICT DIRECTOR JOHN JEFFREY AT
1-10471 Resthaven Dr, Sidney, B.C. V8L 3H6
CHEQUE TO BE MADE OUT TO AIR CANADA PIONAIRS.
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" ' "
. Jim Smith at Air Canada sent us this article -
Subject: Man Arrested for 1971 Air Canada Hijacking
A man sought for hijacking an Air Canada
flight to Cuba almost 30 years ago was arrested after his
fingerprints were identified on a New York City Board of Education
job application, the FBI said on Monday.
Patrick Dolan Critton, 54, was arrested at his home in Mt. Vernon,
New York, on Saturday after authorities matched the fingerprints on
the job form to those on a soda can he touched during the Dec. 26,
1971, flight he allegedly hijacked from Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Critton, a U.S. citizen, has been wanted by the Canadian government
since January 1972 when it filed kidnapping, armed robbery and
extortion charges against him.
Court papers said Critton's whereabouts have been unknown from the
time of the hijacking until this year. Authorities believe he
returned to the United States in 1994.
Critton was arrested on a complaint filed in Manhattan federal
court with the expectation he will be extradited to Canada.
According to court papers, Air Canada flight 932 was en route to
Toronto when Critton allegedly produced a gun and a grenade and
demanded he be taken to Cuba. During the hijacking, he showed a
U.S. passport that allegedly gave his real name.
The aircraft landed in Toronto and all passengers were allowed to
leave the plane. The plane was refueled and then flown to Havana
with the crew of six and the hijacker.
Once in Cuba, the hijacker exited the plane and it returned to
Toronto.
During the investigation, police found a soda can that Critton was
thought to have handled. In addition, five of the six crew members
identified Critton as the alleged hijacker from a passport
photograph.
According to the New York complaint, an investigation over the last
few months led authorities to Mt. Vernon and Critton's fingerprints
were obtained last month from the job application.
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" ' "
. From the YYZNEWS issued by Brian Dunn -
Thudner Bay Airport Authority announced that it will be eliminating its
Airport Improvement
Fee effective October 15th!
Air Canada news -
Air Canada will be terminating its Toronto-Copenhagen route with the
last eastbound flight on October 27th, and the last westbound on October 28th.
Seasonal service may resume in the summer of 2002 but is subject to review.
..Air Canada secured a 16-year USD$285million agreement for the maintenance and
repair of components for Atlantic Coast Airlines fleet of Canadair Regional
Jets. The contract came into effect on September 1, 2001. Maintenance work will
be performed at its Dorval maintenance center. ACA's fleet of CRJs is expected
to grwo to at least 96 aircraft by the end of 2003!
..Air Canada will be launching its own online travel website called destina.ca
and will give customers the convenience of 24-hour internet access to the
widest range of travel options. Webtravelnews.com recently estimated that
Canadians will spend $1.1billion booking travel online this year, a 69 per cent
increase over last year.
Air Canada fleet movements -
The third leased 767-300 jet (C-GGBJ FIN651) flew from Toronto to Montreal on
September 5th in full Ansett Australia colours. It made its last revenue flight
with AC on 31August from Halifax to Toronto. It will undergo maintenance checks
in Montreal and then be handed over to Ansett crews for the delivery flight to
Australia.
Boeing 737-275 (C-GBPW) made its last revenue flight on September 3rd between
Calgary and Vancouver. It is being withdrawn from the mainline fleet in
preparation for service with the new "low-cost carrier" in November.
The second of three new Airbus 319s is expected to be delivered later this
month along with the fourth new Boeing 767-333ER leased from GECAS.
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" ' "
. John Bosma <
I have asked many Canadians, if they knew from where the first
successful TransAtlantic flight from continental Canada (Newfoundland
was not part of Canada then), took off from. Not one knew about it, so
I am asking you.
If you know, send me the name of the runway, and if you don't know send
an email to
Cheers, John Bosma, Capt.AC(Ret.)
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" ' "
. Smilie.
From Courtney Greene -
This is a transcript of an ACTUAL radio conversation of a US Naval
ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995.
Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10/10/95
AMERICANS:-Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to
avoid a collision.
CANADIANS;- Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the
south to avoid collision.
AMERICANS: - This is the Captain of a US Navy Ship, I say again,
divert YOUR course.
CANADIANS;- No. I Say again, you divert YOUR course.
AMERICANS: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND
LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE
DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU
CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH. THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER
MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
CANADIANS;- This is a lighthouse. Your call.
From:
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Important reminder, for all new articles, submissions and or comments
for the "The Netletter" please send to:
Our joint e-mail address is:
please add to your Address Books.
This e-mail address has been set up so that both of us (exclusively)
will get an automatic copy and so we can keep up with the continuity of
news for the NetLetter.
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Mailing of 'the NetLetter" is a service of the ACFamily Network
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