Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

For Air Canada Retirees
(Part of the ACFamily Network)

Reader Submitted Photos -  The photos and information below have been submitted to us by our faithful readers.  

Tom Singfield sent us this information recently:
I am an aviation historian in the UK. I have spent five years researching and writing a book on the history of aviation in BERMUDA.

This will be published by the National Museum of Bermuda in 2013.

Over the years I corresponded with many TCA staff who were involved with the TCA Bermuda operations. Navigator Ron Peel was especially helpful as were Ross Smyth and others.

(Note: In NetLetter nr 977 in 2007, and NetLetter nr 1012 in March 2008 we received a similar email, so Tom has been working on the inaugural flight details of the TCA North Star serving Bermuda on May 1st 1948 - eds).

Tom sent these photos of posters relating to Bermuda which he has accumulated, including a first day cover.  

Paris at work.
The sales staff of Air Canada-France were all dressed for action at a recent two-day meeting to set up their new sales campaign.

Sporting "Get a Friend to Fly" t-shirts are, from the left; John Barnes, General Manager, France and Western Europe; Michel Schott, Sales Manager, Lyons; Sales Representatives Jean Munoz, Martine Bridoux, Maurice Demont, Jean Rousse, Alain Pelle and Passenger Sales & Service Manager Fernand Leroux.
 

The DC-4 M's will take a lot of filling and these are the boys who can do it. Five graduates of the 2nd Traffic Training School, they are all Air Force veterans but now directing traffic towards TCA's aircraft from their various locations across Canada.

Left to right; Back row: F/O Bob Slessor, Instructor Al Godbold and F/O Bill Dickinson, Front row: P/O Hugh McElligott, F/L Phil Baby and P/O Kel Turner.
 

Of the eleven graduates of the 13th Passenger Agent Class. nine were Air Force veterans. This brought to 136 the number of repatriated R.C.A.F. men and women who have been assigned to T.C.A. stations as Agents since March. 1942.

In the photograph, left to right. Back row: B. Blight, Moncton and F/O George Mitchell, Winnipeg. centre row: Flt.Sgt. Ed Mann, Winnipeg; F/ O Frank McDonald, Glace Bay; Eric Stull, Sudbury and Winnipeg; F/ O Bob Livingston,Edmonton; FIt.Sgt. Jack Cooke, Edmonton; F/O Barry Kerr, Winnipeg and FIt.Sgt. Howard Barber, Toronto. Frpnt row: P/O B. W. Faggo, Winnipeg; T . W. Kirkham, Supervisor of Passenger Agents; D. R. MacLaren, Superintendent of Passenger Service; Dick Sellors, Passenger Agent Supervisor, Lethbridge and FIt.Sgt. A. MacDonald, Moncton.
 

From Milan, Italy  December 4th, 2012. Maggie van Maarseveen sends us this information: Guess which airline became the first low cost airline in Europe? Yes, Canadian Airlines OF COURSE from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Amsterdam (AMS).

We had the privilege to use our fifth freedom rights from Milan Malpensa (Italy) to Amsterdam (the Netherlands) (for several years during year 1985 onwards. I don't remember exactly when it started). 

As I'm Dutch and employed as a Canadian Sales Representative, our General Manager in Italy gave me the opportunity and the privilege to promote this service to Travel Agencies, The Dutch Consulate  - the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and the Dutch community in Northern Italy as well. Also Italian students from both Universities and High Schools with their professors and teachers used our flights during school break. Round trip started with a special fare: around 250.000 Italian Lira (125,00 euro).  20 kg free baggage - lunch (MXP AMS) and breakfast (AMS MXP) all Included.

It was a great success. We had a lot of trouble with both KLM and ALITALIA. Our flights were always full! After a year of service, the Dutch Tourism Board (V.V.V) opened its offices in Milan, Italy in front of our office! KLM General Manager Italy admitted and congratulated our offices. Regards Maggie van Maarseveen Former Sales Representative - now retired
 

The photo  of the famed Kap Hotel at Kapuskasing in NetLetter nr 1230 prompted Lorraine Nantel to share this memory: 

My husband and I, both AC retirees since July 1st, 2003 always look forward to The NetLetter. It's almost a challenge as to which one of us will get to it first! Never thought I would be the one to be able to clarify an article, but here I am!

I am Loraine Brunelle Nantel, from Kapuskasing, Ontario!
In today's NetLetter, there is a photo of the Kapuskasing Inn, taken from Between Ourselves of 1945... it was indeed a magnificent building, built by Kimberley Clark, owners of our pulp & paper mill. Not only did it accommodate locals, and ''bumped plusers'', but in 1951, Princess Elizabeth, then Duchess of Edinburgh, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, & their entourage, overnighted at the Inn!

Sadly, the Kap Inn was torn down just about 2 years ago, to be replaced by a large Ontario Provincial Police Headquarters. It had, unfortunately, become dilapidated and rundown, following a fire several years ago.

However, for all the years it stood, it was indeed a grand lady befitting a Princess! I might add that as a child... I used to be taken to the airport to see Trans Canada land in Kapuskasing, on its way westward. What a thrill! Unknowingly at the time, the thrill lasted all of my 37 years with Air Canada! Thanks for letting me vent this morning! Sincerely, Loraine

The story on the Kap Hotel mentioned in NetLetter nr 1230 has led Ken Pickford to investigate further and he sends us this information:
Re your query as to whether the "Kap Hotel" in Kapuskasing, shown in the 1945 photo, still exists, I came across the following blog item from 2007 with several photos (they enlarge when clicked on).
http://macoffeeshoppe.blogspot.ca/2007/05/kapuskasing-inn.html

Unfortunately it burned down in 2007. There are a few reader comments at the bottom referring to its history. More here: http://images.ourontario.ca/kapuskasing/24252/data

Also found the following reference in another site:
In 1951 Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip (Duke of Edinbugh) visited Kapuskasing on their first visit to Canada. They stayed at the Kapuskasing Inn. The Inn was closed in 2002 due to a downturn in demand and the building was abandoned. In 2007 the Inn was burnt down by young arsonists. In 2008 the remains were finally demolished. Regards, Ken 

Del Horn's memory was triggered by Jim Griffiths Ramp experiences in a recent NetLetter: Netletter nr 1229 brought back memories of an experience I had while working on the Ramp in Winnipeg (Spring of '53).

We were fondly known as "baggage-bashers" then. A North Star arrived and because the aircraft normally "sat" on the Ramp for many hours it was parked well down the Ramp area. On arrival of the aircraft, I happened to be on the "Honey-Wagon" and attempted to drain the toilets but the drain pipe was frozen (not an unusual occurrence) and I was unable to do the draining. Unbeknownst to us, Flight Dispatch had set up a second section for the aircraft and a couple of hours later a flight departure was announced.

In the meantime (a warm Spring day) the toilet drain had thawed somewhat and the "liquid" was running along the fuselage of the aircraft and dripping off the tail Skid. There was an initial rush of passengers and they bunched up at the bottom of the stairs. Two Gentlemen lagged well behind as obviously there was no rush. 

Approaching the aircraft they noticed the "liquid" leaking from the aircraft, discussed the situation and one of the Gentlemen caught several drops on his fingers, tasted the "liquid" and shook his head and no doubt advised his partner that it was not gasoline and they could proceed safely. Del  

(Those Winnipeggers are a hardy lot aren't they? - eds)
 

In the latest issue of Horizons, and Air Canada and Aeroplan emails circulating, is an article with the following information:

"To celebrate our 75th anniversary, Roots Canada has launched an exclusive line of vintage TCA & Roots branded leather products, specially designed to celebrate our 75th anniversary, and highlighting Air Canada's pioneering years as Trans-Canada Airlines."  

Some of the items cost several hundreds of dollars to purchase, one only hopes that the signage on the product is correctly identified as Trans-Canada Air Lines.
 
Airport and In-flight employees have been asked to ensure carry-on luggage meets our limits. We ask all employees, and retirees, traveling to ensure your carry-on baggage and those in your traveling party are within our limits, and to utilize the space under the seat in front of you for carry-on items to show that we can all do our part to help our flights depart on time. (source Daily)
 
Two more deals offered by Airway Vacations - Interline deals to GO
Wonders of Peru 12 Days/ 11 Nights from us$1449*
What makes this package both a real value and a spectacular holiday to Peru are the stops along the way. Arrive Lima, then Aregquipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo and Pisac Indian Market. This tour is a kaleidoscope view of the culture, natural beauty and wildlife of this South American jewel. The pace of the tour is perfect while offering a view of the most popular destinations in Peru. Begins in Lima, April 9, June 4, July 9, August 13, 2013.
 
Ireland 6 Nights, 4 Cities with confirmed air and car rental from us$799*
Get a taste of Irish history on a four city tour for one low price. This package is available for select dates in January and February 2013, (add us$50 for March departures). Round-trip airfare to Dublin from JFK, (+ us$75 BOS, + us$100 Chicago), six nights accommodations in centrally located hotels in Dublin, Killarney, Galway and Kilkenny, three breakfasts and standard transmission car rental (upgrade to automatic for a nominal fee). *Prices are per person based on double occupancy, airline taxes are additional. 

Call 1-800-422-3727 for these and more deals. 

Caesar Hotels Airway Vacations, 17295 Chesterfield Airport Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63005   

We have this cartoon, which appeared after an suggestion for having a DC-8 mounted on a pedestal at the YVR Ops Centre. The caption was "It was nothing until they filled the fuel tanks with booze and threw in the Empress Class. Now the whole town's flying higher than a kite". This appeared in the "CP Air News" magazine issued July 1981 by Fernando Moura, Flight Attendant, YVR.   

For Air Canada Retirees
(Part of the ACFamily Network)

What are a Solvency Deficit, a Deemed Trust and a Preferred Creditor?  

They all can have positive or negative effects on pension security. The Air Canada Pension Trust Fund is currently an unsecured creditor similar to Nortel. Our efforts are dedicated to changing this status.

Please visit www.saveourpensions.ca and  follow these steps if you'd like to participate:

• Find your MP (clicking on link opens new page to search by Postal Code)
• Enter MP's Name (from your search)
• Enter MP's email (from your search)
• Enter your information
• Submit  

Click on image to visit website.

The website simplifies the process by taking your MP's name and address (that you provide) and then sending your chosen letter to your MP as well as automatically copying it to 

and

and sending a confirmation to you.

Since the email contains you contact info, it is recognized by the government and you will most likely get a response from your MP at least. This method has been very effective in past campaigns in getting attention towards our various pension issues.

Ken Pickford spotted our error with two photos in NetLetter 1231 :
I just have finished looking at NetLetter 1231 with one glitch spotted. In the item from Bill Cameron referring to CP's "Company Jet" and later "Attaché" service, you have the photos transposed. The 737 photo in CP Air orange livery should be next to the first paragraph referring to the Company Jet, and vice versa. Regards, Ken

Peter Wakefield sends this information:
In the west side of YUL line maintenance hangar is shown. The upper case AIR CANADA logo was brought down in the summer of 2012 and is now replaced with lower case aircanada.com. Nothing to do with AVEOS (or bankruptcy). Regards, Pete W. 

Referring to NetLetter nr 1231, Glen Powell sets the record straight: Just a correction on the Lancaster story. The navigator is P.G. Powell
(not PO Powell). Glen Powell

Ferg Kyle sends this after his memory was prompted by the video in
NetLetter nr 1227: I enjoyed the video trip back through Heathrow's early days, much before I arrived on the scene. The arrival and departure was centered on the north side of runway 10-28 with plenty of green grass by the side of the tarmac. It was not unusual for a football or softball to be thrown around by the ground crew during quiet periods. By the time I was part of the crew, we were housed in wartime structures, carefully joined together to admit ever-increasing traffic and the whole became a rabbit warren of barn after barn from the booking hall to the boarding gate. The halls between were walled with three coloured lines of bulbs in similar coloured horizontal stripes to guide travelers to their appointed gates. However, this may reawaken some old memories. The Tannoy (loud-speaker) went something like this: "May I have your attention please. Passengers for Trans Canada four zero zero to Montreal are requested to take leave of their friends, and following the yellow markers, proceed to gate 17. Thank you". Ferg Kyle

This photo brings back a memory for Terry Baker, our chief Pilot. This building was the office for T.C.A. at Heathrow (LHR) and was on the north side of the airport. In 1954 when I joined TCA, this was the office I worked in together with Jack Ross (Station manager), John Summers (Office Manager), Nancy Perry (Secretary), Sheila ???? (typist) moved to Scotland, Tom Carr Hodgson (Purchasing &
Stores Manager), Cyril Cavanaugh (Purchasing  agent) moved to Ottawa. Valerie Phipps (typist) moved to Montreal as Flight Attendant, Terry Baker (office clerk), Phil Smythe (purchasing clerk), Daphne Steele (Secretary). In the next similar building was the Flight Dispatch  and Ramp Office with Tony Blencoe, Harry Berry, George Steele, Alex Murray, Barbara Edwards (Telephonist), among others.

When construction of the tunnel for the central area was begun, we were two similar offices located behind the old control tower on the north side. 
 
 

Sometimes we receive articles and information that just doesn't fit in our other areas. This is where it goes!

The Quarter Century in Aviation Club has a chapter in Vancouver.
This Club was formed in 1952 by Bill Windrum, a pilot who flew for
Canadian Airways out of Thunder Bay, Prince Albert and Edmonton.

While a member of management at Canadian Pacific Airlines in Vancouver, Bill wanted to find a venue where people from all areas of Aviation could meet as friends to share their experiences without interference from the constraints of competition that were common in this fledgling industry. Membership is in excess of 150. Anyone who has been associated with aviation for a minimum of twenty-five years, in any form, is welcome to join this unique Club.

The present day Club's meetings still provide members with the opportunity to share a social time with fellow aviation enthusiasts and to listen to guest speakers. The meetings are held on the third Tuesday of October, November, January, February, March, and April at the Richmond Curling Club, 5540 Hollybridge Way, located in Richmond. A very good buffet is served and, although it is not at the 1952 prices, it is still very affordable.

The club are always looking for new members, so please join them at one of their dinner meetings, have a great meal and meet new and old friends!

See: ww.quartercenturyclub.ca
(Please note that the site needs updating as the webmaster (Alan Rust) was taken off their mailing list last year and to date has not been re-instated).

  

Traveling to Argentina?
For travel to Argentina on or after December 28, 2012, Canadian, U.S. and Australian citizens must pay Argentina's reciprocity fee in advance of travel by visiting Argentina's Ministry of the Interior or Provincia Pagos
website.
http://www.migraciones.gov.ar
http://www.provinciapagos.com.ar/dnm/ 

Proof of payment (in the form of a receipt) is required upon arrival at Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza Int. Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires.

Change in Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ZED ticket policy.  We have been notified by Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that with an effective date of January 1, 2013, they will no longer be able to accept ZED (Zonal Employee Discount) paper tickets. Therefore the ZED agreement will be temporarily suspended until both carriers are able to accept NET (non-eticket). While this temporary change may be disappointing, we must emphasize that this is not a permanent suspension and we look forward to reinstating our agreement between Air Canada and these carriers in the future. All paper tickets for travel on these carriers that have issued and unused prior to January 1, 2013 will require to be refunded. (source Daily Nov 21/12)

Family Affair extension! The Family Affair Program has been extended with anew last ticket/last travel date of March 31, 2013. Remember that Family Affair tickets feature confirmed travel and can be used by eligible family members traveling without you. Please review the eligibility and booking procedures on the Portal Employee Travel News & Policies Family Affair.

Customers may enjoy a new sleeping cushion with a 250-thread-count outer cover in addition to the standard plush duvet, soft pillows and
Philosophy-brand amenity kit. Upon request, crew members will position the cushion, duvet and pillows within the flat-bed suite for customers. The service is available for United Global First customers on all long-haul international flights. (Source: United Continental Holdings, Inc.).

First class passengers have always been cossetted. Here is what TWA came up with in June 1961. Royal Ambassador first class service. The product was designed to offer customers personalized service before, during, and after their flight. At red-carpeted counters, dedicated representatives introduced customers to an agent for completion of formalities, then directed them to a first class departure lounge; from there they were escorted to the gate. Hand luggage was taken at the counter and placed onboard at their pre-assigned seats. A Polaroid snapshot of each passenger was taken after takeoff and presented in a folder. From March 1961, in-flight motion pictures were shown in the first class sections on trans-Atlantic and transcontinental nonstop flights, making TWA the first airline to show feature films on jetliners (it had been done so on a DC-2 in 1934 as a publicity stunt).  

Travelers who are flying out of Changi Airport, Singapore from April 1, 2013 - departing passengers will pay a total of $34, including the passenger security service charge (PSSC) of $8 and the aviation levy of $6.10. (source yahoo.com)

Passengers flying out of Hong Kong International Airport are liable for a departure tax of HK$120 per person (12 years and above), with exemptions given to passengers who: arrive and depart from Hong Kong within the same day; or arrive at HKIA by ferry from a port in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). Passengers should obtain a refund coupon for the pre-paid Air Passenger Departure Tax when they check in at the PRD port. The tax will be included and charged together with your airline ticket. (source hongkongairport.com)

The departure tax for Aruba is US $36.75 to the USA (It is usually
included in the purchased airline ticket). For all other destinations, the departure tax is US $33.50. (source aruba.com)

Departure tax at LAX is us$3.00 (source airporthotelservice.com)
 

 This cartoon by Jake Visser appeared in "Canadi>n Flyer" issued May 1997.

For Air Canada Retirees
(Part of the ACFamily Network)

Reader Submitted Photos -  The photos and information below have been submitted to us by our faithful readers.  

CP Air Airport Managers from transcon and California met in Vancouver during the spring of 1981.

Back row, from left: Norm Dartnell, Fort St. John, representing Western Canada Services; Dennis Clements, manager, ramp ops, Toronto; John Rusinko, airport services manager, Edmonton; Peter Provost, ramp services manager, Mirabel; Guy Morrison, general manager, operations; Norm Dawkin, passenger service manager, Toronto airport; George McRobble, director, administration technical services; Daile Axe, airport services manager, Victoria; Bill Cameron, assistant director, airport operations, North America; Mario Rosa, airport services manager, Dorval;  John Gilchrist, supervisor, airport administration, Vancouver Ops Centre.  

Front, from left, Art McCarville, airport services manager, Winnipeg; Neill Saunders, director, Toronto airport; Ron Hoffmann, manager, ramp ops, Vancouver airport; John Berkman, airport services manager, Mirabel; Peter Allchin, director Vancouver airport; Marc Bilodeau, director, Montreal airports; J.P.Gelinas, airport services manager, Ottawa; Mike Symington, supervisor, standards and procedures, Industry affairs, Vancouver ops centre; Al Aden airport services supervisor, San Francisco; Willy Thorogood, airport services manager, Los Angeles; Jlm Millar, aIrport servIces manager, Halifax;  Jack Cooke, director, airport operations.
 

Barkley-Grow pioneer aircraft on CP Air's Edmonton-Whitehorse route in the early 1940s, was being restored at Calgary International Airport by Roy Staniland, formerly of Associated Helicopters Co. Ltd. and now with Petrocan's Aviation department.

Staniland, who flew Barkley-Grows commercially in northern Canada in the 1950s, traced CP Air's old CF-BQM to Quebec where it had been left derelict since 1973 after a succession of owners and incidents over the years. After restoration it was destined for the Calgary Aerospace Museum.
 

Referring to the Honey Bucket story by Jim Griffith in NetLetter nr 1229, Dan Westman sends us this memory:
This story is fact. I too did the infamous dump as the junior man in YEG back in the late 60's. Another prank that I believe was done at almost all stations frequently happened here. As you said there was a Honey Bucket at the front and back. To dump the front bucket, a conveyor belt loader was positioned at the front door. Unfortunately most rookies carrying the bucket down the belt were surprised, to say the least when someone would hit the forward or reverse button on the belt with obvious results. A very dirty trick but it happened all the time.

But thankfully only ONCE to each rookie. We also would send rookies to maintenance or somewhere for the dreaded "SKY HOOK" or the "COMPARTMENT STRETCHER". Was that done at other stations... I very much enjoy the articles, especially the one about the sandwiches and the soldiers (in Alan's Space). I wish I had of been there, there would have been another $25 dollars to pass on. Once again thank you!!
 

Sometimes we receive articles and information that just doesn't fit in our other areas. This is where it goes!

Brian Dunn, editor of www.yyznews.com sends this interesting url - if you are interested in seeing the history of Toronto airport.

What are your kids doing this summer? Youth Exchange Program now accepting applications for 2013! IYE, The International Youth Exchange Program for families of airline staff members, is currently accepting applications.

IYE matches 14- to 19-year-old youth with a correspondent of similar age from an airline family abroad. The youths spend two weeks together in your home and two weeks in the home of the match family. While overseas, your son or daughter has the opportunity to learn about another culture from someone his or her own age. Living with a family abroad for two weeks is an extraordinary way to experience another country. All that is required is a 300 USD application fee (refundable if an acceptable match is not located), your airline pass, spending money, and an adventurous spirit! For further information, please visit our website at: www.intlyouth.org or contact retired airline staff member: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (source Daily).

Jack Morath of LHR sends this information:

FYI trolleys for your luggage at LAX are five dollars now and can be paid by credit card!

Dave Townson sends this observation regarding the information in NetLetter nr 1229:

When the link to yyznews didn't satisfy my curiosity, I was able to find out on Google that the Canadian destination of Ethiopian's 787 service seems to be Toronto!
Regards, Dave Townson

Northern Ireland has scrapped Air Passenger Duty (APD) on all direct long-haul flights departing from Northern Ireland airports from January 2013.

 This cartoon by Dave Mathias appeared in "Between Ourselves" issued October 1945.
 

For Air Canada Retirees
(Part of the ACFamily Network)

Reader Submitted Photos -  The photos and information below have been submitted to us by our faithful readers.

Robert Arnold has sent us this information -
At last, after all this time, the box that contained some of my more rare airline models has been found. Most are of Canadian content like Canadian Airlines, WorldWays and Wardair. I even had a Nordair license plate in the box. The Avro CF-100 and Arrow are still factory sealed with a price tag from The Yea Old Hobby Shop and priced at $1.49. I even found my Dinky Toy Viscount that was done for me in Air Canada livery bearing the register of CF-THS.

If you look closely, you will see a touch of Britain in the mix with a Red Arrows aircraft in tow on a special lorry, a slightly damaged dinky toy Avro York, a Vickers Viking that is still in great shape, along with a Luxair F-27 and an Air France DH Comet.

I also found an Avro Anson fuel primer and some sort of calibrating unit used on Ansons. I just thought I would share my findings with you guys. Enjoy!

 
 

SIXTEEN CP AIR employees joined travel agents on a 10-day fam trip to Portugal, organized by Chateau Tours of Montreal.

Here's the happy group on a photo break: Front row, from left: Cathy Martin, Ottawa sales; Josee Hansen, Chateau Tours; and Francine Prud'homme of Montreal. Second row: Jeannette Lajoie, Montreal res; Diane Josie, Toronto res; Fran Zilo, Ottawa ticket office; Spencer Wong, Vancouver res; Patricia Wong, Vancouver; Jessie Gray, Toronto; Stephanie Kohler, Montreal res; Cecile Cuillerier, Montreal; Roger Cuillerier, Montreal sales; and Luc Prud'homme, Montreal sales. Third row: Dave Solloway, Vancouver sales; Harry Stilling, Edmonton CTO manager; John Riga, Montreal ticket office; Gordon Sangster, Toronto ticket office; Lois Jenkins, Portland, Ore.; Kurt Kohler, Montreal res; Stan Jenkins, Portland, Ore., sales; Peter Martin, Ottawa sales; Ernie Gray, Toronto ticket office; and Mike Barber, president of Vacances Golf Holidays and Chateau Tours, Montreal.

(During the 1970's, your chief pilot enjoyed many week-end trips to Portugal on the interline "TAP tours" - eds)
 
CENTENNIAL SOUND-OFF
Canadian Pacific's planes, trains, trucks and ships sounded off for 30 seconds across Canada at noon local lime on Monday, Feb. 16th 1981 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company.

It was on Feb. 16, 1881 that letters patent were issued in Ottawa under the Great Seal of Canada incorporating the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. In the skies captains of CP Air jets told their passengers about the event in a noon announcement. Simultaneously the company's trains, trucks and ships were sounding their horns on the highways, rails and oceans.
 

Sometimes we receive articles and information that just doesn't fit in our other areas. This is where it goes!

CANADIAN RESEARCHERS FLY ON PURE BIO-FUEL
Calling it a "historic milestone for the aviation and sustainable energy industries," Canada's National Research Council has conducted what it says is the world's first civilian flight using 100 percent bio-fuel.

Perhaps as a measure of confidence in the fuel, made from oil-seeds grown in Saskatchewan, NRC Chief Pilot Tim Leslie conducted the Oct. 29 flight in NRC's Falcon 20 over the nation's capital of Ottawa, Ontario. "We have been working hard with our partners for many months, and it is most rewarding to see it all come together," Leslie said. "It is truly inspiring to take this step towards an eco-friendly future!"

NRC is a government agency and it worked with private enterprises, including Agrisoma Bioscience Inc., which is now making commercial quantities of bio-fuel based on the seed of the cold, heat and drought-tolerant Carinata, or Ethiopian Mustard plant. The plant, which is related to canola, thrives on marginal farmland not suited to agricultural crops
(source avwebflash) 

Kenneth Swartz has forwarded the following message:

Hi... we have launched the fundraising campaign to re-establish the Canadian Air & Space Museum at Lester B. Pearson International airport. Ken.

The greater Toronto area and YYZ in particular have a rich aerospace and airline history. The link to view a video about the campaign and to make a donation is: http://www.indiegogo.com/casmuseum. 

We'd like to encourage all Air Canada/CP retirees to visit this web site and share the link with as many people as possible.

The Museum's fundraising page enables people to make donations from as little as $5 and EVERY donation gets something in return, from free admission to our future museum, to books, models and lifetime memberships. The success of the campaign depends on widespread awareness. Please share the http://www.indiegogo.com/casmuseum link with friends and colleagues.

In the meantime, the Museum has an immediate need to raise funds,  as it has not generated any revenue since its closing in September 2011.  Phase 1 of the fundraising campaign has a goal of $500,000, of which these badly needed funds will be directed to two immediate needs: 

1. Preserving the Museum's collection that now sits in 44 freight containers at YYZ. Sizable indoor storage space needs to be found, with proper environmental conditions, for the contents to be unloaded before winter weather sets in. Afterwards, monthly storage rental fees need to be covered.
    
2. Pay to construct a temporary hangar at YYZ to store the Museum's two most precious items - the only full-scale metal replica of the Avro Arrow and the City of Toronto's rare Second World War Avro Lancaster bomber (the aircraft that used to sit  atop a pole alongside Lakeshore Blvd, in front of Ontario Place).  

Brian Walsh sends this:
I saw the info on the Holland America Line Veendam in NetLetter nr 1229: 17-night South America - Valparaiso to Rio de Janeiro* Dec 03

What a deal - I am now booked on it. If you hear of any other NetLetter subscribers taking this, let me know - or they can email me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Paule Sims is asking for your help: Would you please put a note in the NetLetter asking if anyone knows of a nice reasonably priced place, such as a house or apartment, to stay in the south of France? Thank you, Paule Sims This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Airway Vacations - Interline deals:
Winter/Holiday Escorted Tours from $1149*
Holiday and January tour dates have just arrived and the rates are tempting. If you're thinking about getting away for the holidays, it's not too late. Or if you want to see Europe at truly bargain rates, January 2013 is the time to go. Ask about confirmed air options. 

• Vienna, Prague and Budapest 8 Days - Begins Jan. 4 from $1149 ppdo
• Amazing Spain & Portugal 10 Days - Begins Jan. 4 $1358 ppdo
• Best of Morocco 10 Days - Begins Dec. 26 $1553 ppdo
• Winter Wonderland 10 Days - Begins Dec. 20 $1568 ppdo
• Highlights of Spain 10 Days - Begins Dec. 17 $1638 ppdo
• Best of Italy 11 Days - Begins Jan. 18 $1923 ppdo
• Rome to London 10 Days - Begins Jan 18 $1933 ppdo
• Highlights of Europe 15 Days - Begins Dec. 24 $3229 ppdo

Prices are us$
See more Hot Deals at www.airwayvacations.com
1-800-422-3727  

Another cartoon by Dave Mathias, this time from "Between Ourselves" issued October 1944.