Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter
Since 1995 Saturday May 24, 2025
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Summit Air Avro RJ85 (BAe 146)
C-FLRJ at Yellowknife (YZF)
September 6, 2015
Photo by Gordon Leggett |
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Dear Welcome to The NetLetter, established in 1995 as a dedicated newsletter for Air Canada retirees.
We have evolved into the longest running aviation-based newsletter for Air Canada, TCA, CP Air, Canadian Airlines and all other Canadian-based airlines that once graced the skies. The NetLetter is self-funded and is always free to subscribers. It is operated by a group of volunteers and is not affiliated with any airline or associated organizations. The NetLetter is published on the second and fourth weekend of each month. If you are interested in Canadian aviation history, and vintage aviation photos, especially as it relates to Trans-Canada Air Lines, Air Canada, Canadian Airlines International and their constituent airlines, then we're sure you'll enjoy this newsletter. Please note: We do our best to identify and credit the original source of all content presented. However, should you recognize your material and are not credited; please advise us so that we can correct our oversight. Our website is located at www.thenetletter.net Please click the links below to visit our archives and for more info about The NetLetter. |
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 We have welcomed 93 new subscribers so far in 2025.
We now have 4507 subscribers.
We wish to thank everyone for the continuing support of our efforts.
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 Back issues of The NetLetter are available in both the original newsletter format and downloadable PDF format.
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We always welcome feedback about Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge) from our subscribers who wish to share current events, memories and photographs.
Particularly if you have stories to share from one of the legacy airlines: Trans-Canada Air Lines, Canadian Airlines, CP Air, Pacific Western, Maritime Central Airways, Eastern Provincial, Wardair, Nordair, Transair, Air BC, Time Air, Quebecair, Calm Air, NWT Air, Air Alliance, Air Nova, Air Ontario, Air Georgian and all other Canadian based airlines that once graced the Canadian skies.
We will try to post your comments in the next issue but, if not, we will publish it as soon as we can.
Thanks!
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For the first time in six years, almost to the day, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are coming to the Nanaimo, British Columbia, the 'Harbour City', for a full performance.
A two-day stop is planned for the squadron with an evening show planned for August 15 and an afternoon demonstration on August 16, 2025 in the skies above the Nanaimo Harbour and Maffeo Sutton Park.
Click the image below for the full 2025 schedule.
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Doug Seagrim sent in this correction -
In NetLetter #1557 'NetLetter Archives' there is a memory about the royal flight which has a minor error. The captain on the royal flight was Art Ander, not 'Ander s' as stated.
He was a family friend of my father, Herb Seagrim, who was often at our home when I was young. While I have your attention I would also like to thank you and congratulate you for producing a fine NetLetter which I have enjoyed for many years.
Retired Captain, Doug Seagrim
Editors' Note: The NetLetter team always strive to ensure that names are spelled correctly. We appreciate any correction no matter how small.
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Retired Air Canada photographer, Brian Losito sent a few photos, from the Air Canada Archives, relating to articles in NetLetter #1557.
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From the ' NetLetter Archives' piece about the first aircraft to be painted in 'Air Canada' livery, Queen Elizabeth II stops to wave before boarding DC-8-43 Fin #807, CF-TJG, for the trip back from Ottawa to London on October 13, 1964
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A Vickers Viscount in Trans-Canada Air Lines livery
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And one in Air Canada livery
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Submitted by Allen Ryan -
Found this postcard and thought you may want to show it for everyone who visited the Montreal Airport Hilton years ago.
You may have worked for an airline and stayed at the Hilton years ago and this is what you would have seen. I believe I got this in the early 70's. Not sure of the exact date but maybe some of your readers may remember.
Thanks,
Allen Ryan
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Remember when the Air Canada Recreation Association (ACRA) was a thriving part of the company and organized these system sports and cultural events -
Curling, Squash, Photography, Art Exhibition, Bowling, Softball, A.C.E. Fly-in, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Darts and Badminton.
The United Kingdom ACRA organizes the Badminton and the YUL ACRA runs sports events locally.
Editors' Note: In NetLetter #1440, Wayne wrote about his personal memories of ACRA.
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Fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members took off today on board Air Canada’s flights across North America and to-and-from Sun destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Sponsored by Bell, the new service means customers can enjoy streaming video services and gaming on their personal devices and makes Air Canada a leader in connectivity.
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 for the latest posts at the Air Canada Media Centre. |
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 Click the logo to open the Air Canada YouTube channel. |
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Found in 'Horizons' magazine
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Issue dated August 1989
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Jamaica staff organize product launch.
Our staff in Jamaica hosted a product launch for the island's travel agents.
In the photo are, left to right: Franka Hylton, Customer Service Agent; Donet Soares, Senior Customer Service Agent; Joy Schroeter, Customer Service Supervisor; Rilla Stoddart, Senior Customer Service Agent; Leslie Read of Bonanza Tours; Sharon March, Customer Service Agent; Osmond Harry, Manager, Jamaica; Marlene Mayne, Customer Service Agent; Senior Customer Service Agents Laurel Vassall and Sheila Ross; Customer Service Agents Eileen Mahoney and Jerome Davis.
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Issue dated February 1991
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Air Canada does it better.
Vancouver's de-icing team included, back row, left to right: John McManus, A/ Customer Service Instructor; Al McLaren, A/Aircraft Services coordinator; Wes Johnson, A/Lead Station Attendant; Station Attendants Lorne Honeybourne and Mike Bradley; Bob McArthur, Lead Station Attendant and Murray Johnston, Station Attendant.
Front row: James Scott, A/STOC Planner; Dean Storey, Station Attendant; Larry Cook, Lead Station Attendant; Station Attendants Ken Musgrove and Joe Leite and A/Lead Station Attendant Mike McFarlane.
Missing from photo (and still shoveling) are Station Attendants Denis Smith, John McCourt, Ron Moar and John Grozdanich; Bill Jarvie, A/STOC Planner, and Cam Mcleod, A/STOC coordinator.
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Terminal pride -
Terminal 2 renovations were well underway and the sparkling and efficient Toronto facility is ready to compete head to head with Terminal 3. The new domestic gate area with its large windows, skylights and moving sidewalks was drawing kudos from customers.
But it's no secret that our real competitive edge at Terminal 2 is our people - a few of whom are pictured here near Gate 75, left to right: Station Attendants John Coyle, Doug Cawker, Keith Lambert and Joe Cassar; Customer Sales & Service Agents Kerry Russ, Lucinda Fernandes, Brian Arsenault and Dianne Luciani-Cuss; Al Read, A/Airport Shift Manager; Susan Bridges, Customer Sales & Service Agent; Mike DiCorrado, Customer Sales & Service Supervisor; Gloria Jakobsen, Customer Sales & Service Agent and Ron Wiesner, Lead Station Attendant.
Editors' Note: Toronto's Terminal 2 was permanently closed and demolished in 2008. This was done to make way for the expansion of the existing Terminal 1. The original Terminal 2 was opened in 1972.
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Issue dated March 1991
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Sunil Perera donates painting.
Sunil Perera, Technical Training Instructor - Dorval wanted to give Air Canada something of his own creation that would remain with the company long after he retires. So, the 18-year veteran painted a reproduction of the 'Battle of Britain' and donated it to the Technical Training Centre in Dorval.
He previously raffled off another of his wonderful creations for $500 and generously donated all proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society. Members of the Technical Training Department got together to thank Sunil for his beautiful painting.
They are, left to right: Bob Legault, Jeff Habberfield, Pete Guindon, Gizele Larose, André Baune, Ginette Pelley, Pina Vetrano, Edris Berube, Sunil (holding his painting), Wally Kurdy, Stan Bayliss, Janice Bicknell, Randy Hargreaves, Benoit Pednault, John Laviolette, Zeb Pereira, Gilles Rousseau, René Brisson, Ken Burke, André Benoit, Jim Cairns and Clive Bebbington.
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CP Air / Canadi>n People Gallery |
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Issue dated December 1997
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Excerpt from Max Ward charted his own course by Andrew Geider - company archives
Max Ward was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on November 22, 1921. Like many other young men in 1940, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force hoping to fly Spitfires in the Battle of Britain. But it was not to be.
In recognition of his skill as a pilot, he was chosen to be a flight instructor in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and he served at a number of stations during the course of the war.
In 1945, he began flying commercially for Northern Lights Limited, from Peace River, Alberta, to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. It was not long before he struck out on his own. Using his total war gratuity, in 1946, he bought a DH Fox Moth for $10,500 and began flying prospectors and their supplies to the mining camps around Yellowknife.
As his Polaris Charter Company of Yellowknife did not have an Air Transport Board Charter licence. Ward was forced into partnership with another pilot who possessed one. But there was a falling out and the business venture was liquidated, forcing Ward to sell his Moth to pay off the debts. He learned from this and resolved that in the future he would be completely self-reliant.
In 1952, he received a charter licence from the Air Transport Board to fly out of Yellowknife. Wardair began operations with a DH Otter. Its $96,000 price tag was financed entirely by its pilot, mechanic, and owner, Max Ward.
Within the next few years, Wardair prospered. It flew mining equipment, drill crews, prospectors, and geological teams. Ward changed the company name from Wardair of Yellowknife to Wardair Canada, and he moved its headquarters to Edmonton. In 1967, the company went public and also acquired the International Non-Scheduled Charter licence.
In 1971, he was presented with the Billy Mitchell Award by the North American Aviation Council for his contributions to air transportation. He had a replica of his original DH Fox Moth built in 1976, it was rebuilt for display purposes and donated to the National Aviation Museum.
In 1985, Wardair received its first scheduled route. Four years later Canadian Airlines acquired Wardair.
Max Ward was made a member of the Order of Icarus, the Aviation Hall of Fame and, in June 1975, an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Editors' Note: Max Ward died in Edmonton on November 2, 2020, three weeks short of his 99th birthday.
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Issue dated May 1985
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New Service
In introducing Pacific Western’s new morning service from Inuvik and Yellowknife to Edmonton, our passengers were offered a 'Northern Eye Opener' bonus.
Among other prizes and gifts awarded to passengers on board were a Budget Rent-A-Car with unlimited kilometers for just $1.00 on a first day rental and a chance to win a return ticket from Inuvik or Yellowknife to Edmonton on Pacific Western or a return ticket from Edmonton to any Canadian destination served by Air Canada.
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Issue dated February 1986
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In Vancouver, the Reservations Office is manned by management staff.
From left: Ken Jamison, Bill Harcott, Walter Brown, Ann Bowyer, Ken Meville, Gary Handel, Pamela Saville, Ron Warin, Isabel Lamb, Suzanne Coombs, Bob Sharman and Brian Johnson.
Missing from the photo but busy taking phone calls on opening day were Joan Pavelich, Linda Davis, Cam Routledge, John Harrowar, Ray Gaule and Danny Strilchuk.
Vancouver Reservations had over 1,000 calls on the first day.
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Videographer Alex Praglowski recently posted this video chronicling the experience of chartering a Summit Air Avro RJ85 with a group of guests for a short flight around the Calgary area. One of his best, with a great narration about this special aircraft and some beautiful scenery during the flight.
See Wayne's Wings below for more on Summit Air and British Aerospace RJs still operating in Canada.
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Why Canada hosts more old passenger jets than any other country — by far
Editors' Note: Regular NetLetter readers will know that one of our favourite topics is the older B-737s that continue to be used by airlines such as Air Inuit and Nolinor Aviation. We came across this excellent story on why these aircraft are still in service and the unique challenges of operating in Canada's north.
by Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
Each morning, travellers and cargo take off from Montreal’s Trudeau airport for a 1,600-kilometre flight to Puvirnituq in northern Quebec aboard a nearly 50-year-old Air Inuit plane.
This seasoned Boeing 737 previously cruised the skies above Europe and Central Africa for now-defunct carriers in France, Gabon and the Congo. But now its trips are all-Canadian, shuttling people, food and building materials between the country’s second-biggest city and a village of 2,100.
The aging aircraft is no outlier in Canada, which plays host to more old jets deployed for passenger service than any other country. Their age can pose challenges for maintenance and fuel efficiency, while others question the safety of second-hand haulers, but operators say they are ideally suited for commercial flights to remote destinations.
Thirteen of the 30 oldest jets in the world carrying travellers on scheduled or charter routes are operating in Canada, according to figures from ch-aviation.comch-aviation.com an industry data provider. All 13 are Boeing 737-200s between 42 and 52 years old. 
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British Aerospace Regional Jets (BAe 146/Avro RJ) still operating in Canada
I watched this issue's Featured Video with a bit of envy. I subscribe to Alex Praglowski's You Tube channel but I must have missed any notices that he was organizing this charter flight; I really wish that I could have been among the group.
I have thought that the BAe regional jets are well designed, sharp looking aircraft. I first wrote about them back in 2015 ( NetLetter #1330). I have only had the chance to have a ride in one, from Whitehorse to Vancouver, several years ago.
Summit Air (featured in NetLetter #1550) is a Canadian airline headquartered in Yellowknife that operates charter and cargo services throughout the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
As explained in the video, they are currently the largest operator of Avro RJs with 2 RJ85s (including C-FLRJ) and 7 RJ100s. However, Planespotters.net shows 2 retired and 2 parked.
As per Wikipedia, Conair Aviation of Abbotsford, British Columbia lists 2 RJ85s configured as jet air tankers (photo below). North Cariboo Air of Calgary lists 2 RJ100s.
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Conair Aviation C-GVFK Avro RJ85 landing at Canberra Airport, Australia
Photo by Bidgee
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| Terry's Trivia
& Travel Tips |
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Terry Baker, co-founder of the NetLetter scours the internet for aviation related Trivia and Travel Tips for you, our readers, to peruse.
From the RAPCAN eMailNews issued by Duane Frerichs.
Stories from the past by Ellie Park.
Long before there were DC-8's, Vanguards, B-727s, B-747s etc. ad infinitum, there was the Queen of the Sky called the C-47, Dak. Dakota, or just plain DC-3. Some even went so far as to call it the Gooney Bird, but not in front of me.
The Company had to get rid of the DC-3 to get me off it and into the turbine era. Believe it or not, some are still airborne, and many are the tales, some almost unbelievable, except to those who spent a few years wandering about the skies strapped to one.
On one occasion one of the old girls carried me just over 500 miles on one engine, sometimes in icing conditions, with the max military takeoff weight of 29,600 lbs. or a bit more. We even had long range Daks. with 400 US gallons of fuel in four 100 gal. tanks in the fuselage.
Sometimes it was touchy getting it out. That gave us about 1200 US gallons, total. Burning 75 gallons per hour, economy cruise, gave us something like 15 hours airborne with only 6 minutes left, or thereabouts, and that's a HO! HO! HO!
Once we got on TCA, we got the rebuilt aircraft from 435 and 436 RCAF Transport Squadrons returned from India, etc. There was no more excitement. Everything was strictly routine.
Did any of you know there was a retractable tail wheel on the DC-3? Let me tell you how it came about.
There was a fairly new stewardess on board and we carried only one. When she came forward to ask if we needed any coffee, etc., both of us managed a very perplexed look on our faces.
She inquired if all was well. We told her it was nothing dangerous but we weren't getting the speed we should. In a very serious voice she was asked if she had raised the tail wheel, implying that probably was the cause of the loss of speed. She replied in the negative and that she didn't know she had to.
Naturally we blamed her ground schooling and explained she should look into a rear compartment where she would find a length of one inch rope and if she pulled it to the end the tail wheel would be raised. As she was pulling the rope up the aisle a 'know-it-all' passenger asked what she was doing.
She replied that she was raising the tail wheel. After he had a good laugh he informed her to the effect she had been had. We were quite happy when she only had a couple of more flights with us as she had the last word in getting even. It was a while before we trusted any coffee.
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Our cartoon by Dave Mathias appeared in 'Between Ourselves' magazine issued June 1956.
The caption reads "First, gentlemen, let me show you what drives men through untold hardships in their struggle to conquer the skies...the pay cheque!"
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Wayne, Ken & Terry Richmond, British Columbia - December 2019
(Bob Sheppard was not available for the photograph) |
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Wayne, Bob & Ken Richmond, British Columbia - December 2023
(Terry Baker was not available for the photograph) |
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We wish to honour the memories of
Vesta Stevenson and Alan Rust. They remain a part of every edition published. |
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E&OE - (errors and omissions excepted):
The historical information as well as any other information provided in the "NetLetter" is subject to correction and may have changed over time.
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