The NetLetter

For Air Canada Retirees
(Part of the ACFamily Network)

 

March 23, 2013 - Issue 1247
First Issue published in October 1995!
(over 5,400 subscribers)
In This Issue
Star Alliance News
TCA/Air Canada People Gallery
Alan's Space
Canadi>n/CP Air/PWA, Wardair, etc
Reader's Feedback
Odds and Ends
Terry's Trivia
Smileys
NetLetter Past Issues

Past Issues
Web Site Information

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Greetings!
Terry Baker
Welcome to the NetLetter!

We welcome you to allow the NetLetter to be your platform, and opportunity to relive your history while working for either TCA, AC, CPAir, CAIL, PWA, AirBC, Wardair, etal and share your experiences with us!

Terry Baker and the NetLetter Team

Star Alliance News
Star AllianceLufthansa has confirmed the acquisition of 108 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, bringing the carrier's current order book to 236 new aircraft, with an overall list price of $28.6 billion.

The Airbus acquisition comprises the finalization of orders for 35 A320neo's and 35 A321neo's. It also includes orders for an additional 30 A320ceo's and two A380's. The total value of the Airbus order is approximately $11.2 billion at list prices. Engine choices will be announced at a later date. Swiss International Air Lines will receive six Boeing 777-300ER's, making it the first carrier in the Group to operate the type. The order, which is valued at $1.9 billion at list prices, is for its long-haul fleet renewal.

United Airlines removes Dreamliner from schedule through June 5, 2013.
United Airlines has removed the Boeing 787 from its flight schedule through June 5, though it is still hopeful it can launch Denver-Tokyo Narita B-787 service in May.

United had six B-787s in its fleet when the FAA ordered the grounding of Dreamliners on January 16. United, the only North American carrier that has taken delivery of the B-787, said it has made plans to use other aircraft in its place through June 5. It could bring the aircraft back sooner if the FAA lifts the grounding. The carrier had planned to launch B-787 service between Denver and Tokyo Narita on March 31, and appears to want to wait until it can use the Dreamliner to fly the route. It has tentatively delayed the route's launch until May 12, when it hopes the B-787 will be available.

"We have the utmost confidence in Boeing and the FAA" to find a safe resolution to the lithium ion battery problems." Meanwhile, Boeing is proposing a long-term fix for the B-787 Dreamliner's troubled batteries that will keep them grounded until April at the earliest, congressional officials said Friday. (Source: Air Transport World)

Japan's ANA scrubs B-787 flights planned through May as grounding continues. Japan's All Nippon Airways is scrubbing its planned B-787 flights through May as the Boeing Co. plane remains grounded.

TCA/Air Canada People Gallery - Compiled by Terry Baker
 
TCA/Air Canada  LogoBelow we have musings from the "Between Ourselves" and "Horizons" magazine, Air Canada publications from years gone by, as well as various in-house publications.

The NetLetter has been fortunate enough to have our readers donate vintage Trans-Canada Air Lines and Air Canada publications from as far back as 1941 to share with you. These have been scanned and are being prepared for presenting in a special area of the ACFamily Network for archival and genealogy research.

Issue dated - March 1947
From "Between Ourselves" magazines -
A year by year history of TCA for the first three years -

1937  - On April 10, Trans-Canada Air Lines was incorporated by Act of Parliament. Executive offices were established in Montreal, and Winnipeg were selected as the location of TCA's Operations headquarters.
  • On July 7, the first survey flight over the proposed route headed east from Vancouver.
  • On September 2, the Company began its first commercial operation by taking over the short, 122 mile Vancouver-Seattle route from Canadian Airways.
  • Experimental flying and training was begun in Western Canada with five ten-passenger Lockheed Electra's. By the end of this year, daily training flights were passing between Lethbridge and Winnipeg, and the first radio equipment was being installed in the mountains.
1938 - When the year began, TCA had all of 71 employees and five Lockheed Electra's. Twelve months later, the Company payroll had increased to 332 and nine Lockheed Fourteens had been added to the fleet.
  • Passengers were being carried between Vancouver and Seattle. Air mail and express shipments were moving between Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, and between Lethbridge and Edmonton.
  • A repair and overhaul base was established at Winnipeg. Hangars were completed at Winnipeg and Lethbridge and another begun at Toronto.
  • New stations equipped with radio facilities were opened.
1939- Calgary was given mail and express service in February. Between Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, regular express and air mail, night schedules began in March. In April, passengers were carried on this route, and between Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton.
  • November 1st, Moncton was included in a daylight air mail service.
  • The Electra's were sold and six more Lockheed Fourteens purchased. Hangar and shops were extended. Toronto's hangar was completed, another went up at Montreal and Moncton began to erect its hangar facilities.
(To be continued in NetLetter nr 1248 - eds)

Issue dated - May 1947
Under the command of Capt. Gil McLaren, the crew consisted of  H. T. Warkentin, A. J. Blackwood, D. E. McInnes, Douglas V. Miller, and Capt. J. L. Rood. As scheduled, at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on April 15th, 1947, the North Star, TCA's new Queen of the Atlantic, its four mighty engines throbbing in anticipation, left the ramp at Dorval to begin its first trans-Atlantic flight to Britain..

Aboard the aircraft were government members, business men, army officers, some officials of TCA traveling to obtain a first-hand view of the new operation and others en-route to the United Kingdom and the Continent. In the flight compartment was an experienced TCA crew.

The cargo compartments held a near-record mail load for the crossing, of over 600 pounds. At 9:30 a .m. (E.S.T.) after making two, one-hour stops at Goose Bay and Prestwick, the big aircraft unloaded its passengers on the ramp at London Airport. It had completed its first Atlantic crossing as nonchalantly as if it bad been flying this route for years. TCA's newest and latest addition to its fleet, had been officially initiated into regular service.


Passenger service on the North Stars reached new heights in catering to the traveler's comfort. On Trans-Atlantic runs, cocktails are served in addition to the usual hot and cold meal, and beverage service.



Here we have the Moncton Maintenance Staff.

Front row: G . Gould, D. Middleton, B. Logan, C. Nicholas, E. Cosens, and G. Maclean. Second row: D. Vye, Crew Chief; G. Burgess, R. Landry, A. MacWilliam, L. Cameron, K Chase, E. Hunter, D. Role. J. Sefsik. E. L. Johnson, Chief Mechanic; and H. Fenessy, Crew Chief. Third row: J. MacCallum, S. Rogers, S. Abrams , R. Lofvendahl. R. Stewart and L. Hallman


When the North Star made its first Atlantic crossing on April 15th, 1947, Stewardess service on TCA's trans-ocean route was also inaugurated. Tending to the comfort and well being of passengers on this initial flight was Marguerite Bresinski, Stewardess Supervisor for the Atlantic service. A veteran TCA Stewardess, she began her career with the Company in 1941.



Issue dated - February 1977
Dug out of the "Horizons" magazine -
1977 - March 25th was the final Air Canada service into Vienna, and the next day was the final service from Vienna. The service was inaugurated May 1st, 1959.

Finishing of the paint job of the first aircraft in the new livery are, from the left: P. Brouwer, J. B. Ste. Marie, J. Knight, P. Davies and R. Pritchard. Note the increased size of the name Air Canada which is now in the new warmer red instead of black. The fuselage stripe is broader too.


End of an era. Flight F040 on January 24th, 1977 marked the end of a navigational era in Air Canada which began in 1942. The flight, navigated by Nav. Officer B. W. Freeman, right, was the delivery of aircraft 806 to a purchaser in Luxemburg. Navigators have been carried on all Atlantic, outer Caribbean and polar fights until the arrival of our 747 aircraft in 1971 which are equipped with I.N.S. (inertial navigation system).







Alan's Space - by Alan Rust
Alan's Space
In response to those that asked about ZUMBA, my wife, Mary Lou, actually teaches this locally every week at the White Rock Community Centre and a few other places in the White Rock/South Surrey, B.C. area. If you live in the area you can find out where she is teaching by checking out her website at: www.zumbawhiterock.ca

I will need to put off posting details on my trip to New Zealand and Australia as I have too much on my plate this week. When I do, I think it would be best if I start a blog on the ACFamily Network and link to it from here, then it won't take up space for those that aren't interested.



AirUtopia interviews Capt. Randy Neville, who is the Chief Test Pilot for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the Farnborough International Airshow 2012.  Good shots of the cockpit as well as video snippets of the airshow last summer.

(Click on arrow at bottom of video for full screen viewing)

 
 
Canadi>n/CP Air/PWA, Wardair, etc. People & Events
- Compiled by Terry Baker
CAIL TailsNews and articles from days gone by gleaned from various publications from C.A.I.L. and its "ancestry" of contributing airlines.







WHITEHORSE and BC DISTRICT REUNION 2013

A reminder - to all CP Air YXY and BC District employees!
We hope you will be able to come to:
 
A Whitehorse and BC District Reunion 2013
 
When: September 20-22, 2013

 
Where: Quality Resort Bayside Resort, Parksville, BC


Cost: $75.00 per person, accommodations extra.


More details:
This is the third reunion we have held (http://cedarcoast.ca/yxycp) and  this year we have opened it up to all our friends in the BC District (sorry does not include YVR). This reunion is open to anyone who worked or flew in the BC District. This includes Reservations, Cargo, Airport, Maintenance staff, and Flight crews. Everyone on the team that made working in the BC District a unique place to be.

The Quality Resort Bayside is a lovely hotel located on the beach in
Parksville (http://www.qualityresortparksville.com/). There are rooms blocked under the name YXY Reunion and rates at $99 for ocean side  and $89 for inside. Please book your rooms direct with the hotel as soon as possible to acquire these rates and be guaranteed to find space. Included in the $75.00 per person cost are a Meet and Greet Friday evening with wine and appys, a party on Saturday night which includes dinner with wine, dancing, door prizes and lots of fun, and a buffet brunch on Sunday morning. Accommodation and Saturday activities are separate. Optional activities will be available during the day on Saturday. In the past, some people went golfing and others went on a 3-4 hour boat tour.  There are also spa facilities and close by is Coombs and other interesting places to visit. Further details regarding these activities and costs will be made available closer to the event. For more information please contact: Marlie (Field) Kelsey at:  [email protected] or 250-246-5265.

First come/first served
. There is a limit for the Saturday dinner of 110. If we get a much higher response then we will consider another location for the dinner so it is important to respond as soon as possible.
Please send $75.00 per person payment as soon as possible to hold your spot by cheque or money order.

Cheques should be made out to Marlie Kelsey and mailed to:
Marlie Kelsey, 3332 Cook St., Chemainus BC V0R1K2

Looking forward to seeing you and catching up.

Marlie & Phil Kelsey, & Brian Walsh 250-246-5265 [email protected]
 
Found in the "PWA Keeping Posted" magazine -
Issue dated July 1969

Pacific Western has incorporated another 'first' - in our catering, and has introduced the 'Jet burger' and the 'Bunwich', on the Kelowna/ Penticlon service. Passenger reaction has been most favourable.
 

On June 14, your Social Club held a Bar-B-Que at the home of Bill Bryan, our Director of Engineering and Maintenance. 250 people were in attendance to consume 318 lbs of chicken, 40 cases of beer, and 84 bottles of liquor. This alone helps any party get off to a good beginning. Some people found that Mr. Bryan's pool contributed a great deal to the success of the event. A choice few went swimming fully clothed, but it was not their intention. Going in once in this manner is bad enough but one individual went in twice, - the second time in someone else's clothes. There were a few articles found the day after, such as sandals, socks, sweaters, towels, bathing suits etc. A bikini top was even found up in a tree of all places. All and all everybody had a good time.

This is the only photo available, but with no names.







Issue dated - August 1969

Some of the happenings at Hay River, Northwest Territories.

People are still talking about the time our Boeing 737 went off the side of the runway in April. There was no danger at all, but oh, the excitement! Cars, trucks, jeeps, pick-ups, anything on four wheels was immediately dispatched by Station Manager, Jim Ivens, to the scene to pick up our passengers. But we sent them for a nice hot coffee, down to our Ptarmigan Inn and with the co-operation of some of our town folk, the jet was "dug-out' and taxied to the terminal building without further problem and all was again in readiness for our regular service.
 
Then there was the time our jet Flight 704 went 'mechanical' in Hay River. Without too much problem, a DC6 was dispatched from Edmonton. Phew! - a touchy problem to accommodate some 50 to 60 passengers, averted, BUT, no one failed to observe the thick cloud cover as night came on and the 'six' was expected shortly. After a gallant effort on the part of Captain Clark, a total of six passes were made to get to the runway, but to no avail, as we all waved bye-bye to one empty DC6. With some fast talking and co-operative businessmen in town, we booked the Ptarmigan Inn solid with our passengers and sent them off for hot suppers and warm beds for the night. Our DC6 got into Fort Smith, 140 miles southeast of Hay River and the Boeing 737 engineer on board was dispatched via taxi-cab to Hay River. Upon his arrival at 2:30 a.m., the problem was found and our passengers departed at 9:30 a.m. the following morning.


On August 8th, 1969, Mr. W. R. Harris, Vice President and General Manger, presented the 'Wings' to the graduating class of sixteen Stewardesses and five Stewards, climaxing four weeks of intensive training. In this photo are the following, but, unfortunately, not in sequence:
James Bisaillon, Giorgio Peggi, Hans Prins, Robert Pattison, Kenneth Merren, Annette Hansen, Sharon Blair, Nicole Bradshaw, Jo-Anne Gillis, Linda Harris, Dorothy Butchart, Susan Fraser, Cherry Lundy, Margeret Unger, Lesley Webster, Jacqueline Coady, Patricia McDonald, Nancy Campbell, Susan Wells, Geraldine Hollowachuk and Elizabeth Sutherland.


History was made as far as Campbell River B.C. was concerned when a Boeing 737 (PWA 732) landed here on June 28th, 1969. The local papers carried a big spread of the first commercial jet to land at Campbell River. Many favorable comments were received from passengers, also enquiries as to whether this was part of a new service.

Reader's Feedback - Compiled by Terry Baker
Reader's Feedback
Every week we ask our readers for their stories or feedback on what they have read here in previous issues. Below is the feedback we have received recently.
Barry Crawford refers to NetLetter nr 1243 and sends this comment: It was interesting to read about and view the photos from Frank Jones referencing the terminal mishap on the EPA HS748 in 1981 at Sidney NS. I always find the NetLetter interesting and look forward to each issue. Sincerely, Barry Crawford

With reference to the story in NetLetter nr 1243, Leopold Sirois sends this comment: Regarding the 748, it was custom or policy ?, to shut one of the engines after leaving the taxi way, while approaching the building. Each engine powered a hydraulic pump, for braking and steering. The crew were not aware one of the pumps had failed and unknowingly shut down the engine with the functioning pump. When impact was unavoidable, they shut down all mechanical and electrical system and hit the building ( this is what I recall hearing ). Keep on smiling. Leopold Sirois  AC CSSA retired , 1970-1989 YQY - 2004 YHZ
PS: Retirement, there is no life like it!


Following the information on North Star CF-TFU by Ken Pickford in NetLetter nr 1239, Robert Arnold sends this follow up:

I would also like to thank Mr. Ken Pickford for pointing out this very important history of North Star CF-TFU (CF-CPI). This would probably explain the reason for this photo of TFU on the tarmac at Winnipeg and also give a possible date of the photo. As noted by Ken, it was sold to TCA on December 10, 1951. I wonder if this photo would have been take as the aircraft passed through Winnipeg a short time later.

The aircraft does look rather clean with minimal exhaust streaks on the cowls and wing area. I also noted the five windows. I did my own bit of research and found according to Larry Milbery's book "The Canadair North Star", page 87 he indicates that on July 11, 1949, CF-CPI (CF-TFU) did a pre-inaugural VIP and press flight with 32 special guests on board. Two of these special guests included President of CPA, Grant McConachie and at the time President of the NHL, Clarence Campbell along with various CP and government officials and a few chosen journalists. Thanks again Ken for the research. Who knew. Regards, Robert


From Jill Oaks,  Centre for Earth Observation Science, Winnipeg, MB

I thought you might be interested in sharing info on retired Air Canada Captains Larry Brown, Peter Moodie, Murray Bryson, Bill Gibson and Jerry Norberg, based in Winnipeg, MB. Not sure if you include current pilots, if so, Captains Bert Elam and Donna Prowse news is also included below:


September 18, 2012 

Larry and Jerry flew the Air Canada Electra L10 on its last flight from Toronto to Winnipeg, stopping in at Lyncrest Airport. All the neighbours watched from their backyards as this important piece of Canadian history landed. Many Air Canada pilots based in Winnipeg came out to visit CF-TCC at this historical airport. Photos are available at http://cf-tcc-l10a.blogspot.com  Let me know if you would like photos in higher resolution. Photos of the event are included in the Lyncrest Airport 2013 Calendar!  

 


Women Fly Free

 

Winnipeg based retired Air Canada Captains Larry Brown, Peter Moodie, Murray Bryson, and Bill Gibson and current Captain Bert Elam and Donna Prowse, plus over 600 volunteers, helped introduce over 500 women to aviation at the MB Chapter of the Ninety-Nines "Women Fly" event offering free rides for women, March 9th 2013 at St Andrews Airport. The purpose of this event was to introduce women to aviation-focused careers and recreational opportunities.

 March 8, 1910, Raymonde de Laroche was the first woman in the world to earn a private pilot licence; one year later on March 8th, the first International Women's Day was celebrated. 100 years later, Women of Aviation Week was established for the week of March 8th, celebrating the historical accomplishments and future aspirations of women in aviation.

The entire recreational and commercial aviation industry came out to support "Women Fly" at St Andrews Airport (CYAV) March 9th, during International Women of Aviation week. Photos and responses from First Time Flyers are at www.facebook.com/womenflyfree 

 

 

Odds and Ends.

Image Blank 200pxSometimes we receive articles and information that just doesn't fit in our other areas. This is where it goes!

Don McKay has sent us this information about his book "My dream and beyond - a pilots journey".

Don received his pilot's license before he had a driver's license. He spent ten-and-a-half years in the RCAF receiving his wings in 1958 and became an instructor on the T-33 Silver Star aircraft. Later he received a Permanent Commission. Don had flying time on the F-86 Sabre / CF-100 / C-45 Expeditor and the CF-104 Starfighter in Europe on the Strike/Nuclear role. He joined Air Canada in 1967. In all he spent just over 30 years with Air Canada, flying the Viscount/DC-8/DC-9/B-727/B-747 and retired as a Captain on the B-767 in 1997.

Fly with Don, as he takes you on a wonderful voyage around the world: from Chicago, with its exciting parallel runways; to London and Europe; to such exotic destinations as Delhi, Singapore, and Bombay (Now Mumbai), where the crew had to travel in a bus with wire windows to protect them from hand grenades; and on to Seoul, Korea, and Osaka, Japan, where Don survived an earthquake. Put your chair in an upright position and prepare to be educated and highly entertained in My Dream and Beyond: A Pilot's Journey.  $24.95 available in Chapters and others.

Don has been asked by the Canadian Aviation Historical Society to give a presentation @ the Aviation Museum here in YOW on March 28 @ 7:30 P.M.  For more info please click here .



Terry's Trivia and Travel Tips - by Terry Baker

Terry Baker

A couple of deals from Airway Vacations - interline deals to go:  

 

Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica
3 Nights from us$315 pp All Inclusive
The oceanfront Riu Guanacaste resort is located in the beautiful region of Guanacaste, on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. In addition to a superb range of leisure options, the hotel offers five modern, fully-equipped conference rooms and fine restaurants. All 701 guestrooms are feature modern amenities as well as a balcony or terrace. Ask about confirmed air options.

 

country Italian Country Experience with confirmed air from us$1750* pp.
If you have never been to Italy or you are looking to return again, this package is for you. Experience Italy at its best during this 8-night trip to three of Italy's greatest regions! Travelers will begin in the Rome area, then 4 nights in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Your last stop is Venice at the Park Hotel Bolgnese where you will spend 2 nights. This package includes round trip confirmed air from New York, manual transmission car rental and 8 nights accommodations.
*prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, airline taxes are additional.


Call 1-800-422-3727  www.airwayvacations.com for these and many other deals available.

 

Smileys - Compiled by Terry Baker
Smileys
As we surf the internet and back issues of airline magazines we regularly find airline related jokes and cartoons. Below is our latest discovery.

An Air Canada DC-8 runs the risk of getting a ticket as it ignores the speed limit and curve sign as the aircraft approached Tampa Airport.


The NetLetter is an email newsletter published (usually) once a week and contains a mixture of nostalgia, current news and travel tips. We encourage our readers to submit their stories, photos and/or comments from either days gone by or from present day experiences and trips. If we think that the rest of our readers will enjoy it, we will publish it here.

We also welcome your feedback in regard to anything we post here. Many readers have commented with additional information, names and personal memories from the photos and articles presented here.

The NetLetter, which is free, is open to anyone that wishes to subscribe but is targeted to retired employees from Air Canada, Canadian Airlines and all the other companies that were part of what Air Canada is today. Thanks for joining us!

We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the NetLetter, see you next week!  
Sincerely,
Your NetLetter Team

Disclaimer: Please note, that neither the NetLetter or the ACFamily Network necessarily endorse any of the airline related or other "deals" that we provide for our readers. We would be interested in any feedback (good or bad) when using these companies though and will report the results here. We do not (normally) receive any compensation from any companies that we post in our newsletters. If we do receive a donation or other compensation, it will be indicated as a sponsored article or link.

 

E&OE - (errors and omissions excepted) - The historical information as well as any other information provided here is subject to correction and may have changed over time. We do publish corrections when they are brought to our attention.
First published in October, 1995
  • Chief Pilot - Terry Baker, Nanaimo, B.C.
  • Co-pilot - Alan Rust, Surrey, B.C.
  • Flight Engineer - Bill Rowsell, Londesboro, Ontario 
  • Stewardess - Lisa Ruck, Brooklin, Ontario 
To contact us, send an email to [email protected]