 The NetLetter
For Air Canada Retirees
February 12, 2011 - Issue 1153
|
|
| |
|
First Issue published in October 1995!
(over 5,400 subscribers)
|
Donation Information
|
Send cheques payable to "ACFamily Network" to:
ACFamily Network
#800 - 15355 24th Ave, Suite 523
Surrey, BC V4A 2H9
or
Pay by Credit Card
|
| Sponsors |
 |
|
|
| Greetings! |
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!
The NetLetter is an email newsletter published every weekend 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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!
Terry & your NetLetter Team
|
| Quarter Century in Aviation Club - Compiled by Alan Rust |
|
Ladies Day/Valentines Day Special
When: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, Social - 17:00 hours, Dinner - 18:00 hours
Dinner: Chicken, Schnitzel, dessert, and coffee, (buffet style) plus tip is included.
Cost: The cost is $25 per person including tips and taxes. Beer, wine is extra. Non-members - $30
Guest Speaker: A great guest speaker, Colette Morin of Glacier Air. Glacier Air's website describes their experience as the "ultimate mountain adventure". Glacier Air provides sightseeing tours, helicopter and fixed wing, and mountain flight training.
QCAC Website: www.quartercenturyclub.ca
Please phone Ed Scott at: (604) 588-5817 if you intend to come as they will have to make sure they have the correct meal count.
|
| CAHS Upcoming Events - Compiled by Alan Rust |
 We have listed below all of the available CAHS (Canadian Aviation Historical Society) upcoming events that we are aware of. If you are at all interested in Canadian aviation history, then we encourage you to attend a meeting or visit their web site at: www.cahs.ca |
|
Toronto - February 12, 2011: Alan C. Dares, B.A, C.T.M, A.T.P.L. will be speaking on "Light Sport Aircraft (LSA's) in Canada"
|
|
Calgary - February 17, 2011: Discover the amazing life of a forgotten Calgarian who was recruited from the RAF by the British Special Intelligence Service in late 1938 to begin aerial photographic missions of most Italian and German war preparations and military installations. A truly intriguing and unique presentation!- by Dave Lefurgey
|
|
Montreal - February 17, 2011: "The Professionalization of the Royal Canadian Air Force, 1939-1945," - Rachel Lea Heide is an air force historian, specializing in the period from 1916 to 1946. She attended Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, where she earned a BA (Honours), MA, and PhD in history. In addition to speaking and publishing on the subjects of air force organization, training, leadership, morale, professionalization, mutinies, accident investigation, and government policy between the First World War and the early Cold War Period, Rachel has written on a variety of topics on present-day defence policy issues.
|
|
CAHS National Convention
Edmonton - June 22th to 26th - Mark your calendars for the CAHS 48th annual convention where they will explore the rich aviation history of Edmonton, the province of Alberta, and Canada's North.
Presentations will range from civil and military aviation topics, to how regional heritage institutions are promoting this fascinating history, to creative ways authors are bringing these subjects to new audiences.
See: www.cahs.ca/events/convention.html for more information as it becomes available.
|
Pionair Meetings and Events - Compiled by Alan Rust
|
|
 The Air Canada Pionairs have ongoing Coffee Club Meetings in the following Districts; Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Okanagan, Edmonton, Calgary, Man-Sask, SW Ontario, Central Ontario, Ottawa, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia - P.E.I., Newfoundland, UK - E.C. and the USA - Caribbean. For full information, click here.
Meetings provide an opportunity to meet old friends, learn the latest news regarding Air Canada and your pensions or hear a variety of guest speakers speaking on topics of interest to retirees.
|
|
 The 34th Annual Gerneral Meeting/Reunion of the Pionairs will be held in Vancouver from April 12 - 14th, 2011. Mark your calendars, more information coming soon.
|
|
|
| |
| Our first 70 years - Compiled by Terry Baker |
1963 - April 12th - Final operation of the "Prairie Run"
1972 - Dec 10th - Delivery of first L1011 TriStar.
1973 - May - Two L1011 on 15 year lease from Hass-Turner for summer months, and will be used by
Eastern Airlines during the winter months. |
| Reader Submitted Photos - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 Reader Submitted Photos - The photos and information below was sent to us by our faithful readers. If you would like to send us some old photos you have lying around. we will consider them for publication in a future NetLetter. We prefer good quality airline related photos, with descriptive text included with the submission. |
Frank Pedder has passed along this photo of Air Canada Express he received from Elroy Castell -
The 1st aircraft with the new livery to fly from Montreal to Toronto City Center airport (Billy Bishop). Operated by Skyregional for AC. Next month I believe.
|
| TCA/Air Canada People Gallery - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 Musings from the "Between Ourselves" magazine an Air Canada publication from years gone by.
|
|
Issue dated - May 1963
Extracts from the "Between Ourselves" magazine.
|
|
Under the banner of "Prairie Run" makes last flight is this story -
TRANS-CANADA AIR LINES "PRAIRIE MILK RUN" MAKES LAST FLIGHT
Another era in Canadian aviation has ended. At midnight April 12 the last Company DC-3 flight touched down at Winnipeg's international Airport. signaling the end of another chapter in aviation history. The operation of the Prairie Route, or the "milk run" as it was commonly called is over. With the last flight went the memories of the past 15 years,
memories which employees and many passengers shared over the years from the foothills across the Prairies and into Winnipeg.
This was a different type of operation. Many of the passengers were like commuters and crew and fellow passengers addressed one another on a first name basis. It was a "homey " kind of flight. quite devoid of the frills and luxuries of the more modern DC-8 jetliner, yet it was in this atmosphere that the 'TCA-passenger relationship became so successful.
It would be difficult to name the person who gave the route the name of "The Prairie Milk Run" but it is understandable that it was so named because, like a milkman, the pilot hardly got airborne before he had to descend and make another call at the next station. There are many stories about its origin but no one can say which story is original. One thing certain is that the aircraft has carried everything from chickens to passenger but no one can ever remember seeing a milk can aboard.
There are many people across the Prairies who will miss the familiar sight of a TCA DC-3 flying serenely along to its next port of call. Many, along its route, could tell the time of day by the passing overhead of "the three". TCA will no longer he flying into Brandon, Yorkton, Swift Current or Medicine Hat and the DC-3 operation no longer will serve Winnipeg. Regina. Saskatoon, Prince Albert or Lethbridge, however, the memories and the many stories will always live on.
|
 Lethbridge, this photo shows Ron Mathews on the left and Geordie Saunders, Station Manager YQL pulling away the passenger stand for the last time. |
 Swift Current - Jake Dyke, cab driver, handles the last pieces of air mail baggage while, on the left, Ken Morrison, Station Manager and Cal Copeland Regional Supervisor Station Services, YVR. |
 The photo at Yorkton shows on the left, Jack Dunwoody, Jean McIver, John Goleski, Doug Marchant. |
 At Brandon, here is Nick Kosowich writing the last ticket to be sold to a Mr J.C.Harper, who became the last passenger to board the DC-3 anywhere on Trans-Canada Air Lines services. It was the last stop before YWG. |
 Here are the incoming and outgoing crews at Lethbridge, from the left: Gordie Saunders, F/O A.Gittel, L.Moore, Capt. E.Jenson, Capt. Gerry Palmer, Jean McIver, F/O D.Hannigar, Cal Copeland.
|
|
 Several employees signed the fuselage of the DC-3 as it passed through their stations during the last flight.
Although most of the signatures are difficult to see, we do make out Cal Copeland, Stan MacDonald. At Brandon we see Sam White, A.Shaw, N.Krugger. At Prince Albert we think it is Jim O'Connor and Ray Robinson at Saskatoon.
|
 When President Kennedy opened Chicago's O'Hare airport, these four employees formed part of the guard of honour for the President at the dedication ceremonies. From the left: "Clete" Evans, "Chuck" Williams, "Bob" Lisec, John Buehler, all Passenger Agents at O'Hare. |
|
Issue dated - Dec 1972
Musings from the "Horizons" magazine.
|
 Our first L1011 TriStar was rolled out of Lockheed's Palmdale Assembly line on December 10th prior to delivery. |
 Maintenance men gathered in Palmdale for a first-hand look at the TriStar, under the guidance of Lockheed's resident Montreal Manager, Bob Beck, fourth from the left. Others pictured are, from the left: Colin Lelliott, Supt. Line Mtce., Halifax; Doug Fairbairn, Supt. Line Mtce., Vancouver; Al Hunt, Manager, Mtce. Central; Bob Peterson, Director, Line Mtce.; Walt Bailey, Director, Ground Equipment and Facilities Program; Bill Layers, Supt. MOC Programs; and Ron Campbell, Regional Mtce. and Aircraft Services Manager, Toronto. |
| Alan's Space - by Alan Rust |
 |
| Alan Rust |
Hans Rosling's 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes
Hans Rosling's famous lectures combine enormous quantities of public data with a sport's commentator's style to reveal the story of the world's past, present and future development. Now he explores stats in a way he has never done before - using augmented reality animation. In this spectacular section of 'The Joy of Stats' he tells the story of the world in 200 countries over 200 years using 120,000 numbers - in just four minutes. Plotting life expectancy against income for every country since 1810, Hans shows how the world we live in is radically different from the world most of us imagine.
Click on the image to watch. I think you'll find it very interesting, I did!
 |
| Click on image to view video |
|
|
Canadi>n/CP Air/PWA, Wardair, etc. People & Events
- Compiled by Terry Baker |
 News and articles from days gone by gleaned from various publications from C.A.I.L. and it's "ancestry" of contributing airlines. |
|
Issue dated - April 1998
Extracted from the "Canadian Flyer" magazine -
|
 All smiles are these three CSA employees working the domestic lounge facility at YYZ. From the left: Lynda Dickenson, Zoe Axoitis, George Chang. |
 Canadian and ALPHA Duty-Free Team. Left to right: Tissa Dharmagunaratne, Executive Vice President, ALPHA On Board Sates & Sales; Marshall Wilmot, Vice-President, Inflight Service; Rakhita Jayawardena, President, ALPHA On Board Sates & Services; Michael Joss, Director, Catering & Product Development; Heather O'Neal, Duty Free Co-ordinator; Stephen Knowles, Inflight Performance Improvement Co-ordinator; Linda Lavergne, Regional Product Manager, West; Bruce Burden, Developer, Inflight Service Procedures. Missing: Joe Donato, Regional Product Manager, East; Roberto Solarino, Manager, Infllight Product Development. |
 Communicator's Network formed mid February to ensure employees receive accurate and timely information. Here are the fourteen employees which form the Network under Jeff Angel in a photo taken by Rick Sloboda, however, there is no indication as to who is who: Ruth Buhagar, Airport North America; Ruth Casey, Flight Ops; Paul Flegal, Canadian Regional; Jeff Lafond, International; Mary-Beryl Long, Corp. Communications; Maureen Malanchuk, Human Resources; Jacinta Marcadier, Materials/Controller; Brian Moore, Maint & Engr; Alexa Nernberg, Capacity Planning; Chantal Podgorski Sales Support; Theresa Rath, Inflight Service; Connie Stella, Cargo; Lisa Stewart, Passenger Marketing; Heather Tomlinson, Reservations. |
| Reader's Feedback - Compiled by Terry Baker |
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.
In previous NetLetters, there has been information regarding Jerry MacInnis. Here is some information under the banner of "The Artic Fox" compiled by Andrew Geider, CPA Corporate Activist which appeared in "Canadia>n Flyer" issued August 1998.
Jerry Macinnis was born on June 2, 1914, in Amherst, N.S. When he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 he was chosen for observer training, but a year later he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer.
He joined Maritime Central Airways (MCA) in 1951 to fly their war-surplus DC3s. With his experience on British and American multi-engine aircraft and his navigational skills, Maclnnis was chosen to land the site construction parties that would build the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line radar chain. When MCA got the contract in 1955, it was to provide transport for 17 of the larger radar stations.
Flying out of Mont Joli, Que., Macinnis used MCA's DC3s to take advance parties to all 17 locations. Equipped with skis as well as wheels, his strategy was to fly the DC3 low over the barren terrain to the coordinates given, then he would circle until the engineers decided whether or not to establish the site as a camp there.
|
|
 George Brien sends us more memories -
Capt MacInnis - Interesting story as he had retired from flying back in PEI after the war but Carl Burke hired him on when MCA got the contract to supply the "Pine Tree" construction in 1951 ( because of his Canso experience). Based in Goose. the Canso's were used to carry staff/supplies into sites along the Labrador coast that had no landing strips i.e. Hopedale/Cartwright etc.
I was a Radio Operator at Hopedale at the time and Capt MacInnis used to fly in several times a week. I believe I flew with him once on a trip from Hopedale to Goose via Cartwright. Fun taking off on a choppy bay in the Atlantic Ocean on those slow moving flying boats and a strong head wind!!
George
Gord Girvan has sent us this memory to share -
Re NetLetter #1148... the picture of Gerry MacInnis supervising the loading of a DC-3 at a Dewline site in 1955 appears by visual reference to the undercarriage and the tail post visible in the photo to be actually a DC-4 aircraft. I was working for MCA at the time. With further reference to Gerry, I recall a flight I was on with him from Goose Bay to Saglek Bay (On a DC-3) and back, where Gerry let me fly the aircraft for about 40 minutes enroute back to Goose Bay. When I occasionally wandered off course a bit, he let me get back on course without taking over the controls. Gerry was a great guy, with a good sense of humour and a great pilot. His work establishing Dewline sites into uncharted territories, and landing his ski equipped aircraft many times in completely virgin territory, resulted in his being awarded the McKee Trophy in 1955 and then deservedly, inaugurated into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 1973. MCA had quite a large 'footprint' for a company of its size; serving many countries in Europe and Africa before giving way to Nordair which continued expanding the company to many new areas of operation. (I enjoy checking each new NetLetter as it comes out, and forward it to two other airline retirees.) Keep up the good work.
Gord Girvan
Dave Thompson sends this referring to NetLetter nr 1151 -
The Jan. 29 issue says that the YYZ-MIA TriStar service was inaugurated in 1963. That was about seven years before the L-1011 first flew. And anyone who spells Qantas 'Quantas' may well want to remain anonymous! Unbelievably, the same error appears in an otherwise excellent new book called Empire of the Clouds, by James Hamilton-Paterson, an entertaining chronicle of the success of the British aircraft industry at the dawn of the jet age and the reasons for its calamitous decline. A key figure throughout is Canadian test pilot Bill Waterton.
Regards, Dave Townson.
|
|
 Continuing the sage regarding the YOW-LHR inaugural and photo in NetLetter nr 1149 and 1152, we have this information Ken Pickford sends this --
The photo in issue #1149 of Canadian's inaugural Ottawa-London flight is definitely a 767-300ER, not a DC-10. It's obvious from the window layout. The forward door on the DC-10 was also significantly narrower than the 767 door. Regards, Ken
... and from Bill Barnes who can confirm that the aircraft is definitely a B-767 - I was on duty the day of the inaugural flight from YOW to LHR and waited anxiously, with thousand of contestants. for the operating crew to arrive from YYZ. Their arrival was delayed several hours by thunderstorms, both in YYZ and YOW. I also had the privilege of escorting one of the lucky winners for the flight that evening. FYI - from all the applicants to the contest, ten names were selected and these ten couple had to be escorted (for security reasons) until the final 4 names were chosen. Once the final 4 couples had been announced, they were boarded on the aircraft and it was towed from the Gov't Reception Center to the gate where the remaining pax were boarded for the flight to LHR.
Bill Barnes Retired Cdn Airlines/Air Canada YOWAP 1989-2004.
(We think this subject is now corrected. Actually, the timetable for this flight has B767 as the equipment - eds)
|
| Help Wanted |
|
WHICH VISCOUNT WAS THAT? (from the Vickers Viscount newsletter)
Steve Scullion flew with TCA on 16 August 1966 from Chicago O`Hare International Airport, Illinois, USA to Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada and is trying to determine the registration markings of the aircraft involved.
The only clue he has is the record of autographs given by the two pilots. So far we have been able to identify the pilots as Captain W J (Jim) Videto and First Officer J N Williamson. Does anyone know whether these men are still alive or where their families may be contacted? If either of their log-books are accessible then we should be able to solve the mystery. If you can help please reply to Steve at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
|
|
 From Lori Wright - My girlfriend's name is Barbara L Pearce and she passed away this week. She had been an employee of both TCA and Air Canada and was (I believe) in ticketing in Washington, DC, but I am not positive. Her family and executor have asked me to get some information on her career.
When I came to know her in 1972, she was the First Class Lounge Hostess in LAX and remained in that position until she retired. I cannot even help the family with her retirement date. (I have a tough time remembering mine!)
She never married and was not very close to her sister. Any information or leads would be really appreciated. Her sister emailed me with the request for help and said that the executor needs some info for her death certificate but I think it is probably more likely to write her obit. Barbara was very well known because of her position and her personality, by a lot of very well known people and I am sure this is why he wants to be accurate with his information. I may well be wrong and maybe Death Certificates do need a lot of info but whatever the case I have to try to get everyone as much closure as possible. Thank you so very much. Lori
We are hoping our readers can send us some stories or information for her family.
(Note: we have found her (empty) obituary at this funeral home and the Pionair's have provided her retirement date as December 1, 1985.) - Please reply to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any further information regarding Barbara and may she rest in peace - Alan
|
Odds & Ends - Compiled by Terry Baker
|
 Nattanya Andersen sends us this YouTube link which may of interest - "Sully" Reflects, 2 Years After Hudson Landing
 |
| Click on image for video |
British Airways fleet of B757s has 39 named after castles in the UK.
AirAsia has their head office in Malaysia and operates to 78 cities world wide, with a fleet of 98 Airbus aircraft, including two A340-313 leased from Air Canada. The company is made up of Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, VietJet AirAsia, AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia X.
(What was interesting was the ownership of the last company and, with 4 others owning 48%, was one named Robert Milton - surely not?.- eds)
|
Terry's Trivia and Travel Tips - by Terry Baker
|
 |
| Terry Baker |
ARNOLD PALMER HANGS UP HIS WINGS
At age 81, Arnold Palmer, (PGA golfer), a pilot since 1956, has logged nearly 20,000 flight hours and Monday took his last flight as pilot in command, before voluntarily hanging up his wings. Palmer has owned 10 aircraft, from an Aero Commander 500 to the Cessna Citation X he piloted for his final flight.
B & B in France *from the UK Pionairs monthly newsletter February 2011 issueBed and breakfast "Petit Pont/Chambres D'hotels - South Vendee, France. Charming B and B in peaceful rural surroundings. Just 45 minutes from La Rochelle. Ideal for relaxing, walking, cycling, bird watching. Run by friendly and outgoing couple - Liz and Andrew. Liz used to work for Air Canada in London. For info check website www.lepetit-pont.com/ or phone 33251876323. The address is 'Petit Pont', St. Valerien, Ligne, France
Scotland in Spring! 6 Night Package with Car Rental and confirmed air from $699*
Travel Monday or Tuesday in March or add $100 - $150 to travel April 1 - June 15, 2011
From Edinburgh's cobblestone streets to Glasgow's vibrant nightlife and the mountain scenery of the Highlands, this Scotland vacation provides a mix of diverse attractions. Travel to Scotland this spring for $699 per person and save up to $550 on the cost of booking separate air and hotel.
Package includes:
- Round trip airfare from New York City or Boston to Scotland; add $100 from Chicago or $150 from Los Angeles
- Two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Waterfront in Edinburgh Two nights in Inverness at the Royal Highland Hotel
- Two nights in Glasgow at the Grand Central Hotel Daily breakfast
- Standard manual car rental for the week (+$50 for upgrade to an automatic car)
Explore the country at a leisurely pace: visit Edinburgh castle, built in the 11th century, drive along one of the many scenic coastlines or visit a Scotch whisky distillery. Along with historic sites and rolling hills Scotland is known as the birthplace of golf - travelers can tee up at one of the country's 500+ golf courses.
Airway Vacations
Serving the interliner since 1970
Call today at 1 800 422 3727
|
Smileys - Compiled by Terry Baker
|
As we surf the internet and back issues of airline magazines we regularly find airline related jokes and cartoons. Below is our latest discovery.
For many years, the occupation by a "stay at home" female, when completing surveys, ranged from housewife, spouse, lackey, domestic, domestic engineer amongst others. Recently, such a female applied for a driving license and came up
with this occupation title when asked "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations".
The clerk asked her to repeat the title, which she did - slowly. She was then asked what she did in that field, her reply was "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't she thought), in the laboratory and in the field". (she thought that was better than saying indoors and out), "I'm working for my Masters (whole family of 5), "and have four credits (all daughters).
"I often work 14 hours a day". She was issued her drivers license. Upon arrival at her driveway, she was met by her lab assistants age 13, 7 and 3. Indoors was her new experimental model, just 6 months.
|
|
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the NetLetter, see you next week!
Sincerely,
Your NetLetter Team
|
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
To contact us, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
|
|
| |
|
