 The NetLetter
For Air Canada Retirees
(part of the ACFamily Network)
June 4, 2011 - Issue 1167
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First Issue published in October 1995!
(over 5,400 subscribers)
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Donation Information
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Send cheques payable to "ACFamily Network" to:
ACFamily Network
#800 - 15355 24th Ave, Suite 523
Surrey, BC V4A 2H9
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| 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
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| CAHS Upcoming Events - Compiled by Alan Rust |
 We have a listing below of all the 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 |
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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 complete details.
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 Vancouver Chapter
Date: Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Time: 1900 hrs
Guest Speaker: TBA
For more info call Jerry Vernon at (604) 420-6065 or visit the Chapters website by clicking here.
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Pionair Meetings and Events - Compiled by Alan Rust
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 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.
Most meetings are wrapping up for the summer but there is a special meeting that we'd like to bring to your attention under the Vancouver District. If the meeting below is succesful then there is a possibility of this presentation being held in other locations and possibility other Districts as well. (see below for more info)
Please note that the NetLetter is not a Pionairs publication as many people tend to assume.
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Fraser Valley Coffee Club-
When: 3rd Monday of the month at 9:30 AM (no meetings in July, August or December).
Where: The Pantry Restaurant (next to the Travelodge Hotel) at 45466 Yale Road West, Chilliwack, B.C.
Organizers: Bill Hallsworth, 604-484-8016 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
Mike DeSante, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 604-556-0202
Click here for more information
Next Meeting - Monday, June 20, 2011 then Monday, September 19, 2011
 SPECIAL NOTICE: The Fraser Valley Coffee Club will hold a computer training session at their June 20th meeting in Chilliwack. This will be conducted by the organizers, Bill Hallsworth and Mike DeSante and is intended to show Pionairs how to navigate the web for the Employee Travel site, the Pionairs web site, and the AC Aeronet. If all goes as expected, we may see Bill and Mike give their presentation at other Coffee Groups in the Fall. |
ACRA Upcoming Events- Compiled by Alan Rust
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 Retirees Welcome!
The following events are available for retirees through ACRA, the Air Canada Recreation Association. |
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Retirees Welcome!
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Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
When: Thursday, September 29 to Saturday, October 1, 2011
For more inforation visit: www.acrabadminton.org.uk
Retirees Welcome!
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 Are you aware of an ACRA Event that is open to retirees? Please use the online form by following this link to submit your ACRA Event. (ACRA Events only please)
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| Women in Aviation - Compiled by Terry Baker |
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From "Between Ourselves" magazine issued June 1946 - by Stewardess Alice Belden and titled "Head in the clouds", the confessions in verse of one of our renowned Cabin Attendants.
So you think my job is a snap.
As a stewardess, I've nothing to do
But soar thru' the clouds o'er the face of the map,
Pass a sickness container or two.
Relax, while I tell you the story
Of life thru' the hostess's day,
Ifs truly not glamour and glory
Filled with smooth talking and play.
We work and work hard my fine feathered chum.
It takes hours of study to win.
Remember that, next time I pass you the gum
And follow it up with a grin.
I'm called out of bed at an unearthly hour.
I dress with the greatest of care.
I splash on cologne of some faint mystic flower
And give a last pat to my hair.
I hop on a bus, a street car or tram
And get jostled around in the mob.
How I get to the airport you don't give a damn
But it all figures in on my job.
I have to check cabins for pillows and such,
Have sedatives right handy by,
Count breakfasts etc. but that isn't much,
You'd say with a wink of your eye.
Then come the manifests, passenger list,
Aix! a quick mental note of who's who.
There isn't an item allowed to be missed
That deals with this trip and its crew.
I size you all up before we depart.
Mrs. Johnston's first trip 1 would say.
Mr. Smith has a tendency towards a weak heart.
Mr. Jones is a trifle too gay.
The trip is announced-you rush for the plane.
Your mind dwells upon a back seat.
You scarcely remember to give me your name
And in haste almost trample my feet.
As soon as you're settled you say it's too hot.
Will I please adjust this little vent?
I fasten your seat belt, you grumble a lot,
So much time in the air you have spent.
The motors are revved, we're rolling along
Down the runway and into the air.
Mrs. J's acting funny, her color's all wrong.
She's going to be sick, I'm aware.
I get you all books and tilt back your seats
And hope you'll relax like you ought-ter.
Before I can breathe you're calling for eats.
Mrs. J. thinks she'll just have some water.
You want to eat now, Mr. Brown? - not till later.
The rest of the folks are uncertain.
We manage a smile, for each one as we cater,
But believe me it's darned disconcerting'.
The repast is over, the trays tucked away.
I sigh, could it possibly be
I'll have time for a breather; What did you say?
Your son? And he's just over three?
You tell us your history, the things you have done.
How your wife is the best Scout you know.
Your kids are the smartest things under the sun.
What you'd do if you had me in tow.
I'm not to mistake your intent, but you think
There will be a gang there when we land.
Wouldn't I care to come down for a drink?
The fellows would think I was grand.
Just at this point, Mrs. J., bless her heart,
Gives a gasp and gets white in the face.
I make a mad dash to be there at the start,
Unfortunately losing the race.
The light flashes on; we're ending our trip.
Landing routine's about to begin.
I bid au revoir, with a smile on my lip
And the whole thing starts over again.
Shall I continue to give you examples?
Of duties I've still left untold?
Now are you completely convinced with this sample?
Or must I further unfold.
If you think that we girls enjoy living
By flying through day or through night,
And mean all the smiles at the service we're giving'
Perhaps after all you are RIGHT.
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| Our first 70 years - Compiled by Terry Baker |
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1958
- Jun 1st - Edmonton receives Super Constellation service with YYZ - YVR route..
- Direct service inaugurated with Viscount service between Calgary and Saskatoon.
- New Viscount service inaugurated between YYZ-YUL-YHZ-Sydney.
- April 25th - Viscount service introduced into St. John's.
- April 27th - Quebec City-Montreal-New York began.
- May 18th - Montreal Paris direct commenced.
- May 30th - Western Canada "The Hudson Bay" route YVR-YWG-Gander-LHR inaugurated.
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| 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. |
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Robert (Arnold) here from Winnipeg. Jack Stephens and I have a bit of conversation going on as to what airport terminal is portrayed in this vintage ad for the Viscount coming to TCA. Jack thought you might have some idea. I thought it was Quebec City, Quebec.
I had this piece of history in my collection for several years now along with other aviation adverts I have been collecting over the years. It is from "The Aeroplane" magazine dated June 4, 1954.
Any suggestions? Maybe readers of The Netletter might have some input on this. Place it in The Netletter if you want. Would be interested in the results. This is the item of discussion.
Kind Regards, Robert Arnold
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| TCA/Air Canada People Gallery - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 Musings from the "Between Ourselves" and "Horizons" magazine, an Air Canada publication from years gone by, and various in-house magazines.
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Issue dated - April 1958
Retrieved from the "Between Ourselves" magazine -
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 Ramp and Cargo employees working in the US signed a new agreement.
Seated from the left - L.E.Taplin, Station Services Toronto, F.C.Eyre, Assistant Director Industrial Relations Montreal; George Kleiman, Grand Lodge Representative, 1A.M., New York; C. M. Francis, Cargo Agent, New York;
Back row: R. L. Cowan, Station Manager, New York; G. A. Fox, Station Manager, Cleveland; S. G. Sheldrake, Personnel Assistant, Station Services Dept., Montreal; R. Scholer, Load Agent, New York; R. Gurrieri, Ramp Serviceman, New York.
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 Under the banner of "I milked the 'Milk Run' dry", Norman Garwood gave a story about the "Milk Run", the DC-3 service for Brandon, Yorkton, Swift Current, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge out of Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Here we have the 6 photos which accompanied the article.
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 To officially open the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, a group of Hollywood personalities left LAX on April 14th in a chartered TCA Super Constellation CF-TGH fin 408 as guests of Conrad Hilton.
Pictured are the whole group prior to departing from LAX. Looking after the group during their flight were Gordie Kay, Chief Steward; Patricia Latimer, Asst Chief Stewardess; Joyce Pottruff, Chief Stewardess.
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| Alan's Space - by Alan Rust |
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| Alan Rust |
There's a lot of interesting people out there...
I am 60 years old (61 in August) and although I think that's "pretty old" a lot of the people I meet and interact with at Pionair's and other functions I attend are usually 10 to 30 years older than I am. They call me "the kid".
In 2002 just before I retired from Air Canada, I took a Dale Carnegie Course and this changed the way I interacted with people. When I remember to use the skills I learned, it has great rewards and one of these is to both listen and to ask questions.
I have found that when you take the time to find out about someones past, you realize what a facinating life many have had, but very few people ever ask them about it. The story below reflects this. I'm not sure if this is a true story or not, but it's amusing and is part of the reality of many of the retirees we meet every day.
Thanks to Nancy McKay for sending this story to us.
WAL-MART SENIOR GREETER
Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time.
Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.
One day the boss called him into the office for a talk.
"Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."
"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."
"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear.
It's odd though your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?"
 The old man looked down at the floor, then smiled. He chuckled quietly, then said with a grin, "They usually saluted and said, Good morning, Admiral, can I get your coffee, sir?"
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| Preview of Between Ourselves Back Issues - by Alan Rust |
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| Alan Rust |
We are pretty excited about a new method we have recently discovered in order to present back issues of the Tran-Canada Air Lines, " Between Ourselves" monthly employee magazine.
For those of you old enough to remember, the Between Ourselves TCA employee publication started publishing monthly (with some exceptions) in 1941. In May 1972 the name was changed to Horizons. It also went to a twice monthly publication as well.
For the past 3 years, we have been collecting (from our readers) back issues of the Between Ourselves and Horizons and Terry Baker has been diligently scanning them using our top secret (not really) process, a sample of the results are shown below. We plan to (eventually) have every issue available in an easily readable (and searchable) format before the end of the year. Those who have donated to the NetLetter in the past have made this a possibility.
Below is a sample of Between Ourselves issue #001 from either November or December 1941 (it wasn't dated). I think you'll find it interesting to peruse. Please click on the image to be taken to the publication and once there feel free to play with the various controls to flip from page to page, magnify and move around the various pages. Enjoy! There's more to come...
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| Between Ourselves Issue #001 - November/December 1941 |
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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. |
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Issue dated - November 1969
Pulled from the "P.W.A. Keeping Posted" magazine -
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 Here is the new look in Stewardess dress - the Stamper - Wearing the outfit are M.Cowhig, L.Takashima, L. Fancher and R. Whitehouse. |
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Issue dated - December 1969
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Here is a picture of our Hercules CF-PWO and its crew at Tokyo International Airport just prior to departing for Edmonton on the last leg of a Round-the-World flight January, 1969.
The crew members from left to right: Dennis Mockford (Navigator), F/0 Weldon Bradley, Capt. Bob Bell, Bob Dobson and Jim Eggen (Engineers), Jerry Kish (Loadmaster), F/0 Terry Champion.
This flight was the last in a series of trips, carried out between December 13th and January 17th arranged by our London agents, Clarkair International. The aircraft, two crews, project manager and maintenance crews were based in London and made flights from London to Prague, Manchester to Dampier (Western Australia), Copenhagen to Nairobi (Kenya), Paris to Dubai (Saudi Arabia) and Manchester to Dampier again. Loads consisted mainly of bulky generating equipment, electronic components, etc.
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Issue dated - March 1982
Found in the "PWA Flightlines" magazine
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 Here we have some photos of personell from your favorite department - the "Free and Reduced Rate Transportation Section" -
Meet the Team Behind Your Travels
Sue Lencucha
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 Lynda Barr |
 Brenda Williamson |
 Shirley Kent |
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 Vic Lukawitski took this picture at high noon.
The caption reads "Hercules goes to hospital in Resolute Bay" - The internal timing mechanism on No. 4 propeller became unserviceable on aircraft 387 on a recent mission at YRB.
The repair would normally have been done in Edmonton, but due to recently introduced FAA restrictions to certification for three engine ferry on the Hercules, the prop was changed in Resolute.
Aircraft 387 was 'down" for several days until a "prop build up" unit, some special tools and our maintenance fellows were transported to YRB on a northbound Pan Arctic charter (aircraft 383) The temperature at Resolute was a steady -30°C. with winds averaging 15 knots, so our Engineers came up with an ingenious plan. A parachute was borrowed from Bill Howie at Narshal Arctic Services and the services of Herman Nelson from Bradley Air Services. (NOTE: Herman has a tendency to be confused with a hot air heater). Our field team of Cliff Russell, Keith Lockhart, Bob Hancock, Jim Brown, Pat Butler and Vic Lukawitski must be given a special "thank you" for all of their extra efforts in getting the "big bird" airborne once again. A parachute is draped around No. 4 engine while repairs take place during the brief period of semi-daylight.
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| 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.
John Rodger sends us this comment referring to NetLetter nr 1165 -
Hi Terry and Alan:
A comment about the Between Ourselves Photo dated Jan. 1958.
In the photo of the PR Men it is interesting that Hal Miloff is in it. He just passed away May 2nd 2011 at 84 yrs old. He was working under Mr. Taylor when he helped set up the Air Canada Pionairs and was honored due to that with an Honorary Life Membership. Also another fellow who after retiring came to all the AGM's and donated many of his books as door prizes was the late Ross Smyth.
Regards, John Rodger
Norm Budd sends us this observation -
Hey folks,
First of all, keep up the good work. You are all really doing a great job!!
I noted in Alan's Space for (NetLetter) Issue 1165 that the latest and largest 747 doesn't have winglets. I seem to recall that when winglets were initially introduced on commercial aircraft that they were touted as being great for increasing fuel efficiency.
I'm no aeronautical engineer so I don't know why that was however I simply accepted that the "experts" knew best and so be it. Airbus continues to have them as do the Embraer aircraft yet Boeing seems to have stopped using them after the 747-400 and 737-800. Would anyone out there have an explanation why?
Cheers and thanks, Norm B.
Craig Blacker has sent us this information referring to NetLetter nr 1166 -
Hello,
Regarding the photo of the Winnipeg Retirement Club. The gentleman next to June Morris in the front row (#7 from left) is Francis Smith born in 1892 so was about 67 when photo taken 1958 or 1959 as he retired at 65 years of age. I doubt many people remember him but it is good to put his name straight. He was a very close family friend until his death in 1982
Thanks for your work. Craig Blacker
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Terry's Trivia and Travel Tips - by Terry Baker
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| Terry Baker |
Sky-high dining: Talk about a view while you eat!
At the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, 22 diners at a time had a chance to sit high above the street. They were hoisted 100 feet into the air by a huge crane so they could enjoy the view of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street while they ate.
They had 30 minutes to eat their meal before the next group got a turn at this unique dining experience. "The Festival in the Sky was a global attraction that drew visitors from far and wide," says festival organizers. Prices start at gbp25.00 for the early 'Top O' the Morning' flights that take off between 8am and 11am and include a hearty breakfast of salmon and scrambled eggs, porridge and assorted drinks. The 'Light Lunch' between 12pm and 4pm sees finger sandwiches and cakes served alongside Pimms.
The evening flights, which give a new meaning to the words 'High Tea' lift off at 5pm and include Scottish favorites such as haggis and a glass of bubbly, or wee dram. The Festival in the Sky experience is available for group bookings or corporate functions from 9.30pm onwards which enable you to dine at the same time as the Tattoo fireworks explode in the Edinburgh sky.
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 All of the experiences include your food and drink, so there's no need to look for money in your pockets whilst 100ft above the ground. Non-alcoholic drinks are available. |
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Exclusive ACV deals for employees, family and friends! This week's great deals available from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax are posted - check and book online today through the Portal. Remember that ACV packages include CONFIRMED air and hotel - no standby worries!
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Smileys - Compiled by Terry Baker
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As we surf the internet and back issues of airline magazines we regularly find airline related jokes and cartoons. Below is our latest discovery.
The following is from "PWA Flightlines" magazine Issue dated March 1982 -
IF
(For a Reservations Agent)
by Lisa Graceffo
If you can BKF a flight
When the computer is flashing error that's not right
If you can decipher the YLW and YBC
and YYF and YXC
If you can DRI and DFA
and DAV for the month of May
If you can EQI the TBM
and know how to use your FCN
If you can ENR the PNR and DNR the PNR
and XKF the FLT
and XXX the itinerary
If you can then CNR the PNR
and DNR the PNR
and XRF I 1 and 2
and DRI for how to do
If you can DFF and get chances poor
and smile when the pax screams "Can't you do more"
If you can do all this and still have patience
Then congratulations my friend, you're a full fledged reservations agent.
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 Cartoon by Dave Mathias from "Between Ourselves" issued December 1955. |
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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.
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We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the NetLetter, see you next week!
Sincerely,
Your NetLetter Team
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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.
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