The NetLetter
For Air Canada Retirees
(Part of the ACFamily Network)
October 7, 2013 - Issue 1275
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First Issue published in October 1995!
(over 5,400 subscribers)
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NetLetter Past Issues
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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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Sponsors
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Greetings!
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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
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| Upcoming events - Compiled by Terry Baker |
Dreams take flight include the 21st annual YVR flight on October 22, the 20th annual YYC flight on October 23, and the YUL flight on November 6th.
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| Star Alliance News |
 New Zealand's flagship airline plans to push boundaries by flying to Antarctica and landing on an ice runway. But tourists wanting to travel to the frozen continent will need to keep their hopes in check. The chartered Air New Zealand flights would be for scientists and their support crews, and the airline said Tuesday it has no plans to begin commercial trips. Many countries already fly scientists to Antarctica, but those flights are typically run by government or military agencies, or by specialized companies. Air New Zealand plans to use one of its regular passenger jets for the Antarctic flights, a Boeing 767-300. (Source: The Daily) |
| Air Canada News |
 Reminder: Trans-Canada Airlines Flight 831 remembered. Almost fifty years following the crash landing of TCA flight 831 in Ste-Thérèse, QC, where all aboard perished, a commemorative book is being published. Titled " Voices from a Forgotten Tragedy:" Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 831, this work - co-written by Bob Page, Ernest Dick and Jean Grant-Page - pieces together the memories of family members, first responders and residents of Ste-Thérèse, their mementos, photographs and media sources, providing readers with a deep understanding of the event and an opportunity to remember those whose lives ended in the tragedy on November 29, 1963. The history is available for purchase at www.tcaflight831.com. Air Canada will participate in a commemorative event to be held in Ste-Thérèse on November 29th, 2013. (Source: Daily)
PREMIER AVIATION has a 5-year Air Canada contract to provide airframe maintenance for 60 E-Jets out of Trois-Rivières.
AAR has opened third maintenance line at its 188,000 sq ft facility in Duluth, MN to support Air Canada (A320 Family) program.
AIR CANADA completed C$1.4b refinancing transaction from sale of senior notes and loans from new credit facility, netting C$1.3b.
AIR CANADA plans to issue RFP for new regional airline to operate certain US transborder routes from mid-2014. |
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| TCA/Air Canada People Gallery - Compiled by Terry Baker |
 Below 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.
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 John Rodger sent us this photo of the YUL hockey team involved in the annual inter-city games with Toronto which promted us to chronicle the first 9 years.
In 1957 the first annual hockey game YUL vs. YYZ, a two game total point intra-city taking place at the Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens and the Montreal Forum for the Public Relations trophy.
1957 - Montreal won the first game 11-10, and during the return game, Montreal won 10-6 for a total of 21-16 to take the trophy.
Toronto: Sam Houston, Lorne Timbers, Ray McIntosh, Tony Carter, Lloyd Harvey, Fred Bell, Bob Munro, Russ Bently, Mike Cunningham, Murray Forbes, Jules Warecki, Tony McLeod, Ron Bolton, Bill Fanner and Joe Warecki. Joe Duprey was coach.
Montreal: N. Parr, J. Stracina, Val Tessier. Gil Gilbert, Ray Legault, Andre Lussier, Fred Norman, Rick Schofield, Peter Gauthier, Ken Walker, Joe Mastre, Charlie Stock, Bob Lanihan and John McKeating. Len Raymond was coach. Officials: Joe Wilkinson, referee; Arlie Shaban and Ron Snell, linesmen; Ted Moor and Jimmy Aikins, timekeepers; Al Histed and Norm Shea, goal judges; Mike Power, scorekeeper.
1958 - Montreal beat Toronto 5-4 in Montreal and 6-2 in Toronto. Montreal victors 11-6.
1959 - Toronto won 5-3. The return game saw Montreal victors 5-4. Toronto victors 9-8.
SEVEN REASONS why Toronto beat Montreal in the first game of their annual home and home hockey series are the seven Toronto cheer leaders who led the fans in rooting for the home team. The girls are, from the left: Natalie Aksaniuk, Helen Wenzel, Sondy Davies, Marie Graham, Kelly Culin, Louise Unruh and Donna Coulter.
1960 - Montreal outscored Toronto 5-4. At Toronto the home team came through with a 5-1 score. Toronto retained the cup with total score of 9-6.
1961 - Montreal and Toronto tied 4-4, but Toronto edged Montreal 7-5 in the return to capture the trophy for the third year running with a total of 11-9.
1962 - Montreal won the home game 5-4, but Toronto took the return giving a total of 13-6 to retain the trophy for the fourth time in a row.
1963 - In Montreal, Toronto beat the home team by 6-2 and at home with a shut out 7.0, thus capturing the trophy yet again with a total score of 13-2.
1964 - Montreal took the first game 3-2, and the second game 4-3 for a total of 7-5. Thus, Montreal recaptures the trophy for a second time.
1965 - A second shut out game in the history of the tournament when Montreal blanked Toronto 4-0, and took the return game 3-1 for a total 7-1 to retain the trophy.
 John Rodger also sent this photo taken at the 2004 Golf in PEI as it is connected to the Jan 63 hockey game. Left to right: Chuck Taylor YYZ, Rick Scofield YUL, Bill Gallant YYZ, John Rodger YUL, Ken McLeod YYZ, Bernie Danis YUL & Dean McKinnion YYZ.)
(Does anyone know what happened to the Public Relations trophy? - eds) |
| Alan's Space - by Alan Rust |
 Alan is on vacation!
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Canadi>n/CP Air/PWA, Wardair, etc. People & Events
- Compiled by Terry Baker
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 News and articles from days gone by gleaned from various publications from C.A.I.L. and its "ancestry" of contributing airlines. |
| The hard work of Marlie and Phil Kelsey together with Brian Walsh culminated in a successful reunion of CPAir retirees. Some 80 turned up at the Quality Resort Bayside Inn at Parksville, Vancouver Island on Friday September 20th, 2013 for the three day event. Past reunions have been for those who worked in Whitehorse, but this year they decided to include those who worked in the B.C. Division. Friday evening was a meet and greet time, with the noise decimals increasing exponentially as long time reunions took place. The following day had arrangements for golfers, boat charters, a visit to a winery and with the evening event being the dinner and dance. On Sunday, a rather more somber time prevailed during the farewell buffet breakfast, with retirees saying their goodbyes with a promise to meet again in the future, and taking their memories of a good time home with them. |
1981 - Dec 7th - Inauguration of the first non-stop air service between Halifax and Amsterdam with DC-10 equipment, enabling local domestic traffic between Toronto and Halifax on the international flights.
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 THE BIG TURN-ON happened without a hitch at CP Air's London U.K. sales and res office the summer of 1981 when it became the first of our European offices to go on-line with Pegasus, the CP Air's computerized res system. Looking
slightly apprehensive at office manager Greg Evans switch-on technique are (from left standing) Allan Tremblay, sales manager, U.K. John Pastuszynski, regional director, Europe, Africa and Middle East; Anne Walker, res supervisor; Dal O'Toole, vice president, sales and service; Tony Powles, passenger agent; and seated, res agents Maggie Coombe, Margaret Slater and Diana Watson.
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 Beautiful, buoyant Hong Kong, reflected by the smiles of our CP Air sales staffers in this Central District street scene during September 1981. From left: K. F. Lam, public relations officer; Alfred Chui, cargo sales rep; Tommie Shiu, senior sales rep; J. R. Tossan, sales manager Hong Kong and Macau; David Yao, sales rep; Adrian Rops, passenger sales manager, Southeast Asia; Sunny Tin, sales rep; and Ronald Pocn, senior sales
rep.
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 Crew 52 was one of five crews at Vancouver Ops Centre specializing in aircraft major overhaul. They're all mechanics, and many of them began their careers working on DC-8s, which ushered CP Air into the Jet age in 1961. Naturally, some affection builds up over the years. So when CP Air retired the last two jets in its DC-8-43 fleet in July 1981, Crew 52 gathered beside Aircraft 605, the Empress of Mexico City, for a last hurrah.
Sold by CP Air because they were no longer economic to fly by North American standards, Aircraft 605 and 601 found a new home in Colombia where conditions still permitted an efficient operation. Number 601, which ushered in the jet age at CP Air in 1961, logged 74,518 hours and 52 minutes and made 27,950 landings, and keep Aircraft 605 aloft in CP Air service for 68,312 hours and 49 minutes.
In our photograph kneeling, from left: Doriano Domlrti, Chris Park, Paul MacDougall, Bud Eissfeldt, Matt Hoch, Len Kennedy, Eddie Parinas, Lee Stillwell, John Koop and Frank Welsh. Back, from left: John Dulmage, Art Palmar, Ray Green, Dennis Maltman, John Ioannou, George James (crew chief), Peter Frankhauser, Larry Lirette, Jim Dillon, Aken Chan, Steve Johnson, Y. B. Poon, Paul Tyrkus, Y. K. Hui, Frank Nickel, Al Shepherd, Fred Gammond, Dennis Chow, Dick Miller, Ralph Elam, Len Cox, Jay Serbinski, Dave Robb and Keith Green.
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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.
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After viewing the eagle flight in Alan's corner of NetLetter nr 1273, Darlene Berscht sends this comment:
The clip from the Eagle flight was terrific! He did not seem to flap his wings once and all of it was while soaring. Seeing the shadow was interesting too, oh to be an eagle... Cheers, Darlene
Regarding the promotional photo of the L10A and RJ in NetLetter nr 1273, we asked for the name of the city and we had several responses:
This one from Nicole Couture-Simard who arranged for the photo op:
The pic of the CRJ and L10A was taken in Montréal - background is downtown. We were planning a press conference at the base to introduce the CRJ, and the L10A was in Montréal; there were plans to fly the CRJ (perhaps for training - don't remember) before the press conference, so I arranged for the L10A to fly as well and had a 3rd A/C to tag along to take some pics. This one was used in the press kits we prepared for the media. Turned out to be a good idea, and got good press coverage out of it. Nicole Couture-Simard Manager, Media Relations (1994-2002)
Alan MacLeod, who used to regularly fly the L10A during demonstration flights, sends this update:
The photo is over downtown Montreal: I wasn't flying it that day but have a beautiful copy hanging in my den. Someone sent it to me thinking it was me, I assume. CF-TCC did not fly this Summer and I have no idea what the plan is for the aircraft. It sits in the museum in Winnipeg, soon to be moved to the museum's new building which will be attached to the new terminal there. A most fitting place for the aircraft to rest as it was delivered to Winnipeg in 1937 from Lockheed on it's inaugural flight. Regards Alan MacLeod
Also Jannet Tricarico, Ken Pickford, Bob MacKinnon, Mike Arpin, Andy Broda, Alastair Alves, Ray Lindsay, Aubrey Winterbotham and Michael Tarjan all identified the city as Montreal.
(Thanks to all the readers who responded - eds)
 Ian Tyer sends us this after reading NetLetter nr 1268 -
I have just read the NetLetter and I was amazed to see myself in Parts and Pieces, my name is Ian Tyer and the picture was in the engine overhaul (I am on the left). I spent 30 yrs of service and I retired in 2003. I was also in charge of the Air Canada soccer team, and was involved with the Montreal Soccer Tournament which ran for 10 yrs with teams coming from all over the world. I am at the moment still involved in soccer, teaching in a high school and refereeing. Regards, Ian
Tony Birch sent this information to Jim Griffith regarding the gold heist information he was looking for -
The first I heard about the heist was at home and at breakfast the next day, I was a little surprised at it since I was the Captain on that DC3 flight with F/O Ray Veosovich. Later, when the court case came up and unbeknownst to me, I was slated to be witness #22, but I was away on an extended trip to 23 Eskimo communities, so Ray Veosovich had to be witness #22. Strange as it may seem, to this day I was never interviewed by any of the investigators on the case, but I did by chance meet Scotty Gardiner who was a greeter at church here in Victoria about 6 years ago, that's when he told me that he was the lead RCMP corporal on the case and I informed him that I was the Captain on that flight (small world). Cheers, James Anthony (Tony) Birch
Bud Lewis sends this information -
A small thing in the Winnipeg Gold Heist, I believe it was a Transair flight from Red Lake to Winnipeg. I worked for them at the time and helped unload the almost 100 lb gold bars. Regards, Bud Lewis
Dave Welham sends this - In NetLetter #1273, in the picture of the 3 agents at YXY CTO, the caption has switched Carol Richardson and Pat Besier. Pat is the lady on the right. (The photo had the names under the photo in the magazine - eds)
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Odds and Ends.
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 Sometimes we receive articles and information that just doesn't fit in our other areas. This is where it goes!
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Airbus has forecast demand for 28,355 new passenger aircraft and 871 new freighters, its latest 20-year global market forecast (GMF) covering the period 2013-2032.
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JET ASIA AIRWAYS, Thailand leased ex-Air Canada B767-200 fin 619 C-FBEM c/n 24325 with JT9Ds from Jet Midwest Group who acquired the aircraft in April 2013, and now has five 767s. The last revenue flight for Air Canada was YVR-YYZ, November 2nd 2008 then flew YYZ-ABQ-ROW for storage on November 3rd 2008.
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Concluding Dispatching flights the early days by the late Ross Smyth which started in NetLetter nr 1273
Early negotiations
In 1946 I got my first taste of negotiating with the company as a junior member of the Canadian Airline Dispatcher Association. I admired our president, Bill Mills, who spoke in fiery fashion, banged his fist on the table, and said to the boss: "Look here, Herb, that's not right!'' Herb Seagrim, then director of flight operations, gave Bill the nickname "John L." after the famous American labour militant, John L. Lewis.
A good laugh
In arguing the merit of dispatchers pay versus that of the captain with the company negotiating team a few years later, we were exaggerating slightly and prompted Lindy Rood, then director of flight operations, to remark: "If the dispatcher dropped dead, I suppose the flight would still get there." One of our members quickly retorted: "If the captain dropped dead, we think the flight would still get there." There was a short silence until the director broke into a hearty laugh and we then followed suit. Lindy said: "You fellows should be negotiating for the first officers." I don't suppose too many of today's negotiation are conducted on such a friendly first-name basis or with a true appreciation of the mutuality of interest of the company and the union member.
Air/ground teamwork
A report from the Canadian Airline Dispatcher Association to the Ministry of Transport in 1953 stressed the basic principle of the flight dispatch system that an airliner must clear with the mutual concurrence of the captain and the dispatcher which contributes to safety and ensure close teamwork.
Ross Smyth
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Terry's Trivia and Travel Tips - by Terry Baker
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Fraser Muir relates this experience - Joan and I just made a quick trip to YOW this past weekend, (Sept 14th) and having a frustrating time trying to book on parking online with Park n Fly... I tried to get online with Sky park... no problem whatsoever... so I booked with them, and to my surprise at the end of it all, saved myself over $20.00 for a two day stay, not too bad, Eh?? Also here at YYZ, there was a van waiting for us and had us at departures in something like a 2 minute drive.
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On the return, we had to phone them for a pick up, by the time we got down to gate C3, we waited for 3 or 4 minutes... the van came. Staff of course being new are "bending over backwards" to please us. I'd advise Retirees, and Employees as well to give Skypark a try. Regards, Fraser
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 From the Airways Vacations - interline deals to go -
 Irish Escape
5 Day Escorted Tour Fall/Winter from $399*
Price shown is land only, per person based on double occupancy. Add affordable confirmed air.
Begins in Dublin Nov. 7, 14, 28, Dec 5, 2013, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13, 27, 2014.
Call today, this tour always sells out! Call 1-800-422-3727 for more deals.
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| 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.
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 D. Fallwell had this cartoon published in "CP Air News" magazine issued March 1978.
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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
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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.
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.
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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
- Stewardess - Lisa Ruck, Brooklin, 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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