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Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter Since 1995

Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Since 1995


The NetLetter #955
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Since Oct/95 Dec 31, 2006

 

Number 955

About us!

Nice to know

Park & Fly Discount update

Air Canada News

Star Alliance News

Reader FeedBack

Sheila Moscoe - concluding espisode

Terry's Travel Tips

Smilie

AC Heritage Poster

Sponsors

Submissions

NetLetter Archives



About us!

Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker have been issuing an email newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have provided us with their email addresses. The Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally simplified to just "The NetLetter".

We believe that our NetLetter, which originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to use this medium to disperse information for retirees of Air Canada.

The NetLetter contains airline related information such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap... excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours, interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep our Air Canada family together and in touch.

Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only the Internet email addresses of those who would like to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to other retirees who can then subscribe right from the forwarded link at the bottom of this email.



 


Air Canada Heritage Poster

 



Dear NetLetter,

Welcome to the 955th issue of "NetLetter".

This is the last "NetLetter" for 2006 and we'd like to thank our dedicated readers for all the comments, suggestions and feedback we've received from you throughout 2006. Your input is greatly appreciated and welcomed. We will be changing the format a bit for 2007 and also upgrading our website as well.


May great things happen to you and yours for 2007 and beyond. - Vesta, Terry and Alan

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2742 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.The "NetLetter" is written by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker from Vancouver Island (see sidebar) and also with articles and comments from "you" our readers. It is published courtesy of the ACFamily Network at www.acfamily.net


  • Nice to know
  • Vesta

    Air Canada offers more than 600 non-stop flights per week to 49 sun destinations.


    Caribbean
    Edmonton ­ Punta Cana, DR weekly December 21, 2006
    Halifax ­ Holguin, CU weekly February 10, 2007
    Mexico
    Edmonton ­ Cancún 1 time weekly December 20, 2006
    Toronto ­ Mexico City 2 times daily July 1, 2006
    Toronto ­ Cozumel 2 times weekly November 4, 2006
    Toronto ­ Ixtapa 1 time weekly December 23, 2006
    Montréal ­ Cancún 1 time daily December 16, 2006
    Montréal ­ Mexico City 1 time daily June 17, 2006
    Halifax ­ Cozumel 1 time weekly February 8, 2007
    Las Vegas
    Vancouver ­ Las Vegas 9 times weekly October 29, 2006
    Edmonton ­ Las Vegas 2 times weekly September 7, 2006
    Winnipeg ­ Las Vegas 2 times weekly September 7, 2006
    Montréal ­ Las Vegas 2 times daily October 29, 2006 California
    Edmonton ­ Los Angeles 1 time daily May 1, 2006
    Calgary ­ Los Angeles 3 times daily October 29, 2006
    Calgary ­ Palm Springs 1 time daily December 15, 2006
    Toronto ­ San Diego 1 time daily July 1, 2006
    Florida
    Calgary ­ Fort Lauderdale 3 times weekly October 29, 2006
    Calgary ­ Orlando 4 times weekly December 16, 2006
    Toronto ­ Sarasota daily as of December 13 2006
    Toronto ­ Fort Myers 2 times daily December 16, 2006
    Toronto ­ Fort Lauderdale 4 times daily December 16, 2006
    Toronto ­ West Palm Beach 2 times daily December 16, 2006
    Montréal ­ Fort Lauderdale 4 times daily December 16, 2006
  • Park & Fly Discount update
  • The saga of the Park & Fly Discount


    Revised Agreement

    Special Announcement on Park N Fly Discount - 25% only
    Until April 15, 2007, Aeroplan® partner, Park ‘N Fly, is offering all active and retired ACE family employees an opportunity to save 25% when parking at all Park ‘N Fly airport facilities across Canada. To take advantage of this discount, present your Air Canada identification card, business card or letter confirming employment and quote the following coupon code: 31732. The airports are YVR, YEG, YYC, YYZ, YOW, YUL and YHZ.
    Note: The code will change every three months, but fear not, the folks at PNF will allow a 15- day overlap (to allow travellers some wiggle room) You can also print of the coupon by following this link.

    Our readers were quick to respond to the new changes (before it was officially announced). Here is a sampling of what we received.
    John Hopkins sends us this information regarding the Park n Fly discount . "Regarding the above item in NetLetter #954 you should be aware that since September, the Park'N Fly location in Calgary is only giving a 25% discount off their higher rates ($11.99 per day) now for Air Canada Employees. It is again more economical to go to Park and Jet who only charge $9.95 per day and also give a 25% Discount when you show your Air Canada id.
    Regards,
    John A. Hopkins This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    and from Ann Senko
    Subject: Park & Fly Discount
    In regards to Park & Fly in Vancouver we just parked our car there on Dec 23rd while trying to get to Winnipeg without any luck and when we came back they said the charge over the Xmas holidays had been changed to 25%. Seems funny if we have a contract that says 50% off how can they just change it over the Xmas holidays. Thanks for all your hard work we enjoy the Netletter...
    Best wishes Ann Senko 87342 (retiree)
    "Ann Senko" This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    And from Dave Wall -
    I thought that I had sent a note regarding Park'NFly but your latest NetLetter indicates 50% still in effect. I returned to Halifax from a trip in mid December and when paying, the rep told me that the 50% discount was going to 20% in the very near future. He implied within a week or so. And said that it was country-wide. Reason - because AC "was not doing anything for them".
    FYI - I note that you do not list YHZ so maybe it's local. Or maybe just one man's fancy?
    Dave Wall This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    Dave and Eleanor sends this -
    My wife and I travelled to Grande Prairie last week, and as usual we parked at Park and Fly at the Calgary airport.
    Upon our return, we only received a 25 per cent discount. I questioned the clerk and she said that was the new rate to Air Canada personnel (retirees). This is for your information.
    Dave and Eleanor Lord This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    From: Wayne Sands This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    Subject: Park and Fly

    The discount that Park and Fly are offering employees and retirees is now 25% the same as Park and Jet. They stopped the 50% last fall. I confirmed with them yesterday and was told 25%. By the way Park and Jet rates are about $2.00 cheaper per day than Park and Fly. Cheers

     


    For your non-AC friends and family, they can also get 20% off of Park and Fly up to $25 by using the Entertainment Book of Coupons. (Please don't give them the AC Coupon code)
  • Air Canada News
  • New seasonal non-stop flight launched from Edmonton to Cancun. AC 1894 departed Wednesday December 20th., marking the launch of the only non- stop, scheduled flights from Edmonton to Cancun. This seasonal service will operate every Wednesday until April 11, 2007 departarting Edmonton at 08:20 arriving in Cancun at 14:45. AC 1895 departs Cancun at 16:00, arriving back into Edmonton at 21:05.


    December 21st of December saw the launch of the only non-stop flights from Edmonton to Punta Cana. Air Canada flight AC 1896 marks the launch of the only non-stop, scheduled flights from Edmonton to Punta Cana, one of the most popular leisure destinations in the Caribbean. This seasonal service will operate every Thursday until April 19, 2007. Air Canada flight AC 1896 departs Edmonton at 08:00 arriving in Punta Cana at 17:40. Air Canada flight AC 1897 departs Punta Cana at 18:55, arriving back into Edmonton at 23:30.
    December 23rd departure of AC 1892 marks the launch of new, non-stop scheduled flights from Toronto to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, an increasingly popular leisure destination on the Mexico's Pacific coast. This seasonal service will operate every Saturday until April 14, 2007. Air Canada flight AC 1892 departs Toronto at 8:15 a.m., arriving in Ixtapa at 12:40 p.m. Air Canada flight AC 1893 departs Ixtapa at 1:30 p.m., arriving back in Toronto at 7:15 p.m.
  • Star Alliance News
  • Star Alliance

    Air New Zealand said it would buy a further four Boeing 787s to meet expected growth over the next decade. The order brought the company's purchase to eight 787s with options on a further eight production slots. Air New Zealand expected to introduce the first plane in 2011 and the last of the eight in 2013.

  • Reader FeedBack
  • George & Noreen Brien has sent us this information -
    Subject: more TCA history Some more TCA Airport historical stuff with some links to previous posted items in past NL's.

    Pennfield Ridge YPN
    This airport was constructed in the early 40’s as part of the BCATP program and used as a training airport by the Air Force. It is located 30 miles sw of YSJ, on the highway to the US Border www.geocities.com/blacksharbour/pennfield. html

    On April 1st 1947 it was taken over the Ministry of Transport and TCA moved its operation from Blissville to this location to serve YSJ. At this time the new Trans border service began on the route YHZ/YQI/YPN/BOS.
    The Station Manager was Bill Hegan and Customer Service Supervisor was Freddie Robinson. Ziggy Ziggerchuk and Bill Scott were two of the Radio Operators. Bob Anderson was one of the Ramp crew. TCA ended its operations into YPN when the new YSJ airport was opened in 1951.
    There is still one runway operational and used by JD Irving Ltd

    George & Noreen Brien This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Sheila Moscoe - concluding espisode
  • Sheila Moscoe has finally returned from her "round the world" tour, and this is her concluding episode -

    Hi everyone!
    The last time I wrote you I was in Rotorura, New Zealand. Well, after we left that smelly town (sulphur smell that is!), we drove via the interior road to Napier. Shirley thought it would be nicer to see some green pastures and sheep instead of twisting and turning mountainous/coastal roads. And sheep we saw! In fact, we were able to stop by the side of the highway to watch the farmer and his dogs round up thousands of sheep. That's something we hadn't seen yet.

    We arrived in Napier which is a coastal town on the east side. We found our motel and were glad that we had booked ahead as all the motels had a "No Vacancy" sign. We were right across the street from the ocean.

    Napier is an Art Deco town, very laid back, lovely brick sidewalks, 2 storey buildings built in the 30's after the earthquake. We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour with an excellent guide who explained the designs on the buildings. So, we're now experts on Art Deco!!

    This area is the wine region so we were able to visit a few of them near the town, and had lunch at The Mission winery with spectacular views of the vineyards. We were able to enjoy our meal out on the patio. We had tasted the wine before lunch! This was the first winery I had been where there was no charge for wine tasting.

    We then drove to Hastings, another town close by, and managed a few more wine tastings. Fortunately, you only get a small amount in the glass and if you don't like the taste, you just spit it out. And since I was driving, and it was in the middle of the day, I spit out a lot of wine!

    We stopped at a strawberry farm and were able to pick strawberries to our heart's content! The woman didn't even charge us because we didn't have enough to fill a pail and the picking season was starting the next day! But, we did have a berry ice cream cone.

    We drove up to the highest point, on the Te Mata Peak Road. Talk about a stomach churner. This one took the cake. Thank goodness there weren't any cars coming in the opposite direction. When we got to the peak to look out, we were swarmed with sand flies! Anyhow, been there, done it!

    After spending 3 days in Napier, we then drove to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. It was a magnificent drive, the scenery was spectacular and just before we reached Wellington, we went through another mountain pass. By this time, I was a pro!

    Arrived late Friday afternoon in the big city with lots of traffic. Somehow, we managed to find our way to the motel. If you think your city has one way streets, think again! Wellington tops them all.

    It's a lovely city with lots of restaurants, good food, wonderful museums (Te Papa is THE museum to visit), but, no casino! So, like Rotorura and Napier, we played the pokies (slot machines) in the local pubs. Thank goodness they're only 2cent machines, so not much to lose, but you can still win some good money as Shirley will agree!

    We took the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens and walked through them. On our way down the huge hills, we joined in on a wedding party, then visited the magnificent rose gardens, and finished the walk through a cemetery which brought us right back down into the city.

    After 3 nights in Wellington, we flew back to Sydney and stayed with Peter and Glenn and spent the whole day unpacking and repacking over and over again. Thank goodness I knew an airline person who was able to have Air Canada waive our excess baggage charges. The new weight limitation is only 23kg for each suitcase. But, we were allowed to max it out at 32kg. We had 2 bags each to check in.

    We flew to Honolulu and had to clear Immigration and Customs and check in again! and then we flew to Vancouver and had to clear Immigration and Customs and check in again to Toronto.

    Needless to say, it was a very long journey. We had 2 Tuesdays after crossing the International Date Line, and Australia is 16 hours ahead. So, if you can figure it all out, we were travelling for approximately 25 hours!

    It was great to see my brother David at the airport, and it was great to see my bird Blue, and it was great to see my apartment again!

    Life has been very hectic since returning 10 days ago, and believe it or not, I am going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on the 19th December until the 30th! This time I will be relaxing in an all inclusive adult resort with nothing to think about except what to eat and how they make a martini!

    So, folks, at this time I would like to wish you all a Happy Chanukah and a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

    Love, Sheila Moscoe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (If any reader has any travel or career stories to share, we would be happy to include them in our NetLetters - eds)

  • Terry's Travel Tips
  • Fancy Thailand for a vacation?

    Frank Shettlesworth is an ex-Air Canada-er from London Enagland and operates a travel office, here are some details -


    Hello, It's Frank here. I am not sure how many of you will remember me from my Air Canada days, but now I live in Chiang Mai in the mountains of North Thailand. Chiang Mai is the second largest town in Thailand and is a one hour flight from Bangkok, or an over-night train or bus journey.
    Chiang Mai is some 300 metres above sea-level and has its own local mountain - Doi Suthep which has a beautiful golden Temple (Wat) 3000 metres above the town. In fact, Chiang Mai is full of Wats there are 300 of them around the town.
    My day is mostly spent helping out in the Wandering Star Tour office with my team, "The Girls" - Dao, Ann and Meaw - who as many of you who have visited will know are charming and delightful. We provide a variety of travel, tour and tourist services for customers from all over the world. Whatever their budget, there is a wide variety of accommodation and holiday activities in Chiang Mai.
    Many familiar retired Air Canada folk visit as "snowbirds" in the winter for the golf and the fishing. Active Air Canada employees usually spend their first week up here - sightseeing, trekking, white- water/bamboo rafting or elephant riding, and then, for their second week, head south to one of the islands for the beach.
    If you would like to know a little more about Chiang Mai or Thailand for a holiday, please feel free to contact me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    I will gladly forward a couple of "tongue in cheek" articles. In the meantime, safe travels and stay well. From Frank Shettlesworth - Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Should anyone be considering a visit to Thailand, my Girls and I will endeavour to get you the best possible deal - be it Tours, Accommodation, Car Hire or Travel in Thailand….
    Or just plain advice and information.
    Website at www.wanderingstartour.com
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    Telephone Frank, Dau or Tack on 66 (0) 53 273602 or FAX 66 (0) 53 27370
  • Smilie
  • Smiley

    TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS -- AVIATION STYLE
    Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,
    Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.
    The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care,
    In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.
    The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,
    With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.
    I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
    And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
    When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
    I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.
    A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
    Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
    He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
    I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick".
    I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
    The better to welcome this magical flight.
    He called his position, no room for denial,
    "St. Nicholas One, turnin' left onto final."
    And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
    But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!
    With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
    As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:
    "Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!
    On Comet! On Cupid!" What pills was he takin'?
    While controllers were sittin', and scratchin' their head,
    They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,
    The message they left was both urgent and dour:
    "When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower."
    He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
    Then I heard "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."
    He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh
    And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho, ho-ho- ho..."
    He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
    I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
    His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost
    And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.
    His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
    And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn't inhale.
    His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
    His boots were as black as a cropduster's belly.
    He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
    And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low- lead."
    He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
    I knew he was anxious for drainin' the sump.
    I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
    And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.
    He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
    Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
    And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
    These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.
    He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
    Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, "Clear!"
    And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
    He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.
    "Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
    Turn right three-two-zero at pilot's discretion"
    He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
    "Your traffic's a Grumman, inbound from the west."
    Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed through the night,
    "Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."


    Author unknown

  • AC Heritage Poster
  • Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
    - Trans-Canada Air Lines
    - Canadian Airlines
    - Pacific Western
    - Eastern Provincial
    - Nordair
    - Transair
    - Wardair

    This 68 x 96 cm (27 x 38 inch) poster is printed in full colour on high quality paper and depicts over 300 aircraft and liveries flown by Air Canada throughout its history.

    The cost of the poster is $24.99 plus tax and shipping where applicable. This is a great gift for Christmas, reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.

    A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold. Any other profits support the operation of the ACFamily Network which brings you this newsletter.

    More info here
  • Sponsors
  • The hosting and mailing of the NetLetter as well as the conversion to HTML format is provided compliments of the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!

    Please support the ACFamily Network
  • Submissions
  • Important reminder, for all new articles, submissions and or comments for the "The Netletter" please send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Please add to your Address Books).

    This e-mail address has been set up so that both of us Terry & Vesta (exclusively) will get an automatic copy and so we can keep up with the continuity of news for the NetLetter.

    To make changes to your e-mail address or to unsubscribe, please see the links at the bottom of the page for "Update Profile/Email address" and SafeUnsubscribe. This is now automated so that you can remove yourself from the list or change your email address (or name) without our assistance. We will still do this manually if you have any difficulties.

    Many of our members are having difficulty finding these links. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page, the link is similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).


    Vesta, Terry and Alan thank you for your co- operation.

  • NetLetter Archives
  • The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily Network Forums area. They are in plain text format so you can print them from there if desired. If you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet, we encourage you to join us there. Non members can Register here. (It's Free!)

    NetLetter Archives Link
    email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

     



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