Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

About us!

Must know...

Nice to know...

Star Alliance News

A Day in the Life - (continued)

Pacific Western Airlines Reunion

Reader FeedBack

Found on the Internet

Terrys Travel Tips

Smilie

Sponsors

NetLetter Archives

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.

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2706 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 in similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator

Recently an E-Mail Address Change has been made for Employee Travel. The New Address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This replaces This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Phone Number remains the same at: 1-866- 473-4732 .

As access to ACaeronet is password protected, to enter the site you need a personal User ID (AC012345 - your 6 digit employee number) and password. Retirees received a letter last year that included your unique initial password - once you log on you can change it to something more personal. If you have misplaced this letter or forgotten your password, contact the IBM Help Desk at (514) 422-4357 or 866-274-5444. Please ensure you keep this information in a safe and secure location as the Portal includes confidential and private data. If you haven't done so yet, check out ACaeronet. It's the way of the future and is changing the way we communicate and share information with retirees.

***NEW PASSPORTS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE USA***

The US government is proposing provision to the Intelligence Reform Bill, passed last December, which requires that the current Western Hemisphere passport exemptions be phased out. That means new passport rules for all U.S. citizens and other travellers coming to and leaving the United States will be put in place.

The proposed rules will be phased in as follows:
- 31 Dec 05 - Passports required for all air and sea travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda and South America.
- 31 Dec 06 - Passports required for all air and sea travel to and from Canada and Mexico.
- 31 Dec 07 - Passports or other accepted travel documents required for land border crossings to and from Canada or Mexico.


The proposed rules for the different phase-in dates will be finalized over the coming months, but regardless of the timeframe, by 01 Jan 08, all Americans departing and returning to the United States will be required to have a valid U.S. Passport. This will undoubtedly cause a backlog in getting passports as these rules take effect. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport please Canadians should consult the following web site http://www.pptc.gc.ca/menu_e.asp or http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738. html for those needing American passports.

EVERYONE SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
You should avoid the rush and the possibility of not being able to travel because you do not have a passport.

If you have or are booking 2006 travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America you will require a passport to re-enter the U. S.

Having a passport now opens the door to travelling to areas you might have avoided in the past because you did not have a passport. You can not travel to Europe, Australia and Asia. Canadian passports are valid for 5 years and U. S. passports are valid for 10 years. All non- U.S. or Canadian citizens are required to check with the consular authorities of the countries you will travel to and/or travel from to ensure that all required immigration papers are in order.

UAL Corp., parent of United Airlines, received from the US Bankruptcy Court in Chicago the expected approval of its reorganization plan on Jan 20th., positioning the company to emerge from more than three years of Chapter 11 protection early next month.

Air New Zealand will suspend its Christchurch-Los Angeles service during the off-peak season due to lack of interest by the travelling public.

Ann Blakeley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. sent us this interesting article, This is Part 2 -

A day the life of a flight attendant -
Skies are unfriendlier, but the smiles remain

9:15 a.m. Before passengers board, the six- member cabin crew assembles on the Chicago-bound Boeing 757 to be briefed by the pilot and lead flight attendant on security updates, notable passengers and the flight plan. Brandle hasn't flown with most of the others, not unusual given that United has 15,000 active attendants whose routes change monthly. They bid on where they want to fly and get assignments according to seniority.
On flights, each attendant is assigned a number to ensure efficient teamwork. Brandle is No. 6, in economy. Her 3-inch-thick flight manual details the responsibilities of each position. Today, one of hers is checking the oxygen and first-aid kit. Other attendants "arm" the doors before flight setting them so that if opened, emergency slides will deploy.
9:28 a.m. Brandle helps stow carry-ons. This flight is almost full, so the big problem is finding room or dispatching those that won't fit down to the baggage compartment. "It always has been a big issue (in on-time departures)," she says, as passengers continue to push the limits on what can be brought aboard.
9:57 a.m. The plane pushes back two minutes late because of a man who insists on using the lavatory. "You can't leave till the 3Bs bags, bins and butts" are stowed, Brandle says. A passenger in seat 34F rolls his eyes and says he wouldn't want to put up with what flight attendants have to.
11 a.m. Beverage service for the 154 passengers in economy is completed without incident.
11:20 a.m. The seat belt sign flashes on. Attendant Tina Mosier asks a woman to sit down instead of entering the lavatory. "No," the woman says. And in she goes. "If they're hurt, they'll be the first to sue," Mosier says. Another problem is passengers who give attendants a hard time about turning off cellphones. "They don't respect what the FAA requires us to do," Mosier says.
11:21 a.m. Flight attendants sit on galley jump seats for landing and chat about their lives. "Jump-seat therapy that's what we call it," Brandle says. Attendants say this sharing, even with people they'll never fly with again, is a morale- boosting part of a job in which your workplace is 30,000 feet up, you're dealing with stressed-out fliers, and you're cut off from family and friends. The good news today is that United has announced plans to emerge from bankruptcy-court protection. All the turmoil in the industry is "gut-wrenching," Brandle says.
11:57 a.m. (10:57 Central Time). As the plane rolls up to the gate, some attendants refresh lipstick a ritual called "putting on your landing lips." Doors are disarmed so the ground crew won't get injured by a deploying exit slide. "That's the second thing (after a crash) that you never wish happens to you," Mosier says. "We wake up in the middle of the night and say, 'Did I disarm the slide?' " After passengers straggle off, Brandle exchanges farewells with the crew. "We've all bonded," she says. "If we see each other in some other terminal, we've got a new friend."
(Still more to come next time!)

Pacific Western Airlines Reunion
- Reunion 2006
February 18, 2006 Place - The Buck & Ear Bar & Grill
Time - 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm The Steveston Hotel
Price - $10 per person @ door Cash bar for drinks

Greetings: It's time to get re-acquainted with friends and workmates from "the good old days at PWA", don't you think? It has been a few years since we have had an opportunity to see each other in a group. It's been done in Calgary and now its Vancouver's turn.

A reunion event has been planned and ex- PWA employees from all departments are invited for a casual meet and greet in the lively little town of Steveston in Richmond BC. Steveston is host to many restaurants with interesting things to see and do.

A small charge of $10 at the door will cover the appetizers that will be served. Drinks will be available at the cash bar.The Buck and Ear is easy to find, beautifully remodeled and parking is free. Please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible.

For registration please contact one of the following: Glenn Willett - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 604-946- 0826 evenings
Al Watson - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 604-241- 7717

The Steveston Hotel, 12111 3rd Avenue, Richmond, BC
www.stevestonhotel.com www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/town s/? townID=3919

If you have any photos from the past you would like to share E-mail them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or bring them along to display

From: Bill Hope <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Subject: re net letter #912
Just a clarification re the PWA 737 which is now an underwater site. PWA bought Canadian Pacific Airlines, the amalgamation of these two airlines resulted in the formation of Canadian Airlines. Canadian airlines did not buy PWA.
Regards
Bill Hope

Concorde on show at CDG - ex-Air France Concorde - F-BVFF has been moved to a plinth near terminal 3 at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, where it is being preserved. Previously the aircraft was stored in the Air France maintenance area.

John White sends us this suggestion -
I submitted (a complaint) to Carnival cruise lines after our disastrous cruise on the Carnival Triumph last fall. To say the least it was an experience. I would advise all to ensure you check the location of your cabin by accessing the ship deck plans and ensuring you are not directly over or under a Disco bandstand. Live and learn!
John White This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dargal has posted their deals for Alaska - 7 Night Alaska
Sun Princess ~ Princess Cruises
May 21
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington, Ketchikan, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska,Tracy Arm, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Victoria, British Columbia, Seattle, Washington
From:Interior: $499 Oceanview: $699 Balcony: $899 Suite: $1,599

7 Night Alaska Carnival Spirit ~ Carnival
Sep 06
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia, Cruise Inside Passage, Juneau, Alaska, Cruise Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Alaska, Ketchikan, Alaska, Cruise Inside Passage, Vancouver, British Columbia
From:Interior: $671 Oceanview: $859 Balcony: $1,046 Suite: $1,421

7 Night Alaska
Norwegian Wind ~ Norwegian Cruise Line
May 07
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia, Ketchikan, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Vancouver, British Columbia
From: Interior: $689 Oceanview: $729 Suite: $1,899

9 Night Alaska
Island Princess ~ Princess Cruises
May 06 Ports of Call: Los Angeles (San Pedro), CA, Santa Barbara, California, San Francisco, California, Sitka, Alaska, Ketchikan, Alaska, Victoria, British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
From:Interior: $749 Oceanview: $849

7 Night Alaska
Norwegian Sun ~ Norwegian Cruise Line
May 27
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington, Ketchikan, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Prince Rupert, B.C., Seattle, Washington
From:Interior: $769 Oceanview: $899 Balcony: $1,279 Suite: $1,699

7 Night Alaska
Radiance of the Seas ~ Royal Caribbean
Jun 03
Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska, Cruise Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Icy Strait, Alaska, Ketchikan, Alaska, Cruise Inside Passage, Vancouver, British Columbia
From:Interior: $799 Oceanview: $1,009 Balcony: $1,439

11 Night Alaska
Mercury ~ Celebrity
May 08
Ports of Call: Ensenada, Mexico, San Francisco, California, Cruise Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Cruise Hubbard Glacier, Prince Rupert, B.C., Cruise Inside Passage, Seattle, Washington
From:Interior: $850 Oceanview: $1,150 Balcony: $1,500

Cruises: Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars per person (based on double occupancy). PORT CHARGES ARE INCLUDED. Taxes, fees and Dargal's non-refundable $40 Service Fee per room is not included. All rates are subject to change, availability and eligibility. All offers apply to new bookings only, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Dargal Interline Worldwide Phone: 1-800-690-3223 International:(Int'l Access Code)-800-2832-7425

Jet Blue, the low cost US airline names its aircraft preceeded by the word 'Blue'. After the recent incident when one of their aircraft did an emergency landing with the nose gear twisted, they have renamed that aircraft 'Blew of tire'

If ever you've lost your place... I fly "co-pilot" for a national carrier. This particular dark and stormy night had me eager for some real world practice. The captain had other ideas.
Me: I'd like to fly the approach tonight if you don't mind.
Captain: ...and how many times have you flown this one before?
Me: More times than I can count. (pause)
Captain: I'm still waiting for you to say something that might inspire my confidence.

The mailing and formating of the NetLetter for 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!

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 (exclusively) will get an automatic copy and so we can keep up with the continuity of news for the NetLetter.

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!)