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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.

For our new readers

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2700 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

The British Columbia Aviation Museum. located at Victoria Airport, Victoria, British Columbia is pleased to invite all retired airline employees to a Museum Open House on Tuesday, September 6th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ----- Entrance is free to all retirees and spouses.

Please have some airline ID to present at the reception desk.

Of primary interest will be the Vickers Viscount, fin 625, recently acquired by the Museum. Others of interest are an airworthy Tigermoth and Chipmunk are among some of the aircraft at the Museum. If you like a challenge, you may even want to join a restoration team. Coffee is free all day.

When: Tuesday September 6 th, 2005, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

It's a go for next phase of 'Project Simplification'. Air Canada introduces the next phase of the Project Simplification and in doing so, standardizes its free checked baggage allowance and excess baggage policies for all domestic, transborder and international flights. Worldwide free baggage allowance becomes two bags weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each, changed from two bags weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kgs). The maximum allowable weight of a single checked bag becomes 70 lbs (32 kg), changed from 100 lbs (45 kgs). Bags weighing between 50 lbs and 70 lbs will be charged an excess fee of $35 Cdn for travel within North America and $60 Cdn for all international travel. This new policy comes into effect for our customers who book travel on or after Aug. 29, 2005 for travel on or after Oct. 12, 2005. This phase of Project Simplification will also see certain items being changed from checked baggage to cargo, standardized fees for the carriage of bicycles, changes to unaccompanied minor fees, as well as changes to pet carriage products.

From: "Fergus Kyle" This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Regarding Jack Russell's note on Mark I North Stars: I believe aircraft #188 was the one which struck the pile of dirt for a ditch, heaped up off the end of the runway 25 [then26] with a kerosene lantern for night landings, and wiped the gear. The same people are running airfields around Canada today.

Ferg Kyle (Eds note: - Fin nr 188 CF-TEP delivered TCA Mar 11, 1947 returned RCAF Aug 15, 1949. Written off after crash at North Luffenham on May 8th 1954. Fin 185 CF- TEL crashed at Sydney NS Aug 12, 1948. This aircraft inaurgurated the YUL-PIK route on Apr 15, 1947.)

From Jack Morgan This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Regarding Jack Russell's memories (ret'd since '83) in NetLetter nr 895 - I want to tell you that I was the District Manager - Sydney - at the time of an overshoot of a Northstar. which seemed to receive minimal damage on the nose wheel. There were no passenger injuries. Unfortunately, I was out of Sydney at the time, attending a meeting, but remember meeting the maintenance crew that flew in to assist the local staff with repairs.

Jack Morgan (ret'd '75)!

Further to NetLetter 893, Lee Cooper sends this - You're right ,Jack.....one old 'codger' still remembers the N/S incident at Sydney....the acft sitting at the end of the runway resting on it'e main gear and a collapsed nose gear....I went to Sydney to do a survey and prepare an accident report,along with the late Peter Blyth who took all the photos for me also for the report....Tony Bruneau from YXF was in charge of the investigation....It was decided to make temporary repairs (lock the nose gear down and wire the doors shut)....We carried one passenger (rev) in first class and boarded him via the motorized baggage conveyor belt to the front exit and settled him in1st class.....An excellent take-off and an uneventful trip back to Base.....I believe the pilot was Capt Art Tonkin...,I retired in "83 also.....Lee Cooper, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Prairie Airways Beechcraft S-18D
I'm doing research on the two Beechcraft S-18D twin- engine transport aircraft that were owned and operated by Prairie Airways Ltd., of Moose Jaw SK from 1938 to 1942. They were amalgamated into the Canadian Pacific Air Lines fleet in 1944 when CPAL bought Prairie Airways.
Both airplanes still exist - one in a museum in Tennessee (in Prairie Airways colours) and the other in a museum in Arizona, with bare metal.
I would like to hear from anyone who might have anecdotal experience with either aircraft CF-BKO or CF-BKN during their working career, and in particular if there are any photos of the aircraft while in Prairie Airways service - also photos of any facilities of that company in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Prince Albert or North Battleford; the route that these aircraft operated. This is a bit of a personal challenge, as my first ever airplane ride was on one of the two planes - from Moose Jaw to Regina - in 1942 when I was thirteen.!
Many Thanks, Bill Cameron (Retired 1986 from CPAir)

Jean Gregory sends us this information -
Subject: Vancouver Island

Looking for a different kind of holiday adventure? Why not try a kayak cruise with Mothership Adventures on the Columbia ll, a former missionary/medical ship, in the Inside Passage of B.C? No need to worry about age or experience. My three sisters and I, aged 71-83, with virtually no prior kayaking experience, recently returned from this trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. The quarters are very snug, but the amiability and competence of the family crew and the delicious meals more than made up for this. Each day you will paddle in the secluded, pristine waterways, enjoy picnic lunches on deserted beaches and view a wide variety of birds, animals and marine life.
They can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;or web site www.mothershipadventures.com; or phone 1- 800-833 8887.
Also, if you are visiting Vancouver Island in the vicinity of Campbell River, do try the Arbour's Guest House. This B&B is a large, beautiful, well-appointed home kept in pristine condition. The large surrounding yard is most tastefully done with rocks, flowers, a bridge over a stream, patio, etc. The back area is a work in progress, but already has a lovely waterfall, gazebo and hot tub. Under construction is a glass-enclosed swimming pool. Sharon and Ted, your amiable and accommodating hosts, will provide you with a lovely and varied home-made breakfast. They are at 375 S. Murphy St., Campbell River, B.C. V9W 2E7; Ph.250-287 2353; Fax 250- 2872353 Jean Gregory <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>

Vancouver Island & Gulf Island Pionair district - Results of the golf tournament.
VANCOUVER ISLAND ARROWSMITH GOLF 2005
A total of 30 players turned out for this years event - made up of 9 ladies and 21 guys.
WINNERS
LOW NET Callaway PIONAIR TROPHY BRIAN MacCOURT
LOW GROSS -- MEN IAN BROWN
LOW GROSS -- LADIES ROSEMARRY SPRATT
LONG DRIVE - MEN BILL WOOD
LONG DRIVE --LADIES ROSEMARY SPRATT
CLOSEST TO PIN--MEN FRANK PORTA
CLOSEST TO PIN -LADIES WREF O'HARA
FEWEST PUTTS - MEN IAN BROWN
FEWEST PUTTS - LADIES DAPHNE KELLY
And a good time was enjoyed by all
See you next year!
Submitted by Bill Wood

CANADA'S SNOWBIRDS GROUNDED
A Snowbirds CT-114 Tutor jet crashed in a field in Thunder Bay, Ontario, last Wednesday afternoon, after the pilot ejected. Pilot Andrew MacKay was practicing a routine maneuver prior to an air show when something went wrong. According to early reports, the engine flamed out while the jet was inverted, MacKay ejected, and the jet crashed. MacKay was treated for injuries and has been released from the hospital. The team has been grounded, but may be flying again by this weekend, when it is scheduled to perform at the Canadian International Airshow in Toronto.

Boeing, Airbus Orders Soar In 'Boom Times'
August 19, 2005
Boeing and Airbus, the world's two largest aircraft builders, booked orders for a combined total of 529 large airliners in the second quarter, up sharply from 161 in the previous three month period.

Pan Am to cease flights until November due to fuel prices. According to Aviation Daily, Pan Am plans to suspend flights between Sept. 6 and Nov. 17 due to the spike in fuel prices. The carrier said the "extraordinary rise" in fuel costs during this traditional low season has led Pan Am to stop all flights for the eight-week period. The airline believes that taking this step now will allow it to devote its resources to providing customers with efficient service at reasonable rates in November. Pan Am will give a complete refund for tickets for travel between Sept. 6 and Nov. 16.

British officials are wondering how the pilot and passengers (including two aircraft mechanics) on board a Cessna 210 could fly the plane for two hours without realizing -- or expressing particular care -- that a five-foot section of one wing was missing. The unnamed pilot, from a community called Dozy (we couldn't make that up), apparently hit a tree on takeoff from an airport in Ireland on his way to deliver the mechanics to a broken Boeing 767 in Portugal. The collision took off more than a third of the wing, including a fuel tank. It wasn't until the plane ran low on fuel over the English Channel that the pilot realized something was wrong and made an emergency landing at Jersey International Airport. He recalled the takeoff collision but said he thought the plane had been "struck by a little bird."
(Probably meant a humming bird - eds)

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The mailing and formating of the NetLetter for HTML format is provided by 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!

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