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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.

In Memory Of the late Pete de Wolfe.

It is with great sadness that I relay the news that Peter DeWolfe, passed away on March 18th, 2005 in Florida. A mass of remembrance celebrating the life of Peter was held on April 26, at 2005 at St Dominic Parish, Oakville. Pete retired from Air Canada after 35 years of service.

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

"Friends of Front St" (FoFS) - (those former C&SS'rs) - have a website that is frequently updated with new pics. If anyone is interested in having a look they can simply click on http: //imageevent.com/fofs/fofsreunions The site has 4 different Albums which can be accessed by a drop down menu at the top of the screen."

The Pionair's Annual General Meeting for 2006 will be held in Quebec City, Quebec. Watch this space for more details as time goes by.

When in Rome ........... Bob Muldoon sends us this information -
For those people flying out of Rome FCO. Terminal "C" is for International - North American Carriers. Terminal "B" is for International - European Carriers.

After a frustrating 45 minutes waiting, in terminal "C", for the counter number to show up for the Air Canada flight we again checked with the Information counter and were told that the computer does not come up with an Air Canada counter number as AC is handled by Lufthansa out of terminal "B", (normally out of counter 228).
Bob Muldoon

TOUR THE USA WITH GOOGLE SIGHTSEEING Three guys in Scotland have put pictures from the United States on the Internet. That would be no big deal, except these aren't just any pictures. They are taken from satellites and airplanes. The pictures come from Google Maps, and they show an astonishing array of things.

As I write this, the most recent pictures are of the Carowinds theme park outside Charlotte, NC; the IMAX theater in Little Rock, AR; and a B-2 Stealth bomber at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

The Scots started the site out of curiosity about the United States. Google Maps plans to start showing pictures from Britain. So, Americans will be able to return the favor. Check it out at: http://www.googlesightseeing.com

To view your roof, or the top of anything else, click the Satellite link at: http://maps.google.com

Air Canada New Portal Information May 12, 2005

The following is some of the latest information released on the new Air Canada Portal, still expected to begin on June 06th, 2005 It now looks like some aspects may be available before the above date. Additional updates will be sent as they are received from Air Canada.
Letters to be sent to the home address of North American active employees and retirees:
You are invited to access ACaeronet once they have received your User ID and password. We should encourage the use of ACaeronet as it contains a lot of information. You are invited to look at the news on the homepage and to visit the different NEIGHBOURHOODS, such as the PEOPLE (Human Resources) neighbourhood.

Please note you will have access to ACaeronet upon receipt of their User ID and password: You are not required to wait until June 6th. Should you have technical problems when accessing ACaeronet, you may contact the IBM Help Desk: North American toll- free 1-866-274-5444 or in Montreal 514-422-4357.

You are also reminded that the same User ID and password to log in to ACaeronet will be used to log in to the Employee Self-Service (ESS) tool available as of June 6th.

A 2nd letter will be sent the week of May 23rd providing the Employee Services Contact Centre password. Effective June 6th, when calling the Employee Services Contact Centre, active employees and retirees will be prompted for: User ID: AC 6-digit employee ID number (e.g. AC012345 - to type "AC" , use on touch phone: "22" and then follow with 6-digit ID number) And, the password: the letter will contain this 4-digit randomly generated password. Upon the first call at the Employee Services contact centre, caller will be invited to change it. It may be changed to any other password, such as the same password used to access ACaeronet. The password should be between 4 to 20 numerical characters.

Should the caller forget the password, s/he will be able to speak with an Employee Services contact centre associate through the Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) system menu. Caller will be asked security questions to authenticate identity

You are invited to visit our ACaeronet page to find out more about the new Employee Services. What can I do on the new Portal ? ?

Effective June 6th, North American employees and retirees will have access to the Employee Self Service (ESS) online tool. This tool enables you to view and / or update your personal information, including: Phone Numbers, Home Addresses, Emergency Contacts and View Pay Statements *, in the near future. * in the first phase, this will only be available to employees and paid retirees based in Canada. Changes made using ESS will automatically and almost immediately update your central electronic personal file in Peoplesoft.

For all who worked in the Winnipeg C&SS Department - There is a reunion planned for Friday September 9, 2005.
Place: Viscount Gort, Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Merry Monarch Room
Cost: $20.00 per person (includes buffet, tax and tips ),
Cash Bar
Time: 4:30 to midnight
Please send cheques in the amount of $20.00 to:
Theresa Dudar
228 Kingston Row
Winnipeg,Manitoba R2M 0T4
tel: 204 235 1320
email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Please include your email address and or your mailing address and phone number. If you have any old pictures please include these with your name on the back of the picture. These will be returned to you on the day of the event.
As space is limited - it is first come first served. Spouses are invited to join us at or after 8:00 p.m. As food is to be ordered the deadline for your registration is:
September 1. 2005. We must have all names in by this date so please don't delay.

As you sit in your seat on a no-frills flight, we thought you might enjoy this -

In 1980, Wardair was a predominant Canadian charter airline. Here is a sample of their Inflight service on flight 231 during the summer of 1980 Honolulu to Vancouver to Calgary -

Welcome aboard
We trust you will enjoy your flight today and to ensure your comfort, we will be offering the following services:
HONOLULU TO VANCOUVER
THIRST-QUENCHER-Once all passengers are settled in their seats. a refreshing Malahini fruit cocktail will be served.
CANDY TRAY-Just before take-off, you will be offered a selection of fruit-flavoured candies. On both ascent and descent. The candy helps ease the discomfort of pressure build-up in your ears.
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT -For your musical listening pleasure. complimentary headsets will be distributed by our flight attendants. You will find a guide to the eight channels of recorded music. which ranges from popular to classical. listed in our inflight magazine. 'Wardair World:. We will also be offering a selection of current magazines. and for the children there are magic slates. story and comic books.
COCKTAIL HOUR -Once we are in flight and as you bid farewell to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. you are invited to our -
':Aloha Happy Hour:. A selection of canapes will be offered with your favourite beverage. Choose from:
Fruit juices - apple, orange, grapefruit, tomato.
Soft drinks - Coke, ginger ale. 7UP, bitterlemon, soda, tonic
Liquor-rye, rum, scotch. gin. vodka. beer
Beverages-tea. coffee. milk
DlNNER-Service of your leisurely dinner will begin about one and a half hours after take.off Commencing with the first course. a garden-fresh salad you will be offered a choice of vintage red or medium-dry white wine.
Our red Selection du Chevalier, is a velvety Bordeaux made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grapes. The white. La Flute Enchantee, has a heritage that dates back to 1791. Clear and crisp. it calls to mind the snow capped mountains of Austria.

Your second course, a steak entree, will be served to you hot from our ovens. We cook our steaks rare, medium or well-done, so please request your preference from the flight attendant. Wine will be served throughout the meal and extra rolls and butter are available if you would like them.
The last course is a selection from our tempting dessert trolley. with a choice of Black Forest cake. cheese cake, fresh fruit or cheese. While you are enjoying this, tea, coffee or milk will be served.
CHILDREN's MEALS -if you would prefer to have your children served before you. please mention this to your flight attendant
BABY FOOD-Canned baby food is available and we are equipped to heat baby bottles, although we are not able to provide formula.
LlQUEURS- The perfect final touch to enjoy with your ':After Eight" chocolate mint Choose from our selection of Drambuie, Brandy, Kahlua. or Creme de Menthe.
FRESHEN UP-After your meal, your flight attendant will offer you a refreshing hot towel.
PILLOWS will be offered for your total relaxation and comfort and blankets are readily available throughout the flight
REFRESHMENTS-Our complimentary beverage service continues.
FLORAL MEMENTO-For the ladies, a beautiful Antherium to remind you of your island holiday:
CANDY TRAY-Before a brief stop to disembark passengers. your flight attendant will offer you the selection of hard candy:

Vancouver to Calgary.
CANDY TRAY -As the aircraft prepares to take-off on the final lap of your journey. choose your favourite from the candy tray:
SANDWICH TRAY- You will be offered a light snack of assorted sandwiches and a french pastry. with your choice of coffee, tea or milk
CANDYTRAY-Prior to landing, you will again be offered your choice of candy crystals.

The largest passenger bridge in the world has been opened at London's Gatwick Airport. The air bridge, which spans a taxiiway, is high enough for a Boeing 747 to pass underneath and links the airport's North Terminal with a passenger pier.

It will soon be cheaper to travel by taxi instead of paying them!!! The International Air Carrier Association, which groups 35 airlines, called on European Union finance ministers on Wednesday to abort the idea of a tax on airline tickets to raise money for poorest nations.
The United States said on Monday it would be too harsh on airlines to tax emissions of heat-trapping gases from their planes, even though the European Union reaffirmed it was considering measures.

The Air Transport Assn. has reacted strongly to a proposal by House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) to double the $2.50-per- segment federal security fee in order to fund the purchase and installation of explosive detection systems for in-line baggage screening at 64 US airports and install reveal technology at a further 376 airports over the next three years.

With effect from 1 June 2005, Doha International Airport will be introducing a maximum weight limit per piece of baggage of 32kg for all airlines operating in and out of the airport.

Star Alliance marks 8th anniversary. On May 14th., Star Alliance turned eight. Over those eight years, the alliance has consistently proven its value to the 16 member carriers. Revenues directly related to Air Canadas involvement in the alliance rose three per cent in 2004 over 2003. Lufthansa continues to be Air Canadas most valuable revenue partner, generating a 10 per cent increase for Air Canada over 2003. On any given day, some 4,200 Air Canada passengers connect either to or from a Star partner, with most of those connections occurring in Frankfurt. United leads the way with passenger connections, supplying some 67 per cent of all codeshare passengers Air Canada carries.

Bmi, Britain's second-largest full-service airline, plans to launch a daily service between London and Mumbai in October that will help take on rivals British Airways and Virgin Atlantic

Members of the union representing mechanics at bankrupt United Airlines have given a lukewarm reception to a tentative deal that would cut their wages by 3.9 percent

Strike Threats Muddy United's Outlook May 6, 2005 Bankrupt United Airlines, close to shedding one of its heaviest financial burdens, remains dogged by threats of potentially devastating labor strikes that some lawyers say may be illegal. Just a day after receiving approval to terminate its pension plans UAL Corp., parent of United Airlines, reported a staggering $1.07 billion net loss for the first quarter ended March 31 including $768 million in one-time reorganization items primarily related to the termination of its pension plans and the rejection of aircraft.

CANADIAN ROCKIES LODGING COMPANY LAKE LOUISE - ALBERTA
The Lake Louise Inn is a modern mountain resort comprised of 232 guest rooms and located just minutes from the base of the Gondola at Lake Louise Mountain Resort. The resort features an indoor swimming pool, restaurant and lounge.
Your package includes:
1 night lodging - standard room
Lake Louise Summer Gondola - Lunch Ride and Dine From CAD$59/USD$50 per person based on double occupancy plus taxes. Valid from May 15 to May 31, 2005
Interliners must quote RRLL4948 to obtain this package. Proper ID will be required at check- in.

KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT The elegant Trickle Creek Residence Inn by Marriott is located in the heart of Kimberley Alpine Village and features fully equipped studios, one and two bedroom suites. Home to Kelsey's Restaurant and Lounge, Trickle Creek Residence Inn by Marriott offers an outdoor heated pool, 2 outdoor hot tubs, fitness room and a daily hot continental breakfast. Your Golf Package includes:
2 nights lodging - one bedroom suite
Daily hot continental breakfast
2 rounds at Trickle Creek Golf Resort including cart
- one round any time during day
- 2nd round afternoon - after 12PM
Pre-booked tee times
From CAD$259/USD$219 per person based on double occupancy plus taxes. Valid to May 27,2005
Prices may vary based on availability
Interliners must quote RRKK4948 for this package.
Proper ID will be required at check in.

FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
Riverside Mountain Lodge is located along the Elk River just minutes from Fernie Alpine Resort. A full service property featuring luxury chalets, restaurant, lounge, hot tubs, indoor pool and waterslide, make for a fun vacation location.
Your package includes:
3 nights lodging - 2 bedroom/2 bath chalet
1 round at Fernie Golf and Country Club including cart
Full day exciting Elk River Canyon whitewater rafting trip including lunch
From CAD$219/USD$184 per person based on quad occupancy plus taxes. Valid to Jun 30, 2005 Interliners must quote RRFF4948 to obtain this package. Proper ID will be required at check in.

FRASERWAY RV SPECIALS
Fraserway's "SomeDay Oneway Special!"
VANCOUVER - CALGARY - $99.00 for 4 days! CAD!
Your Vancouver to Calgary Adventure includes: 1,200 kilometers! YVR to YYC is just 900 kilometers so you have loads of room on the odometer! Preparation Kits! Includes all bedding, pots n' pans etc...Basically just pack your toothbrush!
CDR with 500 deductible! Insurance!

Link to http://www.startrips.com for these and other deals.

Overheard on approach to MCO...
TWR: Traffic 12 o'clock, 2 miles, an Airbus.
Airliner: Traffic in sight.
(pause)
And he'll be happy to know his rudder is intact. .

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!

(From the ACFamily Network)

We have found a place where you can create your own web site for reunions, weddings, etc. Please take a look if you're interested.

Most Internet users are familiar with Adobe Acrobat Reader. When web sites (and email lists) wish to share files with their readers it is not practical to have them download files that they are not able to open or which could be infected by viruses.

To solve this problem, Adobe Software provides a "Free" reader to allow anyone that downloads their viewer to read these files.

Click on the "Adobe Reader 7.0" image to download your free copy of Adobe Reader. Instructions for installing it are found using the link below. (The NetLetter does not provide support for installing the reader, but Nerds On Site do.) See the links to them on the left panel.

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!)