Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Travelling to Rome? This may cause some disruptions for you! Italy's flag carrier Alitalia faces the prospect of a peak travel season strike as flight attendants with the SULT union confirmed an August 30-31 protest over a contracts dispute

Travelling to LHR? - This may disrupt your plussing plans to LHR! Talks aimed at resolving a dispute at the catering supplier to British Airways which triggered a wider walkout of airline staff and threw the country's flagship carrier into chaos have broken down.

More on the North Stars

From: "Joyce & Jim Griffith"
Subject: Re: North Stars
I am a retired AC pilot and I am researching the North Star crash on Mt. Slesse near Hope, B.C. in 1956. So far I've gathered a lot of information but I need to fill in some specific gaps. Journalists at the time seem to have distorted some aspects of the inquiry.
I have three different radio transcripts that don't quite agree. I think the ATC and TCA audio tapes may still be around somewhere. They are not in the national archives. If anyone knows where they might be I'd appreciate knowing about them.

The chief investigator was Denis D. Murphy; if anyone knew him or knew of him I'd like to know a little about his personal history. The RCAF were in charge of the search. If anyone knows how I might get information on who the search master was, which squadron he was from and how I might get details from squadron operational notes on the search I'd appreciate the advice.

Jim Griffith This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(and more)

With regards to the article in NetLetter nr 893 - I was flying North Stars to newfoundland in 1958...So I guess they were stil around then.

Capt. Pierre Guy Charbonneau (ret)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Regarding Jack Russell's memories (ret'd since '83)

I want to tell you that I was the District Manager - Sydney - at the time of an overshoot of a North star 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 (retired "75")

You're right, Jack...one old Codger still remembers the North Star incident at Sydney...The acft sitting at the end of the runway resting on the main undercarriage and a collapsed nose wheel...I went to Sydney to do a survey and prepare an accident report along with the late Pete Blyth,who took all the photos for me...Tony Bruneau from YXF was in charge...They decided to make temporary repairs (lock the nose gear down, and wire the n/w doors closed)and fly back to Base. A stranded passenger (rev) was offered a seat on the return trip......He was boarded via the motorized baggage conveyor belt to the front exit door and settled in 1st Class... An excellent take-off and an uneventful trip back to YUL(except for some snide remarks from another passing N/S...,I believe the pilot on this Ferry Flt was Capt. Art Tonkin.......Lee Cooper (who retired in'83 also)

Hi!... My memory is also not too sharp, but you can remind Jack Russell that, - as the aircraft flared for landing at Sydney, it struck a mound of earth which was at the landing end of the runway. The existence of the mound was not posted on the NOTAMS (notice to airmen messages), which were provided to all aircraft operators and normally passed on to the flight crew. The gear was damaged badly and as the plane landed and bellied in, the Purser Steward (his name is gone) was out the door before the thing came to a complete stop, and was catching passengers as they jumped. No one was seriously injured. The aircraft was patched up on a temporary basis, ferried to UL, eventually repaired and returned to service, but they said it flew with a bit of a 'wallow' thereafter. You'd better check to see if the Crew are still with us, they will surely have more precise info. I don't remember when it happened, it could have been before or during '48 when I was a Purser on the Atlantic. but I think it was when we were Flt. Ops. in Ground School at the time, so it was some time after '57, therefore it must have been an M-2 ? In any case, wouldn't the number have been 208? ....Glen

Below is a link to the Project North Star web site where they are restoring a North Star (among other projects).

Help!

From: "Ronald A. Stunden" This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.< br> Subject: LAX
Anyone know how (transport) from LAX to union station in LA. Bus or what ever. Thanks Ron

Saville Hambleton sends this message - The British Columbia Museum, located at Victoria International Airport, has acquired a former AC Viscount, fin 625, CF-THG c/n 224, and will shortly be recruiting interested Pionairs to help in the restoration. This aircraft was originally delivered to TCA on Mar 28th 1957, withdrawn from service in April 1974, sold to Beaver Enterprises who later sold it to Pacific Vocation & Institute in 1980. It has been residing at Vancouver International Airport until early this year.

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.

A comment about 'What's next?' - In the past, when making an airline reservation, one was asked "Window or aisle seat?" Then it was "Smoking or non smoking" and now -"Will you be using your cell phone?" Will the airlines partition the cabins for cell phone users only from those who would like peace and quiet without listening to conversations being shouted into a miniature cell phone?

How irritating is it to see drivers roaring past you with a cell phone jammed into their ear or the teens talking to their friends, who are probably across the street from them.It seems that the populace can no longer exist without being "in touch" - what ever happened before the advent of the cell phone?

Victoria's Picnic
After a rainy night the sun came out and shone on the 39 participants at the annual Victoria Pionairs picnic held at Mount Doug Park. Lots of games, prizes, food and comraderie made this a great success.

FYI for our stamp collectors: U.S.P.S. has issued 10 stamps featuring significant aircraft...

Travellers FYI. (slightly edited by VBS) Flyers passing through U.S. have few rights.

A senior lawyer for the U.S. government has told a judge hearing a lawsuit over xxxx deportation to xxxx that foreign citizens passing through American airports have almost no rights. At most, Mary Mason told a hearing in Brooklyn, N.Y., passengers would have the right not to be subjected to "gross physical abuse."

The policy has implications for Canadians who head for international destinations via big American airports in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other major centers.

Mason said the U.S. government is interpreting its powers in such a way that passengers never intending to enter the U.S. connecting to international flights at U.S. airports must prove they are no threat and could be allowed to enter the country.

If passengers are deemed to be inadmissible, they have no constitutional rights even if later taken to an American prison. Mason told Judge David Trager that's because they are deemed to be still outside the U.S., from a legal point of view.

"Someone who's inadmissible is in the same category as the people that the CIA snatches and grabs from other countries," said Barbara Olshansky, a lawyer for the U.S.-based Center for Constitutional Rights, which is suing a number of U.S. officials on xxxx behalf.

"You are fair game for however executive branch wants to treat you."

Mason said the interpretation means travellers can be detained without charge, denied the right to consult a lawyer, and even refused necessities such as food and sleep.

That's what happened to xxxx, a Canadian-xxxx citizen who was stopped while trying to board a connecting flight in New York in 2002 and accused of having terrorist connections.

The Ottawa engineer was detained, not allowed to speak to a lawyer or the Canadian consul, and eventually deported through xxxx to xxxx, where he claimed he was tortured while being held in prison for a year.

At most, Mason told the judge, a foreign passenger detained while travelling through a U.S. airport might have a limited right to protection from "gross physical abuse."

However, department spokeswoman Cynthia Magnuson issued this short statement: "The United States does not practise torture, export torture or condone torture."

In legal briefs written by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the Justice Department has defined torture to mean "pain consistent with major organ failure or death."

=================================
From: "ken bell"/ From: Jana & Bud Husband - I found this on the ACFamily website and just thought you may wish to pass it on to your NetLetter membership.

(reprinted here especially for those who are not able to read ACFN).eds

A Woman of Achievement - Lillian Kinkela Keil This Lady was a Hero and an honor to the profession!!!!!
Lillian Kinkela Keil - passed away June 30, 2005 published by the LAX Chapter of Clipped Wings

Lillian became a United Airlines stewardess in 1938 at the airport in Oakland, CA. Within days, she went from a nurse in the pediatrics ward of St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco to the mail cabin of a Boeing 247-D tending to passengers with the same care she gave her patients. "No one showed us how to be a stewardess we just did what had to be done." Many passengers who flew then were famous. She met Eleanor Roosevelt, Lily Pons, Admiral Byrd, Charles Lindbergh and Cary Grant who took her on a date.

When the U.S. entered WWII and many other United stewardess joined the war effort and were trained as flight nurses. By 1943, she was in England pulling wounded and frostbitten crewmen out of B-17's returning from bombing raids. There she witnessed the first buzz bomb attack on London. In June of 1944 she was aboard a C-47 crammed full of gas, oil, rations and medical supplies. D-Day had arrived and she was heading for Normandy to collect the wounded.

After 250 missions and 25 transatlantic flights at war's end, Lillian returned to her old job with United where she became Assistant Chief Stewardess at LAX. By 1950 she was in Korea as a flight nurse, where she clocked another 175 air evacuation mission, including the Chosin Reservoir with the Marines.

In 1953, Lillian became the technical adviser for the movie 'Flight Nurse' based on her experiences with the 801st Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron in Korea. She went on tour with its star, Joan Leslie who became a life long friend. Lillian was featured on Ralph Edwards This Is Your Life, 1961, receiving one of the ten highest mail responses due to so many of the recovered vets who recognized her.

United Airlines Stewardess 5/1938 - 6/1943
Assistant Chief Stewardess, LAX 1/1946 - 4/1947
Alaska to San Francisco Mail Service Flight, 5/26/1938
Honolulu to San Francisco Inaugural Flight, 5/1947
Member of LAX Clipped Wings, Co Historian
The recipient of numerous military decorations including: 4 Air Medals, 4 Presidential Unit Citations, World War II Victory Medal, European Theater w/4 Battle Stars, Korean Air Service Medal w/7 Battle Stars, American Defense Medal.

Lillian was the most decorated woman in Military History and was interred with Full Military Honors at the Riverside National Cemetery July 8, 2005 - she will be with her Marines.

Lillian was also a member of the Orange County Chapter of the Chosin Few - survivors of the battle of Chosin, N. Korea-Nov/Dec 1950. My spouse, Forrest, is a member of the Chapter and how I met Lillian. She was a remarkable woman.

United Airlines' recent aircraft lease restructuring is a key victory for the embattled carrier, a move that could accelerate its bankruptcy exit if it wants to leave court protection late this year or early next.

Airbus has successfully integrated the electronic Lido eRouteManual and the airport and route charts from Lufthansa Systems into the On-board Information System (OIS) of the A380. Since last year, Airbus and the IT services provider have been working on a complete solution for the paperless cockpit as part of their cooperation.

Thai Airways International is considering postponing the acquisition of two new Airbus A340 aircraft to next year after heavy losses.

Space tourists now can buy a flight around the moon for $100 million. (Use your credit card to get those Aeroplan miles, then exchange them for a flight back to earth! - eds)

In NetLetter 895 we missed the url for the coupon -

Discounted Rate Voucher for your employee groups - Banff/Canmore

Bow Valley Bedfinders in Canmore extending the following discount to all employees/retirees. Receive 25-50% Off Rack Rates On All Room Types When you book your getaway to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You can download a voucher and print it from www.rumrabbit.com - Interline Virtually Anywhere tm.

Deals offered by INTERLINE WORLD VACATIONS

TUSCAN ITALIAN HOLIDAY
====================================
Tuscan Villa Holiday plus Mini-Cooking School
7 Nights - Oct 15, 2005
Enjoy the beauty and history of Tuscany. While there - learn to cook Tuscan style. This fabulous holiday includes a 9 hour mini-cooking school delivered by excellent, experienced local chefs. Your holiday will include a car rental with unlimited miles. To learn more about this exciting holiday in one of Italy's most popular regions - Contact Us For A Detailed Itinerary Limited Space - Only $1499 USD per person based on double occupancy. Does notinclude Air.

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FEATURE RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISING
====================================
Seven Seas Mariner - Sep 26 for 14 Nights
Tokyo - Hong Kong
Starting in Tokyo with stops in Nagasaki, Dalian, Tianjin (for Beijing),Shanghai, Hong Kong.
Oceanview: $3500
----------------------------------------------
Seven Seas Mariner - Oct 10 for 14 Nights
Hong Kong - Singapore
Starting in Hong Kong with stops in Hong Gai (for Hanoi), Halong Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Singapore.
Oceanview: $3500
----------------------------------------------
Seven Seas Mariner - Oct 24 for 14 Nights
Singapore - Sydney
Starting in Singapore with stops in Bali (Benoa), Komodo Island, Darwin, Thursday Island, Cairns, Hayman Island, Sydney.
Oceanview: $3150


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JUST RELEASED FROM THE YACHTS OF SEABOURN
====================================
Seabourn Spirit - Oct 23 for 16 Nights
The Red Sea & Africa
Starting in Alexandria (Cairo) with stops in Transiting the Suez Canal, Sharmel Sheikh (Sinai), Aqaba (Petra), Safaga (Luxor), Cruising the Red Sea, Cruising the Gulf of Aden, Cruising the Indian Ocean, Mombasa.
Oceanview: $3200


===================================
BAHAMAS & BERMUDA CRUISING
===================================
Norwegian Dawn for 7 Nights from New York Bahamas
Starting in New York with stops in Orlando (Port Canaveral), Miami, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau.
Aug 28 - Inside: $499 Oceanview: $549 Balcony: $649
Sep 4 - Inside: $499 Oceanview: $549 Balcony: $649 Sep 11 - Inside: $499 Oceanview: $549 Balcony: $649
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Jewel of the Seas for 10 Nights from Boston Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean
Starting in Vancouver to San Diego with stops in Astoria, Pacific Ocean, Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili Kauai, Lahaina Maui, Kona.
Sep 12 - Inside: $699 Oceanview: $899 Balcony: $1099
Oct 2 - Inside: $749 Oceanview: $949 Balcony: $1149


All cruise prices quoted per person based upon double-occupancy in USD. Port Changes Included. For information and reservations, please call INTERLINE WORLD VACATIONS AT 1-866-279-8480 toll free or (604) 279-8482

Some deals being offered by Dargal
- 12 Night Europe - Viking Sun
Viking River Cruises
Aug 25 | Sept 18
Ports of Call: Antwerp, Belgium; Brugges, Belgium; Delft, Netherlands; Gouda, Netherlands; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Arnhem, Netherlands; Cologne, Germany; Koblenz, Germany; Rudesheim, Germany; Heidelberg, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Breisach, Germany; Basel, Switzerland from: Oceanview: $1399

12 Night Europe - Viking Sky
Viking River Cruises
Aug 26 | Sept 19
Ports of Call: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cologne, Germany; Rudesheim, Germany; Mainz, Germany; Wertheim, Germany; Wurzburg, Germany; Rothenburg, Germany; Nuremberg, Germany; Regensburg, Germany; Passau, Germany; Melk, Austria; Vienna, Austria; from: Oceanview: $1399
Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars per person (based on double occupancy).
PORT CHARGES ARE INCLUDED. Taxes, fees and Dargal's non-refundable $25
Service Fee per room is not included.
Contact Rob Corey at Dargal Interline Worldwide Phone: 1-800-690-3223
International:(Int'l Access Code)-800-2832-7425

More deals from Caesar Hotels Interline -
Ireland B&B Fall/Winter Special 5 Nights B&B, 5 day car rental, Full Irish breakfast daily from $399* Experience the warmth and cordiality of authentic Irish hospitality and have the freedom and flexibility to enjoy Irealnd at your own pace! Our unbeatable package includes 1st night hotel, 4 nights B&B, full Irish breakfast daily, 3 door economy car with unlimited mileage + entrance to the world famous Waterford Crystal Factory and receive 10% off purchases right at the factory! Book now for travel between Sept 1 and March 31, 2006
Ask about confirmed air options, car upgrades and additional days/nights.
The perfect time and price for an Irish fling!

Honolulu 6 Days/ 5 Nights with confirmed air from $502*
This hotel is located close to the fun and excitement of the world famed Waikiki Beach. Package includes round trip confirmed air from LAX, arrival and departure transfers, 5 nights accommodations Ohana Maile Sky Court.
Airline taxes are additional. Travel between August 24 and December 8, 2005
800 422 3727

This year Norm and Joan Randall do not expect to be using their luxury condo weeks on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, and would be willing to rent them out.

We have two units that sleep 6 people each. Both are 2000 sq. ft. in size. They may be available either as 2 units consecutively, or possibly both units for the same week, i.e. for a large family gathering; or one week at a time. We would have to apply for the dates requested. The availability depends on dates requested in the complex by other owners.

The complex is called Pahio at Ka'Eo Kai and is located in the community of Princeville on the north end of Kauai - the garden island, where many movies have been filmed, including South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, and Jurassic Park.

For further information, visit: www.pahio .com/kaeokai.asp this will bring up the home page for these units.
On left side of page see;
- Directions
- Amenities
- Floor plans (there are 2 different 2 bedroom units each 2000 sq. feet)

On right side of home page see;
- Garden Island Description
- Island Activities

We would like $1150.00 CDN dollars per week for each unit – for 6 people this is about $28.00 per day per person.

For more info- regarding dates etc; contact Norm or Joan Randall @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – or phone 604-261- 4308

Note: this ad has been placed here in return for a donation to the ACFamily Network to help pay for the costs of this NetLetter.

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