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( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 527 Oct 16th, 2000, We first Published in October 1995
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
email address is
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Robert (Bob) Calhoun, Pionair, Montreal District, very sadly passed away
October 12, 2000 after a short illness. A memorial service will be held
Wednesday, October 18th, 1:30 P.M., at Salon Alfred Dallaire, 1111
Laurier Avenue, West, near Cote St. Catherine Road, Outremont,
(Montreal), Quebec.
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. News from the Pionair districts.
From the Montreal district, Bob Belding sends us this update -
OTTAWA/MONTREAL PIONAIRS TRIP TO UPPER CANADA VILLAGE
After much worrying about the weather, the day turned out to be a perfect
day for September - bright sunshine and warm. There were about seventy in
attendance from the Ottawa District, while nearly eighty came from the
Montreal District including four retirees from Canadian Airlines. Also in
attendance was the guest speaker Saville Hambleton, the Pionairs National
Committee President and his wife Barbara.
The Ottawa District was overwhelmed by the response to this event with
retirees coming from many of the small communities between the Quebec
border, Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario. It was a delight for the Montreal
retirees to renew old acquaintances as many of the Ottawa retirees had
worked at the Dorval Base.
A lovely lunch was served in a huge tent beside the Golf Clubhouse at noon
with guests having a choice of Roast Beef or Chicken. A drawing of raffle
tickets was held after lunch. There were four prizes of honey won by Rocky
Rochfort, Malcolm MacDougall, Walter Lenihan and Robert Brown; the other
four prizes of a bottle of wine each were drawn for Phyllis Cowan, Pat Kavanagh,
Robert Holmgren and Mavis McArdle.
Many of the attendees visited the Upper Canada Village in the morning before
lunch and many returned in the afternoon as the grounds are extensive. The
tour brought back many memories of bygone times seeing how flour was milled,
cheese made the old-fashioned way and lumber being sawed by the flow of water.
This was a joint undertaking by the Montreal and Ottawa districts,
spearheaded by John Rodger and the late Graham Richardson, assisted by Pat Hare,
Pam Rosholt and Jess Rougeau, the new Ottawa District President.
Many other people helped out on the day of the event to make this such a
successful day. Plans are already being made for next years event!
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Subject: OTTAWA PIONAIRS CHRISTMAS PARTY
When: Saturday December 2nd, 2000, starting at 11:30 am.
Where CAPONES RESTAURANT, 831 Industrial Ave
Price $19 per person for either - Salmon Manicotti.or - Pepper Steak
Registration Please forward your cheque no later than 22 Nov. to:
Mr. Bruce Wanamaker, 3421 River Road, Gloucester, ON K1V 1H2
Phone: (613) 521-1838
PS: Kindly indicate on back of cheque what your meal choice(s) is/are.
PLEASE MAKE AN EFFORT TO ATTEND! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO MAKING THIS
1ST JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CANADIAN AIRLINES & AIR CANADA RETIREES,
A TRULY MEMORABLE EVENT.
R. Holmgren Ottawa Pionairs <mailto:
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. News from the C.A.I.L. Chapters -
As our recent meeting was our first ever held in Kamloops I really pleased
at the turn out we had 61 members attend people from all over the
Okanagan from Oliver to Sheridan Lake , to Kelowna,Vernon Penticton ,and
many more smaller towns,Canadian airline gave us special pins to give
out and donated a couple of 747 models for door prizes. A great time was
had by all,
Our next meeting is Oct. 18 the at Penticton and then in Westbank on Nov.15 .
If anyone would care to join us either email me Abby Sones at
or phone 250-712-1634
Abby Sones
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" ' "
. Found on the internet.
New airline goal: happy bottoms
Some say the real airline wars are being fought over price and frequent-flier miles.
But others claim that there's another serious battle going on. It's not just to put
"buns in seats," as the airlines like to describe it, but to put buns in better seats.
Yes, there's a seat war going on, and it goes way beyond leg room. More and more
airlines in every class of service are battling it out to create the most comfortable
seats. And there are some surprises. Continental was one of the first airlines to get
rid of the traditional first-class seat and offer a business/first seat.
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From Jack Desmarais
Subject: Re: NetLetter nr 520 - De-icing
Reading about de-icing capers reminded me of the time we needed to be de-iced
one morning in Timmins, after the layover. It was in late September and Timmins had
had its first frost overnight. The wings of our Viscount were covered with hoar frost.
The captain ordered de-icing, of course, and one YTS ramp guy went to get the
de-icing truck started. This vehicle hadn't run since the previous spring and wouldn't start.
After several tries he got out, put the hood up and started tinkering. Then he tried again.
No joy.
This daily flight went Timmins-Sudbury-North Bay-Toronto and if they couldn't get the
truck started NOW they were going to be charged with a delay. The ramp guy slammed
down the hood of the truck and walked inside. Next, we heard his voice on the company
frequency. "I can't get the truck started; can you get de-iced at the next station?"
Jack Desmarais
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From: "Cathy Barker" <
Subject: Accommodations on BC's Sunshine Coast
I thought your readers might be interested in a fabulous Bed & Breakfast we
stayed at recently in Halfmoon Bay along the Sunshine Coast, B.C. It's
called Seawind - Hosts are Donna & John Stevenson who are really great at
their job as well as being a wonderful couple. There are only 3 bedrooms,
all overlooking the water - spectacular view. There is also a common room
with TV, VCR, Library, Kitchenette with snack food, tea and coffee. All
rooms have private bath and your own personal terrycloth robe. The
breakfast Donna cooks up is far more than one should eat but every bite is
delicious. We happened upon it by chance last year and liked it so much we
returned again this year. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to go
back again. The price is certainly good also - all this for just $90.00 Ca.
including taxes. Anyone travelling the Sunshine Coast may want to give it a
try - it's about the best B&B we have encountered. They have a Toll Free
No. 1-888-999-5993. Their Email is
Cathy Barker
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" ' "
. This may give you a chuckle, from your co-pilot Terry -
This is a story which crossed my desk in the 70's, thought it worth
repeating, editted. Author unknown!
The CIA could have done no more research. I had worked out the best
day, weather conditions, non-stop flights, ethnic and religious holidays,
aircraft
types and passenger loads. It was perfect. I would fly on a pass for a short
vacation. I have my last first class pass.
I had started planning a week before, 3 separate phone calls to
reservations. I knew exactly how many first class seats were empty, economy
was oversold and how many cons listed. Exact numbers, no show factors ...
I had it all. I had the pattern of the flight, and my decision was made.
Everything was perfect.
'Goodness' I thought. "It's great to work for an airline.'
The expressway was busy, and very likely there would be even more
empty seat as passengers were delayed enroute.
I arrived at the airport 40 minutes before flight time. Smarter than
most revenue passengers, I carried only a flight bag with essentials .. no
lost baggage for me. I was crisp in a suit and tie, not wanting to miss an
opportunity to be in first class.
I presented my pass and settled in across from the gate. I straightened
my tie and watched the passengers check in, noting those smartly dressed
which would indicate other hopeful cons, and assessed their priority in
relation to mine.
Then I heard it. I turned full around to look at several ticket agents
talking. I'd picked up the one word: 'Mechanical'.
A non-rev feels the word in the pit of his stomach even before it
registers in the ears. It's a hot knife which carves delay, lost time,
cancelled plans, disaster. The earlier flight had been cancelled. Passengers
off the first flight were being put onto my flight. MY flight!
I searched for any threatening non-revs who hoped to board. I saw
her as she eased he way to the gate, everything screamed staff, she was too
well
dressed to be a revenue, bulky carry-on means no suitcase. Her eyes skimmed
over me as she approached the desk. Why, oh why, did the agent have to be a
guy? Why couldn't it have been a girl!
She smiled at him with everything she had, not even subtle. She
laughed all the way to the seat. Naturally she had a skirt with a slit that
went all
the way up to there when she crossed her legs. And it didn't go unnoticed.
She glanced in my direction, long enough to size up the situation,
bulky carry-on, suit, tie who else but an interliner would wear such clothes.
I wondered if she had a business pass. That could be bad, but if she was from
a competitor airline that could be good.
The were boarding now. Goodness where did all those kids come from? I
hate those cheap fares. The last babble of voices were distant now, we were
alone. She avoided my eyes. What? They called her! She made it! She swept up
the boarding pass and something died in me, I think it was hope. I think I
was the only passenger in the whole airport. I could hear the shuffle of the
tickets being counted. I was completely ignored .. invisible.
'Oh why do I work for an airline and put myself through this every time
I want to travel' I think ' From now on I'll never .....'. Me? You called me?
The last seat? Sure, sure economy is just fine. I made it!
Everyone is seated. They are all looking at me as I walk further until
I reach the toilet door. Not a seat in sight. He's speaking to me: 'Mix up
in seating... terribly sorry.. please bring your carry-ons and follow me'.
I feel guilty, it isn't worth it, never again.
We stop at first class. Oh buddy, please don't embarrass me in and tell
me I am off-loaded, please lets just leave the cabin. What, wrong class, I'm
supposed to be in first class?
I'm seated right next to the girl and she does have a beautiful smile.
I return it and relax. I order a Manhattan and sink back in my seat.
We taxi off and my hand tightens around the glass. It was worth it,
it's great to be working for an airline, the only way to travel.
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. Terry's travel tips.
Subject: Six-Star Cruising!
THESE ARE CRYSTAL CRUISES' VERY BEST FALL DEALS!!!
WE CANNOT ADVERTISE THE PRICE, BUT THESE OFFERS ARE
AS GOOD AS YOU WILL EVER FIND.
Call Dargal Interline at 1-800-690-3223 for the exclusive fares on these
SPECTACULAR cruises!
Oct 26 ~ 21 Nights ~ Crystal Harmony ~ South Pacific Passage
Sydney/Australia, At Sea, Port-Vila/Vanuatu, At Sea, Cross the International
Date Line, Apia/Western Samoa, At Sea, Bora Bora/Society Islands,
Papeete/Tahiti, At Sea, Nuka Hiva/Marquesas Islands, At Sea, Caldera/Costa Rica
Automatic upgrade available from Category E (Deluxe Stateroom) to Category B
(Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah)!
Nov 20 ~ 11 Nights ~ Crystal Symphony ~ Passage Between the Seas
Bridgetown/Barbados, At Sea, Willemstad/Curacao, Oranjestad/Aruba, At Sea,
Panama Canal, Cruise Golfo Dulce, Caldera/Costa Rica, At Sea, Acapulco/Mexico
Automatic upgrade available from Category C (Deluxe Stateroom) to Category A
(Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah)!
Subject: Cruise the Panama Canal!
Experience Five-Star cruising on Holland America's newest ship!
Everywhere you look, a sense of style and history pervades on the new elegant
ms Amsterdam.
The Panama Canal is the fascinating centerpiece of these 10-night cruises.
30 Oct, 19 Nov ~ 10 Nights ~ ms Amsterdam ~ Panama Canal
Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Caldera/Costa Rica
30 Oct: Inside $630 Outside $810
19 Nov: Inside $730 Outside $930
9 Nov ~ 10 Nights ~ ms Amsterdam ~ Panama Canal
Puerto Caldera/Costa Rica to Fort Lauderdale
Inside $680 Outside $870
Rates are quoted in US$ rates/per person, based on double occupancy and subject to
availability and eligibility.
Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice.
Applies to New Bookings Only. Port Charges & Gov't Taxes are additional.
For more information on these and other specials - contact us at:
DARGAL Interline 1-800-690-3223
====================================================
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1-800-665-3100
...Vacations in Paradise!!
Don't forget, Parents & Friends are welcome!
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4-night aboard the Majesty of the Sea inside from $250us Ocean from $300us
Miami return December 22
Christmas Sailing SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
4-night aboard the Nordic Empress Inside from $180 us
San Juan return December 22
WESTERN CARIBBEAN
7-nights aboard the Voyager of the Sea - New Ship
Inside from $610us Ocean from $660us Miami return
Nov 05, 12, 19, 26 and Dec 10
7-nights aboard the Maasdam Inside from $410us Ocean from $510 us
Fort Lauderdale return October 29
7-nights aboard the Ryndam Inside from $410us Ocean from $510 us
Fort Lauderdale return November 4, 11, 25
FALL EUROPE
10-day Aboard the ms Noordam Inside from $570us Ocean from $770 us
Rome to Lisbon November 18, 2000 Hurray space is limited....call now!
All rates are per person double occupancy - taxes + port charges not included.
Interlining Plus formerly Canadian Interline Travel Ltd. 1-800-665-3100
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. Smilie.
Cessna XXXX: "Tower, every time I turn crosswind, I have trouble receiving you.
No matter which runway I'm on I get the same thing.
Have you any idea or suggestion what I might do to improve the
situation?"
Tower: "I'll check with the tower chief." (Delay)
Tower: "Cessna XXXX, the tower chief suggests you not turn crosswind."
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Important reminder, for all new articles, submissions and or comments
for the "The Netletter" please send to:
Our joint e-mail address is:
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.
Why not check out the Air Canada Retired Employees Web Site
http://www.acfamily.org/acrew/
Part of the ACFamily Network
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