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( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 541 Dec 9th, 2000, We first Published in October 1995
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
To get in touch with either editor/pilot our email address is
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. Need to know.
Air Canada re-introduces non-stop summer service between
Edmonton and London-Heathrow. Effective June 1, 2001, Air Canada
will commence five times weekly non-stop summer service between
Edmonton and London-Heathrow.
This summer service will be offered until September 30.
From Alan Rust - Web Administrator - ACFamily Network
PRINTABLE CALL CENTRE INFO PAGE
We have put up a web page with the basic Call Centre info in it.
You can bookmark this for easy access if you like. Also placed in that page is a
link to a "printer friendly" page that you can print and take with you on a trip.
You can also give this URL to your family and friends that require this information
in order for them to contact the call centre regarding Family Affair or
Partner Pass Travel.
The main page can be found at: www.acfamily.net/call_centre.html
the printer friendly page is at: www.acfamily.net/call_centretxt.html
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. We welcome
Ernie Konstas Retired Air Canada Sales Manager , Minneapolis and still resides
there.
Chas Stock email for Chas is
Phil Whittingstall
Myra (Knight) Hunter-Duvar Chester Basin NS
Marc Bilodeau Montreal QC
Barbara White Toronto ON
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. News from the acfamily network -
CONLIST SEARCHABLE DATABASE
The ACFamily Network is pleased to announce that the "ConList" (an Email address
and name list of active, retired, and widowed employees of Air Canada and related
companies) is now Online in our "members" area. This is an ID and Password protected
area. Passwords that have already been issued to our registered members are
valid for this area as well. You can also submit a request to be added, removed or just
have your listing updated. Members of the ACFamily Network can check their listing or search
the database for long lost fellow workers or friends by visiting our members area and
clicking on "ConList". We presently have over 2,000 members listed.
Many NetLetter readers are also members of the ACFamily Network, but for those that
are not, eligible "NetLetter" readers are most welcome to join the ACFN. Please note that
the passwords for the NetLetter "archives" do not work in the ACFN "Members" area.
To join us, please visit: www.acfamily.net and click on "Register" on the lower left side of
page. If you are already a member of the ACFamily Network, please enter the members
area, enter your password and click on "ConList".
Alan Rust Administrator, The ACFamily Network
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. Bill Norberg sends us yet another story from the past -
The item in the last Horizons that referred to the Conway power plant Maintenance
Contract for CPAir we had in the early 60's brought back a lot of memories for me.
Doing Maintenance work for other airlines was not a common matter in those days,
let alone doing work for your main line competitor.
We had just moved into the New Dorval Maintenance Base and were undertaking
jet engine maintenance for the first time. The material and labour costs associated
with jet engines was considered to be a major component of aircraft operating costs.
As we had no experience in this area we were very apprehensive about what lay
ahead for us.
CPAir couldn't afford to set up an engine maintenance shop for their small fleet of DC-8s .
We had built our shop on the basis of having to maintain a growing fleet of DC-8 aircraft
as well as a fleet of 23 Vanguards using the famous...or infamous Tyne power plant.
The addition of the CPAir Conway engine maintenance work would increase our total
work flow and accordingly reduce our overhead costs. We entered into this contract
with CPAir on the basis of a "shared facility charge" based on the combined work
flow volumes. It turned out to be an excellent contract for both parties.CPAir maintained
a representative on site to act as liaison with our production staff.
There was what I considered a rather interesting effect of this contract. As many
people may know, during the 60's there was a battle of opinions being waged across
the Atlantic about what fuel should be used in jet aircraft. Jack Dyment and his
engineering staff were strong believers in using JP-4 fuel while Lord Brabazon of the UK
was equally as strong in his defence of JP-1. Lord Brabazon's case was being made
on the safety or flammability aspect of using JP-1 versus JP-4.
The battle went on for a very long time and as we all know was eventually settled in
favour of JP-1. While we were operating Conway engines along with CPAir we were
able to notice some differences due to using different fuel. CPAir used JP-1
while we stubbornly insisted on using JP-4.
The fuel pumps on our Conway engines were giving trouble with premature wear out
of what I seem to remember were called "slipper pads." while the pumps on CPAIr
engines operated much longer with less wear. Apparently JP-1 had greater lubricity
than JP-4 which was a much more favourable operating environment.
Live and learn.
It was not long after starting this contract work that we took on additional contracts.
..Air Jamaica, Wardair to name a couple and it has increased greatly since then.
The low Canadian Dollar makes for a very competitive environment especially so when
added to the high quality of maintenance work our airline has always done.
Thought you might find this interesting.
Sincerely Bill Norberg
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. News from the Pionair districts -
From the London, England monthly newsletter -
Director, John Baker, attended the semi-annual Pionair's Board of Directors
recently, held in The Westin Hotel in Calgary. This 4 star hotel will be the venue
for the AGM in May 2001. The hotel is centrally located, a short walk from the
main shopping area and close to the light rail transit system.
Close to China Town and Eau Market, the Old Spaghetti Factory and
Joey Tomatoes, very popular restaurants.
Watch for the AGM package in your mail box early in the new year.
Upcoming events -
Dec 10th - UK Pionairs Christmas luncheon at Heathrow Park Hotel.
Dec 18th - Panto "Jack & the Beanstalk", Beck Theatre GBP 7.00 each.
Planning for ACRA theatre trip to "Fame"
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. UK Pionairs annual trip -
Recently, a group of some 50 UK Pionairs and guests, including 5 ex-pats from
Vancouver and 2 Canadians from YYZ enjoyed the annual UK Pionairs 2-dayer.
After an overnight in Toronto, we boarded a luxury coach, far different from the
usual school yellow bullet, and headed for Niagara. Enroute we stopped at a
candle factory and viewed a short video explaining the process of candle making,
then had an opportunity to select one of about 2 dozen colours into which to dip
a free table candle. After a browse around the shop, we all left clutching our
candles, boarded to bus, and headed for the Niagara Falls. After a drive alongside
the fall, we headed over the boarder to our hotel on the US side. Other than the
Canadian residents, all had to complete the green immigration card of the U.S.
Department of Justice, and pay us$6.00 each for the privilege! The card is kept
in the passport, and is good for re-entry for another 3 months.
After checking into our hotel, we were whisked off to a shopping mall - always
a popular area for visiting Brits!, then onto the Old Country Buffet, one of a chain
of such establishments all across the U.S., which offer an excellent array of
'all you can eat' food for just us$6.95 each. Later that evening, we toured both
sides of the border to view the Niagara lights which were very impressive.
As there was little or no traffic, our driver was able to crawl along and make
numerous stops for a better viewing. It was with some trepidation we
re-crossed the border, but had a very light-hearted exposure to the
U.S. Immigration official who checked out our green cards.
Next morning, we had a full day, crossing back to Canada and a visit to the
Butterfly Pavilion and then onto a visit to a winery - ah the wine tasting event
which everyone looked forward to. After the wine tasting, and a guided tour,
we were each presented with a tulip glass embossed with the winery emblem -
very classy, or should that be very glassy!
Our next stop was to the Imax theatre and museum, where we enjoyed a
spectacular film of the Niagara Falls. Then back to the Toronto hotel, at
which point, most of the 'gang' left for the airport to catch one of several flights
departing for the U.K.
Those few intrepid people who stayed over, visited the Super Connie restaurant
for supper and a nostalgic moment in the Super Constellation fin nr 405 CF-TGE
of Trans-Canada Air Lines.
All too soon, the annual 2-dayer was over, but the event was very successful,
thanks to the hard work by Aureen & Jack Morath aided ably by Loretta Blencowe.
We look forward to next years annual event with great anticipation.
Terry Baker - your co-pilot.
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. For the Super Constellation buffs -
Don't wait too long to visit the Super Constellation fin # 405 CF-TGE originally
owned by Trans-Canada Air Lines, and which has spent its retirement in a
field in Quebec, then as a restaurant outside the Constellation Hotel in Toronto,
and recently dismantled and reassembled at a location on Derry Road just
north of Pearson airfield. We understand that the health officials are making it
difficult for the operation to continue.
A group of UK Pionairs and guests recently visited for supper, and a nostalgic
moment. The cabin is set out with tables and airline seating, the walls are
festooned with memorabilia and photographs. The aircraft appears intact
externally, complete with engines, and a spare tucked between the main
undercarriage. Shanta, who runs the operation, was a charming hostess, and
we would advise you to be extremely hungry as the portions of food were quite
enormous - a far cry from the meals we all used to enjoy when the aircraft was
working! The cuisine offered is Italian and Mediterranean, supper prices range
from $3.95 appetizers to $16.99 main meal. A variety of beers are also offered.
A visit is well worthwhile. Call 905-671-1656 for reservations or more information.
Terry Baker - your co-pilot.
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. Free holiday house swaps on the web -
Interline home swaps is a web site. It lists homes of people interested in
exchanging for given periods of holiday - from a weekend upwards.
The website was originated by British Airways duty supervisor based at
Perth International Airport. www.interlinehomeswaps.net
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. Airborne e-mail!
Passengers may soon be able to surf the net and send e-mail from their laptops
in a matter of seconds on British Airways jets. The latest developments in in-flgiht
telecommunications will be trialled on a BA B777 during this month and, if
successful will be implemented in early 2002.
The two week trail will take place on the ground during maintenance checks for
simplicity, safety and logistical purposes.
Air Canada is reported to be carrying out a 6 month trial of its airborne e-mail and
internet services on selected North American services begun during November, but
B.A. claim to be the first airline to provide the service globally on its long haul fleet.
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. Remember when? CAIL memories.
Britannia first revenue flights -
CF-CZX YVR-YUL, and CF-CZW YUL-YVR May 4th 1959.
CF-CZD YUL-MEX Dec 16th 1959
CF-CZW YUL-ROM Mar 5th 1960
CF-CZC YUL-Buenos Aires May 10th 1960
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. Terry's travel tips.
When in Hamilton, Ontarion, drop by the Hamilton International Airport and visit
the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and view Canada's premiere
collection of vintage flying aircraft. Open every day except Christmas and New Years,
with free parking. Call 1-877-firefly for recorded information.
Brought to you by "Interlining Plus" formerly Canadian Interline Travel
Don't forget, Parents & Friends are welcome!
CIRCLE THE CARIBBEAN
Cruise aboard the Vision of the Seas
10 nights...Miami return Inside from $680 us Ocean from $930 us
February 9, 2001
MEXICAN RIVIERA
Cruise aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas
7 nights...Los Angeles return Inside from $560 us Ocean from $924 us
January 14, 2001 Los Angeles return
SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA, last minute deals
Orinoco River Cruise Aboard the Olympic Voyager
12 days...Fort Lauderdale return Inside from $799 us Ocean from $999 us
December 11, 2000
Panama Trans canal Cruise 14 days...aboard the Stella Solaris
Inside from $999 us Ocean from $1199 us
December 22, 2000 (Fort Lauderdale to San Diego)
___________
RESERVATIONS call toll free 1-800-665-3100
All rates are per person based on double occupancy
- taxes + port charges not included.
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. Smilie.
From the eMailNews issued by Duane Frerishs -
November 23, 2000 - Two Seek Airport Toilet, End Up in Moscow
FRANKFURT, Germany - Two drunken Germans, apparently looking for a toilet
during a conference at Frankfurt airport, got on a plane by mistake and flew
to Moscow.
The 20-year-old men were wandering round the airport when they found
themselves on the tarmac and boarded a shuttle bus which drove to an aircraft
bound for the Russian capital.
``They got in and sat in the back of the airplane which then flew to
Moscow,'' said Frankfurt state prosecutor Job Tilmann. ''They weren't even at
the airport to fly anywhere. They were at a conference and had been walking
around, evidently in a drunken stupor,'' he told Reuters on Wednesday.
On arrival in Moscow, they noticed it was cold and realized they had no
passports, let alone entry visas. Russian police put them on a flight back to
Frankfurt where they were met by Federal Border Police who have charged them
with joyriding.
Bild newspaper said the men had been looking for a toilet at the airport.
``That may be so,'' said Tilmann.
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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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