Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Extracted from the 'Horizons' magazine issued May 1973.

Tearful 'ta-ta' to turbo.

Progress came to the Vancouver - Victoria run on April 29, 1973 when DC-9 jets replaced the Viscount turboprop, but the old workhorse was not cast aside without a fond farewell.

More than 250 personnel from the two stations gave the old girl a good send off at a "retirement" party in her honour.

Considering that the aircraft had become somewhat of a fixture on the west coast run, it was only natural there should be some nostalgia and a few tears shed.

In the 12 years of service between the two cities, it carried more than three million passengers, and the turboprop's high-pitched whine will be missed by many as it passed over Patricia Bay (Saanich, B.C.) and Sea Island (Richmond, B.C).

Coincident with the Viscount retirement party, Radio Operator Al Whorley, left, was presented with a gift by fellow worker Ted Deeks.

Al retired soon after completing more than 31 years service. Bill Fairbairn, Regional Maintenance & Aircraft Services Manager offered his congratulations as well.

While the Viscount party was indeed a happy affair, Senior Flight Attendant Penny Persons, who worked the aircraft for a number of years, was obviously sorry to see the old girl go.

Flight Attendant Supervisor Kathy Johnston eyes a photo of the Viscount, one of those retired from the Vancouver-Victoria run. Kathy worked the last flight on April 28, 1973 "for old times sake".