Rick Mercer and the Lancaster Bomber
(Submitted by: Gary Williams via Brian Colgan)
Rick visits the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, ON, for a flight in one of only two remaining airworthy Lancasters in the world.
Host Rick Mercer flew in the legendary Lancaster Bomber at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Mercer adds flying in the Lancaster was “a bucket list experience” but he also thought of the Canadian pilots who lost their lives during the Second World War.
There are only two fly-worthy Lancaster’s in the world, one in Hamilton and the other in the United Kingdom. Click on image below to watch video on YouTube.
B787 - The Dreamliner
I have just returned to YVR after visiting YUL (Ile. Perrot, Quebec actually) to spend my Mom’s 88th birthday with her. Apparently, the NetLetter has quite a following on this beautiful island west of Montreal where many current and retired AC people live.
This was a great opportunity to get my first ride on a B787 so I registered to return via YYZ on Flight 149. This fleet, in effect, is replacing the B767 (see NL # 1328) and enters service amid similar controversy because it is also a game changer in the airline industry.
Referred to as “The Dreamliner” by Boeing, it has been nicknamed “Precious” by AC Maintenance personnel due to the enhanced focus the company is placing on the fleet.
Personally, I agree that the focus is justified as this aircraft will play a major role in significant expansion of the Air Canada network. Direct routes to Dubai and Delhi have already started with many more destinations to come. This could possibly be the beginning of the largest era of international expansion that the company has ever seen.
I would not consider this to be the sleekest aircraft on the exterior (the large fuselage gives somewhat a “Beluga” impression), however, the interior is awesome. Mood lighting throughout all cabins, windows that tint electronically, larger overhead bins and an overall spacious feel make it a very comfortable ride. I was seated in a middle seat in economy and still thoroughly enjoyed the flight.
More than thirty years after its controversial introduction, the B767 has a very distinguished legacy that continues today. It will be very interesting to see what the future holds for the B787. Pictured is Fin# 801 being prepared at Boeing for its first flight “Home”.
Note: to view Air Canada's website dedicated to the 787 Dreamliner visit: www.787.aircanada.com
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Ken Collie sends this message I came upon this photo in my desk drawer, it brought back fond memories. We had a good crew and had a lot of fun besides getting a lot of work done. Ken Collie The CDN Calgary Component Shop crew in 1994.
Back row: Eric Bjornason, Richard Ellison, Bill Chadderton, John Bossman, Terry Miles, Ray Harris, Aubrey Petit, Chee Hou, Rob Adamchuk, Buck Kleb. |
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Shirlee Schacter has sent us these photos from the Friends of Front Street recent meeting - Oct. 31st 2015 was the date of the 14th Annual Friends of Front St. (FoFS) Reunion. There were forty-plus at Hooter's on the Airport strip in YYZ for food, drink and a chance to catch up with old friends from AC's Computer & Systems Services (C&SS) family as well as colleagues from Gemini and Galileo. Many smiles and hearty laughter as former co-workers reminisced about the "good old" days.... and it wasn't just the locals. Colleen (Rougeau) Vandersteen came in from Winnipeg, Louise Normandeau from Montreal and this time around, Linda from Singapore was even able to make it. We had an "angel" of a server and a great time was had by all! Here we have:
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| Linda Eunson and Jeanne Wall | Cindy & Doug Mallory, Graham Wright and Leslie Kulokas |
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| David Slobod, Bob Newson, Gerry Rellinger and Liveen Richards |
Jackie Murdoch and Russ Martin |
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| Barry Schoop, Tim Mallory, Bob Newson and John Seddon |
Graham Wright, Evangeline (Joyce) Kubin and Gary Johnson |
 George Trussell, Stu Duncan, Shirlee Schacter and Charlie Lennox |
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Also at the reunion were Bill Hales, Ted Zubek, Bruce Castator, Lynda Campbell, Wendy (Payne) Walker, Jeannie Lindo, Annie Matusiak, Frank Marando, Rick Morris, Tony Shulist, Diane Knoefel and Brian Speed. Many of you who couldn't make the 14th Annual Friends of Front St. (FoFS) Reunion at Hooter's YYZ on Sat. Oct. 31st, 2015, mentioned that you would like to see the pictures from the get-together - so here they are! Please click on the following link to see the complete photo gallery, www.play.smilebox.com Be patient, as it will start after it loads the gallery. |
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Alan Evans from South Africa sent us this -
With 412 flights a week, Kulula’s cabin crew meets diverse travellers on the job. When you put so many people in a confined space you can be sure that things will get funny.
Onboard laundromat
On the red-eye flight from Durbs to OR Tambo, Mariette van der Spuy had just served coffee to a smartly-dressed businessman who had been glued to his laptop, when they hit some turbulence. After only one sip, the man’s coffee spilt all down his crisp white shirt. Mariette offered him wet wipes, but it only seemed to make the stain worse. The man decided to head to the bathroom and locked the door behind him.
After a while, Mariette knocked on the door and asked if he needed any assistance.
He opened the door, shirt-less and clutching a soaking wet shirt which he handed to her and asked whether she could put it in the tumble dryer. He left Mariette speechless and casually strolled back to his seat…shirt-less!
Over and over it is the same thing. History slipping away from the people who care. Memories are consigned to the garbage dump. Stories and photographs thrown away. Visual stories are not recorded and thus forgotten. We, at the NetLetter and the ACFamily Network welcome any memories and/or photos of your career with TCA, Air Canada and CPA etal to share with our readers.
Sincerely,
Terry, Alan and Wayne
Note: if you have any stories or photos to share, send them to