Short 360 – “The Shed”I am constantly surprised by what comes up whenever I begin to research a story for our newsletter. Ideas frequently come from unexpected sources at times when I least expect them. At a minor league playoff hockey game between the Vancouver Giants and Victoria Royals (my friend’s grandson plays for the Giants) a large advertisement balloon of a Pacific Coastal Airlines aircraft was floating around the arena between periods. I was reminded of this small commuter airline and the unusual design of one of the aircraft in its fleet. Time Air of Lethbridge, Alberta, which became CP/CDN's regional partner, was the first airline in Canada to operate the Short 360. It was also the launch customer and the world's first operator the Short 360's predecessor, the Short 330 which had a different tail structure. They later operated the Short 360 before Pacific Coastal. Both types were only useful in areas that didn't involve crossing mountain ranges, like Time Air's routes in Alberta, and Pacific Coastal's routes between Vancouver and points on Vancouver Island, since they were both unpressurized. |
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Reference: Special thanks to Ken Pickford for additional info and clarification. Click Here for photo of a Time Air Short 360 during a fuel stop at Reykjavik, Iceland on the delivery flight in 1985. |
| Click the image below for a video of the Short 330 and 360 series of ‘flying boats’ |
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Found on the Flight International magazine issue February 26, 2019. Name that plane.The following advert was a tweet by the Virgin Group - Did you know the avionics bay can be accessed by a hidden ladder in the nose wheel bay on a Boeing 747? Finally, total aviation persons among us can, of course, tell immediately from this (since deleted) Virgin Group tweet that the aircraft in the picture is not actually a Boeing 747. There is one subtle clue. See if you can spot it? The ladder may be hiding. |
| There are Rules and there are Laws. Rules are made by men who think that they know better how to fly your airplane than you. Laws (of Physics) were ordained by nature. You can, and sometimes should, suspend the Rules but you can never suspend the Laws. About Rules: a. The rules are a good place to hide if you don't have a better idea and the talent to execute it. b. If you deviate from a rule, it must be a flawless performance. (e.g. If you fly under a bridge, don't hit the bridge.) (Source: jethros.org.uk) |
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Air Canada has announced the suspension of 737 Max aircraft until, at least, July 1, 2019. It is suggested that you use a GOAC confirmed seat. (Presently reading a book of fiction by Dana Griffin called “Calamity” about an aircraft certified without fully checking software systems which could cause an incident – parallels the present 737 Max problem – eds) |
Memorable BNB accommodations. You’ll need to be willing to pay to enjoy this expensive listing — but the splurge is worth it.The secluded treehouse encompasses three rooms connected by bridges outfitted with magical twinkling lights. Indoor features include antique furnishings and a collection of fossils; outdoors, a deck surrounds a 165-year-old pine tree. While it feels like a world away, the bustle of downtown Atlanta isn’t far away. (Source: MSN News.com) |
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Canadian Effort – the early years. Aircraft of Trans-Canada Air Lines now fly three roundtrips weekly between Montreal and Britain, and a further schedule development is being planned. Mr. H. J. Symington, President of the Board of Directors, stated that "plans for international flights other than the present transatlantic service are still tentative, but the West Indies, South America and Pacific areas are of admitted interest to the company. (Source: flightglobal.com - page 447 April 26, 1945) |
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Abandoned airport. Planners envisaged the airport would welcome hundreds of thousands of passengers a year. (Source: MSN News February 16, 2019) |
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The Farnborough International Airshow has announced that it is removing its public weekend, taking the biennial show from seven days to five and eliminating its public airshow. It has been reported that factors influencing the change include negative feedback regarding last year’s airshow, and a decreasing number of airshow spectators. The public weekend will be replaced by opening the trade show to the public for the final day of the event. The Farnborough International Airshow is held every other year with the next show scheduled for July 20-24, 2020. In 2018, more than 1,500 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors from 112 countries attended the event. (Source: AVWebFlash March 7, 2019) |
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New airline gambles on games. A newly formed British airline aims to woo passengers in its 15-hour flights to Asia with slot machines, bingo and blackjack aboard a Boeing 747. Britain's Civil Aviation Authority has granted permission for the Singapore run and London Express is seeking clearance for flights to Bangkok and Hong Kong. Initially the 'flying bingo hall' concept will only be available on flights originating in Britain, but if the scheme is successful, London Express will seek to sell tickets in the reverse direction. Note: We can find no other information on the success of this airline - eds. |
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These Teams/Clubs are comprised of airline employees/retirees and their families. NAASF currently sanctions three ski weeks each season at a variety of resorts around North America where the member Team/Clubs compete in Snowboard and Ski Racing, Partying, and Free Skiing. Those that want to race have the opportunity, but those that don't are welcome to come cheer for your favorite team or just enjoy the mountain at your own pace. The NAASF Ski Weeks offer some of the most affordable ski/riding possible. As a general rule, the NAASF contracted rates offer slope side or near slope side lodging for under $75/person/night, Lift Ticket Prices for about 50% of rack rate, and a variety of discounts on rentals and purchases around the resorts. (Source: naasf.com) |
 Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS).National Convention and AGM May 22 – 25, 2019 Saint Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. More info at cahs.ca |
