Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

 

 

TCA seeks U.S. license to operate Whitehorse - Fairbanks route.

 

Application is at the present time being made by Trans-Canada Air Lines to the Civil Aeronautics Commission in Washington, D. C. for permission to operate an air service between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks Alaska.

 

It is understood that Mr. Grant McConachie, general manager, Canadian Pacific Air Lines, is also in attendance at Washington with TCA representatives. An agreement between the Canadian and U. S. governments was made sometime ago, whereby the route was awarded to a Canadian carrier.

 

According to the Aviation Act of Canada TCA is the only company permitted to make application for such a license. Arrangements, have already been made whereby CPA will operate the service for TCA. and for an indefinite period as soon as the necessary U.S. license (which is more or less of a formality in this case) has been granted. It is hoped that the service will be put into operation in the very near future. CPA has the necessary equipment and personnel in readiness and is now awaiting the 'go' signal.

The immediate post-war period saw an unprecedented rate of growth at Trans-Canada Air Lines, Many ex-service personnel were brought into the airline and were trained as pilots, mechanics, radio operators and other specialists.

A fleet of 27 twin-engine DC-3s, which held 21 passengers, replaced the Lockheed 14s that had made up the core of the fleet. During this period, new and important extensions of routes were also made, to both Canada and United States.

Submitted by Chad Hannah - Thunder Bay, Ontario (YQT)

 

Just recently, I was aboard a Dash 8 preparing to leave for Toronto when the captain announced that, since this was a -30C day in Thunder Bay, the starboard brakes were frozen. Promptly a newer version of the old Herman Nelson heater was rolled out, and after 20 minutes, we were pushed back and on our way.

This triggered a memory from the early 70’s when I worked the ramp at the same locale. Late night, January, well below -30C, howling winds…we were working a Viscount extra section enroute Winnipeg.

 

I was stationed aft manning the power cart. All four engines were running and I was waiting for the signal from the lead hand to pull the pin and button up. Our lead had a diabolical sense of humour, and while I was literally freezing in the prop wash, he stood at the nose, arms crossed and smiled at me and continued smiling for what seemed an eternity until he finally relented a gave me the signal.

 

After the departure, he was laughing to himself as I stood shaking with cold. I promised myself that I would get even..in spades…and I did, but that is another story.

 

Submitted by Doug Fulton -

 

 

 

A request from Evan Lloyd -