Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter
Since 1995 Saturday. February 8, 2025
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Canadair / Bombardier CL-415 'Superscooper'
Photo by Adolf Galland @ flickr |
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Dear Welcome to The NetLetter, established in 1995 as a dedicated newsletter for Air Canada retirees.
We have evolved into the longest running aviation-based newsletter for Air Canada, TCA, CP Air, Canadian Airlines and all other Canadian-based airlines that once graced the skies. The NetLetter is self-funded and is always free to subscribers. It is operated by a group of volunteers and is not affiliated with any airline or associated organizations. The NetLetter is published on the second and fourth weekend of each month. If you are interested in Canadian aviation history, and vintage aviation photos, especially as it relates to Trans-Canada Air Lines, Air Canada, Canadian Airlines International and their constituent airlines, then we're sure you'll enjoy this newsletter. Please note: We do our best to identify and credit the original source of all content presented. However, should you recognize your material and are not credited; please advise us so that we can correct our oversight. Our website is located at www.thenetletter.net Please click the links below to visit our archives and for more info about The NetLetter. |
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 We have welcomed 26 new subscribers so far in 2025.
We wish to thank everyone for the continuing support of our efforts.
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 Back issues of The NetLetter are available in both the original newsletter format and downloadable PDF format.
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We always welcome feedback about Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge) from our subscribers who wish to share current events, memories and photographs.
Particularly if you have stories to share from one of the legacy airlines: Trans-Canada Air Lines, Canadian Airlines, CP Air, Pacific Western, Maritime Central Airways, Eastern Provincial, Wardair, Nordair, Transair, Air BC, Time Air, Quebecair, Calm Air, NWT Air, Air Alliance, Air Nova, Air Ontario, Air Georgian and all other Canadian based airlines that once graced the Canadian skies.
We will try to post your comments in the next issue but, if not, we will publish it as soon as we can.
Thanks!
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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.
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Submitted by Doug Fulton -
North Star trivia.
This is a bit premature but after reading Ed Hill's comments in your NetLetter # 1549 (Remember When) issue, I thought it would be timely.
Sixty-five years ago on February 23, 1959 fifteen intrepid airmen joined Trans-Canada Air Lines.
They would be the last newly hired pilots the company would train on piston powered aircraft – the Rolls Royce Merlin powered North Star. Imagine - just 56 years after the Wright brothers first powered flight!
The group would include Earl Snider, Jim Griffith, John Weir, Lou Loubert and Al Burns. It would be another six years before TCA/ Air Canada would again hire pilots.
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A request from Evan Lloyd -
Hello there.
This is perhaps an unusual request - but I’m searching for a retired Air Canada pilot - flying out of Winnipeg for many years - and an old (but long-lost) friend of mine - Jim Wood.
I’ve been trying to find and contact him for some time and have yet to succeed, either by way of news or, ideally, a contact and coordinates. I know Jim was active with the retired pilots and employees of Air Canada at some point - and I would be hugely grateful if you could point me to anyone, or any place where I might get news or support in reaching out.
Thanks for any advice or assistance you might be able to provide!
Sincerely,
Evan Lloyd
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Submitted by Linda Wills - Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ)
I am absolutely delighted to receive the NetLetter.
I worked with Air Canada in the late 60s. I was with the airlines when we wore the green outfits and the bowler hats. In summer we wore turquoise with little beige pillbox hats. Since I was bilingual I was based in Montreal - although I wanted to move to Vancouver.
This is me today at 82! A grandmother of 6 and great grandmother also soon to be 6.
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Submitted by Gordon Croucher -
 I just read the NetLetter #1550, and the name Nick Boere jumped out at me. I thought I would send you a scan of the Toronto Sun (May 24, 1988) that put Air Canada on the front page in a promotional photo for an 'Aircraft Pull' for Participation Canada.
They are right to left clockwise: Bill Walker, Jean-Yves Neault, Sylvie Atterbury, Tom Au Yeung, Mary Wolf, Gord Croucher (submitter) and Nick Boere.
Editors' Note: We searched through past issues of Horizons for a sharper version of this photo but did not find it. However, we did find the image below from the July 13, 1988 issue with the caption:
Seventy of our Toronto Airport employees joined forces against a Worldways team for the annual aircraft pull competition during Canada’s Fitweek.
Air Canada won the challenge by towing an empty stretch DC-8 weighing approximately 150,000 lbs, an impressive 1,280 feet. Worldways only managed a mere 500 feet.
Congratulations to the Toronto team and a tip of the hat to organizers Jean-Yves Neault and Sylvie Atterbury.
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Submitted by Allan Gray - Campbell River, B.C. (YBL)
In the 1976 Air Canada calendar it looks like they had plans for outer space.
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Whitehorse, Yukon - Friday, June 29, 1945
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.
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Girls in Aviation Day - London, Ontario 2025.
 June 3, 2025, 9:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. London International Airport (YXU) Our Women in Aviation International local chapter is hosting its second Girls in Aviation Day June 2025.
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| Source: wai.org/chapters/great-lakes-aviators-canada |
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From Globe Trotting at Dj's Aviation YouTube channel
Air Canada has unveiled an exciting future with a focus as far away as 2030, but what can be determined as some core parts of this all-important next few years?
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 for the latest posts at the Air Canada Media Centre. |
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 Click the logo to open the Air Canada YouTube channel. |
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Found in 'Horizons' magazine
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Issue dated June 1986
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In 1986, the New York route was 45 years old.
Employees in New York celebrated the 45th anniversary of the arrival of a Lockheed aircraft.
May 11, 1941 - Service between Toronto and New York LaGuardia commenced with L18-08A Lockheed Lodestar registration CF-TCW (fin #45) aircraft. The 14-seat Lodestar arrived from Toronto, making Trans-Canada Air Lines the first foreign carrier with scheduled service into LaGuardia Airport.
The New York - Toronto route was Air Canada's longest continued service outside Canada.
In this photo, we have Customer Service Agents and Supervisors in the U.S. reservations sales office who joined Michael De Wilde in a cake cutting ceremony.
Standing, from the left, are: George Maclean, Georgia Cronin, Michelle Gowey, Lorraine McNichoIIs, Ed Frazier, Grace Brucato, De Wilde, Bruce Deitsch, Jeffrey Pack, Jill Wright, Charlene Carr (behind Jill), Flo Olenick, Vincent Chiarello and Gene Schadel.
Kneeling are Kevin Boughton, left, and Tony Ruane.
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Issue dated January 1987
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December 1, 1986 saw the opening of the Caribbean load office in Barbados
In our photo from the left: John Buchanan, Certified Load Agents John White, David Edwards, Ken White and Robert Roach.
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Issue dated February 1987
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New service toasted.
 When Air Canada inaugurated its helicopter shuttle flights (photo below) between Lester B. Pearson Airport and downtown Toronto, Australian Sales Manager Barry Brown decided to celebrate the new service with a contest.
Anne-Marie Walsh, a corporate accounts consultant at Australia's NRMA Travel, was the first travel agent to book a client on the helicopter service and is shown receiving her bubbly prize from Barry and Monica Serfozo, Air Canada's Sales Executive in New South Wales.
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Issue dated April 1987
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Mirabel (YMX) shoots and scores.
Winnipeg played host to the 15th annual System Hockey Event Tournament.
Mirabel won 2-1 against Winnipeg (YWG) and became the System Hockey champions for 1987.
The Mirabel team members are, back row, from the left: Robert Lagarde, Pierre Allard, Jean-Marc Lacombe, Patrick Roseboom, Jean Constantineau, Daniel Cadieux, Pierre Parisien, Pierre Carriére, Raymond Aucoin, Daniel Lemay, Alain Hébert, Stéfane Cholette and Guy Poirier.
Kneeling, from the left, are: Yvon Constantineau, Guy Ouellette, Marc Parisien, Guy Comtois, Pierre Sarrazin, Pierre Richard and Pierre Lamarche.
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Air Canada Recreation Association (ACRA) Organizers plan events.
The 1987 joint meeting of ACRA Presidents and System Events Chairmen took place in Montreal. Main discussions centered around activities, past and planned, of each of the 22 ACRAs across the system, the 13 recognized sports and cultural events and of course, the 50th anniversary celebrations. The annual meeting has proven to be an important gathering of these two groups.
Because of ACRA and System Events support of one another, it is important that they share their experiences with each other.
Photo below is of ACRA Presidents or their representatives and System Events Chairmen or their representatives.
In the front row, from left to right: Brenda Williams, Montreal; Cory Smith, Los Angeles; Emy Amendola, Thunder Bay; Jim Whitelaw, Senior Vice President, Corporate & Human Resources; Brenda McCasin, Edmonton; Sheila Snow-Cline, Vancouver; Barbara Bernoth, Frankfurt.
In the second row are, in the same order: Bill Kent, Hockey; Michael McHenry, Art; Jim Batten, Ottawa; Yolande Bourque, Moncton; Noel Ebden, Saskatoon; Duncan Butchart, Calgary; Neil Stephenson, Regina; Deidra Roberts, San Francisco; Larry Lee, London, Ontario; Ron Corbin, Saint John, New Brunswick; Fred Bourdeau, Sydney; Wilfred Hackey, Québec; Keith Windsor, St. John's, Nfld.; Ken Rodgers, London, England; Gordon Graham, Halifax; Michael Hickey, Dusseldorf; Diana Duval, Winnipeg; Joe Holmes, Bowling; Jim Miller, Toronto; Warren Dunne, Ski; Ken Mackenzie, Darts.
In the back row are, from the left: Roy Keane, Tennis; Lucie Chabot-Gagnon, Softball; Linda Kellins, Golf; Jack Inouye, Curling; Evan Quick, Squash; Bernie Brennan, A.C.E. Fly-In; David Paxton, Soccer and Barry Drinkle, Photography.
Editors' Note: Sadly the majority of the ACRA groups have been discontinued.
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CP Air / Canadi>n People Gallery |
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A few screen captures from Nordair tribute videos posted by John Desramaux on YouTube.
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Editors' Note: Unfortunately no location or names were made available. If any reader can supply any information we will pass it along.
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Extracted from the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS) Toronto Chapter meeting - March 2, 2019
Speaker Martin Keenan, Historian
Reporter: Gord McNulty
Seen taking off from Heathrow (LHR) is the de Havilland Comet airliner CF-CUN 'Empress of Hawaii' leaving for Beirut en route to Sydney including stops at Karachi and Singapore.
The first Comet to Australia, it would go into regular service for Canadian Pacific Airlines on March 3,1953. Canadian Pacific was the first overseas buyer of the Comet. Their order was placed in December 1949 for two aircraft to be delivered in 1952. The Sydney to Honolulu service is part of the Canadian Pacific trans-pacific service which operates to Vancouver by way of Fiji, Canton Island and Honolulu.
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Tragically, CF-CUN never arrived in Australia.
Departing from Karachi on March 3, 1953, it failed to get airborne while attempting a night takeoff on the delivery flight to Australia. CP never took delivery of CF-CUM. It was sold to BOAC.
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The Greatest Fire Extinguisher Ever Invented
Our video is posted by the Discover Montréal YouTube channel showing the deployment of the Canadair CL-415 'Super Scooper' during the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
Los Angeles has contracted these aircraft from Québec for 30 years.
Click the image to view the video. See Wayne's Wings for more info.
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 Chrono Aviation was founded in Quebec City in 2012. At first, the charter airline operated a Pilatus PC-12 and employed two pilots. |
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After eleven years of operation, Chrono Aviation's 300 employees now operate a fleet of 14 aircraft with between 9 and 120 seats, exclusively dedicated to charter services.
The fleet consists of B-737-800SF, B-737-200, Dash 8-100, Beechcraft 1900D and Pilatus PC-12. Our photo is of C-FBIM Boeing 737-247 - Saint-Hubert, Québec - CYHU - December 4, 2024.
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Oldest Airlines in the World that are Still in Operation, Its Not KLM
Founded in 1919, KLM (KL) is the oldest airline in the world that is still operating under its original name.
British Airways (BA) - Founded: 1916 - Headquarters: London, United Kingdom - Fleet Size: 297
British Airways (BA) is the oldest airline in the world. Its story began on October 5, 1916 with Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited. Operating the world’s first daily international scheduled air service between London and Paris from August 1919.
The airline evolved through several mergers and reorganizations, notably the 1974 consolidation of British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA). This merger created the modern British Airways.
A pivotal moment came in 1987 when the airline was privatized under Margaret Thatcher’s government, transforming it from a state-owned corporation into a private enterprise.
Throughout its history, British Airways has been at the forefront of aviation innovation, including being one of the few operators of the Concorde supersonic aircraft. Today, the airline operates a diverse fleet of 297 aircraft.
British Airways connects 214 destinations in 79 countries, operating 12 routes within the UK and 202 international flights.
Editors' Note: The NetLetter team had quite a discussion concerning this article. It is a debatable topic depending on whether airlines are considered to be continuous after mergers, name changes and even restructuring.
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Canadair CL-415 - Super Scooper
Watching new coverage of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, I was, once again, impressed by an aircraft developed and built by Canadair / Bombardier.
The Canadair CL-415 (Super Scooper, later Bombardier 415) and the De Havilland Canada DHC-515 are a series of amphibious aircraft built originally by Canadair and subsequently by Bombardier and De Havilland Canada.
Introduced during 1966, the CL-215 was the first aircraft specifically designed to be a water bomber. A total of 125 aircraft were constructed prior to the final CL-215 being delivered during May 1990.
During 1987, in response to prevailing market trends towards more efficient, powerful and reliable turboprop powerplants, Canadair undertook the task of retrofitting 17 CL-215 airframes with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF engines. This engine provided a 15 percent power increase over the original piston engines, as well as enhanced reliability and safety. The retrofitted aircraft were designated CL-215T.
Having conducted the relatively successful CL-215T programme, the company decided to develop the CL-415, which would be a new production series.
On December 6 1993, the CL-415 conducted its maiden flight. One year later, a 180-day sales tour traversing 21 countries commenced using a CL-415 owned by the Quebec Government. That same year, Bombardier stated that it was in the planning phase of a six-point improvement plan for the CL-415, which was principally intended to diversify its capabilities.
Orders for the type were promptly received from several countries, which included several lease and purchase arrangements; by July 1996, 37 examples were reportedly in service with operators in Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. Starting in 1998, the CL-415 was being assembled at Bombardier Aerospace's facility near North Bay/Jack Garland Airport in North Bay, Ontario and tested on Lake Nipissing.
During the 2010s, according to aerospace periodical Flight International, there was a downturn in sales of the type. A total of ninety-five CL-415s had been completed when Bombardier closed down the production line in October 2015, although the company continued to actively market the type as well as to provide support for the existing fleet beyond this date.
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Canadair CL-415 C-GILN demonstrating to the Taiwanese Government
on the Northern coast of Taiwan on May 6, 2002.
Photo by Steven Byles
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| Terry's Trivia
& Travel Tips |
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Terry Baker, co-founder of the NetLetter scours the internet for aviation related Trivia and Travel Tips for you, our readers, to peruse.
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 Interline Travel have announced the launch their premiere issue of NonRev Traveler.
NonRev Traveler is their new monthly travel magazine dedicated to the airline employee community. You get ideas for weekend travel and longer trips, hotel and cruise reviews, a list of the latest airline routes that have been announced, and the best festivals to check out in the next 60 days.
Click the image to download a free copy of the premiere issue and for subscription details for future issues.
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From the latest blog by Larry Milberry.
There are endless stories about this Jodel ( Société Avions Jodel) aircraft, one being circa 2008 when Air Canada wanted to register one of its new Boeing 777s in honour of company CEO Robert A. Milton, but, C- F RAM already was flying on the tail of a certain wee Jodel (below).
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However, Canadian plane owners are allowed to sell their registrations, so the then owner of 'RAM' allegedly fared nicely on selling 'RAM' to Air Canada for its 777-333 serial number 35250. Here is Air Canada’s C-FRAM leaping into the air at Toronto (YYZ). Source: canavbooks.wpcomstaging.com
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Photo by Aaron Davis
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Issue dated March 1970
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Is this the revised pilot check?
'Daffy-nitions'
The Canadian Airline Pilot Magazine has come up with definitions that might turn up in pilots' dossiers when their bosses seek to check their qualifications.
Here they are:
- Exceptionally well qualified - Has committed no major blunders to date.
- Active socially - Drinks heavily.
- Has socially active wife - She drinks too.
- Exceptional flying ability - Has equal number of takeoffs and landings.
- Quick thinking - Offers plausible excuses for errors.
- Indifferent to instructions - Knows more than his instructors.
- Approaches difficult problems with zest - Finds someone else to do the job.
- Often spends extra hours on the job - Has miserable home life.
- Takes advantage of every opportunity to progress - Buys drinks for the commanding officers.
- Expresses himself very well - Speaks English.
- Demonstrates qualities of leadership - Has a loud voice.
- Keen sense of humour - Has vast repertoire of off-colour jokes.
Source: 'Keeping Posted' magazine issue March 1970
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Wayne, Ken & Terry Richmond, British Columbia - December 2019
(Bob Sheppard was not available for the photograph) |
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Wayne, Bob & Ken Richmond, British Columbia - December 2023
(Terry Baker was not available for the photograph) |
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We wish to honour the memories of
Vesta Stevenson and Alan Rust. They remain a part of every edition published. |
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E&OE - (errors and omissions excepted):
The historical information as well as any other information provided in the "NetLetter" is subject to correction and may have changed over time.
We do publish corrections (and correct the original article) when this is brought to our attention.
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