A Website Dedicated to the People and History of Pacific Western Airlines
This website is
created and managed by the former employees of Pacific Western Airlines.
The target audience is that membership. If you have any contributions or
comments, please submit them to the Webmaster. We also wish to say
thanks to our many generous contributors.
We have added a section called UPDATES and it needs
your help. Here is a place to post your action photo of your family, your
garden, in a far off land, or standing next to the company vehicle. Check
it out and email your update to let us
know you are alive and doing fine. Thanks!
While you are visiting, you may want to play the Pacific
Western Airlines Song
The webmaster will be away
until May 20, 2013 but with limited access to
email.
May 16, 2013
A Celebration of Life for Don Watson will be held:
Saturday 15 June - 1300 - 1600
Harbour Air - seaplane hangar
4760 Inglis Drive, Richmond, BC
Across from Beaver restaurant - south side of the airfield.
A Fly-by tribute to Don has been arranged for 1330.
Apr 13, 2013 - A DC4 - Parked at
YMM
How it has all changed now. Thanks to S. McAreavy
March 28, 2013 Edmonton Museum
Searches for F/A Aprons & the 2002 Reunion Booklet.
The Edmonton Aviation Museum is now
looking for the past aprons to go with the old uniforms of PWA.
The hardest to find will probably be the old Stampeder one. It was
beige with horses on it. There was the navy and pink one with a
zipper up the front that went with the pink one, a beige one with
Pacific western airlines across the top and went with the green. The
lovely blue and white stripes that went with the blue? Seems to me
also a navy blue one. Does anyone have the old blue and white
stripped blouse and skirt that was the summer uniform that went with
the blue? If you would like to get rid of those uniform pieces
stuffed in your closet we will be happy to make arrangements to take
it off your hands. The museum will take better care of it than it
just sitting in your closet.
We can also help out the Ottawa museum by trying to get two of the
same items.
email myself or
Terry Champion
Any help you can give will be appreciated.
Thank you all. A. Bidlock
Terry has asked if anyone has a spare copy of the 2002
Reunion Booklet, to contact him. The curator is interested
in a copy for their collection.
March 22, 2013 Air Transport News Awards
Regional Aircraft Manufacturer of the Year: Bombardier
Aircraft Manufacturer of the Year: Airbus
Engine Manufacturer of the Year: Rolls-Royce
Ground Handler of the Year: Çelebi Holding
IT Company of the Year: SITA
MRO Company of the Year: Lufthansa Technik
Airline Alliance of the Year: Star Alliance
Airport of the Year under 10 Million Passengers: Rajiv Gandhi
International Airport
Airport of the Year 10-30 Million Passengers: Genève Aéroport
Airport of the Year: Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Cargo Airline of the Year: FedEx
Regional Airline of the Year: SilkAir
Low Cost Airline of the Year: AirAsia
Airline of the Year: Turkish Airlines
George Iatrou Lifetime Achievement Award: Professor Tae Oum,
President, ATRS
Woman of the Year: Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI
Leader of the Year: Raymond Benjamin, Secretary General, ICAO
March 22, 2013
- Stampeder Uniform
This month, the Aviation Museums in both Ottawa and Edmonton, went
on a search for missing components of their display 1970's era
Stampeders Flight Attendant Uniform. We are pleased to say all
of the items have been located but with the help of Terry Champion,
A Bidlock, M Garbencius, G Bradley, E Potts and R. Bertram.
Thanks to all.
March 17, 2013
NEEDED: White cowboy boots from a Stampeder uniform.
About 1971 the Company issued Stampeder uniforms to some or all of
the Edmonton based stews (as we used to call them). The outfit
consisted of a blue cowboy hat, white blouse, blue jacket, very
short white skirt, red bloomers, and white cowboy boots. The outfit
was discontinued fairly soon, apparently due to the way it attracted
unwanted advances from male passengers whose inhibitions had been
suppressed by consuming too many beverages. The “girls” didn’t like
the attempts to pull down their bloomers. I heard that at least one
passenger received a knuckle sandwich in return.
The Alberta Aviation Museum, in the big white hangar on Kingsway at
XD, the downtown airport, has a lot of PWA in its collection and
displays, including the 737 #745. Mary Ann Garbencius has donated
her Stampeder uniform for an upcoming display with the theme “Women
in Aviation.” She had retained everything except the boots and has
contacted many F/As hoping to find some boots, but to no avail so
far. If you still have the booklet issued after the wonderful 2002
reunion in Calgary you will see on page 9 a “stew” wearing her
outfit. Can anyone tell me who she is? Can anyone help us find some
boots? The Museum is very interesting and has input from many PWA
volunteers. The Curator is interested in PWA and would like to add
to our PWA archives. Please
contact me if you have an item(s) you would like to donate and I
will discuss it with the Curator. You would really enjoy a visit,
but if you are coming within the next couple of weeks snowshoes are
recommended.
Capt Terry Champion Retired
March 7 - From the
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum
As assistant curator at the Canada
Aviation and Space Museum, I am responsible for the Museum's
collection of airline uniforms, which includes many from PWA.
I am working on an article about PWA's late 1960s flight attendants'
uniforms, particularly those worn on the Stampeder service,
and am interested in speaking with people who worked for PWA in the
late 1960s and early 1970s. If you would like to share
your memories of the late 1960s uniforms, and of the Stampeder
service in general, please
contact me
If you have uniforms you would like to donate, please send a note
and description and I will see if it fits in with our programme.
Best regards, Molly McCullough
Assistant Curator - Transport, Aviation
Conservatrice adjointe - Transports, aviation
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Musée de l'aviation et l'espace du Canada
613-991-3084
March 7 - From the
Alberta Aviation Museum Edmonton (Article on the A/C 745 Story)
Here’s the
final version (PDF) of the
In Formation newsletter for March/April 2013 that has the
article on the Alberta Aviation Museum’s 737, C-GIPW. Thanks again
to you and your members for some of the photos and background
information on this aircraft.
Neil Taylor Newsletter Editor, Alberta Aviation Museum
Feb 22, 2013 from
L. Hrelia (Stronach)
Hi. I was browsing the internet and found this wonderful Pacific
Western Airlines website. My dad, David Stronach, was a HERC pilot
for PWA for many years. Unfortunately he passed away in a plane
crash on November 21, 1976 in Africa (Lumbumbashi). I have attached
three photos of my dad (2 of the photos are when he was a pilot with
BC Airlines). If anyone has any stories about my dad, I would
appreciate you e-mailing me. He was a wonderful man! Thank you.
Linda (Stronach) Hrelia (email)
Feb 8, 2013 -
Alberta Aviation Museum
Greetings,
While not a PWA alumnus, I am interested in the history of one of
the 737-275’s that flew for PWA and later Air Canada – C-GIPW. I am
the newsletter editor for the Alberta Aviation Museum, the current
home of C-GIPW, and I am working on an article about this airplane
for inclusion in our newsletter.
I’m hoping that some of your readers might be able to provide me
with background, stories or photos about C-GIPW, such as where it
flew and when, and whether there were any notable incidents
involving this aircraft. Personnel crew experiences would be great.
I do know that C-GIPW was built in 1979, its serial no. is 21712 and
that its Certificate of Airworthiness was dated March 1, 1979. It
later flew in service for Air Canada upon PWA’s amalgamation with
that carrier. On June 17, 2005 it was delivered to the Alberta
Aviation Museum.
Any information or anecdotes that your readers could pass along for
possible inclusion in the article would be greatly appreciated. I
look forward to hearing from them.
Neil Taylor
Newsletter Editor
Alberta Aviation Museum
Any
info you may have, please pass it along. Some topics might be - what paint
scheme was 745 delivered in and did it ever carry its current livery. How
may more B737 did PWA take delivery of after 745. Was there anything
special with the engine specifications - EOW or GTOW that made it
different or anything in particular you may recall. Please email Neil
here Thanks from the Webmaster.
Feb 7, 2013 -THE
ARCTIC HERC RATS,
Just to let you know of a PWA project which has started. Colm Egan
and myself, Gordon Wilson, are writing a book called THE ARCTIC HERC
RATS, PACIFIC WESTERN AIRLINES, THE WORLD WAS THEIR LANDING STRIP to
be published in 2014 by Amberley Publishing of Stroud, England. We
are both former PWA employees and want to preserve this part of
Canadian aviation history. We will be seeking information on the
Hercules operation shortly when we establish a communication
website. Read the
prologue here.
Regards, Gordon
Feb 6, 2013 -
Martin Heisler
Martin Heisler who worked in the Sales Dept is convalescing at the
Capital Care Grandview, 6215 - 124 St, Edmonton , T6H 3V1.
Martin is recovering from some health issues and he misses the good
company of his PWA friends and asks that if any of the gang might make
contact. He can be reached through
Email with Mel Crothers or he
can be called on his
private
line here.
Jan 30, 2013 - Mr.
Donald Watson - President and CEO
Mr Watson
passed away today. He was 92 years old and his memory will live
on with all of us. A memorial service will take place in May.
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Update on Quicket - we have the original
document promo for this product. Read the story in
Traces.
Nov 2012 -
Lifetime Achievement Award for Alumni
Read the article
here. Congratulations Lynne.
Oct 2012 - Keeping
Posted from January 1970
I am attaching 3 photo's of the crew from a scan from Pacific
Western Airlines Keeping Posted 1970 January Edition and the AMA
round the world Charter. Isle passed away in Edmonton this
month - Garth Caron.
The Crew:
Captain Art Bell
First Officer Alex McTavish
Engineer Moe Sangster
Navigator Cliff Beck
Purser Gil Tsui
Purser Ole Damsgaard
FIt. Attendants:
Isle Buffi
Corry Van Vliet
Dianne Paradee
Oct 11, 2012 - From Kory Down
Hi, my name is Kory Down – I worked as Jack Moul’s secretary in Contract and
Charter for 4 years 1968 – 1972. I actually started with the Law Department – I
believe his name was Wilson. But your picture of Val Hennell reminded me that he
and Brian Bourne were lost in a DC-3 south of Port Hardy. There were
others lost – Edmonton and Africa – all working charter flights. And all very
nice men. I also worked with Rhys Eyton who later took over managing
the airline. And I remember Don Watson and his daughter Sharon. Too many
wonderful memories. Probably long before your time, but all part of a wonderful
history that I am proud to have been part of. Kory
Oct 11, 2012 - From Germany
Hi there
I was a Flight Attendant based in YXD over period from 1969 to 1975.
People would know me as Paquita Lamacraft (Kellaway) and I am currently a Senior
Business Consultant at Hewlett Packard, Germany. Great site…lots of
memories. I would like to
reconnnect with some of my former colleagues. I include some pics of
my new travelling companion Balu the 4 month old Chow Chow in front of a Porsche
from the Porsche Museum (he had just been greeted Dr Wolfgang Porsche himself).
This was just taken on my birthday last week in Zell am See in Austria. The
other was taken in Dresden last year. Please let me know if there is another
reunion.
Cheers Paquita Lamacraft
Sep 13, 2012 - Peter Lougheed
With the passing of the RH Peter Lougheed, we the alumni of Pacific Western
Airlines must pause to reflect on Mr Lougheed and the Alberta Government
and their role in our history. I remember it well. One concern was how
involved they would be in the management of the business, but they stayed at
arms length and we moved forward with the growth that the '70's brought.
Mr Lougheed and the cabinet ministers travelled frequently on the Airbus.
Some requested forward seats to assist them with their schedules. At the
time we operated over 14 B737 in each direction between Calgary and Edmonton.
The cost savings to the government coffers for using commercial carrier service
over their private charters must have been significant. PWA was endowed
with many acronyms some nicer that others but the best one was - Peter's White
Airplanes. I think many of us thought of Mr. Lougheed as a staff
member and should truly be remembered as one of us. Thank you Peter
Lougheed!
Here is a biography from
CTV News
If you have a
tribute or a memory of travelling with Mr. Lougheed, please pass them on to the
webmaster.
Sep
17, 2012 Aircraft Added
Vancouver Party - June 30, 2012
If you have pictures or links to albums you would like to post, please email the
webmaster
We are posting them here
July 1, 2012 From B. Nadeau with D. Watson
I attended the Canadian
Aviation Hall of Fame induction Dinner in Montreal last week. During the
evening I had the occasion to chat and have a photo with Don and Gisella Watson.
During the event, Don was named Chairman Emeritus of the Hall of Fame. Great,
memorable evening.
June 24, 2012 - PWQ DC6 in Finland
Hello. I found your website and it shows that you flew one of the DC6's (CF-PWQ)
of which I have it's nose section preserved here in Finland..!! I
purchased it from Phoenix Arizona and had it shipped to Finland. I have spent
lot of time to restoring it and soon to be made to a flight simulator...:)
I'm sure some of your people would be interested of knowing this. So.They may
contact me: pekka_kauppi@yahoo.com
Here I include some images for you to see...
Thank You Pekka J Kauppi
May 2, 2012 - From SEA Operations
I am a former airline employee (Braniff). I was transferred to Seattle in 1973,
to handle Pacific Western Airlines Flights at SEA. You folks were a great
airline! Best people in the industry I ever met. I left Braniff, after being
"bit by the flying bug". Went back to University and US Air Force Reserve
Officers Training Corps (ROTC). The USAF began a massive drawdown after the
Vietnam war,and I was told "no active duty, no flight training! and I was told,
after making some announcements on a PA system, I had what it took to become a
newscaster. I have been in the business in the US ever since. Have also logged a
lot of flight time in everything from Pipers/Cessna's and F16s etc: Retired from
US Air Force Auxiliary as officer/public affairs.
Have a great day Dennis Crowley
Dennis worked with Lew Stannard CSM SEA where he handled flights of Convairs,
Electra, and once in a while a B737 or B707.
The DC7 -
International Operations -
Joe Kapeller.
In response to
the DC7B Video submitted by Cliff Beck, I would like to add a little history for
the web pages.
PWA started overseas operations in 1964 with DC6B’s and DC7’s. This endeavour
was lead by Captain Henry Schindler. Later that year, management, when
considering how best to retain their market share, decided to obtain 2 DC7C’s
for the 1965 program.
PWA operated the 2 DC7C’s on overseas charter flights from 1965 to 1968
** CF-PWM, EX KLM (Designated Seven Seas**) -
** CF-NAI, EX NWA
** Capacity
** 102 PAX + 4 F/A's, and up to 5 cockpit crew.
** MTOW 143.000 lbs
** MAX FUEL 45,770 lbs.
** Max Landing Weight 110,000 lbs.
**
this
aircraft was an improved long-range variant with a non-stop transatlantic
capability, improved 3400hp (2540kW) R-3350 engines and increased fuel capacity
mainly in longer wings, 121 built. - from Wikipedia
March 12, 2012 - Stu Russell sends us
The last commercial flight of the Hercules.
March 12,
2012 - 1963 and 1970 Executive Org Chart (from J. Kapeller)
March 12,
2012
Here is a check ride on a DC-7 - very interesting (from C. Beck).
The Good Ol' Days ...
http://marcbrecy.perso.neuf.fr/DC7.html
Feb 18, 2012 Some New Aircraft
(from DD -
thx)
Jan 15, 2012 - Pacific Western Display at Calgary Airport
The
webmaster was contacted by Ron Frayley who is working with the Calgary Airport
Authority on an airline display at the Calgary Airport and specifically one that
will showcase PW to Calgary travelers. Ron will send updates and info as
the project progresses so please check back. If you wish to contact or
help Ron - you can
email him here. We are very excited about keeping the memories of our
airline alive and seeing the results of these endeavours.
My name is Ron Fraley and I wanted to let the website and members know that I'm
in the process of arranging a Pacific Western airlines display at the Calgary
International. I have official drawings from Boeing of the paint along with
several photo's and artwork. I'm currently in the process of having a 1/50 scale
737-200 made for the display as well.
I think Pacific Western is a huge part of history in Canada and should be
recognized and remembered. It's a shame that there is nothing at the airport
remembering you guys and the airline. I feel this would be a wonderful
opportunity in Calgary considering hundreds of thousands travel through the
airport each year. Pacific Western means a lot to me in my life. As a child I
flew on the 737 to Yellowknife for the first time at 11 years old in 1986 and
during that flight I was able to go to the cockpit and fell in love. From that
point on in my life I wanted to become a pilot and managed to do that for a
career.
I thought I would email you guys and keep you posted and maybe a little blurb
could be written up on the website about the display. The display should be up
some time this summer. I will send updates and photos of the different items
that will be included on display. Some of these items also include Nordair along
with CP air, but will primarily be Pacific Western. I would love the employees
to be able to contribute to the display as well.
I want to have a section where employees can have their name and a little
sentence of what it meant to them working for PWA. Even photo's of them at their
different jobs!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers ! Ron!
P.S., The model pictured is almost a foot and a half. It should be completed
this week. It has an actual chrome bottom and engines. It should show really
well.
See the
Archives Page for older articles
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