[vaportrail]

Go to CHED's website and take part in the poll! Vote to shut it down!

Unfortunately it's a bit of a click-fest. No IP address/cookie check. Or perhaps that's a good thing, depending on your point of view ...

[tuffyy]

Some cool visitors arriving YEG this week.

5xSukhoi SU-30's

3xIL-76 tankers

From the Indian Airforce enroute to a U.S military excercise.Stopping at EG for a day on Thursday or Friday?

[Jasper and one o nin]

The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming!

[CanadianCentaur]

Su-30 fighters look utterly COOL. :cool:

[northwest2k]

My teacher told me there are runways being built up near the oil sands so 747's can land there and drop off workers (didn't say where from). Is this true?

[Coldrsx]

wouldnt suprise me...but the capital involved with a runway for such an aircraft would be MASSIVE. Would be more cost effective IMO to fly into Edmonton then bus people or use a 737 to land on the current runway.

[CanadianCentaur]

My teacher told me there are runways being built up near the oil sands so 747's can land there and drop off workers (didn't say where from). Is this true?

There is an airstrip built by CNRL near the Horizon project about a couple of hours' drive north of Fort Mac that's taking 737s. But 747s? No.

I've seen signs in the departure lounge at YEG showing where the Horizon Oilsands flights are supposed to be boarding at - the same gates as Canadian North and First Air, I believe.

Suncor's building an airstrip complete with a terminal that would be capable of handling two 737-800s (or A320s) at once.

Neither runways up there would be able to handle 747s or even 767s - they just aren't long enough, and I don't think they'd be planning on handling anything larger than the 737 or A320.

[lubicon]

There is an airstrip built by CNRL near the Horizon project about a couple of hours' drive north of Fort Mac that's taking 737s. But 747s? No.

I've seen signs in the departure lounge at YEG showing where the Horizon Oilsands flights are supposed to be boarding at - the same gates as Canadian North and First Air, I believe.

Suncor's building an airstrip complete with a terminal that would be capable of handling two 737-800s (or A320s) at once.
Neither runways up there would be able to handle 747s or even 767s - they just aren't long enough, and I don't think they'd be planning on handling anything larger than the 737 or A320.

This one is now complete too, as of a couple of months ago. It is up near their Firebag project, a couple of hours (by vehicle) north of Ft mac.

[CMD UW]

Didnt Ched do a poll about two or three months ago????????
What?, are they hoping the results will be different? Dead horse, quit beating it and close the ******* thing already
So far 66% voting to close for good!!

[vaportrail]

So far 66% voting to close for good!!

53% and dropping fast ... ;)

[Jasper and one o nin]

Its almost 10 and the poll is still open. seems to me last time they had the poll, the shut er down as soon as the "close the muni" side overtook the "increase traffic" sometime around 4 pm sonsabitches

[Jasper and one o nin]

i talked to Kim Krushel a while back. She said that if the debate ever opened up - it would be keep it as is or shut it down

[EdmTrekker]

I cast my vote to shut er down. Crappy site with no controls....results questionable. The ONLY vote that counts is the one the City had.

[rapid_business]

/\ Exactly. Saw a news clip on CTV while in the proshop before I tee'd off this evening. Anyone else see that? They seemed to have a pro-muni slant to the broadcast.

[Jasper and one o nin]

AC is cutting 2000 staff and grounding a portion of their fleet due to fuel costs

[Rocket252]

AC is cutting 2000 staff and grounding a portion of their fleet due to fuel costs

And because of Air Cananda's hub system I bet we will be shuffled through Calgary even more now.

[Jasper and one o nin]

from CBC...
Air Canada said Tuesday it plans to eliminate 2,000 jobs and reduce its capacity as the company joins the list of airlines cutting back in the face of higher fuel prices.

The airline also hinted that more capacity cuts may be necessary if fuel costs remain at their current levels.

The country's biggest carrier said it will reduce its overall capacity by seven per cent in the last three months of this year and the first quarter of 2009.

The airline said fuel prices have more than doubled over the past year, and that a $1 per barrel increase in the price of oil adds $26 million to its annual fuel bill.

Most of the job cuts are expected to take effect Nov. 1 and will be spread across the country. The company has the equivalent of 23,900 full-time employees.

Air Canada said fuel is its single biggest expense — accounting for more than 30 per cent of its operating expenses. The company expects its total fuel charge will be $1 billion higher this year than last year.

"The loss of jobs is painful in view of our employees' hard work in bringing the airline back to profitability over the past four years," said Montie Brewer, Air Canada's president and CEO.

"I regret having to take these actions but they are necessary to remain competitive going forward. Air Canada, like most global airlines, needs to adapt its business and reduce flying that has become unprofitable in the current fuel environment. If fuel prices remain at current levels, we can anticipate further capacity reductions," Brewer said in a release.

Air Canada said it expects the price of jet fuel will average 93 cents per litre for 2008.

The airline projected it will cost an average of $230 in fuel this year to carry one passenger on a round-trip journey, after factoring in the company's fuel hedging program. That is up from $146 last year and $110 in 2004.

13% cut to U.S. routes
Air Canada said it plans to cut capacity on its domestic routes by two per cent, its routes into the U.S. by 13 per cent and its international capacity by seven per cent.




'Air Canada is no different than you or I. Have you thought about driving your SUV less, or even selling it? Why? Because it's expensive to run.'

--mycentsworth

Add your comment


The airline said it will suspend its Toronto-Rome non-stop service until the peak summer season and halt Vancouver-Osaka non-stop services on October 26.

The airline's revised fall-and-winter flying schedule and changes to its fleet of aircraft will be announced at a later date.

Airline analyst Joseph D'Cruz said the North American airline industry has been hit by a "perfect storm."

"The U.S. airlines are suffering badly, and one or two of them may go bankrupt because as fuel rises they're slapping [on] surcharges, and at the same time there's a recession the United States," said D'Cruz, who is a professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management.

"The two things together — higher surcharges and the recession — are dampening demand, and that is hurting cash flow in the United States to the point where some of those airlines may be pushed into bankruptcy.

Several U.S. airlines have already announced cuts to their fleets and staff in the face of higher fuel costs and soft demand.

[Coldrsx]

^im a little worried...

[240glt]

Rising energy prices are going to dampen demand for air travel all around the globe.

[lubicon]

^im a little worried...

Since AC has a relatively small presence in Edmonton you guys might get off without too much pain. You can see the biggest cuts will be to transborder routes (13%) and AC only has one transborder flight out of YEG (correct?). Domestic cuts are only 2% so about the only changes you may see are downguages in aircraft. International cuts of 7%, again only one flight (LHR) so you should be OK, unless they axe that one again. It may depend on what kind of yields they are getting.

[lubicon]

My teacher told me there are runways being built up near the oil sands so 747's can land there and drop off workers (didn't say where from). Is this true?

I forgot to add a few points:

I'm pretty sure CNRL and Suncor have agreed to only run charters into their airstrips and not open them to general aviation or commercial flights. This was done to protect the Ft McMurray Airport and it's traffic.

Ft Mac is going to re-open their control tower this fall which should help move traffic in and out more efficiently. They are also supposedly building a parallel runway, which will be the first parallel runway airport in Alberta (not counting CFB Cold Lake).

[MalcolmTucker]

Since AC has a relatively small presence in Edmonton you guys might get off without too much pain. You can see the biggest cuts will be to transborder routes (13%) and AC only has one transborder flight out of YEG (correct?). Domestic cuts are only 2% so about the only changes you may see are downguages in aircraft. International cuts of 7%, again only one flight (LHR) so you should be OK, unless they axe that one again. It may depend on what kind of yields they are getting.

What is interesting with this particular cycle, is the drop in demand could result in upgrades of aircraft. It may mean a drop in frequency of flights, while larger planes are fitted in slots. If enough large bodies get cut from oversees flights, we could see two narrow body flights to Toronto consolidated in a 767, saving fuel, landing/gate fees, and air crew costs. (for example)

Another example would be two CRJ flights being pushed into one A319. Again, you save air crew and fuel.

Depending how Air Canada's leases of smaller jets are structured, the CRJ-200s could be replaced by Q400s.

Unless Edmonton's LHR flight is not performing, it should be fine. Remember however, that performing doesn't just mean load factor. Cargo carriage and filling the business class seats are just as important as filling economy. If I was an Air Canada scheduler, and thought that BA wouldn't come in to replace a pulled flight, I would likely do it and consolidate in Calgary.

[S_B_Russell]

From Hicks on Six:

END IN SIGHT?

With yet another downtown airport report coming to city council this week, more and more councillors are now willing to shut down City Centre Airport once and for all.

It's been 13 years since scheduled airline service was consolidated over at the International Airport.

What a great decision that was, crucial to the reawakening of a then-stagnating city.

We created "critical mass" at the International. It's since become Canada's fastest-growing airport.

Edmonton has become an air hub in its own right, not a Calgary satellite. (One day, even Air Canada will figure this out.)

The International is no longer considered "out of town," Henday Drive has even further reduced travel time.

Meanwhile, there's all that downtown airport land, plum for redevelopment if planes would stop swooping down.

But City Centre Airport proponents are like Glenn Close coming out of the bathtub in Fatal Attraction.

They refuse to die!

Coun. Tony Caterina has thrown in his lot with the "Community Air Access Network of Alberta," a lobby group dedicated to expanding City Centre Airport to more scheduled flights with more passengers.

Will close-the-airport city councillors seize the moment, seeking to close the City Centre Airport for good and exploring other land-use, tax-earning potential. (NAIT expansion? A site for a World Fair bid?)

The airport authority would be ecstatic, as the downtown airport is an expensive millstone around its neck. The authority now brands itself completely as EIA - Edmonton International Airport.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Hicks_Graham/2008/06/17/5897961-sun.html

[Edmonchuck]

GH called me last night for some info, and shared some nice tidbits as well....this debate is OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[ExcaliburKid]

So how long til the muni is gone then?

[tuffyy]

For those folks worried about AC pulling flights from YEG, dont worry...

YEG-LHR is performing as high as it can with high yields.

Its more of a staffing reduction with check-in staff, ground staff etc.With the Alberta economy as strong as it is, Alberta as a whole should see little impact from this announcement.

We have been told we have nothing to worry about, because believe me as soon as the announcement was made we were talking to the AC higher powers.

[Edmonchuck]

Oh, but I hear that AC is pulling out forever....FOREEEEEEVER....

Awh crap, I can't even say that one with a straight face,

[Coldrsx]

Mini-City at Muni worth $500M
Council to debate report outlining case for airport redevelopment

Gordon Kent, With files from Steve Lillebuen
The Edmonton Journal


Wednesday, June 18, 2008


EDMONTON - The city could earn more than $500 million and create a community twice the size of Fort Saskatchewan by selling the City Centre Airport for development, a confidential report says.

A commercial-residential project on the 217-hectare site could house 32,000 to 37,000 people in a mix of row houses, walkups and highrises, helping limit suburban sprawl and possibly stimulating other construction nearby, says a copy of the report seen by The Journal.

The area would be "a model of successful smart growth and transit-oriented development," serviced by the LRT and possibly a heliport, says the city document scheduled to be discussed today by councillors behind closed doors.

In addition to the money raised by selling the vacant land -- potentially more than Edmonton received when it put Ed Tel on the market in 1995 -- city officials also estimate they could collect an extra $70 million to $90 million annually from new property taxes.

That's roughly equal to the revenue from a 10- to 12-per-cent tax hike.

Closing the airport would also eliminate a zoning "overlay" now restricting the height of many Edmonton buildings in order to protect aircraft safety, which is increasingly constraining downtown growth, the report says.

The overlay has led to design or construction changes on several recent inner-city projects, including the new Epcor Tower, which was revised down to 28 storeys from 36.

Every floor eliminated from a highrise costs the city $110,000 a year in lost property taxes, the report says.

The status of the airport has been discussed repeatedly since a 1995 referendum in which voters endorsed consolidating flights at the Edmonton International Airport.

Edmonton Airports now limits scheduled flights into the downtown field to planes carrying a maximum of 10 passengers.

The report warns of possible storm clouds on the horizon.

It says the facility's role isn't clear, there's little room for expansion and there's the "significant challenge" of paying with limited revenue for an estimated $35-million worth of rehabilitation to both runways, roads, storm sewers and other work by 2017.

The report states there are unknown costs of cleaning up years of environmental contamination if the site is sold.

There also hasn't been an assessment of the feasibility and risks of redevelopment. As well, the city has leased the land to Edmonton Airports until 2052 and would have to negotiate with any tenants it wanted to leave the property.

But officials urge councillors to decide the airport's future within the next year, saying this will make a difference to major projects such as the location of the NAIT LRT station, the route of future LRT expansion to the northwest and other development.

City administrators want to start the ball rolling as soon as this fall with further reports to council, including how Capital Health would provide medevac and other health services if the airport was closed, and an analysis of the development opportunities.

Coun. Tony Caterina, who asked for airport information last winter, has said the three options for the airport are closing it, allowing planes to carry 19 passengers or raising the passenger cap while allowing an organization such as NAIT to use some of the land for classrooms.

Mayor Stephen Mandel, who supports the 10-passenger limit, wouldn't say what he would like to see happen to the airport.

"This is an issue that just doesn't want to seem to go away. It keeps coming up and coming up and coming up, and I think council will have to deal with it again and deal with it in a manner they see fit. We'll see what happens."

A 2004 city report estimated the land and buildings along Airport Road had a market value of up to $50 million.

gkent@thejournal.canwest.com

© The Edmonton Journal 2008

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=6f29664f-cf9e-461d-b444-b7354a968cab

[oilfan]

From today's Sun:

Meanwhile, Jim Rudolph, spokesman for Edmonton Airports, said yesterday's announcement by Air Canada that it will cut 2,000 jobs and shrink its capacity will have minimal impact locally. The Edmonton International Airport is growing rapidly and there's still high demand for flights to and from the provincial capital, he said.

"We're expecting some frequency reductions on some routes, but it's not clear what those would be," Rudolph said. "It's minimal compared to what other markets might experience."

[ZiZiPop]

So CAANA has a page in 24hours. (p.21)

http://v2.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/24hrsedmonton/20080618/2008061701/

[MalcolmTucker]

Re: Muni

It is pretty clear that the site's remediation problems should be payed for with a TIF. A more interesting question: do you keep the runways as wide boulevards to accommodate auto racing?

Also might be considered a hybrid site for a new arena, especially since your able to design the entire context from scratch, have LRT service, and two links to the Yellowhead.

Also, why keep a heliport? Its just a wasted land use.

A market question: does Edmonton have the capacity to absord a huge project like this at the same time as the downtown east end, and the other TODs being put forward? Last thing you want to do is have a TIF that can't pay its own loan.

[ExcaliburKid]

^I think the reason for the heliport is because STARs uses the muni alot, and it would be tough to find a suitable location should YXD close for good.

[Coldrsx]

man made lake...man made lake!

[feepa]

I would imagine YXD redevelopment would be a 20+ year project? There's no way that it all gets developed at once. It would take a few years just to do some of the remediation

[Coldrsx]

how about a massive lake and park

[feepa]

^ And a huge beach!!!

[deedub35]

Having 109 street continue north through the airport lands, going under or interchanging at yellowhead, tunneling under the tracks, and connecting to 113A avenue would be sweet. Would relieve a little strain off 97 street and 127 street.

[ExcaliburKid]

Hello Worlds Fair grounds?

[Coldrsx]

^bingo

[CanadianCentaur]

So how long til the muni is gone then?

Likely a lot sooner than you think! :cool:

[JAH]

So what does this mean for the Indy Grand Prix when the Muni shuts? No effect?

[Coldrsx]

^muni would take a long time to "shut down" and while we have a 3 yr contract there is no reason why we couldnt make another venue potentially long term.

[EdmTrekker]

^muni would take a long time to "shut down" and while we have a 3 yr contract there is no reason why we couldnt make another venue potentially long term.

Yes - at an expanded Northlands Park with bleachers.

[IKAN104]

Having 109 street continue north through the airport lands, going under or interchanging at yellowhead, tunneling under the tracks, and connecting to 113A avenue would be sweet. Would relieve a little strain off 97 street and 127 street.

Would relieve a lot of strain off 97th and 127th Streets and save driving time. That railyard severely limits access to the north.

[S_B_Russell]

Thirty-seven Air Canada jobs on the line in Calgary: CAW
Calgary Herald
Published: Wednesday, June 18, 2008
CALGARY - Air Canada could chop 26 full-time jobs in Calgary and nearly half that again in part-time positions, said a union representing employees with the nation's top carrier.

The Canadian Auto Workers Local 2002 said an estimated 350 to 400 of its members will feel the impact of Air Canada's announcement Tuesday that it will trim capacity by seven per cent in concert with 2,000 jobs system-wide by the end of 2008 in the wake of escalating fuel costs.

CAW Local 2002 calculates Calgary will lose 26 full-time and 11 part-time jobs under Air Canada's proposed staffing cuts. In Edmonton, the numbers are 19 full-time jobs and 9 part-time jobs.
CAW Local 2002 president Leslie Dias said the union has about 235 members at the airports in Calgary and 120 in Edmonton. Calgary has additional staff working in reservations and a customer solution centre, she said.


Proportionally, the breakdown is actually the worst in Edmonton, followed by Vancouver, followed by Calgary," she said.From a straight numbers perspective, Vancouver will see the most cuts, with 69 full-time jobs and 30 part-time jobs on the block, followed by Toronto with 63 full-time jobs and 27 part-time jobs to be cut.

Winnipeg had the least, with eight full-time and three part-time positions. Across the country, 30 full-time reservationists will also be affected, the CAW said.

Air Canada would not confirm the union's job cut numbers.

Angela Mah, Air Canada spokeswoman, said the carrier is discussing with the union a variety of options that could minimize involuntary layoffs.

"We have no further details to provide at this time, but the reduction in employees is in direct correlation to the reduction in flying, which is still being finalized," she said.

Dias said CAW Local 2002 is focused on getting packages for its affected members. Given the permanent layoffs, the appropriate way to deal with it is through buyouts, she suggested.

"We do have a large proportion of senior staff that would be willing to leave on a voluntary basis to keep our more junior employees at work and able to support their families," Dias said.

Canada's largest airline said the cutbacks are necessary as it deals with nearly $1 billion more in fuel costs this year. The price of oil has more than doubled since 2007.

Air Canada released few specifics about which routes will be cut, beginning in this year's fourth quarter.

Air Canada employs nearly 1,600 workers in Calgary and Edmonton. Air Canada A shares were unchanged on the TSX Wednesday, closing at $9.13.

gteel@theherald.canwest.com

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=47337ee8-c7e9-4595-b2fc-424eb97304ff

[ibz]

Edmonton loses the highest proportion of jobs! While thats not a shock, I am actually quite surprised that there were 19 full time Air Canada employees in Edmonton! Other then the one grump who tells you where to throw your own bag on the belt after you check in on the computer by yourself....where are the rest of them?

[Rocket252]

Wait till they start announcing route cuts for the fall and winter season.

Your going to see increased routing through Calgary.

I would not be surprised if they even cut back LHR to 3 times a week.

[S_B_Russell]

Yeah, I've got a bad feeling we're going to get screwed.

[hilman]

Obviously most fuel is used during takeoff so the least amounts of takeoffs for a flight would be favored. Seems like going non-stop would be the most economical way if the correct plane size is used (assuming a high load factor).

Regards

[S_B_Russell]

^ That's how I understand it, but with AC reason is often thrown out the window.

[hilman]

Lol, very true. They usually do the opposite of rational thinking and logic for the EIA.

[dansk]

They have stated in the news that they will be cutting back on short haul flights. International flights from YVR to Asia, and one flight to Rome are so far cut.

I think YEG will be safe. Might go to 3x weekly in winter, but you guys probably have good cargo loads like Calgary.

[Bigtime]

Just thought I would post a link to another forum where you can get more of a pilots perspective of how they are viewing this latest round of 'to close or not to close' the muni:

http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=44019

Only a few replies there so far, but what do you all make of it here? I know most of you come from very different backgrounds, but there are some aviation geared ones here as well.

[240glt]

Pilots should stick to flying planes.

[tuffyy]

FYI for the spotting crowd.

IAF first wave expected around 1530 Friday.

[Edmonchuck]

Just thought I would post a link to another forum where you can get more of a pilots perspective of how they are viewing this latest round of 'to close or not to close' the muni:

http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=44019

Only a few replies there so far, but what do you all make of it here? I know most of you come from very different backgrounds, but there are some aviation geared ones here as well.

Same ol' same ol'

had to post though...

[Bigtime]

Oh no Edmonchuck! You joined up at AvCanada? It is one of the most bitter and angry forums I've ever come across. Particularly fun is watching a young 200 hour fresh CPL poster get destroyed by the "community" there!

That forum can almost make you believe that aviation; especially pilots, eat their own young!

Your response is great, and probably far too educated for the majority on there. I eagerly await their responses, if they can come up with any. I would just assume some slander tossed your way.

[itom 987]

What a terrible forum.

[Tower Crane]

Who out there has the real scope on the Status of Port Alberta. Winnipeg is gunning for what is essentially an exact copy of Port Alberta.
Only Room for one in my opinion.
Where is Port Alberta at?

[Rocket252]

And the hotel?

Its almost July and we have had a lot of talk but no action regarding YEG.

[Bigtime]

Who out there has the real scope on the Status of Port Alberta. Winnipeg is gunning for what is essentially an exact copy of Port Alberta.
Only Room for one in my opinion.
Where is Port Alberta at?

I may be jealous of all your plans up there for Port Alberta, but don't go and lose out to Winnipeg!

PS: I'm also jealous of all the sweet fighters and such you have coming through YEG right now. All I got this morning was one big cup of "extremely loud RAF VC-10 taking off at 7:15" :haha:

[tuffyy]

IAF SU-30's are now gone, but not before making a hell of a boom on the way out 3 of the fighters joined formation then flew a low fast pass over runway 20.

Only 1 IL-76 (Actually a IL-78 tanker.) is due through now as it had mechanical problems and was diverted to Prestwick.

2 Friends from EFC FBO got a ride for free on the B-25 that passed through yesterday and one of the guys forgot his seatbelt that caused him to do some floating around in the cabin of the aircraft as they did a dive and low full power pass over YXD. There is footage of this event and I will post it as soon as it gets sent to me.

I will try to give a Port Alberta update Monday...

[Bigtime]

Well now I hate you guys...SU-30's? Damn! And a B-25...that would have been a hell of a ride to get to go along for!

[Edmonchuck]

Oh no Edmonchuck! You joined up at AvCanada? It is one of the most bitter and angry forums I've ever come across. Particularly fun is watching a young 200 hour fresh CPL poster get destroyed by the "community" there!

That forum can almost make you believe that aviation; especially pilots, eat their own young!

Your response is great, and probably far too educated for the majority on there. I eagerly await their responses, if they can come up with any. I would just assume some slander tossed your way.

:cheers:

....why do you think my first salvo was politely vitriolic... ;) Yes, even as a kid, the arrogance of some of the flying community made me think I was lunch. The mission focused attitude of pilots makes them think...ok...act only in one way, with one choice, and one decision....

This could be fun! I could be a TROLL!!!!!

[alexis]

Sorry, IAF SU-30's in Edmonton..are we talking Indian Air Force here....when, where, why!!!!!
And I missed them..bugger! When is the Il-78 due...can't miss that.
Is there a way to get alerts sent via email without having to check this forum every day!!



btw an Air Canada 777 diverted into YEG this evening from PEK-YYZ. It was ACA 32 operated by C-FIUV
C0173E ACA032 C-FIUV B773 9425 2475 23/06/2008 17:23:54
C0173E ACA032 C-FIUV B773 2675 15050 23/06/2008 18:45:14
Anyone know why it came in?

IF you could send me an email at yahoo@antoankis.co.uk I'd appreciate it as I don;t check the forum very often.

Cheers
Alexis

[alexis]

Just heard from a mate of mine from Prestwick and no IL-78's through there of late...in fact no-one knows anything about IAF aircraft routing through Europe...period...maybe they came across the Pacific...do you know where in the US they're heading to? And more importantly, are they due in YEG on their way back?
Where did they all park? Anyone has any photos at all? And any one have the serials?
Also understand that some CAF CF-188's came in on Sunday, callsign 'Nightmare II', diverting from Calgary..any ideas on the serials?

Alexis

[tuffyy]

Also Minnesota national guard C-130 due on Wednesday.

[Bigtime]

Where do you guys get most of your info regarding Military movements? I just had to luck into seeing the Tornados landing at YYC today. I knew they were due back again but had no idea on the timeframe.

[tuffyy]

I keep a close relationship with the two airport FBO's and they love the airplane chat.

The 777-300 that AC brought through was for a ''Medical'' diversion.

I find the FBO's are almost more interesting for the array of aircraft that can be seen.

[alexis]

The Tornado at YYC are based there for anything from 1 week to 3...The FBO says one date, the crews another...but they will be flying all this week, popping in and out all the time

[Bigtime]

The Tornado at YYC are based there for anything from 1 week to 3...The FBO says one date, the crews another...but they will be flying all this week, popping in and out all the time

Last year they must have been here a solid 3-4 weeks. Multiple flights going the whole day, it is great for the casual spotter because you were bound to see a couple of them either returning or ripping out with the afterburner going.

I was hoping they would take part in the Stampede Parade opening, I'm guessing the Snowbirds will be flying over 9th Avenue to start it up. How sweet would it be to have some Tornados ripping over as well :slob:

[alexis]

Remember Tornados can fly at LOW level, and I mean really LOW level...so if they did that over Calgary, you'd get a Stampede for certain ;)

They may be there for more than just one week..last year they were indeed there for the 3-4 weeks...there's some Typhoons in Nevada at the moment and people are 'hoping' that maybe they'll swap them around, but I suspect it's just hoping....

Alexis

[McLovin]

Hey fellas,
Love all talk about the airplanes that are flying into and out of our area. Just a suggestion, if possible can you post some pics of the model of type of airplane you are talking about. Would add to the excitement.

@Tuffy: Cant wait for the news!! Very exciting.

Keep up the good investigative work:yes:

[Bigtime]

Hey fellas,
Love all talk about the airplanes that are flying into and out of our area. Just a suggestion, if possible can you post some pics of the model of type of airplane you are talking about. Would add to the excitement.

@Tuffy: Cant wait for the news!! Very exciting.

Keep up the good investigative work:yes:

Wikipedia and Google Image Search are your friends, it would be a lot quicker to search the types on there than have us clutter these threads with pics not even from YEG.

[tuffyy]

MNG C-130 ETA;1350

Mostly always early though.

Also a CC-150 polaris on the FBO ramp today.

Later tonight a single USAF C-32 will also arrive. ETA TBA.

[Jasper and one o nin]

USAF C-32 - is that the one with the same livery as air force one?

[MalcolmTucker]

C-32 are the 757-200s.

Are some members of congress or the senate going on a tour of the oilsands today, after meetings in Edmonton?

It has similar livery to the VC-25s, which in that case yes, they have similar livery to Air Force One.

[lubicon]

USAF C-32 - is that the one with the same livery as air force one?

C-32 are the 757-200s.

Are some members of congress or the senate going on a tour of the oilsands today, after meetings in Edmonton?

It has similar livery to the VC-25s, which in that case yes, they have similar livery to Air Force One.

Minor point. ANY (US military) aircraft that carries the US President is designated with the callsign 'Airforce One' (or 'Marine One' in the case of the helicopter you see the president boarding at the White House. It could be the VC-25's, the C-32's or a Cessna 150.

Air Force One is not a specific aircraft, it is a callsign.

[MalcolmTucker]

As the earlier had called the vc-25s air force one colloquially, I had chosen to do the same.

No need to get uppity!

[Bigtime]

Minor point. ANY (US military) aircraft that carries the US President is designated with the callsign 'Airforce One' (or 'Marine One' in the case of the helicopter you see the president boarding at the White House. It could be the VC-25's, the C-32's or a Cessna 150.

Air Force One is not a specific aircraft, it is a callsign.

Man if I had a dollar for every time I've seen this posted (or a variation of) I'd be a millionaire! :haha:

[lubicon]

As the earlier had called the vc-25s air force one colloquially, I had chosen to do the same.

No need to get uppity!

Not getting uppity at all, just figured I would throw it out there.

Man if I had a dollar for every time I've seen this posted (or a variation of) I'd be a millionaire! :haha:

But it IS true. If I had a dollar for every time I have heard the term 'Air Force One' mis-used I would be a millionare too!!:D

Kinda like how any small plane is often referred to as a 'Cessna'.

[Bigtime]

Kinda like how any small plane is often referred to as a 'Cessna'.

No way, I used to fly Piper Cessna 172's all the time! :D

[alexis]

Some of these C-32's are operated by, well how should I put it...'a branch of the government that does not officially exist' and so the identity of the aircraft, or at least what is painted on the outside, keeps changing or does not actually exist at all!
There are two maybe three C-32's like this, but it could just be the one keep changing ;) These ones tend to be in a different colour scheme, even plain white, But the rest of them are perfectly normal VIP configured 757's.

Will the C-130 be night stopping?

Alexis

[MalcolmTucker]

:previous: The white one's are registered to the state department, and are officially used to transport around a "Foreign Emergency Support Team".

Nothing untoward really. Unless your a conspiracy theorist that is.

[alexis]

:previous: The white one's are registered to the state department, and are officially used to transport around a "Foreign Emergency Support Team".

Nothing untoward really. Unless your a conspiracy theorist that is.

But that's the point, the ones I'm talking about aren't 'officially' registered to anyone, and I'm most certainly not into conspiracies...except for maybe by the oil companies ;)

But it doesn;t really matter anyway

[tuffyy]

The Minnesota national guard C-130 is here for 2 days and is parked on the Executive flight centre ramp, infact one can actually get very close to the airplane groundside.

The C-32 is likely a ''white one'' as it was the last time they visited.And they like to visit in the middle of the night...

[MalcolmTucker]

The Minnesota national guard C-130 is here for 2 days and is parked on the Executive flight centre ramp, infact one can actually get very close to the airplane groundside.

The C-32 is likely a ''white one'' as it was the last time they visited.And they like to visit in the middle of the night...

With a C-130 and a C-32 I would guess some VIPs are coming to town, along with their own wheels. I couldn't think of another likely reason why a cargo plane would sit for two days.

[tuffyy]

The C-32 arrived at 0330 and took on fuel then departed at 0500.


Just a tech stop.

Also a NASA P-3 orion is due into YEG in the next couple of hours.

[itsbryan]

I just thought I'd throw in a bit of useless information into this thread.

Between September and November, I had the privledge of working as a TDY for ATS who's contracted with Northwest, WestJet, and some other company (I can only remember a Dash 8 Q100 with a wolf or a fox on the side).. as a Ramp Lead. I was transfered from YYZ, Terminal 3.. and man, it was an awesome experience.

The change from a massive airport to a tiny (in comparison) one took a bit of getting used to, but after I got over the change in size, I much preferred it.
It was a pretty uneventful 3 months, with the exception of a passenger's cat getting loose and running across the apron.. and American Airlines' 777 doing a reroute landing (mechanical, I think).. which was funny, because coming from YYZ, 777s, and 747s are a common sight.. but when it arrived in YEG, my co-workers were amazed at the size and stood around watching it.

So, yeah.. I'd just thought I'd let you know that I'm a fan of your 'little' airport. :)

Edit: Oh, it was a Dash 8 Q400 from Horizon. I only had experience with 737s, 757s and A3219/20s.. so it was a nice change to be able to stand in the belly.. if not, a new challenge for stacking methods.

[Coldrsx]

^good to hear:>

[alexis]

The C-32 arrived at 0330 and took on fuel then departed at 0500.


Just a tech stop.

Also a NASA P-3 orion is due into YEG in the next couple of hours.

Any idea on the serial of the C-32...nothing showed up on my SBS box?


As for the P-3
This has appeared on the flight trackers now as NASA426, which would make it N426NA - photo here:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/NASA/Lockheed-P-3B-Orion/1348980/M/
It's estimating 1333 arrival, but scheduled as 1554..looks like it could be flying overhead Calgary on it's way in..it'll due to be on J517

Nothing listed for its outbound.

Cheers
Alexis

[tuffyy]

The rest of the NASA team is now also enroute with a DC-8-50 series and a Kingair aswell.

YEG will be home for a few weeks now...

[Coldrsx]

I saw what looks like that P-3 at the muni 10min ago...very similar if not.

[alexis]

The DC-8 has just landed, 15:27, and the P-3 is about 15 minutes out

[Coldrsx]

^ok...so then what the heck was/is sitting on near the hangers at the muni?

[alexis]

Which hangars would they be?

[Coldrsx]

near Spar's old place...the big blue one. Well just south of it.

[MalcolmTucker]

Does it have the magnetometer tail boom? What colour?

Buffalo Airways flys Electras out of Red Deer, could be up at the muni for maintenance.

There are also a bunch of Electras converted to water bombing use. Not sure why they would use the muni however.

[Coldrsx]

Does it have the magnetometer tail boom? What colour?

Buffalo Airways flys Electras out of Red Deer, could be up at the muni for maintenance.

There are also a bunch of Electras converted to water bombing use. Not sure why they would use the muni however.


color - white
4 engines, prop
large rounded tail fin

[MalcolmTucker]

This (http://www.buffaloairways.com/electra.htm)?