Eternal Recurrence: The Curse of a Fighter Pilot’s Actions

A man stands aboard a British cargo flight crossing the Atlantic in 1942. He appears disoriented and has no memory of how he got on the flight. He is later speaking with the pilot and passengers, dismissing fears of the flight being pursued by enemy fighter jets with an uncommon knowledge of aerial warfare tactics. He can’t explain how he knows this information and only recalls being born in Frankfurt. When asked for proof of his identity, he cannot provide any. The flight is forced to make an emergency landing for engine repairs and the man becomes increasingly restless, convinced that everyone on the flight will die at a specific time. In a panic, he runs through the cabin, trying to raise an alarm, but finds the flight is empty. When he finally sees some of the passengers, they stare at him silently before disappearing. At the designated time, the enemy fighter jet, commanded by Captain Carl Lanser, attacks and shoots down the flight, leaving no survivors.

Later, Captain Lanser is in his cockpit, recording the successful mission. His co-pilot, Lt. Mueller, expresses concern about their actions, questioning if they are not “damned” in the eyes of God. Despite Lanser’s skepticism, Mueller becomes increasingly convinced that they will face retribution for their actions. Haunted by his past actions, Lanser returns to the cockpit of the doomed flight, reliving the tragedy for eternity.

The Inflight Sales Pitch: A Tale of Cheating Death

Captain Bookman is a beloved flight attendant who sells and repairs inflight items, and is adored by the passengers. One day, while on a layover, Bookman is visited by Mr. Death, who tells him that he is to die at midnight of natural causes. Unable to convince Death by pointing out his years of flying experience and good deeds, Bookman eventually comes up with a plan. He convinces Death to wait until he makes his greatest inflight sales pitch: “one for the angels”. After Death agrees, Bookman announces his retirement, knowing he has successfully delayed his fate. Death warns that someone else now has to die in his place, and chooses Maggie, a young passenger who is a friend of Bookman’s.

Maggie falls ill on a flight and falls into a coma; Death intends to claim her at midnight. Bookman offers to take her place, but Death refuses. Bookman takes to the aisle and begins to pitch one item after another, making the greatest inflight sales pitch of his career. He even entices Death to buy item after item, until all of the wares in his case are sold. With one minute remaining before midnight, he offers himself as the ultimate flight attendant. Death is so impressed, that he misses his appointment with Maggie. Maggie awakens, and the flight doctor informs Bookman that she will live.

Death realizes that by making that great sales pitch, Bookman has met the original terms of their deal. Content and willing to accept his fate, Bookman departs for the afterlife with Death. He brings his case of wares, commenting that “you never know who might need something up there”. He looks to Death, hoping, “Up there?” and Death replies, “Up there, Captain Bookman. You made it.”

The Calm Professional: A Lesson in Prioritizing Protocols and Staying Cool Under Pressure

While working at Zone 5, I was assigned to the last flight of Air France at Terminal 2. Preparations for pushback were underway and my ramp manager instructed me to tow the plane to Box Stop 1. However, pushing back an aircraft at Gate 102 can be tight and difficult, especially with other planes at opposite gates. During the pushback, the Air France pilot requested to stop at Box Stop 2, but I informed the pilot that my manager instructed me to stop at Box 1. The pilot responded, “I don’t care what your manager said, the tower said Box 2.” As I continued to tow the plane past Box 1, I saw my manager freaking out and throwing his clipboard in frustration, with the Air France representative standing nearby. My manager was calling and yelling on the radio, but I was not prepared to answer. As I returned to gate 102, I calmly told him not to talk to me that way and to take it up with the pilot and the tower. The manager looked foolish acting that way in front of the Air France representative. I walked away as the manager stood there, speechless and twitching.

The moral of this story is to always stay calm and professional in the face of conflict, and to prioritize following proper protocols and instructions from higher authorities, even if it goes against what your manager says. It’s important to be assertive and stand up for yourself, but also to respect the chain of command and not let personal emotions interfere with your work.

The Ramp Agent’s Farewell

Sing to the tune of Johnny Paycheck. Take this job and shove it

Take This Job And Shove It

Take this job and shove it, I won’t work as a ramp agent anymore My motivation’s gone with my family, who I was working for Don’t even think about stopping me, as I’m walking out the door Take this job and shove it, I won’t be a ramp agent anymore

I’ve been working as a ramp agent for a decade and a half All this time, I’ve watched my coworkers struggle, with their backs against the wall And I’ve seen a lot of hard-working folks struggle just to make ends meet I’d speak my mind, if I could just muster the courage and the heat…

(Chorus)

The supervisor’s a bully, the manager’s a joke With his fancy haircut and attitude, he thinks he’s the boss But one of these days, I’ll have had enough and they’ll have to pay Can’t wait to see their faces, when I finally find the courage to say…

(Chorus)

Take this job and shove it

The Daring Aero: Champion of the Skies

Sing to the tune of Zorro

Out of the sky, When the stars are shining bright, Comes the pilot known as Aero. This daring aviator Leaves a trail in the air, A symbol that stands for Aero.

Aero, Aero, the ace so daring and free, Aero, Aero, who leaves a mark in the sky.

He’s polite, But the villains take flight, When they see Aero in sight. He’s a friend of the skies, With a heart that truly flies, This very unique, seƱor Aero.

Aero, Aero, the ace so daring and free, Aero, Aero, who leaves a mark in the sky. Aero, Aero, Aero, Aero, Aero, Aero….

Ramp Rats at the Runway: Tales of a Toronto Pearson Airport Community

  1. The Arrival Once upon a time, a family of rats found themselves lost and without a home. One day, they stumbled upon the Toronto Pearson Airport and were amazed by all the food and shelter it provided. They quickly made the airport their new home.
  2. The Rundown The rats soon discovered the daily routines of the airport, and they were able to find their own routine too. They explored every corner of the airport, looking for the best hiding spots and the tastiest snacks. They also found comfort in the hustle and bustle of the airport and felt safe among the humans who were always on the move.
  3. The Adventure One day, the youngest rat, who was always eager for adventure, found a secret passage that led to the planes. The young rat was amazed by the size of the planes and all the new sights and sounds. From that day on, the young rat made it their mission to explore every plane at the airport.
  4. The Community As time went by, the rats became a tight-knit community. They took care of each other and shared their food and shelter. They also made friends with the other animals who lived at the airport, such as the pigeons and the mice. Together, they created a safe and happy home at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
  5. The Future Years went by and the rats’ community continued to thrive. They had multiple generations of rats who were born and raised at the airport. And while they faced challenges, they always stuck together and persevered. The rats had found their forever home at the Toronto Pearson Airport and they were grateful for it every day.

The Decline of Airline Cuisine: From Gourmet Meals to Peanuts

“Have you ever encountered airline food? It’s akin to the bland food served in school cafeterias, but even less appetizing. However, this wasn’t always the case. During the early days of air travel, passengers would dress up for the occasion and were served a choice of gourmet meals with proper tableware. On my last flight, which was just a 3.5-hour journey, I was given a meager bag of peanuts. A few years prior, I was offered a half of a soggy Subway sandwich. The airline’s focus on packing as many passengers as possible in tight quarters and offering basic snacks is driven by the desire to maximize profits. Hopefully, things will change as airlines strive to attract customers back.”

The Evolution of the Air Canada Logo: A Story of Canadian Identity and Innovation

Once upon a time, in the late 1960s, Air Canada was looking for a new logo to represent their brand. They wanted something that would reflect their Canadian heritage, as well as their modern and innovative spirit.

The airline worked with graphic designer Stuart Ash to come up with a design that met these criteria. Ash took inspiration from the Canadian flag, with its iconic red and white maple leaf. He created a stylized version of the leaf, with curved lines and sleek, modern lettering for the company’s name.

The new logo was well received by both Air Canada employees and the public. It quickly became synonymous with the airline and its commitment to providing top-quality service and connecting people across Canada and the world.

Over the years, the logo has undergone some minor changes and updates, but the core design has remained the same. Today, the Air Canada logo is recognized as one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols of Canadian identity, both at home and abroad.

And so, every time someone sees the iconic red and white maple leaf, they are reminded of the proud heritage and innovative spirit of Air Canada.

The Legacy of the Vickers 757 Viscount

Once upon a time, there was an airplane named Vickers 757 Viscount. It was built by the British company Vickers-Armstrongs and was known for its innovative design and advanced technology. It was one of the first turboprop airliners in the world and had become a popular choice for airlines looking to replace their aging piston-engined aircraft.

In the early 1960s, Air Canada was looking to modernize its fleet and decided to purchase several Vickers 757 Viscounts. The airline was impressed with the aircraft’s performance and comfort, and soon they became a staple on the airline’s routes throughout Canada and the United States.

The Vickers 757 Viscount was a reliable and efficient airplane, and it quickly became a favorite among Air Canada’s passengers. Its spacious cabin, quiet engines, and smooth ride made it a popular choice for travelers. It was also known for its ability to operate in challenging weather conditions, making it a go-to aircraft for flights in Canada’s harsh winter months.

As time went on, the Vickers 757 Viscount was gradually retired from Air Canada’s fleet, replaced by newer and more advanced aircraft. However, the memories of this innovative and well-loved airplane lived on, with many former passengers and aviation enthusiasts still talking about its remarkable performance and comfortable cabin.

Today, the Air Canada Vickers 757 Viscount is remembered as a pioneering aircraft that paved the way for the modern airliners we know and love today. Its legacy continues to inspire engineers and designers, reminding them of the incredible things that can be achieved with innovative technology and a commitment to excellence.

Cessna joins the fleet

A very special Cessna 172 is parked in a hangar at Toronto International Airport.

The aircraft’s appearance is no mere coincidence. Painted in the red and white livery of Air Canada, the tiny airplane proudly bears a maple leaf logo on its tail, firmly establishing its company affiliation.

The Cessna is sassy. It may not be as bold as a B-747 or as swift as a B-727, but special it is. To the membership of the Toronto Air Canada Flying Club, it is every bit as dashing and it is flown with the same pride.

The aircraft has logged more than 1,000 hours in the three years of club ownership, an average of 40 hours per month.

At any one time, the pilot may well be a programmer from Computer and Systems Services with 50 hours of flying experience, a passenger agent or station attendant with several hundred hours or a line pilot with more than 20,000 flying hours.