Loss of Respect - Our Heroic Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (CYTZ)

As we commemorate and appreciate the efforts and bravery of our nation's soldiers and those who had a non-direct military role that also contributed to war times, it is important to not forget the many facilities that served as military bases and overall battle framework.  While the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) was most likely born out of political matters in the early 30s, this unique and heroic airport continues to be a hot topic in recent political elections at all three levels.  It is, however, part of our national transportation infrastructure and it is absolutely reasonable for government representatives to inject recommendations and certain safety regulations to the development and operation of this airport.  Yes, you saw that, I said "recommendations and safety".  As much as most of us hate the reality of this world, it is simply a ridiculous joke that this airport, which once was a facility that contributed to the World Wars and protection of our nation, has lost its say about its own future. 

Before composing any further, it is crucial for me to make it very clear that the writings on the blog represent solely my personal opinions and beliefs, and do not represent any other organizations or individuals, period.  I am an aviation geek who loves aeroplanes from deep beneath my soul, and I am simply expressing myself through the Canadian Charter of Rights' Fundamental Freedoms.

So what is on the table during the recent elections?  The story started when a new airline was born, one that is represented by a cute racoon mascot.  It is a Canadian airline that utilizes and supports a full fleet of Canadian made aircraft, the Bombardier's Q400s.  It is also the only Canadian airline who supports our nation's latest locally made commercial jet, the Cseries, which is an innovative aircraft built with materials and mechanisms that would reduce emissions and noise (just like the goal of all other major aircraft manufacturers in the world).  This airline is based in the heart of Toronto, right at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, where a runway expansion is required for the Cseries to operate.  Obvious enough, you know why it has been brought into political matters and I will not be getting into that ... 

YTZ opened in 1939, but prior to the development by its operator, part of Toronto Island served as a water aerodrome (an airport for seaplanes) since 1915 and provided training during War War I.  As the new airport was developed, this site continued on for military training and resources transportation during War War II.  Basically, aviation operation on the island started as early as the early years of aeroplane developments.  The island was also the home of several cottages that mainly sheltered seasonal summer occupants.  As of 1899, there were 8 summer seasonal tenants on the island, and the number of residents peaked in 1950s where over 600 cottages were built.  Going through the timeline, the airport and the initial water aerodrome started somewhere in between.  Disregarding who was here first or who contributed most on the island, the truth is, the airport facility was part of our national framework during the wars and contributed to the protection of our nation.  The airport is not a living thing but the operator and all users of the facility made it a lively system that guarded the community and the harbour entry point into the heart of Toronto.  

Despite the fact that there is a significant number of supporters in the Harbourfront community for this airport's operation and it's expansion plan, there is also a number of protesters, mainly refer themselves to the NoJets group.  So, let me get this straight, aside from the NoJets members who live on the Island, numerous reside on the land side (Harbourfront area) and the majority of those residential buildings were built long after the airport was developed and the wars.  It is really questionable for those who argues that the operation is taking over their living space and the community.  Speaking of polluting the environment and creating city noises in this community, are all the buildings, roads, highways, human made "beaches", all kinds of vehicles and the recent big revamp of Queens Quay, not making the highest contribution to such matters?  Every single building and resident along Queens Quay has been taking over the community and water space since they moved in.  Furthermore, the houses on the island, together with every single building along Harbourfront, have located themselves there knowing the existence of the airport.  Well yes, airports are there for aeroplanes to operate.  True enough, a few cottages or what they used to be the rich's summer vacation homes, were there before the 1900s, but the existence of the majority of the homes that served as year-round shelters occurred after the airport existed.  So why is the airport losing it's say about it's future? 

It is very true that we and our ancestors invented things that caused significant pollution to the environment, and modern society has realized the adverse effects, leading to our modern day's "green movement".  Don't get me wrong, I totally support going green, but only to a mitigation degree.  In reality, and as I mentioned as much as we hate the reality in this world, we can only mitigate the amount of pollution.  Everything we do today will cause some damage to the environment.  We say we go green by biking more.  How do you think your bicycles are made?  Where do you think the metal pieces and the greasy chains came from?  At least one of the parts that made up your bicycle was transported on the aircraft from somewhere around the world.  How did they make the paint that were sprayed onto your fancy looking bicycle?  How much environmental damage was made when designated bike lanes were built and how much more pollution will it create when long-term maintenance work on those roads is required?  Yes, it is very true that in the long term, we may use less cars, which leads to less pollution, but back to my point, we are mitigating, not eliminating.  

While we often question, do we need it?  Well, we don't need most of the things that we have.  The reality is, we live in a society where it's a matter of convenience.  Do we need it?  Of course we don't need it.  Why do we need cars?  Why do we need planes?  Why do we need cell phones?  Why do we need internet?  Why do we need lights?  Live in the world like our early ancestors in a cave ... oh wait, we would still be damaging the environment because we will be killing animals for food, or if we become vegetarians, we'll be killing trees and plants for food source.  Unless you don't shower at all, even if you were to wash yourself in the river or lake, the particles coming off your body and hair would somehow pollute the waters.

Perhaps that may be a bit dramatic, but in reality, we do not need most of the things that we have or have invented today.  We want them because they make it more convenient for our lives.  This is why, now that we realize the amount of pollution we have caused in this world, we try to mitigate the issue by using more efficient systems, procedures, and methods.  Airport operators from around the world have realized the damages caused to the environment and this is why there are environmental plans in place (well, true, more like a regulatory requirement), but there is something in place.  Methods of constructions are becoming more and more environmental friendly.  Extending runways on airports is no longer just simply digging the grounds and throwing tarmacs into the water.  Every procedure of the construction plan requires careful environmental studies and ways to mitigate damages.  Well yes, if you convert grassland into hard grounds, you are damaging it regardless, but what I am saying is, the methods have evolved to mitigate the amount of damages.  The building you are living in used to be a clean fresh grassland (or water), so there is no doubt that we need what we have today.  Modern airport operators would also relocate species should it takes over the space for aviation operations .  Improved drainage and containment systems are also in place to prevent fuel leak and drainage of deicing fluid.  There are many other ways that airport operators would impose to minimize damage to the environment and the community.        

Aircraft manufacturers no longer focus solely on flight range, power, and speed, but rather adding on mechanisms that would reduce emission and noise, as well as enhancing cabin comfort.  Newer generation aircraft such as the 787 Dreamliner, A350 and our latest proudly Canadian made Cseries, uses composites materials to reduce weight, resulting in fewer fuel consumption, and ultimately leading to less emission.  Newer and more innovative engine options are chosen to further enhance fuel burning processes, and again resulting in lower emission and noise level.  I don't mean one or two decibel lower; it is a significant amount of noise reduction.  Go listen to an A320 that was originally built in the 80s for short-range, 100-200 passengers, and compare it to the newer generation 787 that was introduced in recent years for long-haul flights, 200-300+ passengers.  You will notice that the 787 is much quieter and sounds more pleasant.  This is why Airbus, the manufacture of the A320s, has now introduced an improved version, the A320NEO, which contains newer and more innovative materials such as new winglet and engine options to mitigate emission and noise issues.  Yes, it still creates noise and it still pollutes the world, but it has been significantly reduced.  Many aircraft types are also being redesigned for such purpose (E.g. 737 being converted to 737NG and 737MAX).  Bombardier, our Canadian aircraft manufacturer, is in the final test phase of the Cseries, which is a brand new aircraft with increased composite materials and a new engine option.  This engine is the first ever in the industry to operate differently than traditional jet engines, which involves a high-bypass geared turbofan technology.  Ultimately, it is to significantly reduce emission and noise

So why is it so hard for our once a heroic airport to have a say of an expansion that supports our solely Canadian owned airline and our new proudly Canadian made aircraft?  Many questioned if we need it.  Ever since the new Airline commenced operation in 2006, the number of passengers grew from 22,000 to 2.4 million in 2014.  I am fairly sure many are in support of the convenience of being able to travel directly from the heart of Toronto.  This is especially true when we know how poor our highway systems and local traffics are in the Greater Toronto Area.  Traveling to this airport could be steps from someone's home or office, or a matter of several stops on public transit, or even better on the complimentary shuttle service from Union station to the airport.  Imagine if the 2.4 million passengers don't want to use this airport and decided to fly out from Toronto Pearson International Airport, how much more road congestion and vehicle pollution would it cause?  True again, the new Union Pearson Express train is now available, but we are talking about a CAD27.50 one way fare, or a CAD3.00 regular public transit fare that will take 1.5 to 2 hours from downtown Toronto (much extra time for commuters east of Toronto).  If you're speaking of creating or revamping road and public rail infrastructures, you're purely speaking of more pollution and damage to the environment from construction work, which is much worst compared to extending the runway out a couple hundred meters.

One of the funniest reality is, regardless if the airline wishes to introduce the Cseries jet operation at this airport, the Federal government (specifically Transport Canada) has recently imposed a regulatory requirement in the latest TP312 document for certain runway categories to include Runway End Safety Areas (RESA).  YTZ's runway, which is over 1,200m falls under the category, and will require the extension of the runways to include RESA.  That is, a minimum of 150m on each end of the runways.  In reality, the extension is required regardless, and as the Airport Operator once said, it's a matter of how long it will be.  And let me get this straight, the protesters and the newly elected Federal Liberals representative of this district are against the Jets because of potential noise and pollution to the community and environment, while the Federal government itself imposed a requirement to extend the runway safety ends.  So regardless, pollution and taking over our natural environmental space is out of the protest reasoning.  Noise?  The jets is proven to be quieter than the current Q400 props.  And no, it's not made up by anyone; it's proven by science and statistics.  Moreover, the runway end safety areas is to improve safety and in alignment with international standards (International Civil Aviation Organization's Annex 14).  

Air travel is no longer a want like when it first started; it is a need to connect the world.  Hence, traveling in the most convenient and quickest way is essential.  In this very globalized world, we often need to see our friends and family in the quickest manner, whether it is a sudden hospital visit or an out-of-town wedding celebration that you have minimal time to spare.  Without air travel, it would take days or weeks with other modes of transportation, and that could just mean it's too late and you've missed an opportunity.  Resources are shared across the nation and around the world.  Disregarding our grocery "wants" from France or Italy, cities that got impacted by natural disasters need resources from around the world.  Air transport makes it happen within hours, where human and food resources could be delivered for immediately rescue services.  Allowing the operation of Jets at this airport will enhance resource and human connections around the world, and in many cases, a time sensitive need.  

With the many years of service to our community, which includes both military and civilian operations, this airport deserves a say to it's future!  Despite the fact that this airport's operation is tied by a Tripartite agreement that was set in 1983 (yes, 1983, that's been multiple revolutions of our modern world, from turntable records to compact disc to mp3 to itunes to iMusic, and same for VHS to VCD to DVD to Blu-ray to YouTube to Apple TV), I still believe that it would be respectful to allow the airport operator have a bigger say for the airport's future.  Of course, taking into consideration of recommendations by relevant stakeholders is still crucial in order to think outside of the box to create a newer and better airport for our community and world travelers.  We all wish to be respected, and fair enough, protesters could wish to have the public respect their opinions, but who will respect our heroic Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport who once served our nation and protected this very important port of our community?

Toronto Island Airport (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)
 Archives from City of Toronto

          
#ProudlyCanadian #SupportCanadianMadeAircraft #Cseries         

Cseries Fly-by @ CYTZ

Today, the new proudly Canadian made aircraft, Cseries, made a special and surprise fly-by over the core of Downtown Toronto, and honorably twice over the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for Porter employees and airport stakeholders.  Watching this amazing innovative aircraft for the second time live in person, I felt another step closer to what may seem to be questionable by the media, financial investors, and parts of the general public, a proud Canadian milestone.  Of course, I am saying this because I am bias for obvious reasons, and as mentioned throughout my entire blog, postings will be bias based on what I wish to express about my views and opinions.  I work in the aviation industry and I am extremely passionate about it; I'm also a Canadian who just simply am enthusiastic about expressing my thoughts on my blog.  

With the honour of receiving an invitation to a Hangar event, I joined the crowd of airport stakeholders by the opened hangar doors.  As usual, I was constantly tracking BBA505 throughout the entire morning.  By around 1200L, Flightradar24 showed BBA505 (FTV5/C-GWXZ) circling around the airspace of Downsview Airport.  By 1250L, BBA505 wearing its Swiss Air livery was visible to the crowd, coming from the East of Rwy 26.  It flew above the Toronto Islands and turned West towards Rwy 08, where it made a fly-by from the 08 direction.  BBA505 did a turn around and made a second fly-by from the same direction.  Both fly-bys earned cheers and excitement by the airline staff and other airport stakeholders.  

So with this noise issue that certain groups are concerned about, was there noise?  Well yes, obviously there was noise!  It is a vehicle that relies on mechanical structures and something call engines.  Was it noisy and annoying?  Based on my bias thoughts, no it does not, and it definitely did not cover the noise of one single motorcycle roaring across the street as if it was running at 400km/h while only going at 60km/h.  It also definitely did not cover the noise of a grumpy streetcar driver honking continuously at the pedestrians who are standing near the edge of their tracks or cars accidentally running into the track lanes on Queens Quay West.  To me, the noise was smooth and comfortable, but again I am bias because I love the sound of jet planes!  

Swiss Air will be taking the first delivery of the Cseries, followed by numerous airlines and aircraft leasing companies.  Current commitments on the book totals to 603 orders, including firm orders of 243, both CS100s and CS300s.  This and next year, would be just as exciting as when the A380s, B787s and A350s were certified and delivered (what I called the milestone years of aeroplanes!)  

 

First Fly-by

First Fly-by

Second Fly-by, Above the Porter Hangars

Second Fly-by, Parallel View

Farewell, and see you soon Cseries!

Celebration Cupcakes

           




























































































































































#Cseries #CS100 #CS300 #Bombardier #PorterPlans
  
 

In-flight Entertainment - Above Your Head

My recent trip on Transat to Paris was a blast!  Aside from knowing that it is a leisure and somewhat low cost carrier, I did not expect much but a casual flight out.  Service was top notch in terms of individual behaviours and friendliness.  True enough, certain things were charged on-board, but complimentary items were sufficient to make an enjoyable experience.  For a medium-haul Trans-Atlantic flight, two complimentary meal services were offered, which included wine and other beverages.  The red eye sector offered a hot meal plus a morning refreshment, while the afternoon return flight offered two hot meal services.  What impressed me the most, by surprise and with full contradiction, was the overhead entertainment screens on the A310s. 

Our return flight, CGD-YQB, was serviced by an A310.  Not to mention my excitement for my first flight on the second model ever produced by Airbus, the retro in-flight experience reminded me back in the days when traveling in the early 90s.  When I first stepped on-board, I noticed the lack of individual seat entertainment systems (unlike on the way to Pairs on their A330s).  There was a big screen at the forward cabin and multiple smaller hang-down style screens throughout the rest of the cabin.  

The mixed feeling of, my lord I am stuck with this for the next 8 hours, versus, oh wow this was how I used to travel, was contrary.  However, when the first movie was played, it felt extremely different.  A unique feeling draws back the good memories of the past when I was a little boy who was always excited to be in the cabin, and enjoyed every in-flight moment.  I plugged my headsets into the "back-in-the-days" style controllers on the side of the arm rest, where only channels and volume buttons exist.  Channels, by the way, is not meant for changing the channel on the shared screens, obviously.  It was for changing the dubbed languages of the movie, plus to the multiple radio channels, which are all controlled by the crews

Transat revamped their cabins with modern seating and mood lighting, which makes the cabin fairly modern and comfortable (the mood lighting that is).  It was a pleasant blend of retro entertainment and modern cabin.  That's right, those living in more developed countries and born post-millennium, this was traveling back in the 80s and 90s, where we looked up at the screens of entertainment.  This was how I traveled with my parents as a frequent flyer between HKG-SIN back in Primary school.   

   

NGOReview Flights & Airports: AC1175 YYZ-YVR

Once again, another quite impressive flight on Air Canada.  This time, I was fortunate enough to try the new business class cabin (forward facing business seats) on the 773ER.  The cabin was extremely comfortable and I've always been a big fan of forward facing seats (even in business or first class).  Forward facing seats makes it feels like a real plane ride, compared to several years back when numerous airlines started introducing side-angled facing business class seats.  

As a sneak peak for one of my aviation buddies, he questioned why this was only worth 90 percent while I told him it was one of the most enjoyable experiences ever, and that I was once again impressed by Air Canada.  The only reason why it did not surpass my Singapore Airline experience (see previous review on SQ861 and 856) was because I had a similar experience on those flights, but I was only in Economy Class.  Mind you, of course, the cabin and seats on SQ's economy was obviously not as comfortable, but it was the people and the smile.  Furthermore, SQ still retains a full hot meal service on ceramic plates, glassware and silverware utensils, plus a full amenity kit with a blanket and pillow, all on a short 4 hours flight that was cheaper than flying a domestic 5 hours flight within Canada.  However, don't get me wrong, this was still an extremely pleasurable experience and I would still highly recommend Air Canada.  As mentioned in the review, this flight felt just like an enjoyable experience in an elegant lounge up in the air.  

 Funny enough too, that this 777-300ER is tail numbered as 744.  

(P.S. Special thank you to my great buddy, nicked name by me, TheMetropolis.)  
 

NGOReview Flights and Airports
Flight	AC1175		Airline		Air Canada	Date	21 June 2015	Status	On Time
Origin	YYZ		Destination		YVR	Aircraft	B777-300ER	Seat	6G
Dept.	0900L		Arr.		1054L	Duration	4H 54M	Class	Business
Services				Comments					Score (Out of 5)
Quality & Friendliness		Airport		At Check-in ·     N/A – did not use traditional check-in service.  Used mobile boarding pass, no checked baggage Hold-room Boarding ·     Friendly & Professional – greeted by my last name and provided direction to the business class section (double bridge boarding)					5
		Inflight		·     FA at the boarding door greeted with a warm smile and provided direction to my seat ·     Cabin crews within the business cabin section lack smile at first, but most of them offered friendly and professional services as a conversation is being engaged ·     Cabin crews could present more smile while walking down the aisles; should avoid busy or stressed out looking expressions ·     An FA assisted me with a voucher issue; he handled the situation professionally and went above and beyond					4
Crew Announcement				·     PAs were overall of standard professional quality, moderate tempo and mostly clear.   ·     A medical situation occurred and assistance from a doctor was requested through the PA.  Twice the PAs were a bit rushed with a panic tone.  However, the phrases were short and concise, making it easy to understand.					4
Terminal Service				Maple Leaf Lounge (YYZ Domestic) ·     Friendly & professional front desk staff ·     Mainly self-service in the lounge, staff within the lounge are mostly catering and cleaning the buffet section ·     A wide variety of complimentary magazines ·     Breakfast buffet was available.  The coffee machine made exceptional quality coffee (rarely do I enjoy self-serve coffee machines).  ·     Seats were comfortable, but could have more tables that could be used for eating (instead of just side coffee tables), especially when buffet is available ·     Windows were above head level while seated, so plane spotting was barely possible					4.5
Safety				·   Safety demo video was clear and well paced, but nothing fancy or of humour.  It was a very standard and professional video. ·   Cabin crews monitored PAX while the demo video was playing, and stopped one of the PAX from trying to reach the overhead bin. ·   An FA noticed a baby seat being used in the business seats and offered to check the validity of the seat and use of it.  I wasn’t too sure what the situation was but the FA advised the PAX that she would check the operations manual to confirm.  The FA was very professional when speaking to the PAX.					5
Cabin Style				·     The new business class forward facing seats are very comfortable, though the feet rest could be extended a little longer for further comfort.    ·     Compared to CX’s business cabin on it’s 777-300ER, I find this AC journey to be much more comfortable and relaxing, possibly because of CX’s old style side facing seat configuration.  I’ve always been a fan of forward facing seats; it just feels more like flying on a plane, especially during take-off and landings.   Movement on the ground, take-off and landing were extremely quiet, and I barely felt any movement.  It could possibly be the new seating design, or better sound proof in the new business cabin, or a combination of both.  The whole journey simply felt like relaxing hours in an elegant lounge, yet, still felt like I’m having a good old plane ride!  ·     The massage function, though of minimal rolling pressure, made it even more enjoyable and relaxing! ·     The cabin walls could make use of more design and patterns instead of pure white.  ·     The blankets, or I should say, premium quality duvet was extremely comfortable.  Other amenities were quite standard such as the higher quality business class headsets and pillows. ·     The lavatory was kept clean and fresh throughout the flight.  I have to praise the Fruits and Passion liquid soap and hand lotion!					5
Inflight Food & Drinks				·     Meals were professionally served with a tablecloth and in course orders, though there was a minor brown stain on my cloth.    ·     As usual, ceramic, silver and glass wares were used in Business class ·     The fruit platter appetizer was surprisingly good, considering I’m not a big fruits fan. ·     The entrée, pancakes, was a bit disappointing.  The presentation was a mess (see photo below).  The sauce was splattered all over the edge of the plate, and the texture of the pancake went a bit soggy.  The sauce could have been served on the side in a little custard cup.  The overall taste was fair; the sauce was a little too sour.  ·     There is a saying that the best is yet to come.  Well, the most surprising moment was the final hour when nuts and drinks were served.  It was one of those “oh my god” plus a big warm smile being pushed out from my heart moments.  Despite the fact that my friend already told me about the warmed up nuts, I totally forgot about such minor matter.  I guess these little things do make a big matter after-all.  My first bite into the cashew felt like heaven because it was so unexpectedly warm; never underestimate these little gestures!  WOW!					4 + 0.5 Bonus = 4.5
Crew Uniform				·     Standard style uniform, overall neat and tidy					4
Inflight Entertainment				·     The usual enlarged business seat screens were nice and clear with no blurs.  However, it does not allow angle adjustment to prevent light reflection and adjusted seat level/angle.  The touch screen was insensitive; there were often lags and requires an extra few seconds hold on the finger to the screen.  Selections were sufficient to keep the journey entertained. (Well, at least the episodes of The Big Bang Theory kept me well entertained throughout the whole journey).  Movies and music being offered range from up-to-date releases to classics.  ·     The Enroute magazine is good enough could keep you entertained as well.					4.5
Total Out Of 45									40.5
Percentage of Satisfaction									90%

 

Menu

Menu Cover

Appetizer - Fruit Platter

Entree - Pancakes w/ Sausage (Sauce splattered on plate, soggy pancakes)

Passion Fruit Soap and Lotion

Premium Duvet - Extremely Comfy

Warmed Nuts and Wine

A 777-300ER numbered as 744 Tail

    

Note:  Review(s) completed and copyrighted by registered user of spotting-aeroplane.blogspot.ca. 
Reviews based on personal experience and does not represent other individuals' views.
When a "WOW" comment is given, likely chance there will be bonus scores added.