Saturday, April 2, 2016

[Air Canada 464, Boeing 767-300ER, Business Class, YYZ-YOW] Short flight on a 27 years old beauty.

Here again is my monthly Trip report, 
I have been working on some other projects recently and did't have too much time to write trip reports. I have a few unique ones that I'm working on, those include a lot of pictures and story telling. 
So at the meantime, let me bring you a not so unique but not as boring trip report. 

I went to Toronto for a couple days on the Easter long weekend, to meet up with some friends and family. (And took delivery of a car

While looking for a flight back to Ottawa, I selectively booked AC464, 
part of the Rapid Air flight by Air Canada. 

But something is different about this flight, 
it is operated by a Boeing 767-300ER instead of the regular Airbus/ERJ. 
It is meant to be a revenue ferry flight to Ottawa then onward to London as AC888. 
The YYZ-YOW flights are just filling the empty block time, the crew on AC888 are usually commute to work from YYZ base as well.  

Of course there's no way to fill a widebody jet on such a short frequent route with 30min interval between flights, at least not every day. 

However, having the 767 to operate AC464, it can clear out the standbys quite effectively and utilise  the plane better than just sitting it in Ottawa for the entire afternoon, also more fixable in terms of plane rotation. 

Let's get to the flight, 
The load was very low on easter Sunday

Only 14 people in J and 90 in Y with a couple standbys also got on the flight with us. 


Flight Info:
Origin:             Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ)
Destination:     Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW/CYOW)
Departure:        27 March 2016, 1921 EDT
Arrival:            27 March 2016, 1959 EDT
Duration:         00hr38min 
Aircraft Type: Boeing 767-300ER (reg: C-FPCA, 27 years old)
Seat:                5K Business Class


According to my logbook, this is my 26th time using Toronto Person International Airport since 2005 (I lost a lot of early flight as I was too young to remember) 
But no matter how many times I have been here, it still put a smile on my face. 
Well, pretty much every airport does, because I'm stepping on a plane. 

The long awaited aisle 1 at Person has now opened. Well, it opened a couple months ago, but I haven't been to Toronto for a while. Using it for the first time.

Very neat and exclusive feel to it. Away from other passengers.
Very quiet, no queuing needed at all.

I assume it is every ground agent's dream? 

A model of the upcoming 737MAX8
They are joining the fleet next year,
I'm not sure how long I have left to truly enjoy taking Air Canada

I hate the 737.

A little bit of queuing at Domestic departure through security.
Nowhere near as crazy as in the winter holiday season.  

After security, I made my way to the lounge, as usual

and to the shower

The exact same one I used last time.

The shower has got a little bit rusty
Not that I'm complaining, 
in North Amerindian Standard, a shower in the lounge is already a mercy from the Airlines.   

Not much to choose from, really.
Had some soup and beer.

No screaming children running around this time.

On my way out, there's a model of the 787-9.
Soon-to-be the backbone of Air Canada fleet.

Took it to London a couple months back. Not a fan really.

My ride of the day, C-FPCA, 27 years old lady, CP veteran.
probably one the oldest planes I have ever taken. I have been on older classics like the 747-100
but it was at least 10 years ago when they were young, as was I.

Made my way through the bridge

And my seat.

Looking out at the window,
the seat arrangement pretty much blocked all the windows.
You cannot see anything outside without turning yourself 90 degree and over your seat.
Whoever designed it...

With the A330 and 777 are being refurbished,
I believe the classic coffin are going to retired with the 767 fleet in the near future.

Pre-departure drink,
served in a plastic cup. Water or Juice.
I guess it is domestic standard for Air Canada?

First World Problem,
I can't reach the screen without leading forward... And it doesn't come with a functional remote.
View from my seat.

I believe they retained the old control units from old J seats from the 90's.
It's completely useless.

Audio Channel and TV channel selection...
I don't remember the last time I saw one of these, probably on Cathay's A340 in 2007.

Video controls,
they are not functional on the main menu.

Foot rest, and it cannot be turned into a seat for dining.

The take off,
the CF6 spin up sound is probably one my of favourite.

Majestic sunset up in the air

Cheese plate was served shortly after take off.
It's a 30 mins flight, really can't serve anything bigger than this.

And nuts too.

As a tradition, I asked for a cup of tea.

Safety Card time!



The seat is actually not very comfy for a short flight,
You can either sit upright, or lying flat.
I'd prefer the seats on ERJ over this.

I tried to lean back a little bit, I ended up in a rather awkward position.

Here comes the seat control instruction


Flying over Perth, Ontario as we descent.

The overhead panel shows its age.
and the former J-class layout.

Boxy overhead bin as found in many classic Boeing.

The Landing
I was surprised full thrust reverse was used with today's strict noise regulation and stuff.
The plane probably touch down too late or the cockpit crew tried to catch a early exit.

And here we are,
The End.

Thank you so much fore reading.
More flight reports will be coming soon!
Like it or Dislike it or if anything you feel like I should improve in the future:)

Comments are very much appreciated

Friday, April 1, 2016

2016 Nissan GT-R Nismo

Spring is finally here and the Long Awaited 2016 Nissan GT-R Nismo has arrived too! 
Unlike in the America, The Nismo edition has not been available in Canada until the end of last year, 
a total of 29 were made available to Canadian. 

All by invitation only. 
10 in Black, 10 in White, 8 in Grey and the last one in Red.. 
The first one arrived the East coast was spotted at the Nissan dealer, Alta Nissan earlier in January 





Guess where the red one is.... 



The red one has finally made her way to Canada in March
Taken at the night it came home

The next morning, better lighting.
I can start taking picture around it:D

It's sunny out.


Under the hood, and you see a NISMO® turned VR38DETT, 3.8L Twin Turbocharged Engine,
It produces approximately 600 horsepower at 6,800 rpm (55hp more than regular GT-R) ,
delivers 481 lb/ft of toque between 3,200 to 5,800 rpm (18lb/ft more than regular GT-R)

On paper, it does 0-100kph (or 62mph) in 2.5 seconds with launch control
Not too sure in real life, it has only 100km on it, and by no means is a demo car.
Can't be too hash on the princess.... yet...

Close up
Engine Cover

Hand built and tuned by 塩谷 泉, Izumi Shioya san, 
One of the 4 Nissan Master Craftsmen at Nissan that are in charge of the GT-R engines






Back story about the Nissan Master Craftsmen


Dat sexy Arse, a bit dusty after driving it around for ~100km

Alcantara wrapped steering wheel with red centre stripe

Centre console, carbon fibre trims

Nismo badge

Engine Start/Stop button

Front

Side

Nismo super-lightweight RAYS® forged-alloy wheels
with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT tyres
255/40ZRF20 in the front
285/35ZRF20 at the rear

Brembo brake with 6 pistons in the front, 4 at the rear

Final look.

Thank You for reading.
I will post some videos in the near future when I have the time.
Cheers.