small dead animals: Air Canada's Fate: Up In The Air

May 19, 2004

Air Canada's Fate: Up In The Air

Canadian Defense Minister David Pratt admitted late Wednesday evening that they military has been caught off guard by the possible failureof last minute negotiations to rescue Air Canada from liquidation.

"Without the agreement of the Canadian Auto Workers, the possibility of the airline ceasing operations is very high. If that happens, there will be a lot of planes stranded up there. We're going to have to find a way to bring them all down."

Pratt admits this is problematic, as the aging Sea King helicopters are not equipped to fly at the altitudes of commercial jet liners. If pilots can bring their planes down a few thousand feet before the deadline arrives, the heavy duty helicopters may be able to pull some of the smaller ones in to local airports. A high-ranking defense official admitted that military jets are unsuitable for heavy duty, but was quick to point out that though "military cargo planes don't generally serve as tow vehicles", they can be quickly outfitted with rescue equipment "in a pinch".

"It's not every day we are called on to pull planes as large as 747's back down to the ground, but we've got the best training in the world. Canadians should not be concerned. We won't leave anyone up there."

Posted by Kate at May 19, 2004 10:18 PM

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Comments

I would have thought that simply allowing the passengers to engage the emergency peddle gearing would have worked, everyone peddling, a little extra power, and bob's your uncle!

Posted by: Fred at May 20, 2004 8:21 AM

Or maybe jumping up and down in unison could gradually drive the things down far enough to be grabbed by cranes...

Posted by: Kate at May 20, 2004 9:21 AM

i'm confused. why would the military have to tow jet liners? is this a canadian joke that i just don't get, or what?

Posted by: kassandra at May 20, 2004 11:30 AM

No joke, it is a serious Canadian problem. A neglect of our military and other important infrastructure have left us without the �skyhooks� so many countries have in place. We may have to ask upon our American neighbours to lend some of theirs.

Posted by: boiler stud at May 20, 2004 4:44 PM

This has become quite a problem in general aviation because private plane owners and small airports dont have the resourses to rescue stranded small airplanes that have run out of gas.

Posted by: Avro at May 21, 2004 2:31 PM