9607 replies to this topic

[Missed Approach]

Just reading about WestJet Dash 8 Encore flight from YVR to YYJ on Jan 2 - 2026 that experienced a sudden decent after departure 

I can't seem to attach the facebook story but, if you search " flight RouteXplorer " on facebook, you ll see the story.

 

Transport Canada is investigating, but surprised how little coverage it got and no one on board mentioned anything.

 

I would be if you were descending at 2,200 ft per min 

[Blair M.]

I would be if you were descending at 2,200 ft per min 

Especially if you were flying at around 2500 feet! (which they were)

 

Unless Transport Canada determines that this was strictly pilot error (entering 1000 into the flight computer rather than 4000), it seems odd that Transport Canada isn't investigating this incident further, and in much more depth?

 

As MA notes above, it would seem that being less than a minute from hitting the ground while in an uncontrolled descent is indeed somewhat of a big deal.

[Victoria Watcher]

Just reading about WestJet Dash 8 Encore flight from YVR to YYJ on Jan 2 - 2026 that experienced a sudden decent after departure 

I can't seem to attach the facebook story but, if you search " flight RouteXplorer " on facebook, you ll see the story.

 

Transport Canada is investigating, but surprised how little coverage it got and no one on board mentioned anything.

 

I would be if you were descending at 2,200 ft per min 

 

 

https://avherald.com...rticle=533e3941

 

A Westjet Encore de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-FKWE performing flight WS-3405 from Vancouver,BC to Victoria,BC (Canada), was climbing out of Vancouver's runway 08R following the Stanley 5 Standard Instrument Departure and climbing to 2000 feet and was about to level at 2000 feet, when the crew received clearance to climb to 4000 feet and turn onto heading 170. The crew entered the clearance into their flight guidance control panel (FGCP), however, the aircraft instead of climbing began to descend at 2200 fpm. The crew received a "Don't Sink!" aural alert, air traffic control received a low altitude warning and instructed the crew to expedite their climb to 4000 feet. The crew attempted to stop the descent via the FGCP, then disconnected the autopilot and entered a manual climb at 3600 fpm. The aircraft subsequently levelled off at 4000 feet and landed safely in Victoria about 15 minutes after departure.

[Mike K.]

Is that a Gulfstream or a Bombardier plane?

[Victoria Watcher]

[Victoria Watcher]

16 paragraphs. Does not say why the payments are appropriate, or what they will be either in cash amount or percentage of incomes.


https://www.timescol...-input-11837117



Airport inks 'friendship' deal that provides First Nations with funding, more input

The Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout and Tseycum First Nations all stand to receive annual payments from the Victoria Airport Authority based on airport revenue.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 04 February 2026 - 12:48 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

I literally don’t want $3 or $7 or whatever of my AIF fee or landing fee to go to these people unless I undetstand how much it is, what it pays for and how it has been determined. Or how it will be spent.

I have no interest in “reconciliation” while it remains significantly less than transparent.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 04 February 2026 - 01:18 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

I'm against secret payments.   ​ 

[Mike K.]

The AIF will rise to make up that cost, won’t it?

So the airport gets the credit here, not the rate payers making the payment. That’s not good governance.

[Mike K.]

Random sidewalk closure today at YYJ. No safe path for pedestrians, just walk out into the travel lane, folks. One driver was a little irate we walked in his lane.

Is the airport so busy that they can’t close a vehicle lane while they do whatever they do?

I have to say, seeing this in 2026, in Canada, was a surprise. The bin for refuse was also covered top to bottom by graffiti and looked like shite. I wound have rejected it, I was running the show. Get that garbage out of here, this is an international airport and you plunk that down at its main entrance? C’mon now.

[Matt R.]

I always liked the bins in Amherst, NS.

 

[Victoria Watcher]

For decades, global aviation has been built around one unavoidable reality. Distance forces connections, and connections create power. Qantas is now challenging that assumption with just twelve aircraft. On paper, it shouldn’t matter. In practice, it’s making some of the world’s most powerful airlines uncomfortable. This is the story of how a small, specialised fleet could change who really controls long-haul travel.

 

 

https://youtu.be/ZTG...LqkfWkrirLoA4rp

 

 

 

 

The world’s longest flight is officially on the horizon. In 2027, Qantas plans to launch a nonstop commercial flight from London to Sydney, creating the longest passenger flight in the world at up to 22 hours in the air. Known as Project Sunrise, the route will eliminate layovers entirely, cutting hours off the current journey between the UK and Australia. Test flights are scheduled to begin in 2026, marking a major step toward a future where travelers can fly from London to Sydney in one uninterrupted journey.

 

https://www.travelpi...-longest-flight

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 05 February 2026 - 02:05 AM.

[Mike K.]

Air Canada has pulled out of Cuba for the time being.

[LJ]

Air Transat still going to Cuba.

[Matt R.]

I think all three are done now.

[Mike K.]

Air Transat tends to fly with insufficient fuel, anyway.

[Victoria Watcher]

Air Transat tends to fly with insufficient fuel, anyway.

 

Lol.   So did AC once over Manitoba.  At least AT took off with the right amount of fuel.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 February 2026 - 03:13 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

WestJet and Air Transat Join Air Canada in Suspending Flights to Cuba

 

https://vocm.com/2026/02/10/291528/

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 February 2026 - 03:19 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 February 2026 - 03:36 AM.

[Blair M.]

The FAA has issued a NOTAM declaring a substantial airspace closure in and around El Paso for "security reasons".

This is the first time since 9/11 for a lengthy airspace closure over a sizeable region of the U.S.

 

The NOTAM does include language indicating that violators could indeed be shot down. 

 

The FAA isn't identifying the specific reasons at this time, but theorizing - they could include the discovery that the cartels have MANPADS and plan on using them, communicable disease control, the U.S. mounting a land foray into Mexico via Fort Bliss, etc, etc. 

 

Very strange, as the NOTAM is in place for the next 10 days, and has completely shut down air traffic in and around El Paso and over into New Mexico.