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Members
report possible security breach:
On March 13, members Jaci and Darcy
Stevens noticed three large holes in the fence near gate 322 in the area
of the Fedex facility on Bramalea Rd. Jaci noted that these holes
were large enough for a person to easily fit through. In keeping
with our mandate of "Observe, Record, and Report", Mssrs. Stevens
contacted the GTAA SOC emergency phone numbers and reported this possible
security breach. The GTAA dispatched an airside safety officer to
check out this report. The Stevens met the GTAA ASO and pointed out the
locations of these holes. In keeping with Airport Watch procedures,
Jaci and Darcy notified the committee of this incident allowing us to
follow up. We received the following reply from Sgt. Al Gorrill of
Peel Regional Police.
Thanks Peter for bringing this to our
attention. I have forwarded this email to Supt. Toye, O.I.C of the Airport
Division, along with your stats for February 2007.
Please convey my thanks to members Jaci and
Darcy Stevens, and that of PRP Airport Division for their good work and
keen observations.
The YYZ Airport Watch
committee echo Sgt. Gorrill's comments, well done guys!! This is a fine
example of the benefits of Airport Watch. Also, a reminder to all members
- if in doubt, report it.
Airport
Watch General
Meeting:
On February 3, 2007, the YYZ Airport
Watch held its first general meeting. The meeting was held at the
Toronto Aerospace Museum at Downsview park. To read a summary and
view some photos, please visit this link >> General
Meeting
Safety tips on CO poisoning:
Airport Watch members are
reminded that when conducting our role and enjoying the sights and sounds
in and around the various locations for spotting in the winter months that
CO (carbon monoxide) can be dangerous. Member Ken Rankin prepared the
following information to make us all aware of some things we should know
about the gas and things that can be done while spotting. These can
include, not to run your engine all the time, and avoid parking with the
back of your vehicle towards oncoming winds.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. This
invisible poisonous gas is produced from burning fuels such as natural
gas, gasoline, fuel oil, or wood (for example, indoor heating systems, car
engines, cooking appliances, or fires).
Carbon monoxide poisoning develops when you inhale enough carbon monoxide
for it to begin to replace the oxygen that is carried in the blood. This
is because carbon monoxide binds to red blood cells about 250 times more
strongly than oxygen does. As the oxygen in the blood is replaced by
carbon monoxide, the body's organs and tissues which depend on oxygen
cannot work properly.
What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?
CO poisoning is caused by inhaling carbon monoxide. Dangerous levels of
carbon monoxide can come from many sources, including heating systems, car
engines, jet ski and boat motors, cooking appliances, or fires. If fuel
burning appliances are installed and used properly, very little carbon
monoxide is produced. If the appliances are not maintained and used
properly, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up in enclosed
areas such as inside houses and other buildings. The exhaust from cars can
reach dangerous levels, even in an enclosed area such as a garage when the
garage door is open or an exhaust system that is leaking and car windows
are open. Fatal concentrations can also build up in semi-enclosed or even
open areas, including swim areas behind boats.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headaches, dizziness, or
nausea. If the exposure continues, you may lose consciousness and die.
Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide over a prolonged period of time
can cause severe heart and brain damage. Oxygen therapy replaces the
carbon monoxide in the blood with oxygen. There are two kinds of oxygen
therapy: 100% oxygen therapy, in which oxygen is delivered through a
tight-fitting mask; and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in which oxygen is
introduced back into the blood stream by osmosis and oxygen enriched air
under pressure inside the chamber. People who drive older cars, especially
those without catalytic converters, or who drive cars with faulty exhaust
systems have an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. People who
work indoors with liquefied petroleum gas-powered forklifts are more
likely to be exposed to potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Members road trip to Miami:
YYZ is home base for our group,
however this does not mean our members restrict themselves to spotting at
YYZ. Back in February on Superbowl weekend, some of our YYZ members
made a trip to southern Florida to take in the sights and sounds at the
numerous airports. Member Steve Cos was kind enough to file this
report on their road trip. Just a note, at no time should members
use the Airport Watch as an umbrella for advantage at any airport that
does not, or is not a part of the National Airport Watch program.
Superbowl 2007 Spotting - by Steve Cos
The years Superbowl was in Miami, Florida and after last years visit to
Detroit, Michigan for Superbowl 2006 we went for the sunny weather instead
of the cold. This years trip involved the following YYZ Airport Watch
members: George Trussell, Tony Wright, Dave Perston and myself, Steve Cos.
Tony headed off to Florida early to cover some newer airports to his
spotting list. George, Dave and I headed off on Thursday February 1st. As
most plans go, there were a few snags. Dave made it on the full flight to
Fort Lauderdale. George and I had to plan for the first flight on Friday
AM. With flying out of the way, we all seemed to arrive at the FLL viewing
area on the Hibiscus Carpark at the same time. Dave spotting early in the
morning, two weary travelers from YYZ and Tony arriving with the rental
vehicle. If you have been on a spotting trip you will know it’s up early
to get a good start on the day. And as soon as you can’t see anymore, a
good dinner and early to bed. And it starts all over again the next day.
Not much of a holiday but if you plan well you can get the most out of the
days you are there.
Friday’s airports included FLL, KMIA Miami, KOPF Opa Locka, KBCT Boca
Roton and KPBI West Palm Beach. This is where we set up our “base camp”.
Saturday morning started off early and with a quick drive by at BCT. Then
a full drive around FXE, Fort Lauderdale Executive for all the based and
stored aircraft plus the visitors for the main event on Sunday. After the
two and a half hours logging at FXE we headed to TMB, Tamiami. Some good
stored aircraft including Jetstream and EMB120’s. The circuit continues
back to MIA and OPF. The evening ended up at a local MIA airport
restaurant to meet up with a few UK spotters, 8 to be exact and Paul
Hossack and his UK friend Mark. Paul and Mark are Biz jet spotters,
leaving the airliner spotting to the rest of us.
Superbowl Sunday started again in the dark to be at PBI at first light. A
quick run around the airport and then off to do the circuit. FLL, FXE, MIA
and OPF to get all the bizjets that had arrived for the days main event.
An excellent selection of Bizjets from the small Citation Premiers to
larger Gulfstreams and Global Express’. Several larger BBJ’s rounded off
our logs. Only a few visits from the local police and they all knew what
we were doing and understood our hobby. Nice to see we were able to enjoy
ourselves and not be chased off. Monday’s spotting was mainly a full day
at Miami to catch the freighters and the departing biz. Couple of
highlights from the day were the 2 Marine DC-9’s and the Tampa DC-8 that
had a main landing gear collapse on roll out after landing. This closed
the one runway and allowed the best spotting of the day on the two runways
on the opposite side of the airport.
The flight out was on time and we arrived back to the cold Toronto
weather. I would like to add that I had a great time with Tony, Dave and
George. Learned to recognize more aircraft types, thanks to George’s
knowledge and patience. It was a great trip and looking forward to the
next one in May, the Kentucky Derby in Louisville.
Editors Note: Sounds like a great trip guys! A reminder to all
members, if you take part in any such events and would like to have your
story featured in a future newsletter. Feel free to send a trip
report the the YYZ Airport Watch committee.
Airport Watch members in flight:
Some of our members like to
travel in style and one in particular likes to go to great heights to get
around. Member Anthony Acri has contacted us with an offer for
members of YYZ Airport Watch. Anthony writes,
Would like to inform the members of the YYZ group that I have at my
disposal a Piper twin engine aircraft for rental.
It is a PA31 Navajo. It will fit 4 people in the back plus the 2 pilots
(myself and the owner). This aircraft can be rented by the members of YYZ
to go on any site seeing trips or any trips that YYZ host or any other
trips the YYZ members might want to take.
It is more expensive than driving for sure but you get there quicker.
The cost is about 220/hr. This pays for the gas of the aircraft. It will
be split amongst the people on board and myself.
Speed of the Navajo is about 170 to 180 mph. To view photos of the
aircraft, click the links below.
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
If any members are interested, please contact Anthony via e-mail at:
wan2fly99@yahoo.com
Tours & Events:
As the season changes from
winter to spring and before too long, summer, the Airport Watch committee
have begun to discuss and plan for upcoming tours and events for members.
Over the coming weeks be sure to keep an eye on your e-mail for any
announcements of upcoming tours. To wet the appetite, at this time
it appears as if the first official tour of spring will be the Bombardier
factory at Downsview. We will announce details as they are
finalized.
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