Pacific Coastal repeat but in Shorts 360 finally YVR-YBL-YQQ-YVR
Here is another trip report on Pacific Coastal Airlines – instead of a complete trip report, it is a follow-up of my previous report. After notified by a fellow a.net-ter that Pacific Coastal is going to retire the Shorts 360-100 after this summer, I made another trip to Vancouver in order to fly the Shorts.
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a Canadian regional airline based in Vancouver’s South Terminal and runs a number of flights to and from smaller cities in British Columbia. I flew their Vancouver to Campbell River to Comox flight in May but got a last minute aircraft change – a Beechcraft 1900 was used instead of Shorts 360. So this is my second try and I am glad that there is no aircraft change and I am able to fly Shorts 360, which is very nice and the comfort level catches me off guard. It will be missed. But since I have already written about the service, this will be a very short report. I have enclosed the album link so you can check out the photos of this beautiful plane.
C-GPCF was the plane used on this particular day and I flew it on all three legs. This aircraft was delivered on August 1983 and spent its early life down under with Murray Valley and Sunstate Airlines, before sold to Pacific Coastal in 2000.
These flights were all on time and even with a late departure from YVR due to the busy morning traffic, we arrived Comox more or less on time. The return from Comox to Vancouver managed to arrive at gate only nine minutes late. The flight time was around 30 minutes on the YVR to YBL, and YQQ to YVR flight, and the YBL to YQQ flight was only eight minutes long. Turnaround was quick at the immediate stops and refueling only took place in Vancouver. They just load and unload passengers and cargo at YBL and YQQ.
C-GPCF at Vancouver
Close-up of the Propeller
Landing gear and Shorts logo
Departure from Vancouver
Engine in action
Comox airport from the air
Stop at Campbell River
Interesting planes at the tarmac of Campbell River – Northern Thunderbird Airline
Central Mountain Air of course
Wing shot
Comox Airport
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You're too much for me, Ennis, you son of a... I wish I knew how to quit you! Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain
Service:
One great thing about the Shorts 360 was the availability of cabin service with one flight attendant. To be honest I am not sure what to expect, but Pacific Coastal does not disappoint.
Paul was our flight attendant this morning, and was courteous and friendly. He worked basically the whole day and when I asked him, “are you done for the day?” He just smiled and said, “No… working till late tonight”! I guess they worked the whole day up and down the BC coast.
Of course there was no service on the eight minutes flight from YBL to YQQ, but for the two longer flights, here is the service:
Express beverage service – boxed orange or apple juice, and water on request
Snack basket (yes snacks – you are more than welcome to have more than one item) – Rice Krispies treat, Kellogg’s Nutrigrain bars (various flavors), or Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie
Candies prior to arrival
Cabin:
I will describe Shorts 360 Cabin as a giant box – unlike other planes, there is not much curve and you feel like sitting inside a box. The windows are huge and there is tremendous amount of headroom, which is an issue even in the newest turboprop Dash 8-Q400 or ATR. I am 5feet 10inches and feel very comfortable standing straight up. The seating arrangement used by 8P is three abreast (A-BC), which is very comfortable. BTW, there is no advanced seat assignment and everything is OPEN seating. The noise level though is higher than Beechcraft 1900 and all the other facilities remind you that this is an aircraft with older design. There is a lavatory, but I don’t recommend using it. There is no sink but it makes an interesting experience.
Cabin shot
Exit Row
Door opener
Cockpit
Seat belt/smoking sign
Huge window
Seat
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You're too much for me, Ennis, you son of a... I wish I knew how to quit you! Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain
Lavatory – old style and please note that there is no sink, but they have disinfectant wipes.
What is this indicator?
Intercom:
Vancouver:
Arrival in Vancouver
C-GPCF in Vancouver – Goodbye and thanks for the sweet memories!
Nearby Beechcraft 1900
In conclusion, Pacific Coastal is a very good regional airline in Canada and I highly recommend it to everyone.
My next report will come shortly after – another new airline for me!
Carfield
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Nice to see a report on an increasingly rare aircraft. I remember flying one of these when they operated for US Air Express in the early 90's. Thanks for the memories!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CMK10
Nice to see a report on an increasingly rare aircraft. I remember flying one of these when they operated for US Air Express in the early 90's. Thanks for the memories!
Oh my, the Shorts SuperShed, I have memories of these from Aer Lingus Regional and Capital Airlines on LBA-DUB back in the 90's. Thanks for the posting the TR.
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