The Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER DVD from Just Planes is one of the newer DVDs in the massive Just Planes World Air Routes series. This program about the largest version of the 777 commercially available takes the viewer on a transpacific nonstop to Tokyo from Air Canada’s hub of Toronto. Then on the return with the same flight crew back to Toronto. Then, as a special treat the viewer joins a new crew on a flight to Frankfurt with a large focus on Oceanic Crossing procedures.
The start of this DVD leads the viewer in with the departure briefingof Air Canada flight 1, aircraft registration C-FITU. The crew explains everything very clearly and keeps the viewer engaged. Most all of the ATC calls are heard with great quality and it adds a lot to be able to follow along mentally with the controllers instructions.
This clarity of ATC is something that viewers have come to expect in the newer WAR DVDs. Once airborne the crew devotes great attention to explaining almost everything on the flight deck but special attention is paid to the “Paperless Cockpit” setup that makes Air Canada’s B77Ws so special.
In most traditional cockpits, performance data is calculated via very large and thick books of performance numbers. On the flight deck of Air Canada flight 1 this is not the case. The takeoff and landing performance calculations are done through something called the “Electronic Flight Bag” (EFB for short). The EFB is really the star of the show here; all of its many functions are explained. The First Officer shows how to do the takeoff performance calculations, including how the airplane calculates how more it should derate its incredibly powerful GE90 engines. This is very cool, to say the least.
Also shown is the EFB’s ability to call up Jeppesen charts for any destination that Air Canada serves along with enroute and company alternates. The rest of the flight continues while the crew entertains with even more system explanations like the lower EICAS and its many useful functions.
The third flight joins a new flight crew going to Frankfurt on Air Canada’s flight 872. They give great insight as to how the oceanic procedures go for traveling the North Atlantic. Great focus is given to how easy this has become over time with the invention of CPDLC (Controller Pilots Data Link). This allows them to receive their North Atlantic without actually having to talk to anyone. Also shown is how they can now do position reports without having to use HF communication. HF was very unreliable and hard to understand so the ability to cross the atlantic without using it is something the company is very proud of.
There is so much to this program that it really cannot be properly summed up in a short review. The second and third featured flights are as informative as first and show equally cooler and interesting views of the flight, especially when the crew shows the outside cameras during sunrise. This is truly a spectacular view and looks like nothing else. From Toronto, to the far east, back to Canada and then to Frankfurt, there isn’t a dull moment.
I highly recommend this DVD to everyone. The friendliness of the flight crews is unmatched as is their professionalism. There is enough technical, geeky content to keep those interested entertained as well as some fun trivia and spectacular views to keep the average viewer interested. It is also very educational and anyone who takes the time to watch this program will, without a doubt, learn something new.

Review from BRITISH AIRWAYS VIRTUAL

Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada. It was founded in 1936 and was originally named Trans-Canada Airlines. In 2001, Air Canada acquired our second largest airline, Canadian Airlines, and became our only “national” carrier. Today, Air Canada is the world’s 12th largest commercial airline. It operates the A330, B767 and B777 on the long hauls and A319, A320, A321, and Embraer E170/E190 on the short hauls. The fleet comprises of 204 aircraft with 37 more on order, flying 1,370 flights daily.

This DVD is covers 3 flights; Toronto to Tokyo and return and Toronto to Frankfurt. The first leg is a 13 hour flight with a 12 hour return haul. The YYZ-FRA leg is a quick 7 hours. As you strap yourself into the jump seat to observe first hand what happens on the flight deck, the Captain and First Officer start their pre-flight checks and continue on with their emergency takeoff brief. They continue with the procedures prior to takeoff and after V1 is achieved. They also discuss an engine fire scenario. This leg is going to be the co-pilot’s flight with the Capt assisting.

We witness the ticks in the box as the crew go through the before start checklist and then request pushback. Taxi clearance is soon received and we’re ready to go. This section shows the unique cameras attached to the aircraft so they can see the gear and the engines throughout the flight. It also presents a great shot and explanation of the electronic checklists. After we’re in the air, the Captain explains their takeoff procedures and reviews the charts (SID) and the airport diagrams. The co-pilot explains the load and weight information they receive on the ground and how they calculate their takeoff parameters in accordance with their performance charts. This section also explains the “electronic flight bag” (a must have for simmers). During the flight the autopilot and FMS are explained, along with the flight computer and the why various waypoints are entered into the system. We also get introduced to the air route charts, comminications and radios and fuel management systems. Prior to landing in Tokyo, we hear the pre-landing brief and consult the approach plates. This is followed by the pre-descent checklist. ATC guides the plane through the ILS approach. The airport diagram is consulted again and after touchdown we taxi to the gate and are greeted by the auto marshalling system to end the flight prior to our return trip to Toronto. (not in the same day).

On the return leg we are introduced to the Chief Cabin Steward and he explains the various meal selections available on the flight. Having flown on this aircraft to South America, I think these meals are only in Business class, as that wasn’t even close to what we were served in the “back”. As we approach Toronto, the co-pilot goes through the STAR and ILS procedures as well as what to expect for taxi instructions once on the ground. As we pull into our designated gate, we are greeted once more by the auto marshall system, except this time it’s in meters and counts down to “stop”. The main difference on the Toronto-Frankfurt flight is that we are introduced to Oceanic Clearances and these are explained in detail.

To anyone who loves the 777, this DVD will not disappoint you. If you haven’t had the opportunity to fly on one yet, it’s not to be missed. Now that the front end has been revealed, simmers will have a greater appreciation of the procedures to be followed, as well as being enlightened to the technical simplicity that modern airline pilots have at their fingertips for cockpit management. While I’m not a heavy metal flyer, this DVD has given me a greater respect for the day to day operations of these “air taxi” drivers. I may start to delve into this genre and start pushing more buttons and interacting with onboard computers.

A great instructive documentary Thorough, informative presentations of the aircraft systems and flying procedures in layman’s terms by knowledgeable staff!

Review from AVSIM

When reading all the reviews featuring Air Canada's 777-300ER and 767-300ER programs, there's really not much more you can add to these exceptional DVD's. Just Planes captures everything you want and hope for in these two programs and I highly recommend you don't order one without the other because they truly compliment each other. Air Canada, your fans have spoken when you treated us with two fantastic long haul video's and I only hope that we get to experience your regional network with shorter flight's featuring your new EJets as well as the CRJ with Jazz. Brent Ktytor, CANADA

Hey i would like to thank you for a GREAT DVD. I ordered my Air Canada 777 dvd a month ago and i cant stop watching it! I am only 17 and i want to become a pilot and the videos really makes me want to get my commercial pilots licence that much more! Keep up the great work. Daniel Grimmett, CANADA

A fantastic look into the inner workings of the 777-300 series aircraft. It was absolutely amazing to get a complete presentation of the advanced avionics on this aircraft. Capt Ondrey did an excellent job (as did the first officer!) explaining the systems and giving one an armchair “feel” of the aircraft’s operation. I highly recommend this presentation to anyone interested in the 777. Stephen Perrando, USA

I have 15 of the WAR DVDs. I must say that this one is my favorite by far. What I really enjoyed was B777-300ER EFB and cockpit presentation by both pilots. Especially Pacific routes operation YYZ-NRT and back to Toronto. I want to Thank "WAR team" and "Capt. Ondrey and F.O. Hall" Ryoji Yamashiro, JAPAN

The pilots seem to enjoy the opportunity to have the video crew on board. They have no problems in explaining every single aspect of the Boeing 777. I especially liked the view of outside cameras when at cruise altitude, such a nice view. Also the small quiz by the captain about the US states was a nice touch:). Overall one of the best videos i have watched.

Artur Parzych, USA

I own about 25 of the videos. This by far is the best of them all. Very detailed in terms of flight deck presentation, routing, planning, navigation. Absolutely the best. Not all the videos are this detailed. This was a true joy to watch. Especially the pre-flight preparation back to Toronto. Scott Singer, USA

Great video, Excellent flight, very good description of the plane. A really nice program. Amos Migliavacca, ITALY

All I can say is that this video is awesome. One of the best ever made. Well worth every penny. The flight crew did a great job describing their work and the aircraft they fly. Keep up the good work guys!!!! Roberto Ladeira, BRAZIL

I just watched the AC 777-300ER video over the weekend and I must say that it is probably your best video to-date! Everything about it was a pleasure to watch from start to finish! I really think that Cpt. Ondrey and his F.O. did a MAGNIFICENT job of describing as much as they could about the aircraft, their routing to Narita, and just about every other little detail of their flight. They were very concise and explained everything in the most non-technical manner possible. They both had delightful personalities as well! On a personal note, I must say that I was finally glad to see the 777-300ER in your roster of aircraft – it has been noticeably absent. I was also glad to see the flight to Tokyo as the chosen flight! I hope you’ll have more opportunities to go to Japan in the future! Many thanks for yet another remarkable video!

Greg German, USA

There are many adjectives that can be used to describe the AC 777-300 DVD, but I will pick one: OUTSTANDING. The quality of the production and the enthusiasm displayed by the pilots on this DVD tops even the AC and AUA 767 DVD's. On the Tokyo leg, Capt. Ondrey and F.O. Hall provide the viewer with interesting tidbits of information the entire time. The information they provide gives the viewer an in-depth understanding, as well as appreciation, for the amazing airplane that is the 777-300ER. The views on the DVD of the scenery and cockpit procedures are excellent. It was also really cool to see them fly over North America (Minneapolis in particular since I live there) since we don't see much of America or Canada with many of the other DVDs. The Frankfurt leg is also impressive, not just thrown in there to take up time, but also full of interesting routing information over the North Atlantic. If you were going to buy just one WAR DVD (which is basically impossible) there would be no contest between this DVD and the rest of the collection. The Air Canada 777-300ER is a must have for any true enthusiast. Well done WAR! Matthew Armstrong, USA

The Air Canada B777-300ER is awesome. The crews were excellent and knew the aircraft inside out! Richard Welsh, UK

I just watched the Air Canada DVD, And in 3 Words, Its a Winner. The Pilots and F/O really do an Excellent job at keeping the viewer up to date on the progress of the flight. The Info about the Updated Systems of the B777-300ER was also very interesting. I thought that the Flight from Toronto to Japan was interesting as well as the return. The Flight from Toronto was to Frankfort was really neat. I really enjoyed seeing what goes on for Trans Atlantic flights. And the Oceanic Clearance info. Wow! That was amazing!! The rear camera Views were COOL. All in all, This DVD rates Very High in my book. Keep up the Great work, And I want to Thank WAR and Air Canada Crews for this DVD. John Linder, USA

Because I am retired from an airline and make several flights a year between the US and Japan on a 777 I have always hoped you would produce a DVD on that route and couldn't wait to get this DVD once it came out. (I was able to get it at a store that sells these kinds of DVD's in Tokyo). THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR AN EXCELLENT DVD is all I can say. You have other DVD's on Air Canada and I was hoping you would add a 777 to them. It was especially nice to see a DVD on the 777-300ER. The pilots were all very good at explaining about the flight and the aircraft. They seemed to truly enjoy their work and flying the 777. Michael Karpf, JAPAN

I have over 100 of the WAR productions and it is so nice to see airlines build such a good relationship with Michel and the rest of the crew of JPV. We have seen in the past airlines such as Sabena, Swiss and Austrian show us there fleet and a wonderful insight into the airline. Now we can add Air Canada to the ever growing family of WAR. They have shown us 767 going to South America and here a 777-300 to Japan. What a wonderful entertaining and informative insight into the operation to take a Boeing 777-300 from Toronto to Tokyo. We have seen on numerous occasions aircraft fly across the "pond"; now it is the turn to cross the "lake" in other words the Pacific. The crews of Capt.Ondrey and F.O. Hall give us a fascinating look into operating the 300 series. As ever thank you for a brilliant production and may they continue.

Simon Cordall, UK