Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

ANN Exclusive: Diamond Unveils Speedier DA40XL

ANN has just scored the first public photos of a much-upgraded variant of Diamond Aircraft's highly regarded four place DA40. The new DA40XL is a tweaked and refined DA40 with a number of aerodynamic enhancements, including winglets, resulting in a 158 kt top speed and a 150 kt cruise.

IL TFR: 07.17.06

NOTAM Number: FDC 6/2647 Issue Date: July 14, 2006 at 12:55 UTC Location: Moline, Illinois Beginning Date and Time: July 17, 2006 at 21:10 UTC Ending Date and Time: July 17, 2006 at 23:40 UTC Reason for NOTAM: Temporary flight restrictions for VIP (Very Important Person) Movement Type: VIP Replaced NOTAM(s): N/A

One Da Vinci Code Deciphered: Ornithopter Flies!

'Flapper' Lifts Off For 14 Seconds

An alert ANN News-Spy called our attention to a rather remarkable achievement recently up north: the successful, sustained flight of a real-life, manned "ornithopter" -- a design steeped in mystery, that originated on the drawing board of one Leonardo da Vinci.

Airbus May Have A Few Tricks Up Its Sleeve For Farnborough

Report: Planemaker Eyeing A Trio Of New Aircraft

Despite criticism over its initial A350 project -- in fact, because of it -- Airbus is reportedly looking to introduce not one... not two... but three new aircraft, all aimed at grabbing a few widebody sales back from archrival Boeing.

FAA Intro's System Aimed At Reducing Flight Delays

Should Mean Fewer Diversions, Delays For Storms

If you're afraid your commercial flight may be delayed this summer by thunderstorms, take heart: on Thursday, the FAA introduced its Airspace Flow Program, which should mean more on-time flights during the stormy travel season.

Playtime For Kids (And Parents Too) At KidVenture 2006

In Fact, ANN Staffers May Not Want To Leave...

EAA AirVenture veterans who pile up the family for the ride/flight to Oshkosh may already be familiar with the marvel of KidVenture for keeping their offspring happy, entertained, and educated -- all at the same time (now where else can you do that?!)

NASA Reports Discovery Set To Land Monday

KSC, Edwards Looking To The Skies

NASA reports that Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery will complete their mission, STS-121, with a landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, FL set for 9:07 am EDT on Monday, July 17. Discovery began its 13-day mission to the International Space Station on July 4.

Britain Considers ELTs For Gliders After Accident

But False Signals May Lead To Unnecessary Searches

In the wake of a July 10 glider accident (that, fortunately, ended with the pilot being recovered safely), the British Gliding Association is said to be "very seriously" considering recommending the installation of emergency locator transmitter (ELT) beacons in gliders and other unpowered aircraft.

Aero-News Proudly Introduces Our AirVenture 2006 Staff

Say Hello To Scott Wagner And Toni Wolfe!

With the final days before the official start to EAA AirVenture 2006 counting down all too rapidly... and, not quickly enough... ANN's senior staff is all-too-aware of the Herculean task ahead of us in reporting EVERYTHING that's news at The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. Fortunately, this year we'll have some help.

Attention Nature Lovers: The Port-O-Johns Have Bloomed At OSH

... And THAT Means An Airshow Is Close Behind!

Just as the swallows return every year to Capistrano, the Port-o-Johns have blossomed at Oshkosh!

ANN's Daily Aero-Tips (07.15.06): Cell Phones OFF

Aero-Tips!

"Don't use cell phones in flight." I know you've heard it before.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (07.15.06)

Aero-Linx!

Like your aircraft smaller, as in model size? You can, put them together and paint them yourself or if you're the impatient type buy the die cast models and place them right on your shelf.