Impact On Record Flight Not Determined

Aero-News has confirmed Virgin Atlantic Airways is postponing the arrival of the record-breaking GlobalFlyer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, FL due to damage to one of the aircraft's wings.

NOTAM: 6/0087 Issued: 01/04/2006 19:00 Effective: 01/06/2006 15:40 - 01/06/2006 16:30 State: MO Facility: ZKC - KANSAS CITY (ARTCC),MO. Type: VIP Description: KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, JANUARY 6, 2006

Software Development Complete

Lockheed Martin announced Wednesday completion of the software development phase for a much-needed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program to modernize the US air traffic control system.

Engines Will Be Installed On Test Aircraft

Aero-News has learned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted airworthiness certification on December 29, 2005 to the Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, the leading powerplant for the Airbus A380.

Fares Could Double (Or More) With Independence Air Loss

The imminent dissolution of Independence Air, in the short term, is already being felt by customers who had booked advanced tickets through April with the airline. And it's likely to get worse.

Sikorsky Aircraft has received FAA certification for its S-76C++ helicopter. Since being certified, two C++ aircraft have already been delivered. The inaugural C++ aircraft went to Petroleum Helicopters Inc. (PHI) and will be used for offshore oil support and employee transfer missions. In total there are over 60 S-76C++ helicopters on order.

Part Two Of ANN's Interview With NBAA's Ed Bolen

ANN Daily Touch N Go: 01.04.06 (ANN's Short-Form Daily News Program) ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 01.04.06 (ANN's Long-Form Daily News Program) ANN Special Feature: NBAA's Ed Bolen Looks Back At 2005 and Forward At 2006 -- 01.04.06 (ANN's Feature News Program, with NBAA's Ed Bolen, Part Two)<

The Best Of The Best

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has announced their Master CFIs for December 2005. To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 87,000 CFIs in the United States -- and fewer than 500 of them have earned the Master designation thus far.

Earlier this week, representatives of BVR Systems told Aero-News it has been contracted by Aermacchi S.p.A. to upgrade two flight simulators of the MB339A aircraft for a total value of US $4.5 million.

Search Effort Reveals No Evidence Of Wreckage, All Choppers Accounted For

It wasn't one of ours... that's the word from US military officials in Iraq, after an Iraqi soldier reported a helicopter had gone down from ground fire northeast of Baghdad, near Baquoba.

One of the most difficult tasks we face each year comes in the form of our Annual 'Best of Breed' selections. Formerly announced at Oshkosh, we decided to fold these announcements into our Year-End Wrap-Up in order to take advantage of the rest of the year's events and input, as well as to make such an announcement truly representative of the full year.

From Detail Tweaks To New Jets, There Were A Bunch

It's been such a busy year for aircraft, the mind boggles at the task of covering them all. I mean, we did, but covering them all in one story is the thing... so this isn't a laundry list of everything that flew -- it's a review of some of the most important things that flew, or got into production, last year.

Creditors Approve Repayment Plan

United Airlines reached a significant milestone in its efforts to emerge from bankruptcy, with its reorganization plan winning support from nearly all its creditors. After over three years of operating under Chapter 11 protection, UAL execs are confident the end is in sight -- although a few hurdles remain.

Agency Comes Full Circle

Although NASA initially scoffed at the notion of private spacecraft, the space agency is now exploring the possibility of sending cargo and crews into orbit aboard spacecraft currently in development by companies such as SpaceX, AirLaunch LLC, and SpaceHab.

A Six For '06!

We'd like to be optimists about this, but let's face it: odds are, you're not going to win the stunning 2005 AOPA Commander 112A the organization is set to give away later this year. You can, however, set your sights (and dreams) on the organization's latest sweepstakes plane: a 1967 Piper Cherokee Six 260.

Pilot For Four Presidents, Flew JFK's Body From Dallas

Aero-News has learned Lewis Hanson, a pilot for four presidents who brought John F. Kennedy's body back from Dallas aboard Air Force One, died on December 27. He was 81.

We Asked For Your Comments -- Here's Just One Interesting Reply

Note: ANN Reader Larry Stencel took the time to explain comments he has about some recent ANN editorial efforts as concerns a topic near and dear to much of the general and sport aviation world -- LSA and Sport Pilot.

Reduced Fleets, Employee Concessions, Rising Fares May Help

It seems an impossible dream -- given the intense competition for passengers, still-high fuel prices, and that one airline has already folded two days into the new year -- but we might just see more domestic airlines turn a profit in 2006, according to industry analysts.

Stuck On Runway For Seven Hours During A Snowstorm

Six German passengers are claiming they were held against their will on a British Airways flight from Berlin to London last week, after the jet waited on the runway for seven hours for a snowstorm to blow through.

Aero-Tips 01.04.06 There’s one user fee I wholeheartedly support -- a fee for taking advantage of Flight Service Station briefings. The cost? One Pilot Report (PIREP).

Aero-Linx!

A fun site of aerial photos, you can zoom in to a US map to an area of about a city block.  They also have a famous places link if you’re just looking for the good stuff (Alcatraz, Daytona Speedway, Disney World).

AAIB The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch is part of the Department for Transport and is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK. British Equivalent of the NTSB.

"So, boys, lets get rid of that weight limitation and the speed limitation and start addressing those of us who should most be courted as the saviors of aviation. We've been here all along and we want to stay here. I can continue to support aviation in the way that is MOST productive... with my money and by mentoring young people! Those of you who agree need to start yelling 'bloody murder' every where you can. If the Sport Pilot weight and speed limitations were raised in quantum steps for those more experienced, it'll be better for everyone. In fact, it could be the "hook" that pulls 'em in." Source: Aero-News reader Larry Stencel, in his Op-Ed piece responding to our "guarded optimism" on the future of Sport Pilot in ANN's recent "Best and Wo