Curiosities
1,996 news found
CuriositiesHistorical livery for the DC-3 at Turin airport
Turin, Italy - Alenia Aeronautica and SAGAT restored the old aircraft
SAGAT (Turin airport managing society) and Alenia Aeronautica restored the historical "Dakota" aircraft of Turin-Caselle airport. The old Douglas DC-3 was repaired and repainted with the livery of the... more
CuriositiesFlashes of youth: first parachute launch at 97
Salisbury, UK - George Moyse: "It was the first time, but it won't be the last"
Real age is not in the passing of time, but in how life is lived. This must be the spirit that brought English George Moyse, 97 years old (almost 98), to try the thrill of sky-diving, jumping with the... more
CuriositiesThe Concorde will fly again
Rome, Italy - But it is only an "April Fool"
"The next 16th of April, from the airport of Paris-Le Bourget, a French Concorde will take off for a two-hour flight". It has been announced today by the director of the "Air and Space Museum" of Paris... more
CuriositiesA man opens the exit door on the taxiway: passenger arrested in New York
New York, USA - He, impatient for the delay, attempted to get out of the plane
After about 3 hours of wait on the taxiway of JFK airport, New York, a Scottish passenger of a Delta Airlines Boeing 737-800, scheduled to fly to Las Vegas, attempted to open the exit door to get out.... more
CuriositiesMan falls asleep in the cargo hold and flies from New York to Boston
Boston, USA - Found in the luggage after landing at Logan airport
The operators at Logan airport found a man in the cargo hold of a Jetblue Airways Embraer ERJ-190, coming from New York, when they opened it. Luckily for him the hold was pressurized so he didn't suffer... more
CuriositiesThe Monthly Photo: a sea-lion in its natural element or...
Rome, Italy - ...a super defense system
Its name is HIDAS and is the Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS) that provides rotary wing platforms with increased survivability and enhanced mission success. A suite of products,... more
CuriositiesSpain: a "Satellite" worth € 100
Barcelona, Spain - Students take pictures from space with a digital camera and a helium balloon
In spite of the multi-billionaire NASA (American National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ESA (European Space Agency) programs, a group of Spanish students from the university of Barcelona managed... more
CuriositiesRegus: videoconferences affect business air traffic
Milan, Italy - The demand for special rooms increased worldwide by 40% (30% in Italy)
"Once upon a time, there were the business class, the 4 star hotel, the refined restaurant and the expenses account. Now, the economic downturn forces companies to stop business travels and the new technologies... more
CuriositiesOn-line on NASA web site the Space "Mission Madness" tournament
Washington, USA - In a bracket-like tournament visitors can chose their favourites. The winner on 8th April
Americans are doubtless the masters of communication. The NASA web site (a governmental portal, not a commercial site) has put on-line a funny contest called "Mission Madness 2009". In a bracket-style,... more
CuriositiesA red-light hostess for Ryanair
Dublin, Ireland - The airline: "We don't care of what our employees do before and after their work"
Her name is Edita Schindlerova (stage name Edita Bente). She is the 22-year-old Czech Ryanair hostess discovered as being a secret pornstar. To reveal her second activity seems to have been a pilot that,... more
CuriositiesAer Lingus: half naked in London for promotional purposes
London, UK - The initiative of the Irish airline to advertise a sale offer
For the curiosity of Londoners around 500 people have marched yesterday along the roads of the UK capital wearing only bikinis or shorts "Trademarked" with the Aer Lingus's clover. The initiative was taken... more
CuriositiesSan Marino celebrates the "World Air Games" with four stamps
San Marino, San Marino - Birds doing aerobatics to represent June's event in Turin
The philatelist society of San Marino decided to celebrate the "World Air Games" with the special issue of four stamps, representing some birds playing with aircraft and doing aerobatics, recalling the... more
CuriositiesUSA: Xbox lost, asked $1 million
Cincinnati, USA - A Yale student sued US Airways
After a flight from New Haven to Cincinnati Jesse Maiman, a 21-year-old Yale student, noticed that his Microsoft Xbox 360 was missing from his luggage. He so decided to sue US Airways for a $1 million... more
CuriositiesItaly: "Aerial" novelties at Vicenza Luxury & Yachts
Vicenza, Italy - Pieces of furniture built with parts from historical planes. Launched Air Partner's Jetcard
It's been held in these days in Vicenza the fair Luxury & Yachts. Within all the stands, some expositors suggested particular novelties concerning the aviation world, like Arteinmotion which presented... more
CuriositiesVerona, Italy: airplane piece falls on a school, no one injured
Verona, Italy - Found on the roof a school in Vestenanova a gas-tank cap produced in America
Disconcert caused to the technicians, sent by the municipality to fix a water leak on the roof of the "Manzoni" school in Vestenanova (Verona), when they found it being caused by a gas-tank cap (about... more
CuriositiesLondon: Spitfire at auction in April
London, UK - It can reach £1,5 million (€ 1,7 million) the quotation of the World War II fighter
It will be auctioned on April the 20th in Hendon, London, a rare two-seater Spitfire IX, perfectly restored by businessman Paul Portelli, who unluckily died before seeing his job completed. According to... more
CuriositiesThe "Retro Jet" of Air France in Caselle
Turin, Italy - The A-320 airplane, in a special livery, has landed this morning
The A-320 "Pays de Rossi" airplane, coming from Paris, AF-1402, has landed in Turin-Caselle at 11:20 this morning. Air France, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, has repainted it with the livery... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: an UFO?
Rome, Italy - Freak of the nature
As air flows over mountain barriers, orographic lift can create a variety of cloud effects. One could be the "Lenticular clouds" that are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes,... more
CuriositiesThe maiden flight of legendary Concorde forty years ago
Toulouse, France - In fact it was on 2 March 1969
"The supersonic Concorde jetliner's first flight 40 years was not only a historic date for aviation, it also marked a key milestone in a programme that helped pave the way for Airbus' subsequent success... more
CuriositiesA few easy exercises can prevent the Economic class syndrome
Milan, Italy - Airlines suggest simple movements to relax and stretch during long flights
Many air companies are lately suggesting to their customers some small and easy movements to stretch, especially during long-distance flights. Whoever tried the experience of an economic class seat knows... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: when it says "Being first"
Rome, Italy - The first wind tunnel of Langley
The honeycombed, screened center of this open-circuit air intake for Langley's first wind tunnel insured a steady, nonturbulent flow of air. Two mechanics pose near the entrance end of the current... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: the perseverance...
Rome, Italy - It is a rare quality
The hazard avoidance camera on the front of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit took this image after a drive on the 1,806th Martian day, or sol, (Jan. 31, 2009) of Spirit's mission on the surface of... more
CuriositiesThe Monthly's Photo: a flying solitary jellyfish?
Rome, Italy - ... or maybe something else
This is not a sea's creature but it is human work. This is the parachute used by French colonel Michel Fournier in the attempt of free fall flight from 40,000 m and a pressurized space ship. In May... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: giant eggs?
Rome, Italy - An impressive close-up
An impressive close-up for tanks from transfer placed side by side of Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 airplanes of the Italian "Frecce Tricolori" (photo by Mauro Cini). MB-339 is a twin-seat military advanced... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: a stratospheric helicopter?
Rome, Italy - Play of light
At first it would seem a helicopter that is flying at stratospheric altitude, but this is the optical illusion of the horizon with an Eurocopter AS-532 Cougar helicopter in flight on Phalsbourg, Fr... more
Curiosities"Iron Maiden: Flight 666 - The Movie" will be ready in April
London, UK - Full-length film that describes the heavy metal group on the sidelines of "Somewhere Back In Time World Tour"
For fans of the British heavy metal group, Iron Maiden, will be useful to know that next April will be ready the full-length film "Iron Maiden: Flight 666 - The Movie", a kind of "Candid Camera" that shows... more
CuriositiesAAA: helicopters, airplanes, dogs, horses and uniforms for rent. Ask to the Serbian Police
Belgrade, Serbia - The law enforcement, be out of money, leases all that it has
This is a hard period, mainly for the Serbian Police, that to face crisis moment has thought to rent all that it has, to private or organizations or cinema sets, for holidays or work reasons, or for who... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: a car or helicopter?
Rome, Italy - Swiss always precise
The state-of-art of the aid services? An ambulance that can take off and reach in shorter time the nearest hospital if the roads were congested would be very useful and... also science-fiction. We are... more
CuriositiesThe Monthly's Photo: ...and after the rain, here comes the rainbow
Rome, Italy - The show of the sky
December was a month rich in rain for Italy, particularly for Rome. And what is a better moment to immortalize the end of the rain if not this wonderful rainbow coming from a semi-wing of an Italian Tanker... more
CuriositiesEuro area: two reasons to celebrate
Brussels, Belgium - Slovakia will adopt it tomorrow and the 10th anniversary of the Euro
Tomorrow, the euro area will have two reasons to celebrate: the number of European Union countries that share the same currency will grow to 16 with Slovakia and it will be the 10th anniversary of the... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: "Somebody is following me"
Rome, Italy - Curious scenes
Parking-clerk during the meeting of the Italian Civil Defense's voluntaries of Marche Region on November 16th, 2008, in Fano. Financial Police NH-500 helicopter. (Photo by Gian Carlo Vecchi) more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: the elegance in the silhouette
Rome, Italy - ...also after a hard work
A silhouetted Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon is guided into position outside its Hardened Air Shelter (HAS) following flight at RAF Coningsby, UK. more
Curiosities"Master" is the name chosen for the Aermacchi M-346 trainer
Venegono, Italy - Over 4,000 entries were received
"The Examination Committee of the competition to name the M-346 trainer selected the name 'Master' for the new M-346 advanced trainer/Lead-In Fighter Trainer, entirely designed and built by Alenia Aermacchi,... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly's Photo: little toys for great projects
Rome, Italy - Designed by NASA and Dryden Flight Research Centre, in collaboration with Rockwell International
The HiMAT program was designed to enhance transonic maneuverability of future U.S. fighter aircraft of the 20th century. The subscale aircraft bridged the gap between wind tunnel testing, simulators, ground... more
CuriositiesThe auction house "Christie's" evaluates the Alitalia's artistic property
Rome, Italy - Among the company's properties there are Guttuso and Sironi's works of art
You can find Italian contemporary works of art not only in museums or art galleries. Not nearly. The Airport of Rome-Fiumicino hosts the statue of "Leonardo Da Vinci" realized by the sculptor Mario Ceroli... more
CuriositiesHygiene rules to follow on airplanes
Rome, Italy - The World Health Organization offers helpful advices
One of the basic acts to keep our daily hygiene is to wash our own hands. Not only at home, but also and in particular when we are in crowed places, for instance on board air. Bacteria everywhere: in toilets,... more
CuriositiesMexico looking for the lost island
Mexico City, Mexico - An edge of land in the Mexico Gulf that could have a strategic relevance for the Country
Its name is Bermeja, the island on the maritime maps until 1800 and since 1946 no one has more trace. Mexico has recently decided to dust off the old national nautical maps and in short-time an expert... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly Photo: lightning in the dark
Rome, Italy - Fascinating spectacle of the human's work
Two lightning pierced the gloom of the night: enlarging the photo we may see the enthralling nightly takeoff of the two Tornado fighters belonging to the 155th ETS Group of 50th Wing Piacenza-"San Damiano",... more
CuriositiesThe Monthly Photo: truth or fiction?
Rome, Italy - The reality exceeds the fantasy
In anticipation of future investments by the U.S. Air Force in air-transport and in-flight refuelling aircraft, aerospace giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin are pushing their own air-mobility platform concepts,... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly Photo: what are emerging from a whipped cream's sea?
Rome, Italy - It can be eaten only with eyes
They seems a lot of little meringues lapsed into a glass tray, but the soft white of clouds and the relaxing blue of the Earth make ideal the backdrop for this precious scene: the docking of Space Shuttle... more
CuriositiesSatisfly: choose the flight's companion from house
Turin, Italy - Recording own profile on the site it is possible to find the companion of ideal trip
Do you desire working during your next trip? Or do you want sleep without interruptions… on the contrary to find a companion with the same affairs. It's will possible with a service that, introduced o... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly Photo: is it a freak of nature?
Rome, Italy - No, it is the human genious
It seems an hybrid created to computer, in half to a manta and a rorqual, on the contrary it is nothing of animal. Its name is Stratellite and is a brand name (Stratellite is a trademark of Sanswire Network,... more
CuriositiesStockholm: airplane-hostel, that is "Jumbo Hostel", arrives
Stockholm, Sweden - 85 beds near the terminal
"It is an unique experience. You can choose to reserve a three-bed room with shared bathroom, or a luxury suite cockpit overlooking the airport. All the rooms are equipped with flat TV and wireless connection.... more
CuriositiesLess than 15 days remaining to enter the competition "Let’s name the M-346"
Venegono, Italy - Launched on 20th October, more than 2300 entries are arrived from all over the world
"Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, has already received more than 2.300 entries from all over the world in the competition to name its new M-346 aircraft. The winner will be able to savour the... more
CuriositiesWeekly's Photo: is it an UFO?
Rome, Italy - Misleading eyes
At first glance it seems an UFO, but a watchful eye would see that this incredible effect is given by a UK Armed Forces Boeing AH-MK1 Longbow helicopter during an attack operation. more
CuriositiesUS elections (2): voting papers from the space
Washington, USA - Greg Chamitoff and Michael Fincke's votes
For US elections, voting papers arrived also from the space. Greg Chamitoff and Michael Fincke, two US astronauts, "Into orbit at 354 Km from the Earth" voted their candidate to the White House: Barack... more
CuriositiesItalian Sky-TG24 survey on the latest CAI's move
Rome, Italy - Some figures
Favourable to Alitalia rescue: this is the result of a survey carried out by "Sky TG24" on the entrepreneurs' decision of "Put forward an offer to buy the assets of the old Alitalia also without unions... more
CuriositiesThe Monthly Photo: the space's eyes see our future
Rome, Italy - A necessary acknowledgement to few men whose work for all the World
In a time in which the scientific research, in all its shades, risks to lose something, the only month of October with all its events is the symbol of a priceless treasure. The celebration of 50th anniversary... more
CuriositiesThe Weekly Photo: trick or treat of bad weather?
Rome, Italy - Traces of its passage also in Rome-Urbe Airport
Bad weather is raging throughout Italy, from Northern to Southern. With unashamed arrogance it loves to show itself in all its intensity, and on the eve of Halloween's night, leaves its memory in the most... more
CuriositiesUS Air Force launches 'BlueTube' site for online videos
Washington, USA - Dedicated to the Air Force
When you get an interesting or funny Air Force video in your e-mail, do you ever send it out to family, friends and co-workers? Now the Air Force has its own channel, called AirForceBlueTube, for those... more