The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on its radio station that the pilot was Stefan Nikolian, and he was flying a civilian training plane.

CNN: Israel shoots down light aircraft

"Being in rugby league heartland, it's important we have successful clubs flying the flag for union there, " Dallaglio told BBC Radio Leeds.

BBC: Leeds success crucial - Dallaglio

Air traffic controllers lost radio communication with the Airbus A320, carrying 147 passengers and an unknown number of crew, when it was flying at 37, 000 feet, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

CNN: Airliner crew flies 150 miles past airport

So Rich and I are flying in his shiny, new high-tech airplane, which comes complete with not only XM satellite radio, but (wow, does this company know its market, or what?) a remote control to operate it.

FORBES: Flying With The Publisher