Record-shattering, solo, non-refuelled flight around the world accomplished!!!
Distract yourself from all the ills of Washington for just five minutes and revel in the accomplishment of man and machine...
The pilot, Steve Fossett, flew the Global Flyer from Salina, Kansas eastward passing Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, up Newfoundland, across the Atlantic, SE across Europe, down the Red Sea, across the northern part of the Indian Ocean, across southern and eastern China, then Japan, the Pacific, Hawaii, more Pacific, and finally Southern California, the Rockies, and back to Salina!
This attempt was not without its dangers...
Sir Richard Branson commented that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. He was referring, or course, to the problems Steve Fossett had with the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, yesterday, when he neared Japanese airspace. The discrepancy in the amount of fuel Steve had left in the aircraft caused emotions ranging from concern to sheer panic as Mission Control crew scrambled to pinpoint how 2,600 lbs of fuel could have gotten lost.
Even the aircraft designer was worried...
Discussing the fuel problems, [Branson] said: "I think we must have lost it through the vents." He also said that there could be no denying that it was a serious issue, especially as Jon Karkow, who designed the plane has admitted there is a fuel problem. Richard continued: "I think if you're the designer of the plane then that's the last thing you would want to admit."
Congratulations to Steve Fossett, Richard Branson, and the entire team!!!