Fossett Hopes To "Inspire" Other Pilots

The morning of March 3, just hours before EAA member Steve Fossett concluded his record solo around-the-world flight in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, Virgin Chairman Sir Richard Branson remarked, "It will most definitely go to Oshkosh in July."

Steve Fossett makes a perfect landing in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer at Salina Municipal Airport.

That statement is now confirmed, as the single-engine jet flown into the all-time world record books will fly into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2005 to join what is shaping up to be an incredibly stellar lineup for the 53rd annual aviation gathering set for July 25-31.

GlobalFlyer is scheduled to arrive at Wittman Regional Airport on Tuesday afternoon July 26, joining another blockbuster attraction—White Knight/SpaceShipOne—and several other unique aircraft on display at EAA AirVenture’s main showcase, AeroShell Square.

"We are very excited that the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will be part of the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration at EAA AirVenture 2005," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "The achievement of Steve and this airplane personify the spirit of EAA, including passion, innovation, and vision. We look forward to welcoming Steve Fossett and the rest of the GlobalFlyer team when the aircraft arrives in Oshkosh."

GlobalFlyer completed its 67-hour flight around the world after logging nearly 19,880 nautical miles (22,862 statute miles) and returning to its departure airport in Salina, Kansas. The flight further established Fossett as one of a kind in aviation annals. In 2002, he was the first person to fly a balloon around the world alone, and he brought his gondola to Oshkosh that summer. Fossett had earlier expressed his wish to bring GlobalFlyer to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

 Steve Fossett and Richard Branson following Fossett's epic March 3 landing in Salina, Kansas. 

"I've always felt close to EAA and I feel that AirVenture is the most important and significant aviation meeting in the United States because it represents general aviation," Fossett said. "I hope my accomplishment with GlobalFlyer will inspire other pilots to take on and achieve adventures of their own. This was something that generated a great deal of interest and showed the appeal and importance of aviation. I think many people shared in my sense of accomplishment."

The aircraft, created by renowned aircraft designer Burt Rutan and the Scaled Composites team in Mojave, California, performed nearly flawlessly throughout the around-the-world flight. The journey was not entirely without anxious moments, however. Early in the flight, indicators onboard GlobalFlyer showed that the airplane did not have as much fuel as earlier projected, putting the flight's completion in jeopardy. Fossett used outstanding fuel management and tailwinds aloft to successfully fly the airplane back to Kansas.

Branson expects GlobalFlyer to eventually become a part of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum collection.

"The response to the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer record attempt was so enormous, Steve and I knew we couldn't tuck the plane away in a hanger," he said. "I am happy Steve will bring the plane to Oshkosh, where I'm sure the excitement we all felt in Salina will live on. I am thrilled we were able to work together to set the last great aviation record with the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. This world record marks the next frontier in aviation. The boundaries broken by the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will revolutionize air travel."

The airplane has a 114-foot wingspan and is powered by a single Williams FJ44-3 ATW jet engine. It is capable of speeds in excess of 285 miles per hour and can fly to altitudes of 52,000 feet. GlobalFlyer's cockpit is just 7.7 feet long, just large enough for the pilot, food, water, and personal equipment.

"The addition of GlobalFlyer to the other previously confirmed aircraft makes EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2005 an aviation spectacle that is possible no place else in the world," Poberezny said. "It's difficult to describe the magnitude and excitement of the event, except to say you've got to be there this year."

FMI: www.eaa.org