Thu, Mar 03, 2005
He Did it!
REAL TIME UPDATE 1448
EST Despite fuel management problems that threatened an
early end to his world record attempt, pilot/adventurer Steve
Fossett has landed his Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer at its base in
Salina, Kansas. That makes Fossett the first person ever to
circumnavigate the world solo, without refueling.
Was It A Hoax?
Burt Rutan credited "beautiful tailwinds over the Pacific,"
saving the flight from an early end. Speaking on CNN, Rutan denied
rumors that the fuel shortage crisis aboard Global Flyer was
nothing more than a hoax.
"Oh no, not at all," Rutan said. "Somewhere between the second
and sixth hour, the airplane lost a lot of fuel."
But fortuitous tailwinds and savvy fuel management not only
insured that Fossett would make it home to Salina, they even
afforded him what Rutan described as a "healthy" reserve.
Contingency plans called for Fossett to make a deadstick landing
at Salina if he ran out of fuel on the last leg of his global
flight. That proved unnecessary.
Fossett, who had been in the air more than 66 hours, was
described as suffering from a slight headache. He had been able to
catch several brief naps, but has only had protein shakes to
sustain him on his journey of almost three days.
Upon touchdown, Fossett was greeted by a marching high school
band and by Kansas Governor, Kathleen Sebelius, along with a
contingent of Virgin Atlantic employees led by Sir Richard Branson.
Reporters at the airport said there were quite a few other
observers to the historic landing.
"I extend my compliments to Steve for his daring and his
endurance." said Rutan on CNN.
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