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.

FMI: www.globalflyer.com