All Systems Go For Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer Round-The-World Flight

The staff of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer has set a date for the round-the-world flight's takeoff. Up until this past Friday, the project's planners had not made a decision, but the Salina Journal has reported that Monday, February 28, has been chosen for Steve Fossett's departure. The weather appears to be right, and the executive director of the Salina Aiport Authority, Tim Rogers, has told the Journal his staff is "making all preparations to accomodate a Monday takeoff."

As of press time, the plan is to open the gates to the public areas at the north and south ends of the Salinas Municipal Airport two hours before takeoff. Signs will direct visitors to the parking areas. The plan is for Fossett to take off to the north.

“If there is a preferred location [to view the takeoff] it would be on the north end,” Rogers said. “The south is for people who would want to view the final preparation and the aircraft’s initial takeoff roll.” A Virgin Atlantic charter flight carrying national and international media representatives is scheduled to arrive between 1550 and 1600 today, Februrary 27, assuming there are no changes to the departure time and date.

FMI: www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com