Dawn To Dusk Record Flight Of 1,358 Miles Set Saturday

Launching into the morning twilight and landing just after sunset, pilots Terry Delore (NZL) and Steve Fossett (USA) broke one of the most important records in the sport of gliding this past weekend, flying their ASH 25M high performance sailplane between the Argentine cities El Calafate in Patagonia and San Juan - a new Free Distance (straight-line) world record of 2,187 kilometers (1,358 miles). The flight took 15 hours 42 minutes and covered almost 2/3 the length of Argentina.

Or in other words, approximately the same distance as that between Moscow and Milan - or between New York City and Dallas, Texas.

There are 21 major world records in gliding as recognized by the FAI (Federation Aeonautique Internationale - the world governing body for air sports whose confirmation is still required for this weekend's new record). Since Delore and Fossett teamed up in 2002 the pair have broken 11 of these 'open class' records. The previous mark for glider free distance was 2,174 kms, set by German glider legend Klaus Ohlmann in 2003.

"This is one of my gliding ambitions fulfilled -- and I know it has been one of Terry's goals for over 10 years as well," said Fossett. "The conditions are fantastic and it is just great to be flying along the Andes, going for records. Many of the top international pilots, including Klaus Ohlmann, are here for the Argentine spring season, and it is a privilege to be competing with them."

Delore and Fossett took off on a very cold Saturday morning  -- El Calafate is at the gateway to the glacier national park -- and as they flew along hour after hour one concern was that their feet would freeze. But as they headed north conditions warmed, and when they landed at San Juan shortly after sunset it was hot and muggy.

Steve Fossett now holds world records in 5 sports - balloons, airships, sailboats, gliders, and jet airplanes.

FMI: www.fossettchallenge.com