Record-Seeking Flight Lifted Off
Posted 3-3-2005 at 11:29 PM
Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett has taken off on what he hopes will be first solo non-stop airplane flight around the world.
Fossett, the first person to circle the globe solo in a balloon, launched his GlobalFlyer from the Salina Municipal Airport in Kansas.
Hundreds watched as Fossett took off on a scheduled 66-hour journey. He hopes to return to Salina on Thursday morning.
The 23,000-mile flight will take him over Africa, the Middle East, India, China and the Pacific Ocean.
Fossett admitted being "a bit nervous" and said he has "a lot to worry about."
The venture is financed by Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson.
Besides the nonstop record, Fossett will attempt to break seven other aviation records, including the longest flight by a jet aircraft.
Steve Fosset
Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett has taken off on what he hopes will be first solo non-stop airplane flight around the world.
Fossett, the first person to circle the globe solo in a balloon, launched his GlobalFlyer from the Salina Municipal Airport in Kansas.
Hundreds watched as Fossett took off on a scheduled 66-hour journey. He hopes to return to Salina on Thursday morning.
The 23,000-mile flight will take him over Africa, the Middle East, India, China and the Pacific Ocean.
Fossett admitted being "a bit nervous" and said he has "a lot to worry about."
The venture is financed by Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson.
Besides the nonstop record, Fossett will attempt to break seven other aviation records, including the longest flight by a jet aircraft.
Steve Fosset
