Cheers for Global Flyer!!!!
History was written yesterday when Steve Fossett touched down at
Salina, Kansas at 194856UTC, after circumnavigating the globe on a sinle load of fuel. Mr. Steve Fossett accomplished this feat in close to 67 hrs (67:02:38), having trevelled approx to 37000kms. Global Flyer took off on Monday evening. Mr. Steve Fossett is not a new name in the field of aviation firsts. His name is already immortalised in the book of aviation greats as he was the first man to complete a round the world trip in a balloon in 2002. The aircraft designer, Burt Rutan, himself is a very famous and renowed figure in aviation circles. Voyager, which was the first aircraft ever to go around the world, on a single fuel load, was his design. That was in 1986, and it had a two person crew.(His brother, Dick Rutan, was one of the two pilots in that aircraft.) Voyager took close to 9 days to complete the trip. He is also remembered for his SpaceShip 01, which won the Ansari X-prize of $10million, for having achieved space flight with a passesger, in October 2004. One another interesting fact about this attempt is that not long time back, Richard Branson, the financial back bone of this project, was in competition with Steve Fossett to be the first man to circumnavigate the globe in a balloon. Way to go Mr. Branson. Guess this is what happens when two greats decide to come together. The prime differences between this and the Voyager attempt are the difference in the crew size, one and two for Global Flyer and Voyager respectively, and the fact that Global Flyer was powered by a single jet engine as compared to the two piston engines of Voyager. The next in line of firsts could be the first Solar powered around the world trip announced by a swiss adventurer, (the first tests are due in 2007, so remain seated for now) and the idea of Sir Richard Branson to start commercial space travel based on the Spaceship 01. So, keep your eyes peeled!!!! One more thing.. Mr. Steve Fossett, for having accomplished this deal, now enjoys the privilage of free Virgin Atlantinc tickets for life.. Only if Mr. Branson gave me a chance.. haha.. And did I mention Mr Fossett is 60 yrs old!! Happy Landings... |
According to the Independent, Steve Fossett holds the world record for holding world records!
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