Fossett Update
The Reverend
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Gaunty, you'd be surprised. Once he descends out of the jet stream, he will find a local wind to give him the track he is looking for. Many years ago in Saga Japan, competing in the Pacific Hot Air Balloon Championships, I picked up a reciprocal wind at 3000ft that took me over my launch pad 5kms from the the primary task. I let down to 800ft and eventually landed at the launch site. Balloons are different, you would never know the vagaries of local winds in a powered aircraft but a relatively small climb or descent in a balloon will give you an appreciable degree of track change.
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Fox News
Tycoon Completes Global Balloon Trip
KALGOORLIE, Australia — American adventurer Steve Fossett drifted into aviation history Tuesday, becoming the first person to fly a balloon solo around the world.
Flying through the darkness over the ocean south of Australia in his silvery Spirit of Freedom balloon, Fossett crossed east of 117 degrees longitude, the line from which he set off two weeks ago.
The Chicago investment millionaire and part-time Colorado resident covered more than 19,250 miles on the trip, finally succeeding in his sixth attempt at the record.
"It is a wonderful time for me," Fossett, sounding calm, said over satellite telephone. "Finally after six flights I have succeeded and it is a very satisfying experience."
This time around Fossett had plenty of fuel, no rogue nations to avoid and enough spare oxygen to keep the American adventurer on track.
With weather largely on his side throughout the trip, Fossett finally completed the nonstop feat after five previous, crash-plagued attempts spread over more than six years, conquering one of aviation's last barriers.
He couldn't immediately break open champagne in his cramped capsule.
"I can't do very much celebrating here," Fossett said. "I do have a few bottles of Bud Light but I'm saving it for the landing." Bud Light sponsored Fossett's successful attempt.
After breaking the record, Fossett was expected to continue drifting across Australia until daylight, when he would be able to find a safe place to land -- most likely on southern Australia's vast Nullarbor Plain, a vast and virtually treeless desert in Western Australia state, until he finds a safe landing site.
A recovery team was planning to set up a base in the tiny settlement of Forrest, 370 miles east of Kalgoorlie, a gold mining town in Western Australia.
After landing, the team will pick up Fossett and most likely take him back to Kalgoorlie. From there he will fly across Australia in his private jet and give a news conference in Sydney.
Weather conditions in Australia were ideal for the landing with low temperatures and virtually no wind.
As an official fax from Fossett's capsule rolled into his mission control at Washington University in St. Louis, applause broke out and team members finally exchanged hugs.
While some Fossett friends already on Monday were congratulating the persistent balloonist, his mission control had remained focused on finishing the job.
Even before he crossed the finish line, Fossett drew early congratulations from pals Bertrand Piccard of Switzerland and Brian Jones of England, who together in 1999 became the first balloonists ever to succeed in a round-the-world quest when they traveled over the Northern Hemisphere.
"We are very excited that this time seems to be the good one," Piccard told Fossett. "And we hope the next 24 hours will allow you to fulfill your dream."
Mission control put the time of his crossing the finish line at about 9:38-9:39 a.m. EDT.
Aside from a couple of turbulent patches, his flight largely was uneventful and without any of the problems that doomed his past attempts. During some stretches in recent days, winds even pushed Fossett's balloon along at a race car-like 200 mph.
Fossett chose to fly over the Southern Hemisphere, as he did in 1998 and last year. That route posed fewer challenges from wary governments, since he was effectively flying over only a handful of countries.
Fossett has spent the past two weeks in a capsule seven feet long, 5 feet wide and 5 feet tall, living on military-like rations and using oxygen cylinders. His toilet is a bucket.
On Sunday, Fossett broke his own 4-year-old record for distance traveled by a solo balloonist. Fossett went 14,235 miles in 1998, when his attempt from Argentina ended with his balloon's harrowing 29,000-foot plunge into the Coral Sea.
In 1998, Fossett actually traveled 15,200 miles, but the Switzerland-based Federation Aeronautique Internationale shaved his mileage to account for zigzags which don't count toward records.
Last August, Fossett set a solo balloonist duration record, flying for 12 days, 12 hours and 57 minutes before ditching on a cattle ranch in Brazil.
Fossett holds world records in ballooning, sailing and flying airplanes. He also swam the English Channel in 1985, placed 47th in the Iditarod dog sled race in 1992 and participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans car race in 1996.
Tycoon Completes Global Balloon Trip
KALGOORLIE, Australia — American adventurer Steve Fossett drifted into aviation history Tuesday, becoming the first person to fly a balloon solo around the world.
Flying through the darkness over the ocean south of Australia in his silvery Spirit of Freedom balloon, Fossett crossed east of 117 degrees longitude, the line from which he set off two weeks ago.
The Chicago investment millionaire and part-time Colorado resident covered more than 19,250 miles on the trip, finally succeeding in his sixth attempt at the record.
"It is a wonderful time for me," Fossett, sounding calm, said over satellite telephone. "Finally after six flights I have succeeded and it is a very satisfying experience."
This time around Fossett had plenty of fuel, no rogue nations to avoid and enough spare oxygen to keep the American adventurer on track.
With weather largely on his side throughout the trip, Fossett finally completed the nonstop feat after five previous, crash-plagued attempts spread over more than six years, conquering one of aviation's last barriers.
He couldn't immediately break open champagne in his cramped capsule.
"I can't do very much celebrating here," Fossett said. "I do have a few bottles of Bud Light but I'm saving it for the landing." Bud Light sponsored Fossett's successful attempt.
After breaking the record, Fossett was expected to continue drifting across Australia until daylight, when he would be able to find a safe place to land -- most likely on southern Australia's vast Nullarbor Plain, a vast and virtually treeless desert in Western Australia state, until he finds a safe landing site.
A recovery team was planning to set up a base in the tiny settlement of Forrest, 370 miles east of Kalgoorlie, a gold mining town in Western Australia.
After landing, the team will pick up Fossett and most likely take him back to Kalgoorlie. From there he will fly across Australia in his private jet and give a news conference in Sydney.
Weather conditions in Australia were ideal for the landing with low temperatures and virtually no wind.
As an official fax from Fossett's capsule rolled into his mission control at Washington University in St. Louis, applause broke out and team members finally exchanged hugs.
While some Fossett friends already on Monday were congratulating the persistent balloonist, his mission control had remained focused on finishing the job.
Even before he crossed the finish line, Fossett drew early congratulations from pals Bertrand Piccard of Switzerland and Brian Jones of England, who together in 1999 became the first balloonists ever to succeed in a round-the-world quest when they traveled over the Northern Hemisphere.
"We are very excited that this time seems to be the good one," Piccard told Fossett. "And we hope the next 24 hours will allow you to fulfill your dream."
Mission control put the time of his crossing the finish line at about 9:38-9:39 a.m. EDT.
Aside from a couple of turbulent patches, his flight largely was uneventful and without any of the problems that doomed his past attempts. During some stretches in recent days, winds even pushed Fossett's balloon along at a race car-like 200 mph.
Fossett chose to fly over the Southern Hemisphere, as he did in 1998 and last year. That route posed fewer challenges from wary governments, since he was effectively flying over only a handful of countries.
Fossett has spent the past two weeks in a capsule seven feet long, 5 feet wide and 5 feet tall, living on military-like rations and using oxygen cylinders. His toilet is a bucket.
On Sunday, Fossett broke his own 4-year-old record for distance traveled by a solo balloonist. Fossett went 14,235 miles in 1998, when his attempt from Argentina ended with his balloon's harrowing 29,000-foot plunge into the Coral Sea.
In 1998, Fossett actually traveled 15,200 miles, but the Switzerland-based Federation Aeronautique Internationale shaved his mileage to account for zigzags which don't count toward records.
Last August, Fossett set a solo balloonist duration record, flying for 12 days, 12 hours and 57 minutes before ditching on a cattle ranch in Brazil.
Fossett holds world records in ballooning, sailing and flying airplanes. He also swam the English Channel in 1985, placed 47th in the Iditarod dog sled race in 1992 and participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans car race in 1996.
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Looks like my job is done. Thanks to all contributors.
Just a few more posts until the final conclusion.
What a great effort from all involved especially to Steve who has had the determination to make this succeed.
I feel proud as I played my part and think of all the other volunteer's who have helped make this a huge success.
It makes you feel good and restores your faith in society especially in turbulent times that people from all over the world, with a common cause have rallied together to help in anyway they can to help Steve make this a success..............................
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom Crosses finish line!
At 13:53 UTC, 8:53 a.m. CDT, it was officially confirmed that Steve
Fossett crossed 116.42.16 east longitude south of Northam, Western
Australia making him the first solo balloonist to circumnavigate the globe.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom will continue to fly eastward until finding the
optimal landing situation.
Fossett Completes Circumnavigation of the Globe
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom Crosses 117 degrees East longitude; balloon
expected to land tomorrow morning (CDT)
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, July 2, 2002, 10:00 a.m. CDT (July 1, 2002, 15:00 UTC)
- - Amid applause and handshakes, Mission Control Director Joe Ritchie
announced today that Steve Fossett had officially circumnavigated the globe
in Bud Light Spirit of Freedom at a press conference in Mission Control at
Washington University in St. Louis.
Fossett crossed 117 degrees East longitude at approximately 8:40 a.m.
(CDT), making him the first person to ever successfully circle the globe in
a balloon alone.
The event was very emotional for all of the members of Mission Control, as
well as for Fossett, who was able to join them via a conference call.
Fossett noted, however, that with almost a day until he lands in Australia,
he has not been able to do much celebrating yet.
"You can't do very much celebrating," said Fossett to the laughter of
Mission Control. "I do have a couple of bottles of Bud Light, but there's
no one to drink it with."
He went on to add on a serious note that achieving this milestone was an
"enormous satisfaction."
Members of Mission Control similarly responded with both joy and sincerity
when addressing the media. Meteorologists Luc Trullemans and David Dehenauw
both congratulated Steve. And Dehenauw thanked the meteorological
institutions in the United States that assisted with the mission.
"Without the efforts of U.S. scientists, this would not have been
possible," said Dehenauw. Though he is from Belgium, Dehenauw found
institutions in the United States to be extremely helpful throughout the
flight.
Fossett also received congratulations from Washington University in
St.Louis Chancellor Mark Wrighton and Joe Castellano, Anheuser-Busch vice
president of retail marketing. Both expressed pride in having their
institutions associated with the accomplishment, and Wrighton went on to
thank the "great group of outstanding student [interns] from Washington
University."
When asked what he has planned next, Fossett revealed that he has actually
been working on another accomplishment for later this month.
"I don't want to say too much because I haven't even landed this one yet,"
said Fossett to the laughter of the audience, who explained that he hopes
to fly a glider into the stratosphere by the end of July.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is expected to land early tomorrow morning
(July 3).
Edited by Elevator for spelling errors.
Just a few more posts until the final conclusion.
What a great effort from all involved especially to Steve who has had the determination to make this succeed.
I feel proud as I played my part and think of all the other volunteer's who have helped make this a huge success.
It makes you feel good and restores your faith in society especially in turbulent times that people from all over the world, with a common cause have rallied together to help in anyway they can to help Steve make this a success..............................
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom Crosses finish line!
At 13:53 UTC, 8:53 a.m. CDT, it was officially confirmed that Steve
Fossett crossed 116.42.16 east longitude south of Northam, Western
Australia making him the first solo balloonist to circumnavigate the globe.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom will continue to fly eastward until finding the
optimal landing situation.
Fossett Completes Circumnavigation of the Globe
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom Crosses 117 degrees East longitude; balloon
expected to land tomorrow morning (CDT)
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, July 2, 2002, 10:00 a.m. CDT (July 1, 2002, 15:00 UTC)
- - Amid applause and handshakes, Mission Control Director Joe Ritchie
announced today that Steve Fossett had officially circumnavigated the globe
in Bud Light Spirit of Freedom at a press conference in Mission Control at
Washington University in St. Louis.
Fossett crossed 117 degrees East longitude at approximately 8:40 a.m.
(CDT), making him the first person to ever successfully circle the globe in
a balloon alone.
The event was very emotional for all of the members of Mission Control, as
well as for Fossett, who was able to join them via a conference call.
Fossett noted, however, that with almost a day until he lands in Australia,
he has not been able to do much celebrating yet.
"You can't do very much celebrating," said Fossett to the laughter of
Mission Control. "I do have a couple of bottles of Bud Light, but there's
no one to drink it with."
He went on to add on a serious note that achieving this milestone was an
"enormous satisfaction."
Members of Mission Control similarly responded with both joy and sincerity
when addressing the media. Meteorologists Luc Trullemans and David Dehenauw
both congratulated Steve. And Dehenauw thanked the meteorological
institutions in the United States that assisted with the mission.
"Without the efforts of U.S. scientists, this would not have been
possible," said Dehenauw. Though he is from Belgium, Dehenauw found
institutions in the United States to be extremely helpful throughout the
flight.
Fossett also received congratulations from Washington University in
St.Louis Chancellor Mark Wrighton and Joe Castellano, Anheuser-Busch vice
president of retail marketing. Both expressed pride in having their
institutions associated with the accomplishment, and Wrighton went on to
thank the "great group of outstanding student [interns] from Washington
University."
When asked what he has planned next, Fossett revealed that he has actually
been working on another accomplishment for later this month.
"I don't want to say too much because I haven't even landed this one yet,"
said Fossett to the laughter of the audience, who explained that he hopes
to fly a glider into the stratosphere by the end of July.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is expected to land early tomorrow morning
(July 3).
Edited by Elevator for spelling errors.
Last edited by Elevator; 2nd Jul 2002 at 23:53.
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Meteorologists Eye Landing Site
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 4:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 21:00 UTC)
- - With Fossett about 7 hours from the coast of Australia, Chief
Meteorologist Luc Trullemans and Assistant Meteorologist David Dehenauw are
analyzing a possible landing site near 129 south latitude, 136.5 east
longitude. This position is about 170 miles (270 kilometers)
North-Northwest of Adelaide, Australia. However, these are very early
predictions with descent not anticipated until about 7:00 UTC July 3, 2002
(2:00 am July 3, 2002 CDT) and landing about 8:00 UTC July 3, 2002 (3:00 am
July 3, 2002 CDT), which are more than 10 hours away.
Fossett is cruising at 71.3 miles per hour (115 kilometers per hour) at an
altitude of 25,300 feet (7,711 meters). At 36 degrees south and 125
degrees east, Bud Light Spirit of Freedom has now traveled a remarkable
total of 19,892 miles (32,013 kilometers).
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 4:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 21:00 UTC)
- - With Fossett about 7 hours from the coast of Australia, Chief
Meteorologist Luc Trullemans and Assistant Meteorologist David Dehenauw are
analyzing a possible landing site near 129 south latitude, 136.5 east
longitude. This position is about 170 miles (270 kilometers)
North-Northwest of Adelaide, Australia. However, these are very early
predictions with descent not anticipated until about 7:00 UTC July 3, 2002
(2:00 am July 3, 2002 CDT) and landing about 8:00 UTC July 3, 2002 (3:00 am
July 3, 2002 CDT), which are more than 10 hours away.
Fossett is cruising at 71.3 miles per hour (115 kilometers per hour) at an
altitude of 25,300 feet (7,711 meters). At 36 degrees south and 125
degrees east, Bud Light Spirit of Freedom has now traveled a remarkable
total of 19,892 miles (32,013 kilometers).
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Forrest of course is the nearest and best place for landing the Cessna Citation. I bet they'll invite Steve in for a famous steak and beer. Great hospitality.
Elevation 511 feet rwy 18/36 YFRT
S30 50.3' E128 06.9' VAR 3 degrees East.
Go Steve!
Elevation 511 feet rwy 18/36 YFRT
S30 50.3' E128 06.9' VAR 3 degrees East.
Go Steve!
Be a nice touch if he could pull up outside the pub!
What about Customs. Will they be there for his arrival? You never know, he did lower altitude significantly over South America.
This means he could have dipped down to 10 feet over a preplanned pickup site, grabbed a coule of well packed bags of white powder substance and nobody would be any the wiser.
What about Afghani stowaways? Planned touchdown point is suspiciously close to where the detention centre escapees are hiding out. Mmnn.....food for thought. Ruddock must be very suspicious.
Brilliant effort Mr. Fossett. Congratulations and well done.
What about Customs. Will they be there for his arrival? You never know, he did lower altitude significantly over South America.
This means he could have dipped down to 10 feet over a preplanned pickup site, grabbed a coule of well packed bags of white powder substance and nobody would be any the wiser.
What about Afghani stowaways? Planned touchdown point is suspiciously close to where the detention centre escapees are hiding out. Mmnn.....food for thought. Ruddock must be very suspicious.
Brilliant effort Mr. Fossett. Congratulations and well done.
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Mission Accomplished, Now it's Time to Land
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 6:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 23:00 UTC)
The Bud Light Spirit of Freedom around-the-world mission is a success! The
balloon capsule officially sent coordinates confirming that Pilot Steve
Fossett crossed 116.42.16 east longitude at 13:53 UTC, 8:53 a.m. St. Louis
time. Passing this point, directly south of the launch site in Northam,
Western Australia, Fossett became the first solo balloonist to
circumnavigate the globe.
Guinness World Records called later to confirm that they have donned
Fossett with the official record: "First Person to Solo Circumnavigate the
Globe in a Balloon." He is also likely to set records for "Longest Distance
Flown Solo by Balloon" and "Longest Duration (time) Solo Flight in a
Balloon," pending confirmation from the FAI (World Air Sports Federation).
At a press conference this morning at Mission Control at Washington
University in St. Louis, Fossett was able to comment via a conference call.
He said that completing this adventure was an "enormous satisfaction." He
later noted however, that he will not do much celebrating yet, as he needs
to focus on landing in Australia.
As Steve cruises northeast with a heading of 61 degrees off the southern
shores of Australia, meteorologists Luc Trullemans and David Dehenauw are
guiding him into winds that will carry him more northward toward the
continent. It is currently predicted that the balloon will cross the coast
around 11:30 tonight (4:30 UTC tomorrow morning) and land around 3 a.m. St.
Louis time (8:00 UTC). These predictions are subject to drift depending on
the weather, so updates will be issued as necessary.
The coast crossing will occur near Ceduna, Australia, where the chase plane
and several helicopters will fly-by and escort our ballooning adventurer to
a safe touchdown.
Currently, Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is positioned at 35 degrees south
latitude and 126 degrees west longitude. Soaring at 25,300 feet (7,711
meters) and 73 miles per hour (118 km per hour), the mission has now logged
a total of 20,036 miles (32,245 km).
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 6:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 23:00 UTC)
The Bud Light Spirit of Freedom around-the-world mission is a success! The
balloon capsule officially sent coordinates confirming that Pilot Steve
Fossett crossed 116.42.16 east longitude at 13:53 UTC, 8:53 a.m. St. Louis
time. Passing this point, directly south of the launch site in Northam,
Western Australia, Fossett became the first solo balloonist to
circumnavigate the globe.
Guinness World Records called later to confirm that they have donned
Fossett with the official record: "First Person to Solo Circumnavigate the
Globe in a Balloon." He is also likely to set records for "Longest Distance
Flown Solo by Balloon" and "Longest Duration (time) Solo Flight in a
Balloon," pending confirmation from the FAI (World Air Sports Federation).
At a press conference this morning at Mission Control at Washington
University in St. Louis, Fossett was able to comment via a conference call.
He said that completing this adventure was an "enormous satisfaction." He
later noted however, that he will not do much celebrating yet, as he needs
to focus on landing in Australia.
As Steve cruises northeast with a heading of 61 degrees off the southern
shores of Australia, meteorologists Luc Trullemans and David Dehenauw are
guiding him into winds that will carry him more northward toward the
continent. It is currently predicted that the balloon will cross the coast
around 11:30 tonight (4:30 UTC tomorrow morning) and land around 3 a.m. St.
Louis time (8:00 UTC). These predictions are subject to drift depending on
the weather, so updates will be issued as necessary.
The coast crossing will occur near Ceduna, Australia, where the chase plane
and several helicopters will fly-by and escort our ballooning adventurer to
a safe touchdown.
Currently, Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is positioned at 35 degrees south
latitude and 126 degrees west longitude. Soaring at 25,300 feet (7,711
meters) and 73 miles per hour (118 km per hour), the mission has now logged
a total of 20,036 miles (32,245 km).
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Still Floatin'
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 8:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 3, 2002, 01:00 UTC)
As Steve Fossett proceeds toward the shores of Ceduna, Australia, forecasts
still predict that the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon will cross the
coast at 4:30 UTC tomorrow morning and that landing will occur inland later
around 8:00 UTC. Half way around the world, Mission Control at Washington
University in St. Louis is still being manned around the clock, closely
following Fossett's moves to help him safely finish out his flight.
At this point, we should take a moment to thank the Ryan brothers, Tony and
Shorty. Logistics Director Shorty Ryan and IT Director Tony Ryan run an
Australian power-generation company called Aggreko. Long before Steve's
arrival in Australia, though, they began the intensive task of making
arrangements for the mission. Doing everything from mobilizing
helicopters, arranging transport trucks, setting up press conferences,
installing web cams, and more; they almost single-handedly poured the
foundation for the successful mission to come. Thanks Tony and Shorty -
our hats go off to you!
Pilot Steve Fossett is currently bearing 61 degrees at 34 degrees south
latitude and 128 degrees east longitude. Traveling at 74 miles per hour
(119 km per hour) at an altitude of 25,300 feet (7,711 km), the balloon has
now flown 20,110 miles (32,363 km).
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 8:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 3, 2002, 01:00 UTC)
As Steve Fossett proceeds toward the shores of Ceduna, Australia, forecasts
still predict that the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon will cross the
coast at 4:30 UTC tomorrow morning and that landing will occur inland later
around 8:00 UTC. Half way around the world, Mission Control at Washington
University in St. Louis is still being manned around the clock, closely
following Fossett's moves to help him safely finish out his flight.
At this point, we should take a moment to thank the Ryan brothers, Tony and
Shorty. Logistics Director Shorty Ryan and IT Director Tony Ryan run an
Australian power-generation company called Aggreko. Long before Steve's
arrival in Australia, though, they began the intensive task of making
arrangements for the mission. Doing everything from mobilizing
helicopters, arranging transport trucks, setting up press conferences,
installing web cams, and more; they almost single-handedly poured the
foundation for the successful mission to come. Thanks Tony and Shorty -
our hats go off to you!
Pilot Steve Fossett is currently bearing 61 degrees at 34 degrees south
latitude and 128 degrees east longitude. Traveling at 74 miles per hour
(119 km per hour) at an altitude of 25,300 feet (7,711 km), the balloon has
now flown 20,110 miles (32,363 km).
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Mission Highlights
A Day-by-Day Look at Fossett?s Round-the-World Journey
June 19, 2002
Fossett launches 9:37 a.m. Australia time from Northam, Western Australia
at a rate of 450 feet a minute. The 10-storey tall Bud Light Spirit of
Freedom moves steadily at 60 mph (95 kilometers an hour) 20,000 feet (6,100
meters) in the sky.
June 20, 2002
The balloon successfully crosses the Australian continent and heads east by
southeast over the Tasman Sea towards New Zealand. The balloon breaks the
100 kilometers per hour barrier (62.1 miles per hour) and has gone 1,596.3
miles (2,568.9 km).
June 21, 2002
Fossett crosses the International Dateline going 80 mph (130.6 kph) at
24,500 feet (7,467.6 m). He has been flying for 70 hours and traveled
3,871.1 miles (6,360.4 km).
June 23, 2002
Called "the most crucial day" so far by the pilot, Fossett rides in a
robust jet stream that divides unexpectedly into two paths. The balloon
chooses a track that leads into storms and unfavorable wind conditions. To
steer clear, Fossett and Mission Control decide to lower the balloon to 900
feet (274 m) above sea level, a rare feat in ballooning. At this level,
Fossett avoids the storms but slows to 20 miles an hour (32 kph).
Downdrafts push the balloon to within 400 feet (180 m) of the ocean, where
there are heavy squalls. At times Fossett uses all three burners on full
flame to stay aloft. When the skies clear ahead, he raises to 24,500 feet
(7,468 m), traveling at 35 mph (56 kph).
June 24, 2002
Fossett fixes a malfunctioning burner that could have ended the mission. A
burner is frozen open, continually increasing altitude. Without a way to
stop rising, Fossett faces the danger of approaching the balloon's ceiling,
the maximum altitude at which it can fly safely. If a balloon rises above
this level, it can lose precious helium. Fossett finds a solution in an
unexpected place ? the chemical packs he uses to heat his food. He tapes
the packs around the burner, thawing it and solving the problem. He
finishes the day at an altitude of 22,500 feet (6,858 m), going 44.9 mph
(72.2 kph). The balloon is at 50 degrees south latitude and 126 degrees
west longitude, officially out of New Zealand air space and heading towards
South America. It has flown 6,544.6 miles (10,532.2 km).
June 26, 2002
In the air for one week, the balloon is caught in a three-hour oscillation
cycle, at about 04:00 UTC. Fossett realizes he might have to abandon his
quest because of missing a jet stream to the north of a Chilean
low-pressure system. Describing this yo-yo effect, common in aviation, as a
"harrowing experience," Fossett explains that the balloon lost altitude
(possibly due to a downdraft), and the autopilot turned on full-blast to
compensate. This pushed the super-heated balloon dangerously high to its
ceiling, so the auto-pilot turns off, causing an extreme loss in altitude.
As a result, the burners turn on again, creating a dangerous cycle. The
pilot faces losing helium and voyage duration in the high altitudes and
conversely falling to the surface below. He stabilizes the balloon heading
east-northeast, although he had hoped to head north to catch a jet stream.
Chief Meteorologist Luc Trullemans finds a solution -- a short-cut that
will reach Chile four hours early. Although the balloon moves slower, it
catches the better jet stream.
June 27, 2002
Steve Fossett speeds past the halfway point in his flight at 4:52 a.m.
(9:52:00 UTC). He is over the Atlantic at 58 degrees south, 52 degrees
west, having covered 9,773 miles (15,728 km). He is gaining speed, going
113 mph (181 kph) at 25,000 feet (7620 m).
June 29, 2002
On his 11th day of the mission, Fossett is 5,400 miles (8617 km) farther
east and south than at the same point in last year's attempt. The balloon
drops to a low 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) out of faster, stormy jet
streams. It has slowed to 47 mph (75 kph) because of this, in order to
allow unfavorable weather to dissipate before he crosses the South African
region. These low altitudes are melting the ice off the balloon, showering
the gondola with rain. The balloon is about 950 miles (1,519.43 km) almost
due south of Cape Town, South Africa.
June 30, 2002
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom becomes the longest solo balloon flight in
history, in terms of total distance traveled. Fossett breaks his own
four-year-old record for distance traveled by a solo balloonist, surpassing
the 22,904 km (14,235.3 miles) he logged in 1998, when his attempt from
Argentina ended with the balloon's harrowing 8,700-meter (29,000-foot)
plunge into the Coral Sea. Fossett is now some 4,000 miles (6,500 km) from
the finish line, the west coast of Australia. In a fast jet stream, Fossett
travels up to 138 miles per hour (222.2 kilometers per hour) at 25,300 feet
(7,711.4 m).
July 1, 2002
Fossett descends to 11,000 feet, as planned, to avoid thunderstorms over
the coast of South Africa. He is now back to 24,000 feet (7,315 m),
catching faster winds that carry him over the eastern coast of South
Africa. He is heading 37 degrees and 48.8 mph (78.5 kph), and has flown
14,257 miles (22,944 km). Only one-quarter of his RTW voyage remains as he
crosses 26 degrees. Fossett achieves his maximum speed at 05:53 UTC,
hitting an instantaneous rate of 174 knots (200 mph; 322 kph) and averaging
172.73 knots over the 30 minutes. In a call to Mission Control, Fossett
reports "life is good."
July 2, 2002
As Fossett approaches his goal of 117 east longitude, he rises to 34,700
feet (10,576.6 m), flying above clouds and snow flurries. He returns to a
regular cruising altitude of 28,000 feet (8,534 m), at a speed of 63 mph
(101 kph). Heading at 90 degrees, he has logged a total of 18,485 miles
(29,749 km). At 13:53 UTC, 8:53 a.m. CDT, it is officially confirmed that
Steve Fossett crossed 116.42.16 east longitude south of Northam, Western
Australia, making him the first solo balloonist to circumnavigate the
globe. Bud Light Spirit of Freedom will fly eastward until finding an
optimal landing situation.
A Day-by-Day Look at Fossett?s Round-the-World Journey
June 19, 2002
Fossett launches 9:37 a.m. Australia time from Northam, Western Australia
at a rate of 450 feet a minute. The 10-storey tall Bud Light Spirit of
Freedom moves steadily at 60 mph (95 kilometers an hour) 20,000 feet (6,100
meters) in the sky.
June 20, 2002
The balloon successfully crosses the Australian continent and heads east by
southeast over the Tasman Sea towards New Zealand. The balloon breaks the
100 kilometers per hour barrier (62.1 miles per hour) and has gone 1,596.3
miles (2,568.9 km).
June 21, 2002
Fossett crosses the International Dateline going 80 mph (130.6 kph) at
24,500 feet (7,467.6 m). He has been flying for 70 hours and traveled
3,871.1 miles (6,360.4 km).
June 23, 2002
Called "the most crucial day" so far by the pilot, Fossett rides in a
robust jet stream that divides unexpectedly into two paths. The balloon
chooses a track that leads into storms and unfavorable wind conditions. To
steer clear, Fossett and Mission Control decide to lower the balloon to 900
feet (274 m) above sea level, a rare feat in ballooning. At this level,
Fossett avoids the storms but slows to 20 miles an hour (32 kph).
Downdrafts push the balloon to within 400 feet (180 m) of the ocean, where
there are heavy squalls. At times Fossett uses all three burners on full
flame to stay aloft. When the skies clear ahead, he raises to 24,500 feet
(7,468 m), traveling at 35 mph (56 kph).
June 24, 2002
Fossett fixes a malfunctioning burner that could have ended the mission. A
burner is frozen open, continually increasing altitude. Without a way to
stop rising, Fossett faces the danger of approaching the balloon's ceiling,
the maximum altitude at which it can fly safely. If a balloon rises above
this level, it can lose precious helium. Fossett finds a solution in an
unexpected place ? the chemical packs he uses to heat his food. He tapes
the packs around the burner, thawing it and solving the problem. He
finishes the day at an altitude of 22,500 feet (6,858 m), going 44.9 mph
(72.2 kph). The balloon is at 50 degrees south latitude and 126 degrees
west longitude, officially out of New Zealand air space and heading towards
South America. It has flown 6,544.6 miles (10,532.2 km).
June 26, 2002
In the air for one week, the balloon is caught in a three-hour oscillation
cycle, at about 04:00 UTC. Fossett realizes he might have to abandon his
quest because of missing a jet stream to the north of a Chilean
low-pressure system. Describing this yo-yo effect, common in aviation, as a
"harrowing experience," Fossett explains that the balloon lost altitude
(possibly due to a downdraft), and the autopilot turned on full-blast to
compensate. This pushed the super-heated balloon dangerously high to its
ceiling, so the auto-pilot turns off, causing an extreme loss in altitude.
As a result, the burners turn on again, creating a dangerous cycle. The
pilot faces losing helium and voyage duration in the high altitudes and
conversely falling to the surface below. He stabilizes the balloon heading
east-northeast, although he had hoped to head north to catch a jet stream.
Chief Meteorologist Luc Trullemans finds a solution -- a short-cut that
will reach Chile four hours early. Although the balloon moves slower, it
catches the better jet stream.
June 27, 2002
Steve Fossett speeds past the halfway point in his flight at 4:52 a.m.
(9:52:00 UTC). He is over the Atlantic at 58 degrees south, 52 degrees
west, having covered 9,773 miles (15,728 km). He is gaining speed, going
113 mph (181 kph) at 25,000 feet (7620 m).
June 29, 2002
On his 11th day of the mission, Fossett is 5,400 miles (8617 km) farther
east and south than at the same point in last year's attempt. The balloon
drops to a low 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) out of faster, stormy jet
streams. It has slowed to 47 mph (75 kph) because of this, in order to
allow unfavorable weather to dissipate before he crosses the South African
region. These low altitudes are melting the ice off the balloon, showering
the gondola with rain. The balloon is about 950 miles (1,519.43 km) almost
due south of Cape Town, South Africa.
June 30, 2002
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom becomes the longest solo balloon flight in
history, in terms of total distance traveled. Fossett breaks his own
four-year-old record for distance traveled by a solo balloonist, surpassing
the 22,904 km (14,235.3 miles) he logged in 1998, when his attempt from
Argentina ended with the balloon's harrowing 8,700-meter (29,000-foot)
plunge into the Coral Sea. Fossett is now some 4,000 miles (6,500 km) from
the finish line, the west coast of Australia. In a fast jet stream, Fossett
travels up to 138 miles per hour (222.2 kilometers per hour) at 25,300 feet
(7,711.4 m).
July 1, 2002
Fossett descends to 11,000 feet, as planned, to avoid thunderstorms over
the coast of South Africa. He is now back to 24,000 feet (7,315 m),
catching faster winds that carry him over the eastern coast of South
Africa. He is heading 37 degrees and 48.8 mph (78.5 kph), and has flown
14,257 miles (22,944 km). Only one-quarter of his RTW voyage remains as he
crosses 26 degrees. Fossett achieves his maximum speed at 05:53 UTC,
hitting an instantaneous rate of 174 knots (200 mph; 322 kph) and averaging
172.73 knots over the 30 minutes. In a call to Mission Control, Fossett
reports "life is good."
July 2, 2002
As Fossett approaches his goal of 117 east longitude, he rises to 34,700
feet (10,576.6 m), flying above clouds and snow flurries. He returns to a
regular cruising altitude of 28,000 feet (8,534 m), at a speed of 63 mph
(101 kph). Heading at 90 degrees, he has logged a total of 18,485 miles
(29,749 km). At 13:53 UTC, 8:53 a.m. CDT, it is officially confirmed that
Steve Fossett crossed 116.42.16 east longitude south of Northam, Western
Australia, making him the first solo balloonist to circumnavigate the
globe. Bud Light Spirit of Freedom will fly eastward until finding an
optimal landing situation.
Thread Starter
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Let's get this thing on the ground
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 10:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 3, 2002, 03:00 UTC)
With the circle now complete, after flying 20,256 miles thus far (32,598
km), Pilot Steve Fossett is intent on landing Bud Light Spirit of Freedom
as soon as possible. The towering, silvery figure of the balloon
approaches the shores of Australia under the cover of night, while Mission
Control phones anyone and everyone in Australia who owns property in the
path of the balloon, looking to secure a landing site. Predictions still
have the coast-crossing at 4:30 UTC tomorrow morning and the landing at
around 8:00 UTC.
The chase planes and helicopters should be scrambling soon to rendezvous
with our adventurer as he breaches the coast. Bud Light Spirit of Freedom,
within less than two hours of the shores, is currently at 33 degrees south
latitude, 130 degrees east longitude. Headed at 61 degrees, it is flying
at 61 miles per hour (118 km per hour) and 25,300 feet (7,711 meters).
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 10:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 3, 2002, 03:00 UTC)
With the circle now complete, after flying 20,256 miles thus far (32,598
km), Pilot Steve Fossett is intent on landing Bud Light Spirit of Freedom
as soon as possible. The towering, silvery figure of the balloon
approaches the shores of Australia under the cover of night, while Mission
Control phones anyone and everyone in Australia who owns property in the
path of the balloon, looking to secure a landing site. Predictions still
have the coast-crossing at 4:30 UTC tomorrow morning and the landing at
around 8:00 UTC.
The chase planes and helicopters should be scrambling soon to rendezvous
with our adventurer as he breaches the coast. Bud Light Spirit of Freedom,
within less than two hours of the shores, is currently at 33 degrees south
latitude, 130 degrees east longitude. Headed at 61 degrees, it is flying
at 61 miles per hour (118 km per hour) and 25,300 feet (7,711 meters).
Don Quixote Impersonator
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With the wind at 18-20KTs Ceduna and inland to Woomera doesn't look good for a landing there.
Now talking about maybe west QLD tomorrow am at best or cosat at worst.
Knew I should have stayed there.
This is the really hard part.
Now talking about maybe west QLD tomorrow am at best or cosat at worst.
Knew I should have stayed there.
This is the really hard part.
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Without taking anything away from Steve Fosset's incredible feat, just what is "around the world?" In yachting you have to cross the equator. Dick Smith ran around the world in less than 1 minute at the North Pole if I remember rightly.
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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Nigel,
Please read Elevator's 5th post on page 7. Answers your question.
Without taking anything away from Dick Smiths incredible feat of "running around the pole" Steve accomplished what he couldnt.
Please read Elevator's 5th post on page 7. Answers your question.
Without taking anything away from Dick Smiths incredible feat of "running around the pole" Steve accomplished what he couldnt.
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AAP
Fossett faces another night in air
03jul02
STEVE Fossett, who overnight became the first person to fly a balloon solo around the world, may be forced to spend another night in the air before he can land in Australia.
The 58-year-old Chicago millionaire made aviation history yesterday when he completed his lone circumnavigation.
He claimed the record at 9.40pm (WST) after crossing longitude 117 degrees east - the line that was his starting point on June 19.
But as the adventurer floats over the Southern Ocean, weather conditions are frustrating his mission controllers, who are trying to pin down where and when he can land.
At 10.30am (WST) today, forecasters said Fossett would likely cross the coast near Ceduna, in South Australia, at 12.30pm (WST), or 2pm (CST).
But the SA weather bureau has warned high winds across the state would probably prevent him landing at all today.
"Mission control are now looking towards a landing tomorrow morning, probably at or near Coober Pedy," forecaster Michael Bassanelli said.
He said winds of around 40kph were gusting across the state, and Fossett's team wanted winds of less than 20kph to effect a safe landing.
"Winds are expected to ease overnight, and it will be much more conducive to a safe landing, probably at around sunrise," Mr Bassanelli said.
A spokesman for Fossett said the situation would be reassessed as soon as the adventurer crossed the coast.
"The problem here is it's very windy, which is not good for landing balloons," Errol Considine said from Ceduna.
"Whether he can go inland and get away from it, I don't know, but locally it's doubtful they'll be able to bring him down near the coast because it's just too windy."
He said two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft were flying in from Kalgoorlie to accompany Fossett as he crossed the coast and help him land.
One of the helicopters would be used to retrieve the adventurer from his balloon once he was on the ground and transfer him to his private jet, which would be waiting to take him to Sydney.
Fossett said from his Spirit of Freedom helium-filled balloon overnight that achieving the record had been very satisfying.
"It is hard to describe the feeling that I have now," he said last night.
"I am just so happy right now. It has been a long trip and I am really glad to have arrived."
The 13-day adventure covered more than 31,000km and was Fossett's sixth attempt at the world record.
During the voyage Fossett lived in a cramped capsule, eating military-style rations and breathing through an oxygen mask.
His team talked him through three hair-raising situations during the trip.
One incident threatened to abort the mission when he was unable to maintain altitude as he flew near South America, close to the spot where he was forced to end last year's attempt.
AAP
Fossett faces another night in air
03jul02
STEVE Fossett, who overnight became the first person to fly a balloon solo around the world, may be forced to spend another night in the air before he can land in Australia.
The 58-year-old Chicago millionaire made aviation history yesterday when he completed his lone circumnavigation.
He claimed the record at 9.40pm (WST) after crossing longitude 117 degrees east - the line that was his starting point on June 19.
But as the adventurer floats over the Southern Ocean, weather conditions are frustrating his mission controllers, who are trying to pin down where and when he can land.
At 10.30am (WST) today, forecasters said Fossett would likely cross the coast near Ceduna, in South Australia, at 12.30pm (WST), or 2pm (CST).
But the SA weather bureau has warned high winds across the state would probably prevent him landing at all today.
"Mission control are now looking towards a landing tomorrow morning, probably at or near Coober Pedy," forecaster Michael Bassanelli said.
He said winds of around 40kph were gusting across the state, and Fossett's team wanted winds of less than 20kph to effect a safe landing.
"Winds are expected to ease overnight, and it will be much more conducive to a safe landing, probably at around sunrise," Mr Bassanelli said.
A spokesman for Fossett said the situation would be reassessed as soon as the adventurer crossed the coast.
"The problem here is it's very windy, which is not good for landing balloons," Errol Considine said from Ceduna.
"Whether he can go inland and get away from it, I don't know, but locally it's doubtful they'll be able to bring him down near the coast because it's just too windy."
He said two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft were flying in from Kalgoorlie to accompany Fossett as he crossed the coast and help him land.
One of the helicopters would be used to retrieve the adventurer from his balloon once he was on the ground and transfer him to his private jet, which would be waiting to take him to Sydney.
Fossett said from his Spirit of Freedom helium-filled balloon overnight that achieving the record had been very satisfying.
"It is hard to describe the feeling that I have now," he said last night.
"I am just so happy right now. It has been a long trip and I am really glad to have arrived."
The 13-day adventure covered more than 31,000km and was Fossett's sixth attempt at the world record.
During the voyage Fossett lived in a cramped capsule, eating military-style rations and breathing through an oxygen mask.
His team talked him through three hair-raising situations during the trip.
One incident threatened to abort the mission when he was unable to maintain altitude as he flew near South America, close to the spot where he was forced to end last year's attempt.
AAP
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Over Australia Once Again
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 3, 2002, 12:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 3, 2002, 05:00 UTC)
Steve Fossett officially crossed over from ocean to land when he entered
the airspace above Ceduna, Australia at 4:17 UTC. He is currently cruising
northeast at 76 miles per hour (122 km per hour) with a heading of 59
degrees. Also, at approximately 4:00 UTC, his current track crossed his
outbound track, intersecting at the point where he was flying June 19th at
18:46 UTC. This dramatically connects the line that he has etched around
the world and into the history books.
With Mission Control still attempting to make arrangements for a touchdown
area, the landing time has been delayed. Updates will be made immediately
as the situation becomes less uncertain.
The Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon is now at 32 degrees south
latitude, 132 degrees east longitude at an altitude of 25,300 feet (7,711
m). A total of 20,403 miles (32,834 km) have now been traversed.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 3, 2002, 12:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 3, 2002, 05:00 UTC)
Steve Fossett officially crossed over from ocean to land when he entered
the airspace above Ceduna, Australia at 4:17 UTC. He is currently cruising
northeast at 76 miles per hour (122 km per hour) with a heading of 59
degrees. Also, at approximately 4:00 UTC, his current track crossed his
outbound track, intersecting at the point where he was flying June 19th at
18:46 UTC. This dramatically connects the line that he has etched around
the world and into the history books.
With Mission Control still attempting to make arrangements for a touchdown
area, the landing time has been delayed. Updates will be made immediately
as the situation becomes less uncertain.
The Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon is now at 32 degrees south
latitude, 132 degrees east longitude at an altitude of 25,300 feet (7,711
m). A total of 20,403 miles (32,834 km) have now been traversed.
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ABC News Online
Posted: Wed, 3 Jul 2002 16:18 AEST
Low pressure could send Fossett to NSW
A low pressure system sweeping across Southern Australia is likely to cause further delays to the American adventurer's planned landing.
The weather bureau is now predicting a dawn decent for Fossett's Spirit of Freedom.
After missing a scheduled landing this morning in the Western Australian mining town of Kalgoorlie, Fossett has now headed north-east across South Australia's far west coast.
However, John Nairn, a senior forecaster for the bureau, says predictions Fossett may land near Woomera in South Australia's north later this afternoon are unlikely, given the recent low which has gone through the area.
"Those cold core centres maintain quite fresh winds through depths of the atmosphere and it's a problem for him because he's looking for lighter winds lower to the surface," he said.
Mr Nairn says dawn will be the best time for Fossett to land, and by that time he is likely to be in far western New South Wales.
Posted: Wed, 3 Jul 2002 16:18 AEST
Low pressure could send Fossett to NSW
A low pressure system sweeping across Southern Australia is likely to cause further delays to the American adventurer's planned landing.
The weather bureau is now predicting a dawn decent for Fossett's Spirit of Freedom.
After missing a scheduled landing this morning in the Western Australian mining town of Kalgoorlie, Fossett has now headed north-east across South Australia's far west coast.
However, John Nairn, a senior forecaster for the bureau, says predictions Fossett may land near Woomera in South Australia's north later this afternoon are unlikely, given the recent low which has gone through the area.
"Those cold core centres maintain quite fresh winds through depths of the atmosphere and it's a problem for him because he's looking for lighter winds lower to the surface," he said.
Mr Nairn says dawn will be the best time for Fossett to land, and by that time he is likely to be in far western New South Wales.