Fossett makes history: Pilot is first person to fly solo nonstop round-the-world

CNN ^

[TheBrotherhood]

"Doesn't seem like a big deal in this day and age."

Then, let's see you try do what Steve has accomplished. Steve Fosset is an historical hero.

Congratulations to Steve!

[TheBrotherhood]

"Why is this headline news? I mean really.."

This is, in fact, worthy more than a headline news - it's an historical achievement by an American hero.

[Huck]

I'll drive to work today without refueling.

[Rebelbase]

Are we speaking from experience? :-)

[ExSES]

It was Burt's brother that flew that history making trip with Jenna. Burt's the design genius, the brother the Pilot.

Thanks, I had forgotten that...

[Gucho]

first person to make a solo flight around the world without refueling.


Bump - Thank you.

[aruanan]

... how a man can stay up 66 hours .. no idea for a man his age.

Cialis?

[Jeff Head]

The FAI's rules state that a record attempt like this must start and finish at the same airfield and cross all meridians of the globe. What's more the course must not be less than the very precise figure of 36,787.559 kilometres (around 23,000 miles) which is equal in length to the Tropic of Cancer.

Here's Fossett's route:

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

which is equal in length to the Tropic of Cancer.

Thanks, for data. Still less than any sensible definition of the circumference of the Earth. ~ [Equatorial: 24,895 miles, polar: 24,409.].

[Jeff Head]

I don't know what the actual final milage was...but from the photo of the actual route, he looped down to the equator for a relatively short route, but spent the rest of the time in more northern climes. He added miles in looping down and back up though and apparently fulfilled the requirements.

My hat's off to him and he deserves the recognition IMHO.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I agree, he deserves credit for a fine achievement. It's just that I was familiar with the sailing definition, and like it because it's straightforward. The definition of a route at least as long as the Tropic of Cancer and crossing all meridians is fine, but you need more information, including some number of verifiable waypoints.

[skeptoid]

Try this page http://www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com/ScienceAviation/Sleep_Deprivation.jsp
This site has lots of >other< info, too.

[Tax-chick]

That's cool ... but Wiley Post is still #1 for me.