[Peach]

Good grief. Do you know many 60 year olds who can stay awake for over 70 hours. And not just awake but hyper alert as they navigate around the world. Alone?

I don't know about you, but I don't know many people who can do that at 30.

[Atlas Sneezed]

I would assume the plane had an autopilot that allowed him a few naps, or is that against the rules?

[Asfarastheeastisfromthewest...]

Well, my Mom is 93 and may not be in the best of shape anymore but I swear she needs far less sleep than I do. It all depends on what can of shape one is in and what his/her body typically requires - I know lots of 60 year old folks in great shape that can easily outlast the young pups. Then there is my daughter who has no problem sleeping 12 hours on occasion. Geez, I haven't done that since, well.... since I was a teenager.lol

[spodefly]

I am not 60 (yet) but I need lots less sleep now that I used to. When I was in my 20s, I could sleep for 10 hours. I rarely go over 6 or 7 these days, and I have been able to function fine for 3 days at a time on nothing but tiny "micro-naps" of 10 minutes or so.

[ScreamingFist]

Good grief. Do you know many 60 year olds who can stay awake for over 70 hours. And not just awake but hyper alert as they navigate around the world. Alone?

I don't know about you, but I don't know many people who can do that at 30.

Mr. Fossett did nothing except take off, radio and GPS checks, and landing. He was probably bored stupid. GPS flew the aircraft, see below.

GPS FAILURE NEARLY SCRUBS MISSION

March 1, 2005 - Steve Fossett's GPS system aboard the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer reportedly failed for about two hours last night, creating some tense moments and almost scrubbing the attempt at the world's first nonstop solo flight around the world. Fossett reportedly called the failure a potential "showstopper." "We experienced GPS failure as I was leaving the U.S. towards Canada," Fossett explained. "This really was a big worry since we are unable to fly without GPS, especially when out of radio range. We couldn't even be directed by air traffic control. It was essential that the GPS be recovered." Fossett and Branson discussed the possibility of continuing the flight by Steve being in constant contact with the chase plane and getting his steering controls from mission control. The fact that it was the pilot's GPS that had failed weighed heavily on Steve's mind, because the thought of sitting in the cockpit flying 'blind,' even with reassurances from mission control, was daunting. After an extremely tense half hour, the pilot confirmed his determination to continue the flight. Much to everyone's relief, the GPS system re-engaged two hours later after mission control diagnosed that interference issues had knocked out the GPS. The flight has since continued to progress as planned, and the pilot reports everything is working well. Steve crossed over the North African coastline this morning and proceeds west. To follow the progress, visit www.globalflyer.com.