"...Voyager was almost disqualified for its record because
it scraped off a winglet on takeoff...."
How would losing a winglet affect the recod? The rest of the plane made it. Who makes up those rules?
I've seen the voyager in the Air and Space Museum. Sharp looking aircraft. GlobalFlyer will look just as great beside it. Some rearranging of aircraft would be needed to acomplish that. Still, this flight will be notable, however it was done. And a U.S. citizenwas aboard for the ride and set the record. USA,USA,USA!
>> "...Voyager was almost disqualified for its record
>> because it scraped off a winglet on takeoff...."
> How would losing a winglet affect the record?
It wouldn't, which is why it was waived. The increased
drag cost more than the mass loss gained.
> The rest of the plane made it. Who makes up those rules?
The point of the rule was to prevent dodges like JATO
packs for takeoff, jetisoned undercarriages, drop tanks,
etc. You fly the rules you apply for. Don't like 'em?
Get the committee (or another) to draft rules you like.