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Tycoon Rests Before Balloon Launch [Steve Fossett]
newsday ^
| 18 Jun 02
| ROB GRIFFITH
Posted on 06/18/2002 9:50:45 AM PDT by RightWhale
Edited on 09/03/2002 4:50:40 AM PDT by Jim Robinson.
[history]
NORTHAM, Australia -- American adventurer Steve Fossett took a nap Tuesday afternoon -- probably the last decent shuteye he would get for more than two weeks as he attempts to circle the globe in a balloon.
Fossett was planning to take off around dawn Wednesday (4 p.m. EDT Tuesday) in his sixth attempt to fly solo around the world in a balloon.
Weather permitting, he hoped to begin inflating his hot air- and helium-filled balloon, the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom, in early Wednesday.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News
KEYWORDS: helium; hotair; lighterthanair; roundtheworld
Yet another attempt. He is an athlete as well as a millionaire, got to give him credit for trying. And if he makes it, a well-deserved record. All the same, I wouldn't let him anywhere near the Space Shuttle.
To: RightWhale
2
posted on
06/18/2002 10:10:25 AM PDT
by
cornelis
Next:
3
posted on
06/18/2002 10:18:29 AM PDT
by
cornelis
To: RightWhale
"There are so many things that can go wrong," he said. Yes, like having your balloon go down in Kashmir!
4
posted on
06/18/2002 7:15:18 PM PDT
by
piasa
To: piasa
Seems like one of his earlier attempts was ruined by a country refusing him permission to use their airspace. That would be super constraining for a hot air balloon.
To: RightWhale
I hope he doesn't fly too low. Someone in the know told me that the Goodyear Blimp gets shot a dozen times each year.
6
posted on
06/18/2002 7:34:41 PM PDT
by
monkey
To: monkey
Shooting at hot air balloons is probably illegal in most countries. Fossett will be above the range of most sidearms over land.
To: RightWhale
I wish him luck- Oh, wow, I see JimRob's made some changes on the reply form
8
posted on
06/18/2002 10:22:34 PM PDT
by
piasa
To: piasa
He's headed for a record right now. He's not planning on completing his voyage all the way around to Australia, but he's hopeful.
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