Free Republic

SALINA, Kan. - Long accustomed to its position at the center of the state and nation, this city is preparing to be the center of attention for the entire world. The Kansas crossroads city is the launch and landing point for adventurer Steve Fossett's record-setting attempt for the first solo nonrefueled trans-global flight next month. Fossett will pilot the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, designed by Burt Rutan and built by his Scaled Composites in Mojave, where it was unveiled a year ago. The project is backed by Virgin Chairman Sir Richard Branson, who also serves as back-up pilot. Salina Municipal Airport...