Fossett around-the-world bid under way

Published: Mar 01, 2005
Source: www.cnn.com



SALINA, Kansas (AP) -- Millionaire pilot Steve Fossett, already the first person to circle the globe by himself in a balloon, reported little turbulence Tuesday as he crossed over northern Africa in his attempt to become the first to complete a nonstop, solo airplane flight around the world.

"At this time everything is going very well, I'm very happy with the situation and I think we've got a good chance," Fossett said in his last call from the plane, according to his Web site.

Fossett, 60, took off on his solo venture Monday and hoped to complete the trip Thursday. Traveling at about 390 mph, he was flying at nearly 45,000 feet Tuesday morning and was expected to climb to 47,000, his Web site said.

Now, Fossett's biggest challenges are staying on course -- and awake -- during the 66-hour journey in the experimental GlobalFlyer. He also has to stave off hunger; he planned to survive the trip by slurping diet milkshakes.

"He's rather used to staying up for a long time," project manager Paul Moore said. "I think it's not a walk in the park at 30,000 feet."continue..