Steve Fossett
Steve Fossett
James Stephen "Steve" Fossettwas an American businessman and a record-setting aviator, sailor, and adventurer. He was the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in a balloon. He made his fortune in the financial services industry and was best known for many world records, including five nonstop circumnavigations of the Earth: as a long-distance solo balloonist, as a sailor, and as a solo flight fixed-wing aircraft pilot...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionAviator
Date of Birth22 April 1944
CountryUnited States of America
So far there have been few problems. A broken winch was readily repaired by the crew, as was a batten problem in the mainsail. Sailing winds have been excellent and at one point we were flying a hull,
Frankly, I do them for the satisfaction of those achievements. I have a feeling of contentment and a satisfaction that I've done something faster or farther than anyone before.
They see that as part of their future. We're a discovery project for them, to discover new uses for the shuttle landing facility. As far as Kennedy is concerned, it's a great runway, a runway in perfect condition, equal to the longest available in the United States.
You have to believe that you are going to succeed with this flight because a water landing would be very dangerous, ... I'm using the same capsule I've used for seven balloon flights, and it's seaworthy.
We were dragged for at least a couple of miles and probably bounced 50 times before the balloon settled down enough so we could get outside the capsule and jump into the water,
There is a risk in the takeoff. There is a risk during the flight of running out of fuel or other mechanical failure in an experimental aircraft.
I was really lucky to make it here today, there was a lot going on. The tension of the final part really took it out of me, but I will be fine in the morning.
Fuel OK, oxygen OK, got four hours of sleep last night and physical condition is very good,
To fly this distance that I plan to fly, everything has to go right. So if I were to have the same fuel venting problem and lose fuel, then I would not be able to accomplish the mission and I would cut it short.
I would think in Kevin's case that he has to be very pleased. He's making one of the finest balloon flights ever, and he had not previously made a long balloon flight. It's outstanding so far.
I would think in Kevin's case that he has to be very pleased, ... He's making one of the finest balloon flights ever, and he had not previously made a long balloon flight. It's outstanding so far.
Today's forecast shows good winds until Thursday -- but then there are possible headwinds to slow us up when we reach the English Channel,
Whereas my falling in the Coral Sea almost killed me -- because that was in a thunderstorm in a ruptured balloon -- the most dangerous thing in the world,
I didn't read any books. I didn't get bored,