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
There's no turning back. It was halfway around the world when I found the fuel problem, ... Not only might the flight not have finished, but I might have gotten the plane stuck somewhere.
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.
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 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.
I want to make this the longest flight by any type of aircraft.
I'm not confident of success because of what I'm trying to do ... We calculate that I will be able to complete the flight and have a success, but it will be very close.
This is a Solo Flight, but I want aviation enthusiasts and adventurers everywhere to join me in the endeavour.
I do have some books, but in all the distance flights I've made I've never opened the books. I've been too busy.
Currently, I would say the chances are no more than 50-50. It would be devastating to have to ditch the ultimate distance record when I am in the home straight.
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.
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.
Today's forecast shows good winds until Thursday -- but then there are possible headwinds to slow us up when we reach the English Channel,
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.