Steve Fossett and Globalflyer
Steve Fossett’s Virgin Atlantic Globalflyer took off yesterday morning despite initial reports that the flight was going to be delayed due to a fuel leak. The takeoff was not without its problems, however, as two birds collided with the plane but the extent of the damage from this collision is not thought to be serious. Having been the first to fly around the world, solo in 2005, Steve Fossett and the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer are now attempting to fly further than any other aircraft in history.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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Here’s a summary of Steve Fossett’s records to date:
1998/2002: Long-distance for solo ballooning
2001/2002: Duration for solo ballooning
2002: First solo round-the-world balloon flight
First balloon crossings of Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, South Atlantic, South Pacific, Indian Oceans
Seven fastest speed sailing titles
13 World Sailing Speed Record Council titles
2001: Fastest transatlantic sailing
2004: Fastest round-the-world sailing
Round-the-world endurance titles for medium airplanes
US trans-continental titles for non-military aircraft
2005: First solo, non-stop flight around the globe without refuelling
I personally think that Steve is in it for the attention (like most rich people).
There are interesting stories about him in Richard Branson’s book “Losing my Virginity” (good book).