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
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,
People often assume I assume I am a thrill seeker, but I am not. I do not enjoy roller coasters, and you won't find me bungee-jumping. ... It is a disadvantage that my pursuits are inherently dangerous. A large part of my effort is to reduce risk.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
This is the oldest form of aviation in the world -- ballooning -- and yet it hasn't been done yet.