Fossett's at it again - Global Flyer Takes Off

FYI...The Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer took off this evening from Salina KS. I was lucky enough to attend and ran into some other area RVers. If all goes well, the trip will conclude back in Salina on Thursday.

While the crowd was huddling under blankets and seeking refuge in hangars from the cold, conditions were perfect for takeoff....cool weather, 15 kts of wind pretty much straight down Salina's 12000+ ft runway. I haven't seen just how much of it the Global Flyer used but I would guess about 9000 ft. It was fun to hear his IFR clearance (Global Flyer 1 is cleared from Salina round robin to Salina....). While walking back to the car about 10 minutes after departure, I heard Fossett check in with KC Center climbing through 6500. Not bad for a plane with a fuel load comprising over 80% of it's takeoff weight! (that would mean about 800gal of fuel in an RV)!

While I've had a tough time getting on the website due to the undoubtably high volume of traffic, you can get updates at www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com.

Tom Chandler
RV4 N320WS

That's great!!! One last great earth-bound aviation milestone is being tackled...

global fllyer

Several EAA'ers from McPherson, Ellsworth, Abilene Garden City, Great Bend and Wichita Ks were invited to the launch to assist in crowd control. We all had good viewing spots for the takeoff. I ended up about 200 yards from the lift-off point. Even tho it was almost dark, it still was an exciting time and well worth the standing in the cold and braving a 20 knot wind. Godspeed Steve, looking forward to observing the landing tomorrow. Jerry Driskill RV-8.

Global Flyer

As you probably know by now, Steve Fossett may not have enough fuel to complete the flight. I understand he will make a decision tonight on whether he should land in Hawaii or continue on to the west coast. Man, what a decision! Let's hope he makes the right decision. Godspeed, Steve Fossett!!!
Don Hull

Global Flyer makes history!

Steve Fossett made it around the world!!! Wow, that's history! And did you notice the EXPERIMENTAL on the side of the cockpit? Yeah, it's a homebuilt. Wonder if Steve has ever flown an RV??? Again, congratulations, Steve Fossett!!!
Don Hull