Annals Of Adventure–GlobalFlyer: Uber-Wetass Steve Fossett recently notched up yet another record: the Zeppelin speed record. Okay, that’s really, really obscure, and the record speed was a thoroughly unexciting 60.4 knots. But Fossett will get ’em where and when he can. With that momentous mark now in his pocket, Fossett can turn his attention to something really big: his attempt to become the first person to fly non-stop around the globe solo and unrefueled. His ride is the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, designed and built by Burt Rutan, the man who built Voyager, the two-seater that went around the world non-stop and unrefueled in 1986, and SpaceShip One, the rocket that just claimed the Ansari X prize. The New York Times has just published an in-depth feature (free reg required) on Fossett’s latest project, and it’s full of interesting stuff. At takeoff, 83 percent of GlobalFlyer’s weight will be fuel, and the flight should last about 70 hours (Fossett will have to rely on an autopilot to get some sleep). If it all goes wrong, Fossett will have to glide back to earth (his range will be about 300 miles from cruising altitude), and just in case he runs out of fuel toward the end of the flight, the team has selected a takeoff and landing spot in Kansas (instead of Edwards Air Force Base in California) to ensure that Fossett will be over land. This is going to be a hell of a ride, and Fossett will likely take off in January. Stay tuned…



GlobalFlyer: “Uhh, Steve? I know you’re bored. But it’s probably not a good idea to light that cigar…”