Just a heads-up (wasn't sure where to put this): Steve Fossett is currently engaged in an attempt to become the first person to fly around the world unrefueled while solo. The plane was built by none other than Burt Rutan. He's currently approaching the coast of Morocco; here's his current position, altitude, speed, etc.: http://www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com/M...ntrol/Tracking/

You should get the FS2k4 version and fly it yourself- I'm currently skirting around the southern edge of the Himalaya

Doug

Thanks for that heads up, I had no idea this was being attempted. I sure hope he succeeds.

He's just over half way

Doug

Over Japan, approaching the Pacific.

Fuel problems... think he's going to make it? I would guess no, that he'll land in California or thereabouts and they'll try again in a month or two.

He's within gliding distance now

This will be the view (if he had one ) looking over the S'brd tail at around 17:30GMT



Yup - thats the moon in the distance - almost like the moon setting over the earths horizon in A13 as an indicator of their entry angle


Doug

Is that FS2004 Doug?

Yup - I'm more an X-Plane and Orbiter man myself - but saw the addon at the Global FLyer website and reinstalled appropriately

I have the full UK VFR Scenery for FS2k4 and have succesfully landed a chopper on my house

Doug

Oooh - xplane vs. fs2004 - another "debate" topic for your new website!

Nice screenshot as well, Doug.

Not sure whre to put the info, so I searched for "Fossett" and ended up here.
CNN says that his plane has been found: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/10/02/steve...arch/index.html

So he was killed on an ordinary pleasure flight. That reminds me of what Chuck Yeager says about Bill Bridgman (of Douglas Skyrocket fame) who was killed on a pleasure flight out to Catalina Island:

"He was probably flying complacent and without his usual alertness. That's when an airplane bites hard."

I remember reading that he was out scouting for potential venues for running Spirit of America, Craig Breedlove's last Land Speed Record attempt car.

so...this topic is neither unmanned nor spaceflight...ahem...

Anyway - sorry to see the end of an intrepid explorer, but from what I hear about the crash, I hope it was quick and painless, rather than some of the harrowing escapades on his other journeys. I'm glad he died doing what he loved doing. Too bad it wasn't pushing the envelope this time.

Although, it has been pointed out that you can push the envelope all you want, but it will always remain stationery.