"Initially, as I was flying over the western states, [the other
pilots] wanted to know where the GlobalFlyer was and asking for
permission to fly closer. The airlines were wanting to show the
passengers the airplane.... But as I was approaching, it was very
interesting that pilots were getting on air traffic control,
congratulating me on behalf of their airline. There must've been 20
of those calls in rapid succession."
Source: Steve Fossett, in an interview with ANN
about his record-breaking flight aboard the Virgin Atlantic Global
Flyer. Fossett and the Flyer will both be at Oshkosh for AirVenture
2005.
"The fuel vents, instead, were put on
the central fuselage, on the engine cowling. The trouble was, when
the airplane was full of fuel, there's solid fuel in between the
booms and the main fuselage. So as the air expanded in the boom
tanks, as I climbed in altitude, it had the effect of forcing fuel
out the vents instead of air."
Source: GlobalFlyer Pilot Steve Fossett,
explaining the circumstances that led to the globe-girdling
project's concern for his fuel cpacity as the flight neared a
(thankfully) successful conclusion earlier this month.
Read More
