Fuel problem hits Fossett world record bid
10.02.06
Steve Fossett flew over the Middle East, India and China yesterday, as he pushed on with his bid to make the longest non-stop flight in history. The adventurer's Virgin GlobalFlyer was expected to clear Shanghai and make for the Pacific at about 22:30 last night.
But it is understood his plane lost 4% of its fuel during takeoff from Florida. Mission engineers say it will now be touch and go as to whether the aviator has sufficient reserves to make his planned landing in the UK on Saturday. Fossett's mission control believes GlobalFlyer lost some 340kg (750lbs) of fuel during takeoff from the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday.
His engineers say he is now trying to fly GlobalFlyer as efficiently as possible. This means flying slowly without losing too much altitude. The team is also hoping he will encounter strong tailwinds to push him along.
Richard Branson, the billionaire British entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Atlantic airlines which is backing Fossett's bid, was said to be optimistic, but had put his friend's record-breaking chances at '50-50'.
Chief engineer John Karkow emphasised the uncertainty in the team: 'I am neutral at this point - there is some pessimism and some optimism, it is going to be interesting the whole way round.
"I do not think we will really know until he touches down at Kent airport.'
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