phishhead
July 2nd, 2002, 15:54 PM
KALGOORLIE, Australia -- Steve Fossett has crossed the finish line.
The American adventurer has become the first person ever to fly a balloon around the world by himself. This was his sixth attempt at doing so.
He achieved that goal as he flew over the ocean south of Australia in darkness. When he crossed east of 117 degrees longitude -- his starting point two weeks ago -- his trip was complete.
But it will be several more hours before he lands the balloon in southern Australia. To technically break the record, the pilot must land without dying.
Fossett covered more than 19,200 miles on the record-setting trip.
Speaking by satellite telephone, Fossett said, "It is a wonderful time for me."
:crazy: :cheers:
The American adventurer has become the first person ever to fly a balloon around the world by himself. This was his sixth attempt at doing so.
He achieved that goal as he flew over the ocean south of Australia in darkness. When he crossed east of 117 degrees longitude -- his starting point two weeks ago -- his trip was complete.
But it will be several more hours before he lands the balloon in southern Australia. To technically break the record, the pilot must land without dying.
Fossett covered more than 19,200 miles on the record-setting trip.
Speaking by satellite telephone, Fossett said, "It is a wonderful time for me."
:crazy: :cheers: