Mar. 03, 2005 - 17:11 MST

THE WONDERING JEW

Three Cheers

To this old man the news that a man would attempt to fly around the world without refueling was science fiction adventure at its utmost. Something unimaginable until Steve Fossett today proved that it could be done.

Going on information in today's Rocky Mountain News it was a cliffhanger for the pilot. The article was by John Milburn of the Associated Press. In bits and pieces:

"Fossett, in a conference call with reporters at mission control, said he was tired but only had been catnapping so he could watch the plane's instruments." Of his 50 hours in the air, Fossett said, "It feels like three days."

"Fossett discovered the problem with the fuel system of the custom-built plane early Wednesday." "Project manager Paul Moore said fuel sensors in the 13 tanks differed from readings of how quickly the plane's single jet engine was burning fuel."

"It was not clear whether the problem was with the instruments that track how much fuel remains or whether some fuel had been lost because of a leak, Fossetts team said."

By the time the decision was made for Fossett to continue, he had traveled dnearly 19,000 miles of the 23,000-mile flight silnce taking off Monday."

"Fossett,60, already holds the record for flying solo around the globe in a balloon, as well as dozens of other aviation and sailing records."

"The first nonstop global flight without refueling was made in 1986 by Jeanna Yeager and Duck Rutan, brother of GlobalFlyer designer Burt Rutan."

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This is the kind of thing I would love to have done. The ultimate in adventure, man against the elements, man against everything and having only self aboard to sail the world around. Something even eagles couldn't do. Fifty hours in the air, making destination on schedule.

I can understand the indecision leading to making a figuative flip-of-the-coin on whether to continue or land elsewhere. 19,000 miles in the trip, 4,000 left to go. Farther than across the United States itself I think. He had a Mission Control on earth, but he was the one in the sky who made the final decision and it was on his shoulders the consequences.

The man made the greatest trip in the world a reality today.

I watched the TV a short time ago and saw the man on the ground getting sprayed with champaign. All I could do was glow with happiness and give Three Cheers . . . . . . . . . .

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