Steve Fossett may be disappointed about his only being able to fly half way around the world but, the rest of the ballooning community is extremely proud of him. Together with his support team of Bruce Comstock, Nick Saum, Lou Billones, Bo Kemper, et. al., he electrified the world and held them captive for six incredible days in January.
A week earlier Richard Branson, Per Lindstrand, and Alex Ritchie got the ball rolling as the jet stream started taking shape over Northern Africa. While their flight ended a short 19 hours and 400 miles later the race was on. Next in the air came Bertrand Piccard and Wim Verstraeten in the Breitling Orbiter. The failure of a 50¢ hose clamp forced them to abort their attempt and land in the Mediterranean Sea.
While these attempts were dutifully reported by the world press little excitement existed. Fossett's team went code red, then yellow, and finally green. Monday evening January 13, Steve lifted slowly out of Busch Stadium into the dark evening sky. Some 800 people had come to see him off and wish god's speed.
Still in the air after 24 hours and a Nightline interview with Ted Koppel the world began to follow the incredible saga as it unfolded. First his crossing of the U.S. coast line, a point of no return. Next he makes Europe but there is trouble. He cannot enter Libya, then he can. The balloon speeds along. Finally, a high fuel consumption rate takes its toll and Fossett realizes that landing in India is better than settling into the Pacific Ocean half way across.
As the journey progressed, daily TV, radio and newspaper coverage built excitement for Steve and ballooning. Balloon Life did long interviews with Voice of America and National Public Radio's, Morning Edition. Our editors gave numerous print media interviews and supplied background information. CNN Interactive created a link to Balloon Life's homepage on the World Wide Web as part of their Solo Spirit coverage on the Internet.
Balloonists everywhere were being stopped by their friends and asked how was Steve doing, will he make it?
Solo Spirit's web site often became bogged down with interested individuals trying to follow the flight's progress. The mail box to send Steve a message had to be closed due to the volume of messages.
While the ultimate ballooning quest eludes the pursuers, the world is now more aware of ballooning. As we wait for the next chapter to unfold, it is now up to us, as a balloon community, to take the energy created by these daring teams and run with the ball. Individuals, clubs, manufactures, associations, and magazines have a golden opportunity to share ballooning with anyone who wants to know more. Steve's flight has provided the platform to expand ballooning.
Beginning on page 12 is our first report on these amazing flights. Next month, once the aeronauts have had a chance to catch their breath, we plan to provide a more complete story.