20 July 2005
Steve
Fossett to test his mettle again
Will attempt cross-country flight without getting cross
HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. -- Adventurer Steve Fossett,
who earlier this year became the first person to make a nonstop, solo flight around the
world without refueling, will undertake what he
calls his "most challenging adventure yet." Fossett will
attempt to fly in the coach compartment of a regularly scheduled,
domestic airline from Los Angeles to Washington (Dulles) without feeling
herded, being frustrated, experiencing humiliation or losing his temper.
Fossett holds 62 records for being "first."
Among his achievements is the Round The
World Sailing Record in 2004 and the First Solo Round The World Balloon
Flight in 2002. In addition, he has completed premier endurance sports
events including the Iditarod, the Ironman Triathlon, and the English
Channel swim. This will be his first attempt at the frustration-free, cross-country,
commercial flight record.
According to a reliable source within the Fossett camp, he has been in
rigorous training for this attempt. For the past seven months, Fossett
has been training both in the
U.S. and abroad, where his routine has included a diet of fast-foods and sodas,
extended periods of disinformation, corporal compression between two
giant slabs of fat, and hours of attention deprivation.
When asked about his mental preparations, Fossett, a devout
follower of
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, said, "Once I get into the 'zone,' I'll be okay.
Almost nothing can rankle me then. My only concern is getting past
security at the airport. That could throw a wrench in the works if a TSA
security screener selects me for 'special attention'."
Fossett's announcement comes on the heels of the failed attempt made
just this past month by Floridian John Whistermeier, who has come the closest to setting the
record. Speaking to Travel Fox from his jail cell in Lexington, Ky.,
where he awaits trial on charges of "interfering with a flight attendant
while on break," Whistermeier said that he wishes Fossett well,
but added, "Tell him to load up on water, carbohydrates and
patience."
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