Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson, left, and millionaire pilot Steve Fossett greet each other on the tarmac at Salina Municipal Airport, Feb. 27, 2005, in Salina, Kan. Fossett was preparing to launch an attempt to become the first person to complete a nonstop, solo trip around the world. His endeavor was financed by Branson, a longtime friend and fellow adventurer.
Fossett walks across a windy runway to board the experimental, single-engine GlobalFlyer, at the Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan., Feb. 28, 2005. 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.
Fossett talks to a member of the ground crew as he prepares to take off in the GlobalFlyer at the Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan., Feb. 28, 2005. Fossett's biggest challenges in the estimated 66-hour journey were staying awake and on course. He would also have to stave off hunger; he planned to survive the trip by slurping diet milkshakes.
The GlobalFlyer takes off from the Salina Municipal Airport, Feb. 28, 2005. Besides the solo nonstop record, Fossett was attempting to break seven other aviation records, including the longest flight by a jet aircraft.
The GlobalFlyer approaches the coast of Morocco, March 1, 2005. Fossett's trek was planned to take him to North Africa, then over the Middle East, where he would reach his cruising altitude of 45,000 feet above Saudi Arabia. The itinerary would also take him over India, Pakistan, China, Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
The GlobalFlyer approaches the coast of Morocco, March 1, 2005. The first nonstop global flight without refueling was made in 1986, by the team of Jeana Yeager and Dick Rutan, brother of GlobalFlyer designer Burt Rutan.
The GlobalFlyer passes over the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, March 1, 2005.
Mike Jacobs of Virgin Atlantic pauses in front of a large video display showing Fossett's progress, at Mission Control in Salina, Kan., March 2, 2005. Fossett decided to press ahead with his attempt despite a serious problem with the plane's fuel system.
Branson listens to reporters' questions as he sits before a map showing GlobalFlyer's route, at mission control in Salina, Kan., March 3, 2005. Fossett was hoping to land in Salina later in the day.
Branson, left, and Peggy Fossett watch as Steve Fossett lands the GlobalFlyer airplane at the Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan., March 3, 2005. Fossett landed the craft 67 hours after taking off from Salina, Kan. on March 1.
Fossett emerges from the GlobalFlyer airplane at the Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan., March 3, 2005.
Fossett, left, and Branson celebrate after Fossett landed the GlobalFlyer at the Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan., March 3, 2005.