_________________________________________________
Ananova
:
Steve
Fossett Reaches Andes
SOUTH AMERICA -
Steve Fossett
has reached the Andes in his bid to circle the globe.
Air traffic controllers
in Chile sent the balloonist a note of welcome and said they would toast
his arrival with a bottle of Chilean red wine.
Before reaching
South America, Fossett spent nine days miles above the South Pacific.
Since launching
from Australia on his quest to become the first balloonist to make a
solo flight around the world, he has travelled more than 11,500 miles.
"The distance
to go is daunting, but we are on our way," Fossett told his St.
Louis-based mission control team.
Fossett's balloon
may need to fly at an altitude of at least 27,000 feet (8,100 metres)
to safely clear the highest peaks of the Andes.
The flight centre
crew has been monitoring Fossett's emails for any signs he might be
experiencing symptoms of judgment-impairing oxygen deprivation.
Centre chief Joe
Ritchie said they would warn Fossett if they grew worried about him
continuing the flight.
"We could offer
up that opinion if we had it, but I think he's still gonna make up his
own mind," Mr Ritchie said.
On Tuesday, Fossett
broke the solo balloon endurance record of 10 days, 3 hours and 28 minutes.
The previous record was set last year by Kevin Uliassi when he covered
more than 13,000 miles (20,917 kilometres) before aborting his own solo
around-the-world balloon bid.
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