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STEVE'S BIG WEDNESDAY

FOSSETT FLIES TO UNIQUE U.S. TRANSCONTINENTAL DOUBLE RECORD

Fossett smashes West-East U.S. TransContinental records for non-military jet AND for unlimited turbo-prop aircraft - both in the same day.

Thursday 6 February 2003 - San Diego CA/Charleston SC: As his 125' racing catamaran rides at dock in Cadiz awaiting a powerful weather system to propel him and his crew on their planned East-West TransAtlantic sailing record attempt, American adventurer and aviator Steve Fossett twice took to the skies Wednesday - to achieve an extraordinary double record success, shattering the speed marks for U.S. TransContinental passages for both non-military jet and for unlimited turbo-prop aircraft.

Leaving San Diego, California early Wednesday at the controls of his Citation X twin-engined jet, Fossett and regular co-pilot Doug Travis (USA) took brilliant advantage of winter westerly winds to achieve a new fastest-ever continental crossing by any non-military jet - reaching Charleston, South Carolina in just 2 hrs 56 mins 20 seconds - an average speed of 726.83 mph (1169.73 kph) - breaking Steve's own 3 year-old mark of 693.14 mph (1115.51 kph).

Without waiting to avail themselves of Charleston's famous southern hospitality, Steve and Doug streaked back to San Diego, where Steve joined his old friend Joe Ritchie (USA) in the cockpit of Ritchie's Piaggio Avanti twin turbo-prop.

With Ritchie as pilot and Fossett as co-pilot, the pair flew the same course, reaching Charleston before midnight - in just 3 hrs 51min 52 secs - an average speed of 546.44 miles per hour (879.46 kph)- and a huge improvement over the previous record set in 1986 by General Chuck Yeager and Renald Davenport on a course from Los Angeles to New York at 454.79 mph/731.92 kph.

Steve Fossett: " What a day! We managed to make the first non-military aircraft flight across the continent in under 3 hours and the first turboprop crossing in under 4 hours. Plus we got to break Chuck Yeager's turbo record by over 100 mph. I’m going to sleep well tonight."

In addition to the new coast-to-coast marks, Wednesday's flights set new segment records from Dallas to Atlanta - 733 mph in the Citation X, and 577 mph in the Piaggio.

(All records pending ratification by the National Aeronautics Association)

All of Steve Fossett's adventure challenges - are supported by Michelob ULTRA, the new low-carbohydrate premium beer from Anheuser-Busch - the world's largest brewer.

For addition information please contact Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky at:

Project 100 Communications / Steve Fossett Challenges
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July 30th 2001 - 12.30 GMT

Record Business Pursuits

• Perth to Brisbane - 28 July '01
Fastest Ever Australian TransContinental Crossing
(1,134.56 kph/704.52 mph)

• Perth to Hobart - 30 July '01
Fastest Ever Business Jet Record
(1,216.39 kph/755.99 mph)

Perth, Western Australia 30 July 2001 - Record-setting American aviator, balloonist and yachtsman Steve Fossett (USA, 57) set a pair of outstanding new world aviation speed records (pending ratification by the FAI - Federation Aeronautique Internationale) Saturday and Monday - while keeping busy waiting for good weather for his 'round the world solo balloon flight.

Steve is not really an impatient man - but he does hate to waste time. Hence the .92 Mach Cessna Citation X twin-engine business jet which he uses for nearly all his air travel. Hence simultaneous world record-setting programmes via sailing catamaran (PlayStation), balloon ('Solo Spirit') and jet aircraft. With the weather opportunity for Solo Spirit's upcoming 'round the world solo balloon flight (Kalgoorlie, W. Australia departure, eastbound) presenting no good options until August 2nd, Steve was left looking for a challenge.

Australian TransContinental Record - a new outright speed record

Chief pilot Fossett and his 2 co-pilots, Shaun Regan (USA, 22) and Alex Tai (UK, 34) crossed over the Perth tower at 7:30 Saturday evening - looking for projected Jet Stream winds of up to 190 kph (118 mph). They flew at between 35,000 and 37,000 feet until crossing over Brisbane airport 3 hours and 8 minutes 43 seconds later. Their average speed - an eye-popping 1134.56 kph (704.52 miles per hour) - establishes a new outright Australian TransContinental speed record - military or civilian, private or commercial..

Last year Fossett (with Darrin Adkins) set the U.S. Transcontinental Record for non-military airplanes by flying from San Francisco to New York in 3 hours 42 minutes, an average speed of 1115.51 kph (693.14 mph).

Perth to Hobart - fastest ever bizjet record

Returning to Perth, Steve and co set their sights on yet another down-under speed mark - this time to become the first private pilots to establish an FAI speed record at over 1200 kph (746 mph). So Monday afternoon - at just past 5 pm local time - they streaked across the Perth tower again, this time targeting Hobart, Tasmania. An opportunity for tailwinds of up to 280 kph (174 mph) was too good to pass up.

2 hours, 28 minutes 46 seconds later they had set another new world record - this time averaging 1216.39 kph (755.99 mph) - the first ever over

November 28th 2000 - 20.00 GMT

Fossett Flies To Another Aviation 'Round The World Record

- Sets New Westbound Global Speed Mark for Medium Weight Aircraft
- 500.55 mph (805.56 kph) average speed including 9 fuel stops
- 25822.26 statute miles (41556.79 km) in 51 hours 35 minutes 13 seconds

27 November 2000, Los Cabos Mexico: Nine fuel stops and headwinds along most of the route always meant that the goal of a 500 mph record average was going to be a close thing...

But with only 3 minutes to spare, pilot Steve Fossett (USA) and his two co-pilots - Alex Tai (UK) and Pierre d'Avenas (USA) - landed back at Los Cabos, Mexico Friday afternoon November 24 - 51 hrs 35 mins 13 secs after departing on Wednesday afternoon - with their new Westbound 'Round the World Record in hand (FAI medium airplane - certification pending).

Steve knew timing was tight: "Air Traffic Control reserved the runway so we could make a straight in approach. If the headwinds had slowed us any more we were prepared to make a high speed touch-and-go to finish in time".

Each stop for up to 6 tonnes of fuel had ranged from 23 to 35 minutes - from touchdown to takeoff. "Our system upon landing was for Alex Tai to race to get the fuel truck hooked up, Pierre d'Avenas would radio for flight clearances, and I would handle customs. It's tough to make nine consecutive pit stops like this without a hitch, but we did well." Universal Aviation in Houston made all ground handling arrangements.

Fossett's twin-engine Citation X is the fastest type of private jet (.92 mach), but experience, planning and meteorology played a large role: "We wrung all the performance out of this airplane all the way around. And we couldn't have done this without the experience of our prior record attempts," Fossett added.

In February 2000, Fossett and Tai (with Darrin Adkins) set the medium airplane Global Record (Eastbound) with an outstanding average speed of 559.89 mph (901.05 kph). (Westbound is more difficult, flying against prevailing winds. Records are stated in average speed on a declared course rather than elapsed time.) Also in this year, Fossett and Adkins set U.S. Transcontinental Records - both West to East (693.14 mph/1115.51 kph) and East to West (593.37 mph/954.93 kph) for private (non-military) aircraft. The official observer for the NAA (National Aeronautic Association) and FAI (Federation Internationale Aeronautique) on this flight was Stan Nelson (USA). Meteorologist Chris Bedford forecast winds for the optimal time to make each of the record flights.

The nine stops were Kona Hawaii, Majuro Marshall Islands, Palau Micronesia, Singapore, Maldives, Nairobi Kenya, Abidjan Ivory Coast, Fortaleza Brazil, and Barranquilla Columbia - a colourful itinerary, but the crew had no time to sightsee."I'd certainly like to fly this route again," Fossett smiled, "but taking 2 months instead of 2 days!"

That trip will have to wait a while though, as Fossett - equally known as a multiple world record setting solo balloonist and ocean yachtsman - skippers his 125' (38m) maxi sailing catamaran PlayStation with 11 man crew in the 'no-limits' The RACE around the world starting on 31 December - non-stop.

September 18th 2000 - 12.00 GMT

'Air Fossett' Flies Again
Two New TransContinental Speed Marks For Private Aircraft Set

• Fastest Ever U.S. Coast-To-Coast (East - West)
• Fastest Ever Round Trip (Coast-To-Coast-To-Coast)

18 September 2000: Steve Fossett (USA) has just captured two more aviation records, flying his personal Cessna Citation X twin-engine jet.

Streaking from Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego California in 3 hours, 29 mins, 5 secs - at an average speed of 593.01 miles per hour (954.35 kph) - Fossett set a new U.S. TransContinental (East to West) record for a Private Aircraft, bettering the previous fastest crossing by 58 mph (93 kph). Fossett was flying with his regular co-pilot Darrin Adkins (USA).

The previous fastest E-W private jet crossing was by a Gulfstream G-V (average speed 535.0 mph - 861.0 kph) on July 3, 2000 from Teterboro New Jersey to Van Nuys California. The Airline Record is 575.58 mph (926.31 kph) on an American Airlines flight from New York to Los Angeles in a Boeing 707 in 1962.

Fossett's flight on Sunday (September 17) also set a U.S. TransContinental Round Trip Record (Coast to Coast to Coast) of 7 hours 41 minutes 15 seconds - an average speed of 537.62 mph (865.21 kph) - including a 45 minute fuel stop in Jacksonville.

(TransContinental Records are stated in average speed regardless of coastal cities chosen)

The East to West Record is made difficult by prevailing headwinds. Meteorologist Chris Bedford elaborated: "The key problem was avoiding the Jetstream - our reason for choosing a southerly route. We were able to find a weak upper level area of high pressure, offering only light (5-10 kts) headwinds. And we had to get in and out of Jacksonville before Hurricane Gordon came along to mess things up."

Fossett already holds the U.S. TransContinental (West to East) Private Aircraft Record, set in April 2000 at 693.14 mph (1115.51 kph) flying from San Francisco to New York in only 3 hours 42 minutes 44 seconds as well as the 'Round the World Record for Medium Weight Aircraft (February 2000) at 41 hrs 13 mins 11 secs, 559mph/894kph - including refuelling stops - both set with the Citation X. Steve also holds numerous other world records in balloons, sailboats and airplanes.

July 12th 2000 - 16.00GMT

Fossett Flies Faster Again
New 5000 km Closed Course World Record for American Pilot and Adventurer

Route:
Alamosa (Colorado, USA) - Ormond Beach (Florida, USA) - Alamosa (Colorado, USA)
Date of record: 14 July 2000
Total Time: 5 hours 26 minutes
Average Speed: 921.02 kph /572.29 mph
------(new world speed record for Medium Airplanes - pending final certification by NAA/FAI) ------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 July 2000 - 14:26GMT - Record setting American pilot Steve Fossett (USA, 56) set another new aviation world speed record yesterday - his third major record of this year, flying his Cessna Citation X twin engine business jet on a 5000 km Closed Course between Alamosa, Colorado and Ormond Beach, Florida and back, breaking the previous Medium Airplane category record set by Cessna factory pilots William Dirks and Jeffrey Brollier (also flying a Citation X ) by 16 minutes - and 45 kph/27 mph. Joining Steve was his regular co-pilot Darrin Adkins (USA, 34).

Earlier this year (14-16 February) Fossett, accompanied by Adkins and Alex Tai (GB, 33) shattered the previous 'Round the World Record for Medium Airplanes by over 6-1/2 hours with a 41 hour 10 min flight at an average speed of 895.62 kph /559.76 mph for the 23,071 statute miles course. And on April 6, Fossett and Adkins set a new US Trans-Continental Speed Record for any non-military aircraft, averaging 1115.51 kph/693.14 mph flying between San Francisco and New York in 3 hours, 42 minutes.

The previous 5000 Km closed course record (876.66 kph/ 544.70 mph) was set in 1997 by the Cessna factory pilots as a demonstration of the Citation X's capability - and in connection with Cessna's Collier Trophy - aviation's highest award - winning programme.

Fossett was extremely pleased with yesterday's events:" This was a big challenge - to fly the aircraft very close to its maximum capability. Meteorologist Chris Bedford identified a strong ridge of high-pressure for the route and we left just after midnight on Thursday. We encountered some very tall thunderstorms en-route - and had to fly at 47,000 feet to clear them." Questioned as to the connection between his airplane, balloon and yachting record programmes, Fossett replied: "They are all about taking the latest technology and making the most of it - building and sailing the fastest sailboat, maximising the potential of the fastest airplane, developing and testing the technology to fly a balloon around the world - and of course meeting the challenge of harnessing weather systems to make these records possible".

The new record awaits final certification by the FAI (Federation Aeronatique Internationale) of Lausanne, Switzerland and the NAA (National Aeronautical Association) of Arlington, Virginia, whose official observer Dick Ionata accompanied the crew.

Steve Fossett's Citation X jet (N377SF) will be featured later this month on the Aeroshell Ramp at the annual Oshkosh (Wisconsin, USA) EAA (Experimental Aviation Association) aviation extravaganza July 28-30, where the theme is "Sp eed and 'Round the World Flight".

April 6th 15.00GMT

Fossett Sets New TransContinental Speed Mark

Thursday 06 April 2000 New York City: World-record setting yachtsman,balloonist and aviator Steve Fossett (USA) added another new mark to his list of aeronautical achievements today (Thursday) when he and co-pilot Darrin Adkins (USA) crossed over New York City at 0651 local time this morning - only 3 hrs 42 mins 44 secs after leaving San Francisco, becoming the fastest ever private or commercial pilots to cross the continental USA. Fossett and Adkins set the new standard flying a Cessna Citation X twin engine business jet at an average speed of 693.18 mph/1115.52 kph ("Speed over a Recognised Course. Unlimited" - National Aeronautical Association/Federation Aeronatique Internationale - ratification pending).

This new San Francisco to New York City standard breaks both the previous private aircraft mark of Brooke Knapp (1 Feb 83, Lear 35A, 4h 55min, 523.93 mph/843.15 kph) and the Boeing 707 commercial airliner record (8 Dec 61, 3h 55min 50sec, 658.00 mph/1059.00 kph), as well as the private aircraft coast-to-coast USA record of William Mack (San Diego-NYC, 22 Jan 82, Gulfstream III, 566.92 mph/912.37 kph).

Steve Fossett: "This is a real thrill - to be the fastest civilian pilots ever to cross the country - faster in fact than any general aviation or commercial aircraft USA coast-to-coast. Only the military fly faster - and the Lockheed SR71 (LosAngeles-Washington DC, 6 Mar 90, 2144.83 mph/3451.78 kph) is another matter..."

"Plus we set a great time on the San Francisco-Chicago run as well - 2 hrs 39 mins - that's 699.98 mph. I have a home in northern California (Carmel) and an office in Chicago so it's especially nice to get this record too." (previous best by an American Airlines Convair 990 (25 Nov 65, 669.13 mph/1076.86 kph).

Both new marks come hard on Fossett's (25 Mar 00) Los Angeles-Honolulu world record (unlimited category, 609.84 mph/981.44 kph) and his Round the World record for medium weight aircraft (14-16 Feb 00) of 41 hrs 13 mins 11 secs, 559mph/894kph - including refuelling stops - all set with the Citation X.

March 23rd 20.00GMT

Aloha & Fill 'er up!
Fossett averages over 600 mph Los Angeles - Honolulu
Another Aviation Achievement for American Adventurer

Thursday 23.03.00: Honolulu Barely a month after knocking over 6 hours off the 'round the world record for medium jet aircraft, American Steve Fossett (b.1944) flew his Citation X twin engined jet back into the record books on Thursday with a stunning new LA-Honolulu benchmark of 4 hours 11 minutes 15 seconds averaging 609.84mph (981.44kph).

Flying with co-pilot Darrin Adkins (USA), the duo broke the 17 year old previous world record for the 2552.02 mile (4107.07 km) point to point course against the prevailing winds, last set in 1983 by Brooke Knapp (USA) in a Gulfstream III averaging 497.52mph (800.68kph)

Steve Fossett: "We felt we flew the airplane to its limits - .92 mach pretty much all the way. Meteorologist Chris Bedford found us an excellent weather pattern - fairly neutral with 45 kt headwinds at the start and a 45 kt tailwind at the finish. We flew at 38,000 ft for the first half, then at 40,000 ft the rest of the way, descending pretty quickly - from 40,000 to 31,000 feet in just over a minute - as we crossed the finish line over Honolulu airport."

In addition to breaking the point to point record, Fossett also outpaced the fastest ever commercial LA-Honolulu aircraft - a TWA 747 which, in 1993, clocked 4 hours 30 minutes 20 seconds - average speed 566.57mph (911.81kph).

Departure LAX-VOR 22.03.00 2300.50GMT
Arrival HNL-VOR 23.03.00 0311.05GMT
(New world record of 609.84mph average pending official NAA/FAI certification)

February 15th 19.00GMT

15th February 2000, 1830 GMT: Aviator Steve Fossett (USA) is about 18 hours into his latest world record attempt targeting the 'Round the World' record for medium weight airplanes in his own .92 mach Cessna Citation X twin engined jet.

The Flight Following Department at Universal Weather and Aviation advised that the time of arrival in Luxor, Egypt for the 3rd refuelling stop was approx. 1754 GMT The aircraft took off again at 1824 GMT, heading for Calcutta, India.Their estimated time of arrival is approx. 0000 GMT.

Fossett and his 2 co-pilots, Alex Tai (UK) and Darren Adkins (USA), continue to make good progress. The aircrafts average speed from Los Angeles to Luxor, including time spent on the ground, is 558 mph / 892 kph. They are on course to beat the current best record for any medium weight airplane round the world which is 47 hours 43 minutes 26 seconds - averaging 490 mph / 790 kph set in 1988 from Vancouver, BC by Edgar Kaiser (USA) in a Hawker 800 (HS 125).

Media Information

News television footage is available from Associated Press TV in Los Angeles who interviewed Steve and filmed inside and outside the aircraft at Van Nuys prior to take off.

A high resolution picture is available for reproduction on this website under 'pictures'.

February 15th 13.00GMT

Steve Fossett Still Making Good Progress in Aviation Round the World Record Attempt

15th February 2000 1300 GMT: Aviator Steve Fossett (USA) is about 12 hours into his latest world record attempt targeting the 'Round the World' record for medium weight airplanes in his own .92 mach Cessna Citation X twin engined jet.

Co-pilot Alex Tai (UK) called from his mobile on landing in Agadir to let Mission Control know the time of arrival in Morocco was 1158 GMT. After refuelling the aircraft departed Agadir at 1232 GMT and the Flight Co-ordination team at Universal Weather and Aviation advise that the estimated time of arrival in Luxor, Egypt is 1751 GMT today.

Chief meteorologist for Fossett Challenge, Chris Bedford said "The weather conditions still look very good for the rest of the record attempt. The tailwinds on leg 3 (Agadir - Luxor) may be a little lighter than was originally forecast but this should not cause any problems."

The Cessna Citation X appears to be making good time. Her average speed from Los Angeles to Agadir, including time spent on the ground, is 579.5 mph / 926.5 kph. They are on course to beat the current best record for any medium weight airplane 'Round the World' which is 47 hours 43 minutes 26 seconds - averaging 490 mph / 790 kph set in 1988 from Vancouver, BC by Edgar Kaiser (USA) in a Hawker 800 (HS 125).

February 15th 11.00GMT

Steve Fossett On Course for "Round the World Aviation Record"

15th February 2000, 1100 GMT: Aviator Steve Fossett (USA) is about 10 hours into his latest world record attempt targeting the round the world record for medium weight airplanes in his own .92 mach Cessna Citation X twin engined jet.

Fossett and his 2 co-pilots, Alex Tai (UK) and Darren Adkins (USA), left Los Angeles Airport (LAX) last night at 2356 GMT. The aircraft arrived at her first refuelling stop in Hamilton, Bermuda at 0525 GMT this morning, making excellent time on the ground and setting off again at 0545 GMT. The Flight Following Department at Universal Weather and Aviation advised that the estimated time of arrival at the next refuelling point Agadir, Morocco is 1138 GMT.

The crew suffered a slight setback before the planned departure from Van Nuys Airport, California last night. The FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) issued an interpretation that the plane would have to leave from LAX because their original plan of a flying start over LAX is not permitted for a °·round the world record. Steve said "This caught us by surprise and will cost us about 30 minutes of RTW time."

However, despite the minor setback they are making good time. In the first segment from Los Angeles to Bermuda the average speed of the Citation X, including the 20 minutes spent on the ground, was 558 mph / 892 kph. They are on course to beat the current best record for any medium weight airplane round the world which is 47 hours 43 minutes 26 seconds - averaging 490 mph / 790 kph set in 1988 from Vancouver, BC by Edgar Kaiser (USA) in a Hawker 800 (HS 125).

Media Information

News television footage is available from Associated Press TV in Los Angeles who interviewed Steve and filmed inside and outside the aircraft at Van Nuys prior to take off.

A high resolution picture is available for reproduction on this website under professional media information.

February 14th 11.00GMT

Adventurer Steve Fossett Attacks Aviation 'Round the World' Record

14 February 2000 - Van Nuys, California: Multiple world record-setting balloonist, yachtsman and aviator Steve Fossett (USA) will take a short break from his exploits on the 105° maxi catamaran PlayStation - trading the world's fastest ocean sailing yacht for the controls of the world's fastest business jet. Steve will challenge the current round the world record (47 hours, 43 minutes, 26 seconds) for medium weight airplanes starting today (14 February) from Los Angeles.

Steve Fossett: "The weather looks good for an attempt on Monday (14 February). At around 1500H local time (2300 GMT) we will take off from Van Nuys airport and cross the starting line over Los Angeles airport (LAX). We are looking for good tailwinds en-route - anywhere from 40 to 150 mph - and we're aiming to bring the record down to under 40 hours."

(Photographers please note photo opportunity today just prior to take off at Sky Trails Aviation, Van Nuys Airport)

Flying as chief pilot of his own .92 mach, Cessna Citation X twin jet, Steve will be accompanied by co-pilots Darrin Adkins (34 - USA) and Alex Tai (33 - GB - a Virgin Airbus Captain taking a true "busman's holiday"), plus Mike Pablo (USA) - the official observer representing the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) . Their course will begin at Los Angeles stopping to refuel in Bermuda, Agadir (Morocco), Luxor (Egypt), Calcutta (India), Nagasaki (Japan) and Midway Island.

Each "pit-stop"turnaround will take about 30 minutes - during which the aircraft will take on 12,900 lbs (5,864 kgs) of jet fuel - record time which counts as the clock keeps ticking.

The only modification to the standard production aircraft will be the removal of the extra seats. Flying as high as 51,000 ft, ground speed could exceed 750 mph if hoped-for tailwinds arrive.

Chief weather router Chris Bedford explained: "Everything looks fine for early this week. The northern hemisphere jetstream is at its strongest this time of year - we are very lucky to have strong tailwinds in eastern Asia and the Western Pacific at 45,000-47,000 feet - and the weather into all of the intermediate fuel stops is also looking good."

As Aircraft Captain (chief pilot) on the Citation X, Fossett already holds the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) 2000km closed course world record for medium weight airplanes at 598.26 mph / 962.81kph) set in September 1999 in Nevada.

The current best record for any medium weight airplane (up to 55,000 lbs / 25,000 kgs take off weight) round the world is 47 hours 43 minutes 26 seconds set in 1988 from Vancouver, BC by Edgar Kaiser (USA) in a Hawker 800 (HS 125). The FAI required distance for a round the world record is 22,843.60 statute miles (36,787.55 kms) - the length of the Tropic of Cancer. The FAI heavy airplane record is held by the Concorde supersonic airliner and is not - yet - a target.

Please watch this website for ongoing progress reports on this record attempt, photos, and additional information.
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