Steve Fossett Challenges

Latest Glider News

Major Glider First

FOSSETT AND DELORE ACHIEVE MAJOR GLIDER FIRST - AND 3 NEW RECORDS - WITH 13 HR WEEKEND FLIGHT

First Ever 1500 Kilometer Glider Triangle

Bariloche, Argentina, 15 December 2003 - Flying in the Andes Mountains, Steve Fossett (USA) and Terry Delore (NZL) this weekend (Saturday, 13 December) capped a highly successful 2003 southern hemisphere summer gliding season with one of the top flights ever in the sport of gliding - the first ever 1500 kilometer triangle -
simultaneously establishing three new world records for speed and distance, bringing their season record total to 6 and their career partnership total to 9.

Their aircraft was a 2-seat, German built ASH 25 Mi high-performance sailplane of carbon-composite construction, with a 25 m (82 ft) wingspan and a 60-1 glide ratio.

Steve Fossett described the flight:

"We started at 5:45 AM from Bariloche International Airport and initially flew south in the mountain wave (updrafts found near mountain ridges) to the first corner of the triangle. Then it got more difficult.

We climbed to 30,500 feet (9,296 m) before beginning the long downwind glide to the second corner. We then had to find thermals (towers of rising warm air) to fly back upwind to the third corner.

This is a great way to end the season ".

Along with improving the mark for the longest triangle (previously 1400.19 km set by Klaus Holighaus (GER) in January 1993) by over 100 km, Fossett and Delore's 13 hour flight established three new World Records (all records pending confirmation by the FAI - Fédération Aéronautique Internationale): the longest triangle on a pre-declared course - 1502.6 km, the longest free triangle - 1509.7 km and the speed record for a 1500 Km triangle - 119.11 km/h

In a remarkable 6 week 2003 season in Argentina, Fossett and Delore have set a total of 6 new world records - including the first 2000 km Out and Return glider flight. Teaming up just 13 months ago, the pair have now have set 9 of the 18 Speed and Distance world records for the Open / Unlimited class of gliders.

Steve Fossett is returning home to Beaver Creek, Colorado for the Christmas holidays, then will depart in early January in an attempt to break the Round the World Sailing Record (currently 64-1/2 days) at the helm of his 125 ft (38.1 m) catamaran 'Cheyenne'. This time he will lead a crew of 13.

Steve Fossett & Terry Delore prepare for dawn
departure from Bariloche, Argentina 13 Dec.
(c) 2003 Powers Unlimited - Free for news use with photo credit.

< Large image for Press Release >

Fossett / Delore takeoff from Bariloche,
Argentina 0545 am 13 Dec.
(c) 2003 Powers Unlimited - Free for news use with photo credit.

< Large image for Press Release>

New Glider Distance World Record

DELORE AND FOSSETT CAPTURE NEW GLIDING DISTANCE WORLD RECORD

2002.44 Kms 'Out and Return' Distance Record - plus 2 other World Records by pair - set benchmark as summer gliding season starts in the Andes

17 November 2003 Esquel, Argentina - Brilliantly exploiting the mountain wave in the lee of the Andes range, the team of Terry Delore (NZL) and Steve Fossett (USA) this weekend (Fri 14 Nov) put up an outstanding new glider world record for Out and Return Distance of 2002.44 Kilometers (pending FAI ratification), adding nearly 300 Kms to the previous mark (1715.5 Km - Dec.2002) by German Klaus Ohlmann, the world's most dominant distance glider pilot.

Delore and Fossett are among the world's top glider pilots gathered for the Argentine summer season which runs through January - and have laid down an impressive new benchmark.

Klaus Ohlmann also set out at daybreak on Friday, trying to improve his old record to 2000 Km. He chose to fly south from the Argentine resort town of San Martin de los Andes. The team of Delore and Fossett opted to fly North from the Patagonian village of Esquel. Their northern Out and Return route proved to be the better course that day, with current record-holder Ohlmann unable to regain his start point, landing for the night at Esquel. Thus, the German was on hand to congratulate Delore and Fossett Saturday morning (see photo). A third glider piloted by Dieter Memmert also tried the southern route, but he too was unable to make it back to his start point. Other top glider pilots for the 2003-4 Argentine season include Manfred Albrecht (GER) - already flying - and Jean-Marie Clement (ITA) and Philippe Autheil (USA) - both expected to arrive shortly.

In the Open Class of highest performance gliders there are only 17 recognized World Records - 6 for Distance, 9 for Speed, and 2 for Altitude.

Delore and Fossett's big day in the sky captured a total of 3 world records. In addition to the outright Out and Return distance mark, they also established a new 'Out and Return Distance to a Pre-declared Goal' Record at 1804.7 Km - plus a new Speed Record for 1500 Km (avg speed of 156.61 Km/h), breaking previous records by Ohlmann of 1708.4 Km and 136.82 Km/h, respectively. Subject to ratification by the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale), the team of Delore and Fossett now hold 2 of the Distance Records and 4 of the Speed Records. Terry Delore also holds a fifth Speed Record - 300 Km Triangle - set before he teamed up with Steve Fossett one year ago.

Targeting to fly higher - as well as farther and faster - in gliders, Fossett is also aiming for the daunting Glider World Altitude Record (14,938 m - 49,009' set 17 years ago by American Bob Harris) having made 4 unsuccessful attempts so far in the USA and New Zealand in 2002 and 2003 with co-pilot Einar Enevoldson (USA) in their 'Perlan Project' research glider. Steve and the 'Perlan' team return to New Zealand in June of 2004 for another try at this enduring record.

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.

2003 NZ Season Ends for Perlan Project

2003 NEW ZEALAND SEASON ENDS FOR THE 'PERLAN PROJECT' HIGH ALTITUDE GLIDER

2004 SEASON PLANNED JUNE-SEPT

The 'Perlan Project' high altitude glider research project announced over the weekend that 2003 flights have now ended and that next season's flights are planned for June-September 2004. The durable 1986 World Record of Bob Harris of 49,009 feet will stand at least another few months.

Lift Off | High Res images free for news use, please credit (c) Powers Unlimited

Here is the release from the official website (www.perlanproject.com):

Saturday, September 20,2003, Omarama, New Zealand: Trying to take advantage of a favorable weather pattern due to occur during the night, Pilots Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson made a 3 PM launch yesterday (Friday) and another flight at 7 am this morning. Unfortunately the wave was not very high and the peak altitude attained was only 24,500 feet.

The Polar Vortex is not close enough to New Zealand to permit flight to our goal altitude of 62,000 feet or even to break the current glider altitude record of 49,008 feet. In addition our NASA Research Igloo needs maintenance in order to continue effectively our scientific mission. These factors have lead to the decision today to stop altitude attempts for the season.

The Perlan Team is returning home, but the glider will remain in Omarama. Next season will extend from June to September, 2004. The Team plans to be on standby during that period to take advantage of high altitude flight opportunities.

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.

Sponsored by Micholob Ultra. | High Res images free for news use,
please credit (c) Powers Unlimited

Steve's glider world altitude project is also supported by Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation 2.

For additional information on the Perlan Project, please see:www.perlanproject.com or contact
Steve Tollestrup (Gliding New Zealand Publicity Coordinator)
e-mail: director@tearfund.org.nz
telephone office 64 (0)9 836 7968,
mobile 64 (0)21 483 273.

For further details on all of Steve Fossett's adventure challenges, see www.fossettchallenge.com or please contact
Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky (Project 100 Communications / Steve Fossett Challenges)
e-mail: info@project100.com
tel. 44 1727 836238 / 844616

Perlan Team Return to New Zealand

Fossett and Perlan Project world glider altitude record team returning to New Zealand for final 2003 record attempts

Monday 15 September 2003 - Mojave, CA, USA - Omarama, S. Island, NZ: Pilot Steve Fossett and the Perlan Project stratospheric glider flight research team are returning to New Zealand's South Island for a further 2003 crack at the durable world glider altitude record (49,009 ft) set by American Bob Harris in 1986.

Initial flights in 2002 and earlier this season with the modified German-built DG-505 high-performance sailplane were unsuccessful in finding the ideal 'mountain wave' meteorological conditions necessary to propel the un-powered craft (in which Fossett and co-pilot Einar Enevoldsen will wear full NASA pressure suits) to stratospheric heights.

Under ideal circumstances, winter mountain waves will combine with the southern hemisphere's 'polar vortex' (high speed winds at altitude also known as the jet stream) to offer the best possibility for Fossett and Enevoldsen (a former NASA research pilot) to climb and maintain sufficient airspeed - critical for lift in the thin air of the stratosphere.

As the season draws to a close, conditions are still not quite ideal - but are strong enough to warrant further 2003 attempts.

Steve's advice to his team this morning explained:

"We've decided to make altitude attempts later this week. The weather is not everything we want - but it is a period of zonal winds with wind directions which should provide excellent mountain wave up to the area of 50,000 feet.

Unfortunately the Polar Vortex does not reach up into the South Island of New Zealand, but (team meteorologist) Elizabeth Carter points out that the windspeeds at high altitudes are being influenced by the Polar Vortex.

Thus there is the potential of nipping the altitude record (49,009') in a wave pattern which is stratospheric - not merely a high troposphere. This will expand our understanding of flying in the influence of the Polar Vortex.

Exciting times."

USA based team members are leaving from California late Monday (15 Sept) to join the New Zealand crew already in place, with first attempts expected starting on Thursday (18 Sept) in Omarama.

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.

Steve's glider world altitude project is also supported by Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation 2.

Air Sport's Highest Honor

Steve Fossett Receives Gold Air Medal from FAI

Pilot of the 2002 Bud Light Spirit of Freedom First Solo Round The World Balloon Flight and other aviation records recognized for 'the collective significance of his achievements'

The below release was sent out today - August 26, 2003 - by the NAA - the governing body of air sports and aviation records in the USA and is re-distributed here with their permission.

26 August 2003 Arlington, Virginia, USA - National Aeronautic Association member Steve Fossett has been selected by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) to receive its prestigious Gold Air Medal for the year 2002.

FAI picked Fossett for the Gold Air Medal for the collective significance of his achievements. According to FAI, the Gold Medal "is reserved for those who have contributed greatly to the development of aeronautics." First awarded in 1925, the Gold Medal is the highest honor FAI can pay to a notable figure. Other past recipients of the award include Charles Lindbergh, Chuck Yeager, and Scott Crossfield.

Beginning in 1994, Fossett spent eight years trying to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe alone in a balloon. He finally accomplished the feat (on his sixth attempt) in the summer of 2002 when his Roziere balloon drifted through the Southern Hemisphere on a 20,626-mile trip from Australia to Australia. The journey took a little over 355 hours (almost 15 days) to complete, making it the longest non-stop, solo flight in history. He set the Absolute World Record for "Shortest Time Around the World" in 13 days, 8 hours, 33 minutes.

Fossett has set numerous other records in the air - not just in balloons, but also in airplanes and gliders. In 2000, he set two around-the-world speed records in a Cessna 750 Citation X, one eastbound and one westbound. As a glider pilot, he set a 500 kilometer triangle speed record of 116 mph.

FAI will also present Fossett with its De la Vaulx Medal, which is awarded to those establishing absolute world records during the previous year. This will be the fourth time Fossett receives the De la Vaulx Medal, making him one of only two people to be so recognized on four occasions.

Fossett can claim yet another distinction: he is the only person to be named five times to the National Aeronautic Association's annual list of the "Most Memorable Aviation Records." He was last tapped for this list in 2002 for his solo balloon flight around the world.

Steve Fossett is an adventurer of many dimensions, who has pushed himself to compete in fields besides aviation, including swimming, skiing, dog sledding, auto racing, and sailing. In this last field, he holds 15 world records, including the transatlantic sailing record from New York to England in 4 days, 17 hours.

For additional information and photos please contact

Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky at
Project 100 Communications / Steve Fossett Challenges
tel. +44 1727 836238 / 844616
e-mail: info@project100.com
web: www.fossettchallenge.com

New Glider world Speed Record

FOSSETT AND DELORE NAIL NEW GLIDER WORLD SPEED RECORD

July 29, 2003, Ely Nevada, USA - Practice makes perfect: Pilots Steve Fossett (USA) and Terry Delore (NZL), on their fifth attempt over the past two weeks, finally succeeded in breaking the world glider speed record for a 750 Kilometer Triangle. Their average speed was 171.5 km/h (106.57 mph) compared to the previous record of 163.75 km/h (101.75 mph) set by Gerrit Kurstjens of the Netherlands in July, 2001.

Two of Fossett and Delore's previous attempts earlier this month advanced the U.S. National Record from 84.62 mph to 93.5 mph then to 99.12 mph, but they missed the world record speeds.

Fossett and Delore flew two other glider speed records together last year: the 500 Kilometer Triangle and the 1000 Kilometer Out and Return. Tuesday's new 750 Kilometer Triangle is the first world record they have flown in Fossett's new ASH-25M high performance glider.

Now faster, next higher: In August Steve Fossett travels to Omarama, New Zealand. Looking to take advantage of New Zealand's exceptional mountain wave and polar vortex meteorological conditions, Steve and former NASA research pilot Einar Enevoldson (wearing full pressure suits) will pilot the specially modified ' Perlan' glider in an attempt to soar well into the stratosphere - and break the glider altitude record - which has stood at 49,009 feet since established by Bob Harris (USA) in 1986.

Soaring Speed

U.S. 750 Km Triangle Record Falls to Fossett and Delore
- Key World Record Targets Still Remain

18 July 2003 - Minden, Nevada, USA - On Tuesday (July 15th), flying the 25.6 meter (84 ft) wingspan Schleicher Mi 25 glider out of Minden (near Lake Tahoe on the Nevada-California border), pilots Steve Fossett (USA) and Terry Delore (NZ) broke the U.S. National glider speed record for 750 Km Triangle at 94.55 mph (153.6 km/h) - and then re-broke it Thursday (July 17th) at 99.19 mph (159.6 km/h) . The pair missed the 750 Km World Record, which stands is 101.75 mph (163.72 km/h).

Fossett's summer speed gliding encampment is now moving to the historic mining town of Ely in eastern Nevada for the next 2 weeks, where the duo plan to target additional triangle speed World Records at 1000 Km and 1250 Km, as well as the triangle distance World Record.

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 additional information please contact:
Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky at
Project 100 Communications/ Steve Fossett Challenges
tel. +44 1727 836238 / 844616
mobile +44 7860 612367
and continue to see: www.fossettchallenge.com

Glider Plans

Steve Fossett in Nevada this Month (July) for Gliding Speed / Distance Attempts

Then off to New Zealand in August for Glider World Altitude Record Attempts

7 July 2003, California City, California - With the 125' catamaran undergoing her annual refit in Norfolk, Virginia, Steve Fossett will nevertheless be busy over the coming weeks, tackling some of the gliding world's biggest records.

July is being dedicated to glider speed and distance marks, based in Ely, Nevada where Steve and co-pilot Terry Delore will be flying a Schleicher ASH-25Mi (25 meter wingspan) high performance sailplane.

Key records being targeted are 1,000 kilometer triangle and 1,250 kilometer triangle speed records and the triangle distance record.

Steve already holds 2 major glider speed / distance records. Flying with New Zealander Delore, Steve set new glider world speed records for 500 Kilometer Triangle at 2 hours 44 min 2 secs 187.12 km/h (116.27 mph), November 15, 2002 and the 1000 Kilometer Speed Record at 6 hours 17 minutes 54 seconds - an average speed of 166.46 km/h (103.43 mph), December 12, 2002.

After a best flight of 42,100 ft during this year's spring testing season (March-April) at California City, California, the Perlan high-altitude glider project has been packed and shipped to the New Zealand alps for a further assault on the glider world altitude record of 49,009 ft.

Based at Omarama, most of the month of August has been set aside to take advantage of the combined 'mountain wave' and 'polar vortex' winter meteorological conditions of New Zealand's South Island - where it is hoped to achieve flight well into the stratosphere - up to the Perlan glider's theoretical 62,000 foot maximum altitude.

Fossett and co-pilot Einar Enevoldson (a former NASA research pilot) will wear full USAF/NASA-type pressure suits for these flights in the Perlan glider - a DG-505 high-performance sailplane built in Germany - now fitted out with extensive scientific instrumentation and modified to carry the systems necessary to support the pressure suits in flight.

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.

Steve's glider world altitude project is supported by Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation 2.

Thursday Perlan Test Flight Reaches 42,100 feet

"Substantial, Useful Progress"
as Thursday Perlan Test Flight Reaches 42,100 Feet
Next Flights Likely Later In Coming Week

Friday 25 April 2003 - California City, CA, USA: Taking advantage of an excellent 'mountain wave' weather system on Thursday, pilot Steve Fossett and co-pilot Einar Enevoldson flew the Perlan Project high-altitude research glider to its highest altitude yet - 42,100 ft (12,830 m).
The entire team were pleased with Thursday's test flight - not only did the weather models and the actual conditions match up well, but the entire flight ran smoothly, with Steve and Einar getting excellent lift to the top of the available lenticular formation, successfully checking all flight and data systems 'high, wet and cold'. "This was a very useful final systems qualifications flight" according to Einar Enevoldson. "Everything worked well". "We have no flights scheduled now for several days - but we'll probably be going up again during the latter part of coming week."
In addition to scientific and meteorological research, Fossett and Enevoldson are targeting the glider world altitude record set here in 1986 by Bob Harris (USA) at 49,009 feet.

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.
Steve and the Perlan glider are also supported by PlayStation2.

click here to read more ....

STEVE FOSSETT
Click on image for free press pics (c) Powers Unlimited

Weak Lift - No Record Today

Perlan Flight Abandoned After 2 Hours Due To Lack Of Lift
Next Flights Provisionally Planned For Sunday or Monday - To Be Announced

LIFT OFF
Click on image for free press pics (c) Powers Unlimited

12 April 2003 California City, CA USA 1830 Pacific Daylight Time: Pilots Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson's Perlan Project glider flight today was intended to target the 17 year old glider world altitude record, but a lack of lift forced the pair to abandon the attempt after 2 hours and land at Inyokern airport.

The weather models over the past several days had predicted great 'mountain wave' conditions here in the California high desert in the Sierra Nevada range - but this time the models were wrong. Analysis of the forecasts and observations - and comparisons to better wave days over the past month - are continuing, and further attempts are planned as soon as conditions allow.

On the bright side, today's 2 hour flight enabled the team to test recent revisions to the communications systems, altitude encoder and cockpit drinks system.

ON TOW
Click on image for free press pics (c) Powers Unlimited

Take off from California City was at 1503 PDT, landing at Inyokern was at approximately 1720. As this is being written, Steve and Einar are enroute back to California City airport via a tow to enable the aircraft to be repositioned for the next attempt.

Next flights are provisionally planned for Sunday (April 13th) or Monday (April 14th) - but will not be announced until Sunday morning.

Steve Fossett and Perlan Team Target Glider Altitude Record Again

New Flights Start Saturday 12 April
Aim Is To 'Catch A Wave' In The Sky
To Break 17 Year Old World Record

Who: Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson and the Perlan glider team
What: Latest 2003 attempts on the glider world altitude record
Where: California City Airport, California City (near Mojave), CA
When: Saturday 12 April 2003

Press access and photo opportunities:

- Briefing 0900
- Suit Up 1000
- Expected launch 1200
- Probable flight duration 5 hours
- Post-flight interviews
and team access immediately upon landing

Friday 11 April 2003 - California City, CA, USA: After their first (mid-March) series of 2003 flights were shortened by deteriorating weather, pilot Steve Fossett, co-pilot Einar Enevoldson and the Perlan Project high-altitude research glider team return to the high desert in the Sierra Nevada mountains at California City, CA tomorrow (Friday) for another attempt on the glider world altitude record set by Bob Harris (USA) at 49,009 feet here in 1986.

"We reached 34,000 feet last month in less than ideal conditions. But Saturday now looks like a bona fide chance for a record attempt. There is a major storm approaching the Pacific coast, and we'll be trying to fly just ahead of the leading edge of the cold front."

- advised pilot Steve Fossett this morning as the latest weather reports came in from Perlan Project chief meteorologist Dr Elizabeth Carter and Dr Ed Teets from NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

Steve elaborated:

"We'll drop the tow from California City at around 7,000 feet - near Inyokern - climbing in the wave north towards Mt Whitney. The best opportunities to go very high will be between 50 miles north and 50 miles south of Mt Whitney."

"We're not promising a record tomorow, but the team is well-prepared and our equipment is well tested. This is the classic set-up for 'mountain wave' meteorlogical conditions, so we'll be flying."

Fossett and Enevoldson will wear full USAF/NASA-type pressure suits for these flights in the Perlan glider - a DG-505 high-performance sailplane built in Germany - now fitted out with extensive scientific instrumentation and modified to carry the systems necessary to support the pressure suits in flight.

For record setting balloonist, sailor and aviator Fossett and Enevoldson (a former NASA research pilot), the current goal is a significant waypoint on the way to even greater heights. Further flights are planned for August in the combined 'mountain wave' and 'polar vortex' meteorological conditions of New Zealand's South Island - where they hope to achieve flight well into the stratosphere - up to the Perlan glider's theoretical 62,000 foot maximum altitude.

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.

Steve and the Perlan glider are also supported by PlayStation2.

For news and free-for-news-use photos on 'The Perlan Project' see www.Perlanproject.com

For news and photos on all the Steve Fossett Challenges see: www.fossettchallenge.com

For additional media information contact Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky at:
Project 100 Communications / Steve Fossett Challenges (in England)
tel +44 1727 836238 office, +44 7860 612367 mobile; fax +44 1727 869142; p100sport@aol.com

Conditions un-conducive for record Sunday

3 hour flight achieves 22,000 ft
No flight scheduled Monday

6 March 2003 20:00 PST California City, CA, USA:1 Sunday's high altitude glider record attempt by pilot Steve Fossett, co-pilot Einar Enevoldson and the Perlan team produced another shortened flight, this time due to un-cooperative meteorological conditions at lower levels. Although 22,000 ft was reached, the pair were unable to move up to the very fast etstream winds predicted at higher altitudes - and which may have enabled them to soar towards the world record height of 49,009 ft.

Steve Fossett commented after landing:

" The wave has reversed during the day - conditions just weren't good to fly really high.

We won't be flying Monday, as we need to re-supply the liquid oxygen we need for breathing in the pressure-suits, but stay tuned - this is a highly active season and there could be another opportunity this week."

Shortly before the 14:55 PST launch: Perlan Project Meteorologist Dr Elizabeth Carter was not optimistic for a record Sunday:

" The weather isn't cooperating. The jet stream is over the region with 120-140 knot winds - but right now but there just isn't the lower level support for the wave. Some lenticulars (wave clouds) are in the region - but are probably 'trapped' and do not extend high into the atmosphere, making it difficult to soar to altitude. They'll go as high as they can today - in less than conducive conditions."

Saturday Flight Rained Out

Fossett & Enevoldson To Target Glider Altitude Record Again Sunday Afternoon
Excellent 'wave' conditions and 140+ mph winds at altitude expected for Sunday

Who: Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson and the 'Perlan' glider team
What: Second 2003 attempt on the glider world altitude record
Where: California City Airport, California City (near Mojave), CA
When: Sunday 16 March, 2003

Press access and photo opportunities:

Briefing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -10:00
Suit Up - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -11:00
Expected launch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -12:00
Probable flight duration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -5 hours
Post-flight interviews and team access - - - immediately upon landing

15 March 2002 1400 PST / 2200 GMT California City, CA, USA: After Friday's first 2003 record attempt was aborted due to transponder failure, a day of rain and low cloud cover has washed out Saturday's plans for Americans Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson to exploit the high-altitude 'mountain wave' weather conditions here in the California high desert in their bid to set a new world glider altitude record.

But the Perlan Project team expect better conditions tomorrow (Sunday, March 16th) and record-setting balloonist, sailor and aviator Fossett and former NASA test pilot Enevoldson plan to enter the graceful Perlan research glider (wearing rather less graceful full NASA pressure suits) shortly before noon Sunday - with plans (weather permitting) for a 5 hour flight.

Having replaced and tested the faulty transponder, their immediate target is the current world glider altitude record held by Bob Harris (USA) set at 49,009 ft in 1986 - in this same locale.

Perlan's objectives in the Sierra Nevada mountain range this month are to complete high and cold testing of the aircraft, navigation and support systems - and to break the 17-year old glider absolute altitude record - one of the most important records in gliding.

Further flights scheduled for this June or July in the combined 'mountain wave' and 'polar vortex' meteorological conditions of New Zealand's South Island hope to achieve even greater heights - flight well into the stratosphere - up to the Perlan glider's theoretical 62,000 ft maximum.

Pilot Steve Fossett explained tomorrow's forecast and flight plans:

"Good, clearing weather is forecast for Sunday - with a very fast jetstream overhead - winds could exceed 140 mph at 37,000 ft. This certainly offers the potential for flight above 40,000 ft - and a bona fide opportunity to crack the record.

We'll plan for a full 5 hour flight - taking a tow first to about 7,000 ft- 10,000 ft - then head towards Inyokern, picking up the 'mountain wave' in the direction of Mount Whitney, with the best conditions right now looking to be over the valley near Lone Pine".

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.

Steve and the Perlan glider are also supported by PlayStation2.

For news and free-for-news-use photos on 'The Perlan Project' see www.perlanproject.com

For news and photos on all the Steve Fossett Challenges see: www.fossettchallenge.com

For additional media information contact Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky at:
Project 100 Communications / Steve Fossett Challenges (in England)
tel +44 1727 836238 office, +44 7860 612367 mobile; fax +44 1727 869142; p100sport@aol.com

First 2003 Perlan Glider High Altitude Flight Shortened By Transponder Failure

Fossett and Enevoldson Reach 18,000' But Data Glitch Stops World Record Attempt After 1 Hour
Next Record Flights Possibly Saturday Or Sunday

1430 local time / 2230 GMT 14 March 2003 California City, CA, USA: Pilots Steve Fossett (USA) and Einar Enevoldson (USA) took the Perlan high-altitude research glider on her first 2003 probe of the 'mountain wave' meteorological phenomena this afternoon, in their attempt on the 49,009' World Glider Altitude Record set in 1986 by Bob Harris (USA), but had to cut short the planned 5 hour mission over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range after only 1 hour when the transponder - which automatically transmits the aircraft's altitude - failed to accurately report to the ground.

Although not a safety issue on board the glider, without accurate transponder reporting the pair could not get permission from Air Traffic Control to continue above 18,000'. Their flight path today was 40 miles N of California City, just NW of Inyokern, about 50 miles S of Mt Whitney - taking them over areas under the authority of Edwards Air Force Base.

Steve Fossett:

" We're puzzling over this. We've got to try to fix this so we can take advantage of the excellent conditions forecast over the weekend. We may be back as early as tomorrow (Saturday) morning, but I'm not yet ready to declare a record attempt for tomorrow. We'll need to trouble-shoot the device now and do a test flight without pressure suits first to check the system."

Einar Enevoldson:

" The wave was excellent - and conditions were absolutely clear. Even with no clouds to help, we were doing great when we had to stop."

NASA meteorologist Ed Teets added:

" The wave is good - and getting better all through the weekend."

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.

Steve and the Perlan glider are also supported by PlayStation2.

For news and free-for-news-use photos on 'The Perlan Project' see www.Perlanproject.com

For news and photos on all the Steve Fossett Challenges see: www.fossettchallenge.com

For additional media information contact Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky at:
Project 100 Communications / Steve Fossett Challenges (in England)
tel +44 1727 836238 office, +44 7860 612367 mobile; fax +44 1727 869142; p100sport@aol.com

Fossett Begins Glider World Altitude Record Campaign at California City Friday 14 March

Who: Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson and the Perlan glider team
What: First 2003 attempt on the glider world altitude record
When: Friday 14 March, 2003

Press access and photo opportunities:

- Morning briefing 0600
- Suit Up 0700
- Expected launch 0800
- Probable flight duration 5 hours
- Post-flight press conference TBA

Where: California City Airport, California City (near Mojave), CA

13 March 2003 California City, CA, USA: Record-setting American aviator Steve Fossett will target one of non-powered flight's historic benchmarks beginning later this week, in an attempt on the 17-year-old glider world altitude record of 49,009' here in the California high desert (next to the famed Edwards Air Force Base). With high-altitude external air temperatures at -60 degrees F and air pressures low enough to boil the blood of an un-protected pilot, Fossett and co-pilot Einar Enevoldson (USA) will be wearing full pressure suits as they seek to gather important scientific data - and to set a new record.

Already holding numerous world records in sailing, ballooning and jet-powered aircraft, Fossett has been into serious gliding for over a year now. And in December 2002 and January 2003 in New Zealand, Steve and Terry Delore (NZ) set two major glider speed-for-distance records (500 kms triangle and 1000 kms out and return).

'Perlan' - Soaring towards the stratosphere Flying over Tehachapi on March 4, 2003 test flight.
photo © Powers Unlimited
go to www.perlanproject.com for hi res images - free for press use

Fossett's 'Perlan' (Norwegian for 'pearl' - which stratospheric mountain wave cloud conditions resemble) high-altitude glider is a much-modified German built DG-505M sailplane. The self-launching motor has been removed from its compartment behind the 2-pilot cockpit - and has been replaced with an impressive array of electrical and mechanical support equipment to permit the use of NASA pressure suits - the same ones worn by pilots of ultra-high-altitude research and surveillance aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71.

Steve Fossett's goal is to fly 'Perlan' well into the stratosphere. Typically methodical, he plans to get there in stages.

- Surfing on 'stratospheric mountain waves' in New Zealand's South Island Alps in August of last year, Steve and Einar Enevoldson (a former NASA research pilot) conducted successful initial tests of both the glider and the pressure suits, attaining over 30,000' before the season ended.

- First targets flying out of California City this month have been further research flights to fully prove all systems - to get plenty of 'high and cold' data.

- With an excellent prospect of good 'mountain wave' conditions for this Friday (14 March), Steve and Einar will make their first 2003 attempts to break the current glider world altitude record of 49,009' set in 1986 by Bob Harris (USA).

- Back in New Zealand, beginning this coming June or July - capitalizing on the 'polar vortex' high altitude winds, as well as the upper atmosphere wave conditions created in these high mountains surrounded by a great ocean - Fossett and Enevoldson will have even better conditions to fly even higher into the stratosphere - up to the 'Perlan' glider's theoretical aerodynamic limit of 62,000'.

The Perlan Project already enjoys welcome technical support from NASA, whose Dryden Flight Research Center has provided the space suits and technical back-up. NASA Dryden's interest is both high-altitude (thin atmosphere) aerodynamic behavior as well as Earth-related upper atmosphere meteorological research - especially the rate of diffusion of fluorocarbons - important data in judging the repair of the hole in the ozone layer.

Steve Fossett:

"I see in gliding a series of enormous - and very worthwhile - challenges. Altitude, efficiency and endurance are all significant issues for everyone in aviation - and are at the core of what we are doing. This is exploration - this is good science.

"With 'Perlan' we plan to fly in - or as Einar puts it, to 'surf on' - the polar stratospheric wave - to fly the glider to heights where hopefully we can learn a great deal about both glider aerodynamics and significant meteorological issues. We have spent two years modifying the glider, and NASA has been helping us with space suits and other technology, because we aim to fly higher than previous technology has ever allowed with gliders."

Steve Fossett's June-July 2002 First Solo Round The World balloon flight - on his sixth attempt - captured the world's imagination, and the 'Bud Light Spirit of Freedom' capsule is now on permanent display in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC - seen by almost 9 million visitors every year.

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.

Steve and the Perlan glider are also supported by PlayStation2.

For news and free-for-news-use photos on 'The Perlan Project' see www.Perlanproject.com

For news and photos on all the Steve Fossett Challenges see: www.fossettchallenge.com

For additional media information contact Nicola Horne or Stuart Radnofsky at:

Project 100 Communications / Steve Fossett Challenges (in England)
tel +44 1727 836238 office or +44 7860 612367 mobile; fax +44 1727 869142
p100sport@aol.com

Fossett & Enevoldson Begin 2003 'Perlan Project' High-Altitude Glider Test Flights

Stratospheric Flight and New World Glider Altitude Record Ultimate Goals

5 March 2003 - California City, Ca, USA - Here in the California high desert, pilot Steve Fossett (USA) and co-pilot Einar Enevoldson (USA) donned their gold colored NASA pressure suits for the first time in 2003 yesterday (Tuesday) and began a series of flight tests of the 'Perlan' high altitude glider in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

'High and cold' testing for all systems - including pressure suits, high-altitude atmospheric research instrumentation, precise positioning and night flight - is expected to continue here through March and April - before shipping to New Zealand for a season in the Southern Hemisphere winter (a 4-week program sometime between June-August) where targets will include full stratospheric flight - up to 'Perlan's' theoretical aerodynamic limit of around 62,000 ft (18,900m).

"Our mechanics Tom Wolfe and Dale Hogg have revised our electrical systems to bring them up to NASA standards. This test was an important step forward," Fossett reported.

Following Fossett's successful Bud Light Spirit of Freedom First Solo Round the World Balloon flight (June-July 2002), the 'Perlan' team spent last August in New Zealand for a short season of high altitude test flights - when valuable experience was gained in mountain wave soaring in the polar vortex region - with initial flights up to 30,000 ft (9,146 m).

The current world altitude record for gliders is 49,009 ft (14,938 m) and was set by Bob Harris (USA) in 1986. This record could be broken by Fossett and retired NASA research pilot Enevoldson during their springtime California tests - if the right mountain wave weather conditions occur. In any case the potential for the highest flight is in the Polar Vortex which circulates over the South Island of New Zealand.

California flights will continue on every day there are mountain wave conditions. Reserve pilots Marty Eiler and Dale Hogg will fly on any day that either Enevoldson or Fossett are unavailable.

For the full 'Perlan Project' story, click the 'Perlan' button on the menu to the left or go to Perlan Project.