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Telephone Conversation
with Steve Fossett Prior to His 1998 Attempt June 24, 1998 In a telephone conversation conducted just weeks before the scheduled launch date, Steve Fossett took the time to discuss both his life and his ambitions. On the verge of his third attempt, the main question everyone wanted answers to was "Why?" As for why Fossett was ever interested in circumnavigating the world in the first place, it is the last unaccomplished adventure in aviation. That and his love of adventure explain why he undertook this project in 1991, but why has he kept at it this long? The answer to that question is two fold: there is the simple desire to succeed and an unwavering confidence in his equipment and support team. Fossett said that he decided to fly again after all of the competition had tried (and been unsuccessful) this winter. It was at this point that he re-evaluated his gondola, balloon, and support team and came to the conclusion that he still had the best-equipped team in the running. But simply not capturing the record on this attempt could be the least of his problems. This mission is "high risk," with the majority of the danger stemming from the large amount of time that Fossett will be over ocean. A wet landing is a serious concern, one for which Fossett and Mission Control are well-prepared. Yet, even with a plan in place for rapid search and rescue, there is real danger. Fossett doesn't have any children, but how does his wife feel; about the mission? She supports him through all of his adventures and shares his excitement as well as his disappointment. Even given as much preparation as Solo Spirit requires, it isn't a full-time job, so what does Fossett do with the rest of his time? Other than ballooning, he is involved in sailing, trail running, and cross-country skiing. His profession? He is the president of Lakota Trading Inc. Fossett grew up in Garden Grove, California. When asked what he would want to be remembered for outside of his ballooning records, his response was as an "adventurer and explorer." Thanks to Steve Fossett for his time and to Ray Arvidson for facilitating the interview. |
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