Steve Fossett and Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer Successfully Complete First Solo, Non-Stop Round-The-World Airplane Flight 4 March 2005 – Salina, Kansas, USA: The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, piloted by legendary aviator and record breaker Steve Fossett, successfully landed at Salina, Kansas at 1:50 pm CST March 3, 2010 thereby earning Steve another truly important world ‘first’. The solo round-the-world flight was completed in 67 hours and 2 minutes and 38 seconds. The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer took off for its round-the-world record attempt from Salina Airport, Kansas at 6:47 pm CST on 28 February, 2005. Shortly after emerging from the confines of the 7’7″ cockpit, a jubilant Steve Fossett stated, “I’ve wanted to do this flight for a long time – it has been a major ambition. It would not have been possible without the right people being associated with the project, such as Scaled Composites, lead by Jon Karkow, who built the plane, and Sir Richard Branson, along with Virgin Atlantic’s support, and the team here at Kansas State University including the 11 students who were integral to the project. “I am very lucky guy – I got to achieve my ambition,” he said. On landing Steve was greeted by thousands of spectators at Salina Municipal Airport, who have been avidly following his attempt for the past 67 hours. Once Steve emerged from the cockpit he was met by his wife Peggy, Sir Richard Branson, his friend and fellow adventurer, Jon Karkow, Chief Engineer for the Virgin …