[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING PILOT STEVE FOSSETT AND THE COMMUNITY OF SALINA, KS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Steve 
Fossett, pilot of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, and all those who 
assisted him during his successful world record-setting flight around 
the world last week.
  Steve Fossett flew the first solo, non-stop, non-refueled aerial 
circumnavigation of the globe in a jet aircraft, completing the record-
setting flight in 67 hours and one minute, with an average speed of 
nearly 300 miles per hour. This feat began on Monday, February 28, 
2005, and ended Wednesday, March 3, 2005, at the renowned ``America's 
Fuel Stop,'' the Salina Municipal Airport, Kansas, USA. With aviation 
pioneers like Earhart, Beech and Cessna to its credit, it is only 
fitting that today's modem aviation pioneer chose Kansas as the 
location to set his world record.
  Mr. Fossett is an accomplished adventurer, having set numerous world 
records in aviation and sailing. In fact, Mr. Fossett owns the world 
record for the number of world records held, with a total of 62, to 
date. Collaborating with Sir Richard Branson, famed British 
entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group of companies, he embarked 
on this around-the-world voyage, aiming to set world records in speed 
around the world without stopping or refueling, distance over a close 
circuit without landing, and distance without landing. The Virgin 
Atlantic GlobalFlyer, the plane Mr. Fossett flew for this trek, was 
specially designed to be lightweight, aerodynamic, and fuel-efficient.
  Mr. Fossett encountered several obstacles during his flight, 
including the failure of his plane's navigation system and the 
discovery of a fuel shortage. However, his perseverance and 
determination to succeed, despite the challenges, have earned him yet 
another notation in the record books.
  I am also proud of those who assisted Mr. Fossett and the Virgin 
Atlantic GlobalFlyer, especially the talented and dedicated staff of 
Dr. Dennis Kuhlman, Dean of the College of Technology and Aviation at 
Kansas State University at Salina. K-State at Salina is one of the top 
aviation schools in the nation, boasting excellent facilities for 
student use, which also helped to attract Mr. Fossett. The efforts of 
K-State at Salina to train aviation mechanics and pilots are helping to 
ensure safe air transportation into the next generation.
  In addition, I extend sincere congratulations to the Salina Airport 
Authority Board of Directors, Mr. Tim Rogers, Executive Director, and 
the many fine airport staff members. While the airport's 12,300 ft. 
runway was a significant factor in the site selection for this historic 
attempt, it didn't hurt that the Salina Airport Authority has 
established expertise in the areas of airfield security, ground 
handling, equipment and media services.
  Other significant contributors to the mission were the Salina Area 
Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Gerald Cook, President/CEO, and staff; 
and, the City of Salina, Mr. Monte Shadwick, Mayor; Mr. Dennis 
Kissinger, City Manager, and staff. This was truly a collaborative 
effort, of magnificent proportions, befitting a record-setting feat.
  I join the world in congratulating Steve Fossett and honoring the 
contributions of the greater Salina community on a job well done.

                          ____________________