Balloonist Wants 2nd Chance at Feat

Steve Fossett set distance and duration records but fell short of his ultimate goal of circling the world on a nonstop balloon flight. Now Fossett said he will try again this year. Fossett told the National Geographic Society he hopes to be ready on Nov. 15, the start of a three-month effort when conditions are best for long-distance flights. This year’s feat began in St. Louis and set distance and endurance records of 10,377 miles and six days, two hours and 29 minutes. A low fuel supply forced him to land well short of his goal.