Steve Fossett Quotations

There is a risk in the takeoff. There is a risk during the flight of running out of fuel or other mechanical failure in an experimental aircraft.

So far there have been few problems. A broken winch was readily repaired by the crew, as was a batten problem in the mainsail. Sailing winds have been excellent and at one point we were flying a hull,

Frankly, I do them for the satisfaction of those achievements. I have a feeling of contentment and a satisfaction that I've done something faster or farther than anyone before.

Fuel OK, oxygen OK, got four hours of sleep last night and physical condition is very good,

To fly this distance that I plan to fly, everything has to go right. So if I were to have the same fuel venting problem and lose fuel, then I would not be able to accomplish the mission and I would cut it short.

I would think in Kevin's case that he has to be very pleased. He's making one of the finest balloon flights ever, and he had not previously made a long balloon flight. It's outstanding so far.

I would think in Kevin's case that he has to be very pleased, ... He's making one of the finest balloon flights ever, and he had not previously made a long balloon flight. It's outstanding so far.

I was really lucky to make it here today, there was a lot going on. The tension of the final part really took it out of me, but I will be fine in the morning.

Today's forecast shows good winds until Thursday -- but then there are possible headwinds to slow us up when we reach the English Channel,

Whereas my falling in the Coral Sea almost killed me -- because that was in a thunderstorm in a ruptured balloon -- the most dangerous thing in the world,

When Richard and I jumped out and we're in the water and we're right close to each other, I reached over and shook hands and said, 'We've survived,'

You have to believe that you are going to succeed with this flight because a water landing would be very dangerous, ... I'm using the same capsule I've used for seven balloon flights, and it's seaworthy.

We were dragged for at least a couple of miles and probably bounced 50 times before the balloon settled down enough so we could get outside the capsule and jump into the water,

Currently, I would say the chances are no more than 50-50. It would be devastating to have to ditch the ultimate distance record when I am in the home straight.

There's no turning back. It was halfway around the world when I found the fuel problem, ... Not only might the flight not have finished, but I might have gotten the plane stuck somewhere.

So this is turning into a real classic test for these boats, and we're motivated to get it back. It is a complex test, planning, meteorology and precise sailing all wrapped up together -- and we do expect to see some pretty big winds.

So while I've been tied up with my balloons and my gliders, I've lost considerable ground in terms of maintaining longevity in sailing records,

As a Scout, I learned how to set goals and achieve them. Being a Scout also taught me leadership at a young age when there are few opportunities to be a leader. Scouting values have remained with me throughout my life, in my business career and now as I take on new challenges.

As of May when we broke the Marseilles-Carthage record, we held the six fastest outright passage records. And now Maiden has encroached on that.

This is getting very discouraging. To get this close and not be able to grab the golden ring,

This is disappointing, but we've been through this before.

This is not just another round-the-world attempt; we mean to succeed this time. That's a tall order.

They see that as part of their future. We're a discovery project for them, to discover new uses for the shuttle landing facility. As far as Kennedy is concerned, it's a great runway, a runway in perfect condition, equal to the longest available in the United States.

They didn't even offer me a beer or anything.

This is the oldest form of aviation in the world -- ballooning -- and yet it hasn't been done yet.

It was a scary time, and I had my parachute on and I was prepared to bail out in case a wing broke.

The next launch attempt will be made on the morning of Wednesday the 8th, at between 06:41 and 07:06 local time (11:41 to 12:06 UTC).

It's something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Takeoff was a bit scary, to say the least. I had to use most of the runway to get off the ground. This was particularly hairy, as I couldn't have aborted even if I had wanted to.

Takeoff was a bit scary, to say the least.

I started mountain climbing with the troop in Southern California when I was 12. I thought I'd do it indefinitely, but then I found other challenges.

It will be very close. I'm stretching the limits of the airplane.

I want to make this the longest flight by any type of aircraft.

So far, I've been able to control descents and climbs to 500 feet per minute. Autopilot cannot keep up. Parachute is on in case of envelope rupture.

So far, I've been able to control descents and climbs to 500 feet per minute, ... Autopilot cannot keep up. Parachute is on in case of envelope rupture.

I'm not confident of success because of what I'm trying to do ... We calculate that I will be able to complete the flight and have a success, but it will be very close.

I'm feeling good, healthy, but with the usual concern,

I'm hopeful that this is all going to work out,

I really like the association with NASA. This is where the great things in aerospace start from.

In the middle of the night we decided it was a hopeless situation, ... We decided to fly as close as we could to Hawaii to make it an easy rescue.

In the middle of the night we decided it was a hopeless situation,

I didn't read any books. I didn't get bored,

If he won, it would have been a $3 million prize, which he was going to contribute to his charities.

If I have engine trouble, there will be no trouble with gliding,

The damage sustained to the wing last week could have been a real setback for 'The Ultimate Flight' record attempt. The repair was a job for experts, and thankfully, we have the best working on this project.

The fuel leak is fixed and we believe the worldwide wind pattern is acceptable. I hope to be flying in the morning.

The first solo nonstop is a grand endeavor,

The good thing about flying solo is it's never boring.

This is a Solo Flight, but I want aviation enthusiasts and adventurers everywhere to join me in the endeavour.

Boy Scouts does very well in making Scouts aware of character and integrity and … virtues and incorporate [them] in their lives so that they carry themselves as [those] kind of [people] for the rest of their [lives].

I was never comfortable with the risk of climbing in the Himalayas, or the amount of time in idleness that is involved in the Everest expedition.

I pick projects according to how fascinating they are to me, and it has resulted in a broad reach. My records are actually in five different sports: balloons, airplanes, airships, gliders, and sailboats.

I do have some books, but in all the distance flights I've made I've never opened the books. I've been too busy.

A hot air balloon requires a great deal of fuel to keep it aloft, so that you can't fly it even for one day. A gas balloon, which usually uses helium, has the problem that the helium cools at night when the sun is not on it, and you have to throw ballast overboard to keep it from going to the surface.

Flying solo, you have a fair workload. I'm not only flying the balloon but doing the navigation, communications, repairing the burners, taking care of the equipment.

Mountain climbing was my original sport ... and I've never tired from the satisfaction of getting to the top of a mountain.

People often assume I assume I am a thrill seeker, but I am not. I do not enjoy roller coasters, and you won't find me bungee-jumping. ... It is a disadvantage that my pursuits are inherently dangerous. A large part of my effort is to reduce risk.