Steve Fossett... Let's see him get out of this one

[JimO]

all the money in the world wont make a plane fly if it doesnt want to. am i the only one who doesnt give a shit if this guy has bought the farm, lets face it he is a attention seeker and is getting plenty now

[ManDownUnder]

am i the only one who doesnt give a shit if this guy has bought the farm

... of the two of us...? Yes!

[Skyryder]

He did not file a flight plan. They don't know where to look. Wanna bet it's a publicity stunt? If not he's fucked.

Skyryder

[peasea]

Arizona's nice this time of year. He's probably got a hooker-filled playboy pad under a rock somewhere. Seen his wife?

[kerfufflez]

lets face it he is a attention seeker

Have you read the list of all his achievements? What's worthy of attention if not those?

I hope he gets found safe and well.

[Boob Johnson]

all the money in the world wont make a plane fly if it doesnt want to. am i the only one who doesnt give a shit if this guy has bought the farm, lets face it he is a attention seeker and is getting plenty nowYeah how DARE he be successful in business then enjoy himself in semi retirement, the cheeck of the man <_<



Good ol tall poppy syndrome is alive n well on our fair shores



You fail @ the internet :whistle:

[BarryG]

I guess you must feel like that about someone like Richard Branson too, then - these are guys who are really pushing the envelopes, and can to some extent because they have the money, but they couldn't buy the balls they need to have achieved what they have.

I sure hope they find him - but it doesn't look too promising. There's a whole hell of a lot of desert and mountains to get lost in out there, and if he's survived a violent landing, violent enough to wipe out any communications possibility, he's still got a long walk to get anywhere - if he's mobile, even.

Cheers
Barry

[FkNAmerican]

Who cares if the man is rich?? Who cares if he's an attention whore? He's made several contributions to the record books and will go down in aviation history as a modern day pioneer. He could very easily spend the rest of his life living it up in easy luxury.......the American Dream and all that shit. Instead, he's out there constantly pushing the limits to see what can be done. Right now he's either dead or fighting for his life, his family probably in agony over the whole thing, and you have the nerve to wish death on the man!!!!!!

Grow the fuck up.

[janno]

The guy didn't win lotto - he earned his dosh. And putting the entertainment factor aside, his adventurous exploits have meant a lot of money going in to various businesses, including plenty in New Zealand.

Apparently, he's a thoroughly nice guy too.

Now if it was someone like Paris Hilton in the above situation, I could see where you were coming from.

Though still, I'd hope that a lost and hurt person was found.

Edit: I disagree with assuming he is attention seeking. He comes across as the sort of guy who would do what he loves whether people paid attention or not . . .

[JimO]

wow i got a red and some angry people. I still dont give a shit - so what he earned his money im sick of hearing about this wanker every time he decides to do some "adventuring" perhaps he should have used some of his vast fortune to develop a locater beacon that works upside down...what will he do next, walk backwards around the world holding his breath:bleh:

[terbang]

The Wrights flew, Hillary climbed Everest, Armstrong walked the moon and Blake sailed around the world in 80 days. All possible due to an adventurous human spirit. Nowadays we live in a society of OSH induced apathy and computer unreality. Our heroes and adventurers are nearly all gone but for a small handful who have to fund themselves, such as Steve Fosset. Lets hope they find him.

[Crisis management]

I've admired Fosset for a long time, as Terbang says he's achieved a hell of a lot, more than most of us can only dream of.
He is highly regarded as a meticulous planner and safety concious adventurer, this is highly unlikely to be a stunt of any kind and i hope they are able to find him as he's likely to need assistance after this length of time.
On a technical point, he wasn't required to file a flight plan as his flying was to be conducted in "visual" flight conditions.

Move on to the next tall poppy guys......

[Swoop]

Hopefully he is out there getting pissed off waiting to be found. In fact he will probably walk out all by himself!

Typical. Of all the exotic aircraft he has flown over the years, a boring little single-engined plane, that anyone could own, appears to be the most dangerous.


Why is this still in GBR?

[pritch]

wow i got a red and some angry people.

A red rep with an infraction (or another red) to come... Ah well!

Some interesting responses, I am one of those who wish the man well but as time passes there is less scope for optimism.

[tri boy]

Why would you wish ill feelings on this man?:scratch:
I can only assume that your jealous of his exciting, full on life.
Maybe you need a spell in a desert to get your head straight.:nono:

[SVboy]

What a tossa! Hope you dont fall off your trike and need help from others at some stage. He is a human being, who puts his money where his mouth is, and chooses an individual, if somewhat risky pathway through life. Gee, a little like bike riders perhaps....but I doubt you have the insight to make that connection...

[imdying]

Would rather hear about this guy than the eternally pathetic thugby world cup.

[JimO]

What a tossa! Hope you dont fall off your trike and need help from others at some stage. He is a human being, who puts his money where his mouth is, and chooses an individual, if somewhat risky pathway through life. Gee, a little like bike riders perhaps....but I doubt you have the insight to make that connection...

bla bla bite me

[Freakshow]

I couldn't care if they find him or not. Yeah he made his millions on his own blah blah blah but how many times has he failed in the middle of now where and required others to risk their lives trying to save him. I don't belive skill put him in record books more likely statistics did. The odds are eventually one of his missions will be completed.

[Finn]

all the money in the world wont make a plane fly if it doesnt want to. am i the only one who doesnt give a shit if this guy has bought the farm, lets face it he is a attention seeker and is getting plenty now

You're a moron jimjim. Shall we take a look at your life achievements? Go on, I need a good laugh.

[peasea]

Would rather hear about this guy than the eternally pathetic thugby world cup.

Bling to you.
Rugby sucks more than a big-dollar whore.

[SVboy]

Ha Ha Bite you? Mate I wouldnt piss on you if you caught fire! HaHa:clap:

[FkNAmerican]

I think Jimjim has a serious case of testicle envy.........what other possible reason could he have for hating such an aviation pioneer......one who, by all accounts, is a good person......not to mention a tough old sonofabitch.

[FkNAmerican]

oh and Freakshow, you are just as full of shit as Jimjim. Its so damn easy for benchwarmers like you to piss on other peoples parade with shit like that..."oh, its just statistics...eventually he's gotta achieve something".......what a load of shit.

You can say that about ANY great achiever. Most of them tried over and over again before they got it right. Does that take away from the fact that they actually had the balls to get back up and try again??? Hell no. In fact, it makes thier acievement all the more impressive in my book. Its not mere statistics......there are far more accurate words to describe it. Here are a few:

Perserverance
Gumption
Fortitude
Bravery
Steadfastness
Bravery
Spirit

I doubt any of the above apply to you which is why you so cavalierly dismiss such noble achievers as examples of mere statistics.....and while the man is missing and possibly dead no less!!!

[James Deuce]

I think you find Freakshow that the agencies or individuals that "rescued" (more likely briefed and paid to be on standby during a record attempt) Mr Fosset have all benefited either financially or equipment-wise. I doubt that any agency would be out of pocket at the end of the process.

Without people like him, we're just a bunch of cabbages leeching a living and wasting oxygen.

[Finn]

Without people like him, we're just a bunch of cabbages leeching a living and wasting oxygen.


Cabbages produce oxygen Jim... But I know what you're trying to say.

[FkNAmerican]

Actually, the "agencies" that are out looking for Mr Fossett do this sort of thing all the time.....and not just for famous or rich people. Its called the Civil Air Patrol. They arnt really putting any more or less effort into the search......the only real diff. is that its getting more media coverage.

Basically, the reality of the situation is that the Civil Air Patrol is comprised of people who just love to fly.....and when you can combine flight hours with the pride of actually helping people (not to mention potentially saving a life or two)....well, it just adds to the fun.

And yeah, I guess I'd have to agree that anyone and everyone in civil aviation the world over has benefited, albeit in a small way, from the achievements of Mr. Fossett. He's pushed the boundaries of what we can do as humans that much more out there.....and thats almost always a good thing.

[JimO]

Actually, the "agencies" that are out looking for Mr Fossett do this sort of thing all the time.....and not just for famous or rich people. Its called the Civil Air Patrol. They arnt really putting any more or less effort into the search......the only real diff. is that its getting more media coverage.

Basically, the reality of the situation is that the Civil Air Patrol is comprised of people who just love to fly.....and when you can combine flight hours with the pride of actually helping people (not to mention potentially saving a life or two)....well, it just adds to the fun.

And yeah, I guess I'd have to agree that anyone and everyone in civil aviation the world over has benefited, albeit in a small way, from the achievements of Mr. Fossett. He's pushed the boundaries of what we can do as humans that much more out there.....and thats almost always a good thing.

perhaps OSAMA has him:laugh:

[JimO]

You're a moron jimjim. Shall we take a look at your life achievements? Go on, I need a good laugh.


here finn...... age 47, self employed 25 years, 3 high achieving children in sport and school, happily married for 27 years, own 2 houses, 4 cars, 3 motorbikes, boat, no criminal record, have travelled extensivlly, still have all my teeth and hair. Shure i havnt been around the world in a hot air balloon or made billions like fossett but he is a hero. what are your life achievements i suppose they will be way better than mine but feel free to fill us in

[JimO]

I think Jimjim has a serious case of testicle envy.........what other possible reason could he have for hating such an aviation pioneer......one who, by all accounts, is a good person......not to mention a tough old sonofabitch.

i didnt say i hated him i said i didnt give a shit wether he bought the farm and was sick of hearing about him...so he means nothing to me much the same as you mean nothing to me....chummmmmmp

[Finn]

here finn...... age 47, self employed 25 years, 3 high achieving children in sport and school, happily married for 27 years, own 2 houses, 4 cars, 3 motorbikes, boat, no criminal record, have travelled extensivlly, still have all my teeth and hair. Shure i havnt been around the world in a hot air balloon or made billions like fossett but he is a hero. what are your life achievements i suppose they will be way better than mine but feel free to fill us in

Wow. Can't wait to read the book.

[Wannabiker]

The tall poppies in Afghanistan are more useful...opiates!

Oddly enough, for all his really dangerous escapades, this relatively basic flight may have been his downfall.
I can reccommend the book "Master of the Wave" written by Fossetts long time friend and world record gliding partner NZer Terry Delore. For those with an interst in aviation it is a great read.

[Jantar]

I note some comments on here about the lack of a flight plan. Many flights do not require a flight plan, and there are those for which a flight plan is impossible. Commercial operations like those Terbang is engaged in always have a flight plan, but how can someone file a flight plan for something like this:

If the cloud base is over 10'000' or if its clear depart LX at 09:30, I'll go via Thompsons Gorge to the Lindis Valley then up the western side of Hawea to Timaru creek at what ever altitude the snow line is, and maybe onto Dingleburn, fly around Devil's peak either north or south depending on any rotor then up the Makarora to the Blue, over to the Albert where I'll take either the north or south branch while climbing to 9500'. Then south to the Matukituki and look at Aspiring. Depending on the time I'll either head to WF and follow the river back to LX or cross the pass to Earnslaw and into the Dart then down the lake to QN and over the Remarkables to LX. This is tomorrow's flight in our C172. In this example only three points are recognised for flight plan purposes: LX - Alexandra, WF - Wanaka, QN - Queenstown.

A flight plan would show LX-WF-LX, which may be ammended en route to LX-QN-LX, but if I go down in the blue I'd be so far off the plan that no-one would know where to look. Instead I'll file a SARwatch, which gives my expected time of return, and if I don't cancel at the appropriate time then Search And Rescue will be notified.

Its quite likely that Steve was on a flight of this type and a flight plan would be useless.

[mbazza]

When an adventurous human such as Fossett or a motorcyclist does not return as expected all I can hope is that all is well and a puncture or breakdown has occured. I hope Steve will be found, safe and sound. Like I hope I will return safely from my next ride. The world is a better place for having both of us, he in his way and me in mine. Cheers. :calm:

[terbang]

Sheer terror, you fly below 10,000 ft! I get nose bleeds down that low.. Nahh just kidding it sounds like a nice flight, Im jealous the 172 around the mountains, please enjoy for me too. I just did 10 hours, up in the States in a Piper Seminole (light twin). Smallest aircraft I've flown for a while and it seemed quite sporty too. Did my US Airline pilot (ATP) license test in it, Loved every minute of it. The yanks have got a great aviation scene with some really nice equipment. Fosset was a true aviator, knew and managed his risks, but we can never completely eliminate risk. It is true, not all flights need a flight plan and there are comments about the ELT beacon not working upside down that seem a bit strange too. Sounds a bit like some amateur journalism to me.

[JimO]

Wow. Can't wait to read the book.

i will type the book slowley so you can read it without hurting your brain big man:tugger::tugger::tugger::tugger::tugger::motu:: motu: once they find his carcass you can start a thread for your hero ..rip danger man

[Finn]

i will type the book slowley so you can read it without hurting your brain big man:tugger::tugger::tugger::tugger::tugger::motu:: motu: once they find his carcass you can start a thread for your hero ..rip danger man

Looking at your spelling and grammar, I suspect there's another reason for the slow typing.

[Her_C4]

eeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssssyyyyyyy now guys :girlfight: Please take this off the threads and stay on topic... :calm:

[Finn]

eeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssssyyyyyyy now guys :girlfight: Please take this off the threads and stay on topic... :calm:

Oh yes, the topic. jedjed is happy that an extraordinary aviator may have perished.

[FkNAmerican]

............

[skidMark]

Hang on 3 pages of prime dig into stuff....

Where the hell is katman?

[LilSel]

Hang on 3 pages of prime dig into stuff....

Where the hell is katman?

:whocares:......

[JimO]

Oh yes, the topic. jedjed is happy that an extraordinary aviator may have perished.

not happy just dont give a shit same as i wouldnt give a shit if you got run over by a bus

[SimJen]

whats the point of posting, obviously its gonna aggravate people.
Perhaps you're just seeking attention! Lets hope you're in the middle of nowhere broken down one day, and noone gives a shit about you......
Personally I hope they find him alive and well. Perhaps an engine problem and he ditched it safely...

[Swoop]

Interesting on the news last night. An aircraft was found... just not the right one!
How many more will be found?
A large, inhospitable area of land that most kiwis wouldn't appreciate the vastness of.

[oldrider]

Meanwhile back in the desert, I wonder how Steve is getting on? :spudwhat:

Best whishes Steve, hope the world hears from you :soon: John.

[terbang]

Yup, it isn't lookin too good for him. The range on one of those Citabria things can't be that great so it must be in pretty rugged terrain if they can't see him. The Citabria is a stocky little aircraft that would be quite adept to landing in rough terrain if it was just an engine failure scenario. If he had pulled off a successful forced landing, then I am sure he would have transmitted a signal by now. Not looking good at all. Lets hope he's still OK.
I sit in my air conditioned cockpit, well into the stratosphere at just a tad under 900 KM/h sipping terrible airline coffee. Passengers are enjoying a movie, snacks and anticipate their journeys. An everyday occurrence that we all take for granted. For me its become a regular job.
Just over 100 years ago this was all made possible by a couple of 'boy scout' type adventurers who, not too dissimilar to Steve Fosset, put their money and their balls on the line to achieve something. Pity they didn't get into the coffee business. I am sure that they also had, from within the comfort of their boring lives, an element of jealous eyes upon them as well, gleefully speculating on their demise. A sad part of human nature I guess. As a fellow aviator (this'll bring someone out of the woodwork) I appreciate Fossets achievements in aviation as we motorcyclists appreciate the likes of Bert Munroe or John Britten's contributions to motorcycles.

[tri boy]

I will consider the glass is still 1/2 full. So long as he has survived the landing without serious injury, and can find, or has water, realistically he can easily last 20--30 days. But if water is an issue, then that will cut the time to 5--10days.
Humans don't need food for at least 20 days, but water.......

[jonbuoy]

Good for him, still not afraid to take a risk even though he could be sat on his arse sunning himself on a beach somewhere. I'd say its not looking good, can't believe he wouldn't have set his beacon off or had an irridium in his pocket.

[JimO]

whats the point of posting, obviously its gonna aggravate people.
Perhaps you're just seeking attention! Lets hope you're in the middle of nowhere broken down one day, and noone gives a shit about you......
Personally I hope they find him alive and well. Perhaps an engine problem and he ditched it safely...

whats the point of posting anything on this site, if i was broken down in the middle of nowhere i wouldnt expect anybody to give a shit especially someone in arsefuck USA, of course he ditched it and survived, him and elvis are probably sharing a cheseburger:2thumbsup

[Finn]

if i was broken down in the middle of nowhere i wouldnt expect anybody to give a shit

I think you're onto something there.

[merv]

here finn...... age 47, self employed 25 years, 3 high achieving children in sport and school, happily married for 27 years, own 2 houses, 4 cars, 3 motorbikes, boat, no criminal record, have travelled extensivlly, still have all my teeth and hair. Shure i havnt been around the world in a hot air balloon or made billions like fossett but he is a hero. what are your life achievements i suppose they will be way better than mine but feel free to fill us in

So with all that how come you sound so bitter? Is it just too cold in Dunners at the moment?

[ManDownUnder]

The Wrights flew, Hillary climbed Everest, Armstrong walked the moon and Blake sailed around the world in 80 days. All possible due to an adventurous human spirit. Nowadays we live in a society of OSH induced apathy and computer unreality. Our heroes and adventurers are nearly all gone but for a small handful who have to fund themselves, such as Steve Fosset. Lets hope they find him.

Dude you and I haven't seen eye to eye on a number of ocassions... but this one we really do.

What he said!

[98tls]

whats the point of posting anything on this site, if i was broken down in the middle of nowhere i wouldnt expect anybody to give a shit especially someone in arsefuck USA, of course he ditched it and survived, him and elvis are probably sharing a cheseburger:2thumbsup Bad news jim...........he landed in good old oamaru safe and sound.Your just pissed off cause Southland gave Otago a hiding last weekend.Let it gooooooo:clap:

[JimO]

So with all that how come you sound so bitter? Is it just too cold in Dunners at the moment?

not bitter....he means nothing to me

[terbang]

not bitter....he means nothing to me

Well then you should have said nothing.

[NordieBoy]

Typical. Of all the exotic aircraft he has flown over the years, a boring little single-engined plane, that anyone could own, appears to be the most dangerous.

It was a Citaborea - Possibly not boring.

[JimO]

Well then you should have said nothing.

why when its been so much fun, i get infracted, insulted, red repped several times, warned that the mods are watching me planning a strike of infractions of mass destruction, what happens next is someone going to tell my mum on me:zzzz::shifty::bleh::argue:

[Matt_TG]

Old thread I know, but did they ever find him? Mysterious .....

[James Deuce]

http://www.stevefossett.com/

[James Deuce]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7248161.stm

[NordieBoy]

So he didn't get out of this one then.

Bummer.

[JimO]

great now this has resurfaced i will get some more red from the boo hoo namby pamby crowd

[Swoop]

I guess Mrs Fossett has a nice insurance claim ready?


Read a book on a helicopter pilot who crashed and was actually dead for a while. He was issued a genuine death certificate!
When he presented his insurance company with this, along with his life insurance claim, they were a bit perplexed - before refusing to pay out.