Do not tag: The follwing is taken from: "Fossett takes off, but faces challenging flight" by Cabbage 
in the Orlando Sentinel, February 8, 2006. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/yahoo/orl-bk-fossett020806,0,6780084.story?coll=orl-newsaol-headlines


Success is far from certain. 
The riskiest part, takeoff of the small, spindly airplane loaded with more than 18,000 pounds of fuel, was accomplished despite a couple of harrowing moments. 
Yet other challenges still remain.

"I'm not confident of success because of what I'm trying to do," Fossett said before the flight. 
"I'm trying to fly the airplane to its full capability of distance and I'm stretching the limits."

Stretching the limits is nothing new to the 61-year-old Tennessee native.

After earning his fortune as a commodities broker, Fossett began a new career in his 40s as a daredevil. 
He has swam the English Channel, driven in the 24 hours of Le Mans auto race and set more than 20 speed-sailing world records, including the fastest trips across the Atlantic and around the globe.

In 2002, Fossett became the first person to circle the world alone in a balloon. 
And last March, he piloted GlobalFlyer on the first non-stop, solo plane flight around the globe.