FOSSETT

Steve Fossett is down 500 miles northeast of Australia; 500 miles northwest of New Caledonia.

One emergency beacon was heard; an hour later another was activated.

Sure hope he makes it through all right.

I saw his last attempt launch from Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Mo. on Dec 31, 1997. It was a beautiful sight; I waited for 3 hours in 5-degree weather for it but it was worth it.

Comment on his balloon flight? Courage? Conviction?

Jim Pankey USN (Ret.)

Steve is alive, according to AP and the news posted on his website. The AP reports that capsule was not spotted but Steve's website says the capsule is afloat. Both rely on the same source, a French rescue plan from New Caledonia.

Any more to report?

Greg Diamond Bainbridge Island, WA