GLOBALFLYER NEARS THE END

Fossett nears flight record goal.

The attempt is progressing well despite some hitchesUS adventurer Steve Fossett is on the brink of achieving the first solo, non-stop flight around the globe. Despite a fuel shortage, the pilot had crossed the coast of California just before 1400 GMT and is expected to land in Kansas at about 1920 GMT. The millionaire had considered aborting the trip and landing in Hawaii, but he decided to press on because of favourable tail winds.
Mr Fossett said he was "really starting to perk up" as he neared the end.