Topic: Flying Solo Around the World

Title: Millionaire Pilot Completes Record-setting Nonstop Solo Flight

Author: John Milburn

Source: Associated Press / Seattle Times

Date: Thursday, Mar. 3, 2005

Level: Advanced

Click for article.

Vocabulary

New words you will see in this article:

adventur(er)
ambition
aviation
balloon(ist)
champagne
cockpit
crew
custom-built
endanger(ed)
guzzle(d)
jubilant
magnificent
millionaire
overwhelm(ed)
pioneer
propeller
publicity
(re)fuel
runway
sensor(s)
solo
sprayed
tank
trek
vast

Talking Points

With your tutor, conversation partners, or classmates, you may wish to discuss the following:

1. What do you think motivated Mr. Fossett to perform this amazing feat?

2. What did he have to do to prepare for the journey?

3. What do you think gave him the biggest thrill?
(just completing the journey, being the first one to do it solo,
the risk factor, the spectacular views from above, something else)

4. If you were Mr. Fossett, what do you think would be your major worry during the flight?

5. What type of adventure would you like to have in the future?

For More Practice

Pretend you are Mr. Fossett and just completed the journey.
What will you say to the news reporters?

Remember to use some of the new words you have learned.