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18. 03. 99
Breitling Orbiter 2 days away from happiness

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The log book

17:00 GMT: Having passed over Haiti and the Dominican Republic, this afternoon, Breitling Orbiter 3 is heading towards the African coast at an altitude of 11'000 meters and a speed of 64 knots. It will progressively enter the jet stream over the Atlantic and should cross the " finish line " over Mauritania Saturday by Midnight. Unfortunately, team meteorologists are still unable to predict the exact landing spot. However, Mali seems to be the most likely option at the moment, with the possibility of landing on Sunday morning, though the team still wishes to go all the way to Egypt. Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria now seem less likely.

Breitling Orbiter 3 took much longer to cross central America (Mexico, Guatemala and Belize in 17 hours) than originally expected. This was due in part to slower winds and because of a poor southerly direction (towards Venezuela) taken by the balloon.

Pilots reported minor breathing problems shortly before crossing the Caribbean coast. All life support systems on board showed normal readings, and following medical consultations, they were advised to take additional oxygen for a short period using constant flow masks. After 15 minutes of this treatment, the symptoms disappeared. Bertrand slept for two hours and awoke feeling completely refreshed. Apparently, the heater system is working perfectly.

Tension is building in the control centre at Geneva Airport, as staff realises that the completion of the first round-the-world flight is now more than a possibility. Everyone has adopted a policy of " one day at a time ", when thinking about the future.

preceding index next

day after day
21.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 has landed successfully
20.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 : Round the world balloon flight completed
19.03.99: The finishing line in sight
18.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 2 days away from happiness
17.03.99: LAST STAGE BEFORE THE ATLANTIC
16.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 at 180 km/h over Mexico
15.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 dashes towards Mexico
14.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 close to the Equator
13.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 zigzags between storms
12.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 half-way through
11.03.99: Two options available over the Pacific
10.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3: China behind, Pacific ahead
09.03.99: 24 hours on the edge of the 26th parallel
08.03.99: Breitling Orbiter over India
07.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 is the only competitor left in the race
06.03.99: Permission refused to fly over military zone in Yemen
05.03.99: An extra passenger on board
04.03.99: Tomorrow Egypt
03.03.99: Jetstreams for tomorrow
02.03.99: Breitling Orbiter 3 close to Morocco
01.03.99: Great start !
28.02.99: Imminent Start


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