Record-Seeking Aviator Loses Fuel  The latest on Fossett's quest
Steve Fossett's experimental airplane lost more than 4 percent
of its fuel during takeoff, which could jeopardize his attempt
to break the long distance flight record, his mission team said
Thursday.  As of early Thursday, his glider-like plane still had
10,500 pounds of fuel left. Mission managers hadn't pinpointed
the cause of the fuel leak but believed a buildup of pressure in
the fuel tanks may be partly responsible.  Fuel leaks plagued
Fossett's successful venture last year to become the first
person to fly solo, nonstop around the world without refueling,
and also delayed his take off this week. He lost 750 pounds of
fuel in the takeoff, his crew said.  "The fuel loss will
diminish the total number of miles it is able to travel, and
owing to the high temperatures at the start, Steve was not able
to climb to altitude as fast as he needed to," mission control
director Kevin Stass said in a statement released by Fossett's
flight team.  Despi