I have been wondering what the big deal about this flight is from the
beginning. First flying around the world non stop doesn't sound like much
of an adventure to me, it sounds pretty boring. Second hasn't this been
done before and aren't there several planes in existence that, if filled
with fuel instead of people and or cargo, could fly non stop around the
world? Third, what's the point? If you can fly half way around the
world, you can get from anywhere to anywhere.

--
Chris W

I had a chance to ask someone involved in this stuff. The guy's name
is Dick Rutan. Yep, one of the Voyager pilots and brother of Burt Rutan.
Rutan said, in effect, that he will leave it to the historians to determine
the significance of Fossett's oddesey.
He, Rutan, did however say that the trip is important for a number
of reasons. For one, advancement of technology. Materials, equipment, and
instruments have made significant improvements since he and Jeana Yeager did
their thing.
Then there is competition. Rutan pointed out the not-too-long-ago
solo trip around the world by a woman in a sailboat. Rutan thinks interest
could be generated in transglobal air racing. Heck, I can see where it might
lead to another Miss Budweiser.
Perhaps he has something there. After all, what's the point of going
roundy-roundy on an asphalt oval for 500 miles? Or thrashing about pylons
at Reno, for that matter? Or zipping across the water at 200 MPH?
It ain't all about logic.