Fossett back over the U.S.

American adventurer Steve Fossett is piloting the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer over the continental United States, hoping that fuel levels and tailwinds will enable him to complete the longest flight in aviation history.

Soaring about 51,000 feet above the surface of the planet, Fossett and the experimental aircraft reached the west coast of the United States about 1:45 p.m., flying high over San Diego.

The millionaire record-setter aims to make a beeline toward St. Petersburg, Fl. He plans to land at Kent International Airport outside London about 1:30 p.m. EST Saturday.