Virgin Atlantic is hoping that weather conditions on Sunday or Monday will be favorable enough for the takeoff of its GlobalFlyer, an experimental plane attempting the first solo, nonstop, round-the-world flight. The single-pilot, single-engine, turbofan aircraft will be piloted by Steve Fossett and will fly at up to 52,000 feet and travel about 23,000 miles at speeds of more than 285 miles an hour. Because the plane will not be stop ping to refuel, it will carry 5,454 pounds of fuel on either side of the pilot’s cockpit. In 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager flew around the world in nine days. Mr. Fossett is hoping to complete the trip in less than 80 hours. He will take off and land at Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan. According to the regulations of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the international air sports federation, in order to attempt a world record in nonstop flight around the world, Mr. Fossett must start and finish at the same airfield and cross all meridians of the globe, traversing at least 36,787 kilometers (about 23,000 miles). He will cross a number of major flight routes, so sharp-eyed passengers on commercial flights may be able to spot him as he flies above them.

For more information on the flight, visit www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com.