Steve Fossett is about to become the 21st century's Amelia Earhart. Back when people used the term "disappeared" instead of "went missing," young Amelia vanished over the Pacific Ocean. That was almost 70 years ago and people are still searching for her. Now Steve has vanished over a Nevada desert area. Will they still be searching for him 70 years from now?

Actually the possibility that Steve Fossett will not be found is slim. An airplane can sink into an ocean, but in a desert, there should be wreckage. Searchers have already "found" several aircraft that crashed in the past. Most of them were found, but left where they were because of rough terrain that would make recovery impractical. At least one plane was found for the first time. It wasn't the one they were looking for, so I hope to hear the story behind that one.

Fossett was known as a tough, resourceful character with a knack for excaping dangerous situations. Many searchers still hold out the hope that he will be found alive.

One possibility that I have not seen in the media is that he disappeared on purpose. This is not unheard of, but I can think of no motivation.

And there is always the black hole theory. I have one that keeps swallowing stuff like tools, books, magazines, and socks. If I can have one in my home, Nevada can have one in their desert.

I hope Steve and Amelia are found soon.
Howard