During this video
http://www.exn.ca/dailyplanet/view.asp?date=2/13/2006# Steve Fossett
talks about his 3-1/2 day, February 13, 2006 record setting (World's
Longest Non-stop Solo) flight. Despite using the entire 15,000'
runway for takeoff, the stick required 50 to 100 pounds of pull to
lift the Rotax powered, P-38esque, Amateur Built, Experimental
aircraft's nose. During climb out the cockpit temperature reached
50-degree C, blacking out all LED instrument displays. With bird
strikes, turbulence in the Himalayas, and canopy ice at landing, Mr.
Fossett was beginning to recognize an accident-chain in progress. Upon
generator failure (30 minutes battery reserve), Mr. Fossett declared
an emergency, and landed at an airport in the south of England
suffering blown-out tires due to frozen breaks.

FAA Registration:
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinqu...mndfin d.y=15