Re: I don't think it should count
The equatorial circumference of the earth at an altitude of 29,000 feet is 24,079 miles. He's only gone 19,250 miles. He's too far south. He should stay aloft until he covers the extra distance. If they allow that to be considered a "complete" circumnavigation, then the next guy that attempts the trip can simply fly a little further south and easily beat the record. Heck, he could stick a post into the south pole and float around it in a few minutes. Under the current definition for circumnavigation, that would be okay.