Private planes still search for Fossett

While the Civil Air Patrol has scaled back its search for Steve Fossett, more than a dozen privately funded planes and helicopters are flying out of hotel mogul Barron Hilton’s ranch 80 miles south of Reno to look for the missing adventurer.

An update on Fossett’s website said the aircraft from Hilton’s 1 million-acre Flying M Ranch, where Fossett, 63, had been staying, included some equipped with infrared and other high-tech search gear.

“Despite mounting odds as the search enters its third week, the mood at the remote air resort remains positive,” the update states.