Civil Air Patrol suspending aerial search

The Nevada Civil Air Patrol has suspended its portion of an aerial search pending new leads in the hunt for aviator Steve Fossett.

Saying the patrol has searched 98 percent of the 20,000 square mile region where Fossett was last seen, Maj. Cynthia Ryan said two aircraft will remain on stand-by at Minden-Tahoe Airport in support of ground searchers.

A Cessna 182 and the California Air Van will be fueled up and ready to go should local agencies seek air support.

The Nevada National Guard will continue flying helicopters in support of searchers in the area between Mount Grant and the Sweetwater Ranch in Lyon and Mineral counties.

The decision to suspect Civil Air Patrol searches came after tips started drying up, both from a phone line and online.

While Internet tips based on Google Earth maps continue to come in, many are repeats of tips already received.