(CNN) -- Although there were no signs of missing aviation adventurer Steve Fossett Tuesday evening, an official leading the rescue said she remained optimistic. Aviation record-holder Steve Fossett is missing and a search is under way. Maj. Cynthia S. Ryan of the Civil Air Patrol said Fossett, who has been missing for a day, once walked 30 miles to get help after making a forced landing. But Ryan noted the challenge rescuers are facing as they comb the high desert region, which is covered with sagebrush and hides deep ravines. Rescuers are focusing on 600 square miles. "It's a very large haystack," she said. "And an airplane is a very small needle. No doubt about that."Fossett was scouting locales for land speed record attempt, official saysAircraft combing rugged terrain in western Nevada for Fossett and his planeFossett made first solo, nonstop, non-refueled airplane trip around the worldThe 63-year-old also made first solo balloon flight around the world
"I think I'm a risk averse person, which might sound very strange because of the sports I'm involved in," _ said, in response to a question about whether anything scares him.