Not to be outsmarted, on November 16th the government extended price controls to practically everything, from typewriters to babies' nappies.

ECONOMIST: The pros and cons of opting out of the global economy

Another knock-on effect of this extended journey time would see the dials and controls inside the craft lose power, leaving Allen to guess his altitude and airspeed.

ENGADGET: The Highs and Lows of Human-Powered Flight Alt