posted 12-28-2006 07:38 AM               

The first announcements regarding Virgin Galactic flight personnel were made in late March 2006.

• Steve Johnson (Virgin Atlantic training captain, ex-Red Arrows pilot): Chief Astronaut Pilot
  
• Alastair Hoy (Virgin Atlantic training captain, ex-Red Arrows pilot): Chief Training Astronaut
  
• David MacKay (Virgin Atlantic line captain): Test pilot

Virgin Galactic flight training will last 27 months: pilots will receive nine months of aerobatic, fast jet and executive jet training to prepare them for zero gravity flight. The next nine months will be spent in flying the White Knight Two mothership and participating in Mission Control work. The final nine months will be spent flying Virgin Galactic spacecraft into space.

posted 08-02-2011 08:02 AM               

Mr. Mackay, who spent 16 years with the RAF before joining Virgin Atlantic in 1995, said he had held a lifelong ambition to become an astronaut.

"When I was 12, I saw the Apollo moon landings and I thought that was really fantastic and exciting and thought that's what I want to do," he said.

"I found out that those astronauts were ex-test pilots, so I rather ambitiously decided that I would join the RAF, become a test pilot, then become an astronaut."

Later, while working as a captain with Virgin Atlantic, Mr. Mackay was one of four pilots selected to become Virgin Galactic test pilots.

posted 10-26-2011 10:43 AM               

Virgin Galactic Selects First Commercial Astronaut Pilot From Competition

Just over fifty years ago, an historic competition for the first pilots to fly into space yielded the Mercury Seven astronauts. Today, from an intense selection process with more than 500 applicants including some of the best pilots in the world, Virgin Galactic has selected former USAF test pilot Keith Colmer as the first astronaut pilot to join the commercial spaceline's flight team. Colmer will join Chief Pilot David Mackay to begin flight training and testing, leading to operational missions to space with Virgin Galactic's revolutionary vehicles, WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo. Additional selections will be made as the company nears commercial operations.

Colmer brings twelve years of operational, developmental and experimental aircraft test flight experience plus more than 10 years of combined military experience in USAF spacecraft operations and flying. He has logged over 5000 hours in over 90 different types of aircraft. He will report to Mackay and Vice President of Operations, Mike Moses, as Virgin Galactic prepares to undertake powered test flights, leading soon thereafter to commercial operations.

"Keith brings the kind of tremendous multi-dimensional talent and skill set that we are looking for in our astronaut pilots," said President and CEO George Whitesides. "But equally important to us are his impeccable character and his outstanding record of high caliber performance in highly demanding environments. He sets the bar very high for others to come."

Following completion of USAF pilot training, Colmer served as a combat F-16 pilot in the Colorado Air National Guard, with two combat tours to Iraq. He was then selected as an operational test pilot, managing various sensor and electronic warfare flight test programs for the F-16, at the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) in Tucson, Arizona.

He then became the first Air National Guard pilot ever selected to attend the USAF Test Pilot School, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. He served as Operations Officer for the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, where he led F-16, F-15 and T-38C flight test operations, specializing in high angle of attack flight test and training on the F-16. Keith then completed two classified assignments, finishing his active duty tour as a Combined Test Force Director and Squadron Commander for a classified program.

Colmer is the recipient of the Order of Daedalians Orville Wright Achievement Award, as the outstanding pilot training graduate in 1989, the Aaron C. George Award from the USAF Test Pilot School, the Lieutenant General Bobby Bond Memorial Aviator Award and the Lieutenant General Howard Leaf "Test Team of the Year Award" for the United States Air Force.

Colmer, whose aviator call sign is "Coma," joins an elite team in Mojave, CA, where Scaled Composite's test pilots and Mackay have been putting WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo through an exhaustive series of test flights to fully explore and quantify the performance profiles of the two revolutionary vehicles.

"This team in Mojave is second to none," said Mackay about Scaled Composite's test pilots. "Keith and I are indeed fortunate to have their expertise and body of work to build on as we enter the final phases of the test program and prepare to open space to all."

"I am extremely honored to have been the first astronaut pilot selected through competition to join the team," said Colmer. "Virgin Galactic is truly revolutionizing the way we go to space, and I am looking forward to being a part of that."

Colmer has a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has both a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering and a Masters degree in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is a graduate of the USAF Undergraduate Space Training program, the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program and USAF Test Pilot School, Class 02A.

Virgin Galactic, owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Aabar Investments PJS, is on track to be the world's first commercial spaceline. The new spaceship (SpaceShipTwo, VSS Enterprise) and carrier craft (WhiteKnightTwo, VMS Eve) have both been developed for Virgin Galactic by Mojave-based Scaled Composites. Founded by Burt Rutan, Scaled developed SpaceShipOne, which in 2004 claimed the $10m Ansari X Prize as the world's first privately developed manned spacecraft. Virgin Galactic's new vehicles share much of the same basic design, but are being built to carry six customers, or the equivalent scientific research payload, on sub-orbital space flights, allowing an out-of-the-seat, zero-gravity experience and offering astounding views of the planet from the black sky of space for tourist astronauts and a unique microgravity platform for researchers. The VSS Enterprise and VMS Eve test flight program is well under way, leading to Virgin Galactic commercial operations, which will be based at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

posted 05-30-2013 07:52 AM               

Virgin Galactic Adds Two Pilots to Commercial Flight Team

Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline, announced today that pilots Frederick "CJ" Sturckow and Michael "Sooch" Masucci have been selected to join its commercial flight team. As Virgin Galactic clears its final flight test program milestones with powered flight tests now under way, the necessary addition of new pilots will enable the company to meet the test schedule demands and prepare for subsequent commercial operations.

Sturckow, a veteran of four space shuttle missions and retired U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Colonel, is the first NASA astronaut to be hired into Galactic's pilot corps. Masucci, a retired U.S. Air Force (USAF) Lieutenant Colonel, joins Virgin Galactic from XOJET Inc, a private airline company where he was a Citation X (CE750) Captain and Check Airman. Masucci and Sturckow will report to Chief Pilot David Mackay and Vice President of Operations Mike Moses at Virgin Galactic's Mojave, Calif., location where they will conduct flight training and testing with Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo vehicles.

Sturckow has more than 26 years of military flight experience and has logged more than 1,200 hours in space. During his flight career, Sturckow logged over 6,500 flight hours, flew more than 60 different aircraft, and was chosen to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). Selected by NASA to join the astronaut corps in December 1994, Sturckow flew on four space shuttle missions to the International Space Station. In 2009, after 25 years of active duty service, Sturckow retired from the USMC. Sturckow went on to serve as deputy chief of NASA's Astronaut Office for the final shuttle missions, flying weather reconnaissance in the T-38 and Shuttle Training Aircraft for launch and landing.

"Viewing the Earth from space is such a unique and unforgettable experience," Sturckow said. "I'm excited to be a part of the Virgin Galactic team that is revolutionizing access to space, making this opportunity a possibility for all."

Masucci has more than 30 years of civilian and military operational and test flying experience with more than 9,000 flight hours in over 70 different airplane and glider types. A distinguished graduate of USAF pilot training in 1986, he completed USAF Test Pilot School in 1993 and went on to serve as a U-2 combat pilot in several important operations. He instructed in the F-16, T-38 and glider aircraft at the USAF Test Pilot School, while also serving as a Branch Chief. As a U-2 test pilot he was instrumental in the development and testing of the aircraft's glass cockpit and power upgrade programs. In addition, Masucci has commanded USAF developmental and operational test units, as well as combat and training units. - more - "Virgin Galactic is truly a world-class organization with unique flight opportunities that you just won't find anywhere else," Masucci said. "I'm proud to be a part of this team and look forward to contributing to this revolutionary program."

"I am pleased to have these two incredibly accomplished pilots join us during this important time as we embark on a series of important rocket-powered flight tests for SpaceShipTwo, ultimately testing the vehicle in space," said Virgin Galactic President and CEO George Whitesides. "Their collective experience and outstanding performance in various demanding environments will make them invaluable assets to the Virgin Galactic team."

Company continues to hire for ramp-up of commercial operations and spaceship manufacturing

If you have the passion to open commercial space travel to all, then Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company (TSC) want to hear from you. With open positions in production, engineering and more, TSC is looking for qualified applicants to build the Virgin Galactic fleet in Mojave, Calif. Virgin Galactic has technician and engineering openings, working at Spaceport America in New Mexico, as well as in Mojave and Pasadena, Calif. Qualified applicants should visit the careers section of both companies' websites - Virgin Galactic careers and The Spaceship Company careers - to learn about these opportunities and submit applications.

posted 07-26-2014 09:39 AM               

Virgin Galactic Announces Todd Ericson as Space Pilot

Distinguished Former U.S Air Force Colonel and Test Pilot Joins the First Commercial Spaceline Flight Program

Virgin Galactic, the privately-funded space company owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's aabar Investments PJS, announced today that Todd 'Leif' Ericson, former Operations and Maintenance Group Commander for the United States Air Force (USAF) has joined the company's cadre of space pilots.

In his new role, Todd will be working with Galactic's chief pilot Dave Mackay and pilots Frederick 'CJ' Sturckow and Michael 'Sooch' Masucci as they prepare to fly Virgin Galactic's first customers to space. Ericson will report to Mackay and Vice President of Operations Mike Moses at Virgin Galactic's Mojave, California location, before relocating to Spaceport America in New Mexico for commercial operations.

Todd has 23 years military experience logging more than 8,500 flight hours in over 90 diverse aircraft types. As Operations and Maintenance Group Commander for the USAF, Ericson directed performance and safety for over 600 personnel engaged in flight operations and maintenance for 21 diverse aircraft types. He also previously served as the Chief of Safety for the Air Force Test Center, responsible for test, ground, and flight safety – experience he will apply in his role at Virgin Galactic.

"Virgin Galactic is at the epicenter of a momentous point in human history, creating a spaceline that will change the way we see the world," Ericson said. "I am thrilled to be part of this and I look forward to contributing to the first commercial spaceline, opening up opportunities that are truly limitless."

A 1991 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he earned both a Bachelor's Degree and the Langley Award as the Outstanding Cadet in Aeronautical Engineering prior to receiving a Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering from University of Maryland. Todd was a distinguished graduate of every flying program he attended, including winning both the Air Training Command Commander's Trophy as the top graduate of Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Class 92-07 and the McKenna Trophy as the top graduate of the Empire Test Pilots School's 60th Fixed Wing Course. He amassed over 230 combat hours in the F-16 during Operation Allied Force where he also earned seven Air Medals. In 2011, Ericson was a distinguished graduate from USAF Air War College where he was awarded Master's Degree in Strategic Studies and won the General Charles Horner Award.

"Todd's world-class experience and leadership in various demanding environments make him an exceptional addition to the Galactic team," said CEO George Whitesides. "We are honored that distinguished aerospace professionals like Todd are joining the Galactic team as we prepare for the start of commercial spaceflight operations."

posted 01-26-2015 07:36 AM               

Virgin Galactic Appoints Mark Stucky as Pilot

Former NASA, US Air Force Test Pilot of the Year, and Scaled Composites Pilot has Flown Spaceshiptwo Twenty Times

Virgin Galactic, the privately-funded space company owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments PJS, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark 'Forger' Stucky as pilot.

Stucky will join Virgin Galactic's commercial flight team responsible for flying WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo: Chief Pilot Dave Mackay and pilots Frederick 'CJ' Sturckow, Michael 'Sooch' Masucci, and Todd 'Leif' Ericson, who is also Virgin Galactic's Safety and Testing Vice President. His first day with Virgin Galactic is February 2.

Stucky brings valued hands-on experience with Virgin Galactic's fleet of vehicles having served in a number of roles in Scaled Composites' WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo development program, ranging from engineering test pilot for both vehicles to technical adviser, design engineer, instructor pilot, project pilot and mentor.

During his tenure at Scaled, Stucky flew the majority of SpaceShipTwo's envelope expansion flights and initiated its powered rocket motor test flight phase as pilot in command on the spaceship's first powered flight. He also served as project pilot and instructor in the transition and integration of WhiteKnightTwo from Scaled to Virgin Galactic's commercial operations team, led by Vice President of Operations Mike Moses.

An accomplished military and government test pilot, Stucky has flown flight tests for the US Marine Corp, US Navy, US Air Force, NASA and international partners. He has logged over 9,000 flight hours in over 170 different models of aircraft ranging from the light and slow (blimps and paragliders) to the heavy (C-5M Super Galaxy) to the high and fast (SR-71 Blackbird). He also brings commercial aviation experience as a former United Airlines pilot.

Stucky has received numerous flight test awards including the Society of Experimental Pilot's prestigious Iven C. Kincheloe award, awarded annually to the Society's test pilot of the year, and its Ray E. Tenhoff Award, which recognizes the most outstanding technical paper presented at its annual symposium. He was named the US Air Force Test Pilot of the year in 2006.

Stucky is currently the President of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Last year he was inducted as a Fellow, an honor bestowed annually to those who have served with distinction in flight test.

Stucky began his aviation career at age 15 by teaching himself to hang glide in the flint hills of Kansas. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical science from Kansas State University and a master's degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee. He is the co-author of the book "Paragliding — a Pilot's Training Manual."

Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said, "We are pleased that Forger will add his extraordinary capabilities to the extraordinary individuals who make up Virgin Galactic's distinguished pilot corps. Through the years, Forger has demonstrated unwavering support for our program, and we look forward to his continued contributions as we progress through flight test and into commercial service."

Scaled Composites President Kevin Mickey said, "The aerospace and test pilot community at large have benefited greatly from Forger's outstanding contributions as project and instructor pilot for SpaceShipTwo, WhiteKnightTwo, Proteus, and Scaled Composite's many other unique prototype aircraft. While he will be missed by all of us at Scaled, we applaud and support Forger's decision to see the Virgin Galactic program through. It shows his commitment to the work of the Scaled team and our companies' shared vision of the future of spaceflight."

Stucky said, "It is an honor for me to join the Virgin Galactic team on the home stretch of the flight test program and help turn Sir Richard's vision of the first commercial spaceline into reality. I firmly believe the success of this program will go beyond fulfilling the dreams of our astronaut customers but will lay the foundation for follow-on technologies that will benefit mankind in ways we may not yet fathom."

posted 08-27-2015 07:38 AM               

Virgin Galactic Appoints Nicola Pecile As Pilot

National Test Pilot School's Director of Operations, Experimental Test Pilot Instructor and Former Italian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel is Newest Pilot to Join Commercial Spaceline

Virgin Galactic, the privately-funded space company owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments PJS, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicola Pecile as pilot.

An Italian native from Udine and raised in Fagagna and currently a US Permanent Resident, Pecile will join Virgin Galactic's growing commercial flight team led by Chief Pilot Dave Mackay.

Pecile joins Virgin Galactic after four years at the National Test Pilot School (NTPS) in Mojave, where he served as Director of Operations and Experimental Test Pilot Instructor on fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. NTPS is the only civilian test pilot school out of the seven world-wide schools recognized by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

Prior to joining the Mojave community, Pecile served for 20 years in the Italian Air Force, initially as a fighter pilot flying the Tornado FMk.3 ADV and later as an experimental test pilot. A graduate of the French Test Pilot School EPNER, he worked within the Italian Air Force Test Center as a 'dual' test pilot, performing testing and research activities on fixed and rotary wing prototypes and test aircraft. At the Italian Test Center, he was involved in civilian certification programs for the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). He retired from military service in 2011 as Chief of Operations of the Italian Air Force Experimental Flight Test Wing (RSV) and other roles within the 311th Flight Test Squadron of that Wing.

Pecile has logged more than 5,400 flight hours in 132 types of aircraft including gliders, general aviation aircraft, multi-engine non centreline thrust aircraft, military jet trainers, tactical high performance fighters, and helicopters.

Virgin Galactic's Senior Vice President of Operations Mike Moses said, "Nicola is a great representative of the cutting edge aerospace development that exists in Mojave and the Antelope Valley. His extensive experience with high performance vehicles, excellent engineering skills, and career as a test pilot instructor, in addition to his teamwork abilities and passion for our mission, make him a natural fit for Virgin Galactic. Virgin Galactic continues to grow and attract top talent like Nicola, and we couldn't be more proud of our distinguished pilot corps."

Pecile earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical science from the Italian Air Force Academy and a master's degree in astronautics engineering – space missions from the University of Rome "La Sapienza." He is an award winning graduate of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program and the top distinguished graduate pilot of his French Test Pilot School's class. Pecile is an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and currently serves as Treasurer of SETP Board of Directors. He is also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the National Space Society (NSS) and the Planetary Society.

Pecile said, "Since a young age, I have been very passionate about aviation in general and spaceflight in particular. Virgin Galactic is transforming the overall concept of accessing space, by enhancing space flight capabilities and operations and by projecting humanity to become a truly spacefaring civilization. I am really honored to be selected as a pilot to join this amazing group of talented people at Virgin Galactic, and I cannot wait to provide my contribution to this revolutionizing program!"

posted 11-09-2015 08:33 AM               

Virgin Galactic Appoints Kelly Latimer As Pilot

Former Test Pilot for Boeing and the US Air Force and NASA Armstrong Center's First Female Research Test Pilot Joins Commercial Spaceline to Open Access to Space

Virgin Galactic, the privately funded space company owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments PJS, is pleased to announce the appointment of its newest pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Latimer, US Air Force, Ret. A former combat veteran and retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Latimer joins Virgin Galactic with extensive experience with heavy aircraft and as an experimental test pilot for NASA, Boeing, and the US Air Force.

Latimer was the first female research test pilot hired by NASA's Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center, where she conducted experimental flight test and test support on the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) 747SP, T-38, C-17, 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, BE200 and T-34 for various NASA research projects.

Latimer's service with the US Air Force began with undergraduate pilot training at Reese Air Force Base, TX and as a T-38 instructor pilot. She graduated from the US Air Force Test Pilot School Edwards Air Force Base, where her roles included C-17 Instructor Aircraft Commander, C-141 experimental test pilot, and Senior USAF Advisor to the Iraqi Air Force and its reconnaissance squadron. Latimer personally flew 90+ combat sorties with members of IqAF Sq 70 and flew 130+ combat hours in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. As 418th Flight Test Squadron Commander and Global Reach Combined Test Force, she led more than 650 military, civilians and contractors to execute developmental and operational testing of airlift and special ops systems and commanded a flight test squadron of 280 personnel.

Before joining Virgin Galactic, Latimer held positions at Boeing where she was a key team member on system development, aircraft design, engineering and certification and conducted the very first flight tests of Boeing's KC-46/767 aerial tanker program. Latimer also served as Deputy Director for Airlift Operations and Chief Pilot for C-17 and was responsible for operations globally, managing test pilots and other aircrew to prepare for and conduct safe test flight operations and ensuring the application of crew resource management principles.

Latimer has logged more than 6,000 flight hours and more than 1,000 hours in test flight in over 30 aircraft. She is type rated in heavy aircraft and fighters including B767/B757, B737, B787, and T-38/F-5. Latimer graduated with honors and distinction with a bachelor's degree in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and a master's degree in astronautics from George Washington University.

Virgin Galactic's Senior Vice President of Operations Mike Moses said: "Our pilot corps, led by Chief Pilot Dave Mackay, is an integral part of Virgin Galactic's talented commercial operations team, and Kelly's impressive leadership in operations and experience with heavy aircraft and as a test pilot make her well-suited for our upcoming return to flight. We look forward to Kelly's contributions in what is sure to be a busy and exciting year ahead."

Latimer said, "I have wanted to go to space ever since I can remember doing anything. Flying is the tip of the iceberg: some the most meaningful work for me will be joining Virgin Galactic's team with their incredible experience and organization to complete the vehicles' design and test and setting up operations before the first flight. I'm thrilled that my test pilot experience has led me to Virgin Galactic and look forward to making access to space for everybody a reality."

posted 10-27-2020 09:20 AM               

Virgin Galactic Hires Two New Pilots into its Pilot Corps

Virgin Galactic today (Oct. 27) announced the appointment of two new pilots into its Pilot Corps, bringing the total number of pilots to eight.

Jameel Janjua and Patrick Moran will be based at Spaceport America, New Mexico, and join the Virgin Galactic team as preparations for commercial service continue.

Both will embark on an extensive training program before flying SpaceShipTwo. In addition to the Spaceship, the pilots will also train to fly the carrier aircraft, VMS Eve. VMS Eve provides a way for the pilots to fly simulated parts of the SpaceShipTwo flight trajectory, gaining valuable hands-on training. Other assignments for the pilots will include flying other company support aircraft, working mission control, flight planning, and support various detailed engineering and project roles across the company.

While Jameel and Patrick will initially operate in a test pilot capacity, they, along with the rest of the Pilot Corps, will ultimately become the world's first commercial Spaceship Pilots, flying Future Astronauts on their life-changing journey into space and back.

Our Virgin Galactic Pilots serve an essential role in the flight experience of our Future Astronauts. The pilots will join the Future Astronauts at various points in their training program, helping emphasize and provide details about various key elements of their upcoming spaceflight. All pilots are ambassadors of the Virgin Galactic brand and will work to provide Future Astronauts with an out of this world adventure.

Above: Virgin Galactic Pilot, Jameel Janjua.

Both Jameel and Patrick bring a wealth of aircraft flight and flight test experience; they were picked from a small group of specialized pilots who meet the strict criteria needed to be considered for the role of a Virgin Galactic Pilot.

Each of them has flown in both military and commercial roles, involving training, operations and test, as well as flying passengers and managing crew. Jameel has completed over 4,000 flying hours in more than 45 different vehicles throughout his career, which spans over twenty years in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He completed exchange tours for the Royal Air Force and the U.S Air Force and is on the Board of Directors for the Society of Experimental Test Pilots {SETP}. Patrick served as a Pilot in the Marine Corps for twenty years, including roles as a test pilot, test pilot school instructor, and the lead government test pilot for Navy and Marine Corps versions of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. He then entered business aviation as a broker, consultant, and charter pilot, and joins Virgin Galactic with over 3,000 flight hours in 34 different aircraft.

Each of them has flown in both military and commercial roles, involving training, operations and test, as well as flying passengers and managing crew. Jameel has completed over 4,000 flying hours in more than 45 different vehicles throughout his career, which spans over twenty years in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He completed exchange tours for the Royal Air Force and the U.S Air Force and is on the Board of Directors for the Society of Experimental Test Pilots {SETP}. Patrick served as a Pilot in the Marine Corps for twenty years, including roles as a test pilot, test pilot school instructor, and the lead government test pilot for Navy and Marine Corps versions of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. He then entered business aviation as a broker, consultant, and charter pilot, and joins Virgin Galactic with over 3,000 flight hours in 34 different aircraft.

Above: Virgin Galactic Pilot, Patrick Moran.

Dave Mackay, Virgin Galactic's Chief Pilot said, "I am delighted to welcome Jameel Janjua and Pat Moran to the Virgin Galactic Pilot Corps. Jameel and Pat both come with a tremendous range and depth of experience of both military and civilian aviation, and test flying in particular. Their backgrounds, in addition to their accomplished interpersonal skills, will make them hugely valuable – particularly as we prepare for, and soon enter, commercial passenger operations. Virgin Galactic is fortunate to have secured the services of two such high caliber pilots, and we eagerly anticipate their contributions to the team as a whole."

Jameel Janjua said, "Helping to democratize space travel is a unique honor, and I am thrilled and humbled to be joining the Virgin Galactic Pilot Corps. With society on the cusp of opening space to all humankind, I cannot think of a more privileged role than to be a small part of the amazing team guiding people to their dreams and beyond. I am excited to join our Future Astronauts on their personal and insightful journeys and I'm looking forward to witnessing, first-hand, the variety of reactions these life-changing experiences will evoke."

Patrick Moran said, "I am excited to join this fantastic team of talented pioneers leading the charge for commercial space travel and now in the final stages of its flight test program. As a flight instructor, I loved to take people flying in the F/A-18 for the first time, to see their huge smiles as they climbed out of the cockpit. I can't wait to share the experience of going to space with our Future Astronauts and to see their reactions as they step out of the spaceship and describe their views of Earth from space!"

posted 07-22-2021 10:56 AM               

"I am now a former Director of Flight Test and former SpaceShipTwo pilot," Stucky wrote in a post on LinkedIn.

He added in a comment on LinkedIn that he did not leave the space tourism company "on my own timeline."

Virgin Galactic confirmed to CNBC that Stucky "is no longer employed," but did not explain further.

"We thank him for his 12 years of service on the flight test program," a Virgin Galactic spokesperson said in a statement.