Steve Fossett And Virgin Atlantic Announce New Schedule For Repositioning Flight For Virgin Atlantic Globalflyer “Ultimate Flight” Record Attempt

Virgin Atlantic Airways and Steve Fossett announced that the repositioning of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer from Salina, Kansas to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida will take place on Thursday, January 12.

A final test flight will take place Tuesday or Wednesday this week in Salina to verify a successful repair of the wing.

A successful test flight will put into action the transition flight, moving the plane from Salina to Kennedy Space Center. The expected landing time of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer at the Kennedy Space Center is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12.

More than a repositioning, the transition flight will service as a final verification of all equipment, to ensure all systems are “go” for the launch of the “Ultimate Flight” record attempt.

The window for the attempt opens in mid-January, making it possible to launch anytime between then and the end of February, with exact dates to be determined by favorable weather and jet stream conditions.

Steve Fossett, pilot of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer for the Ultimate Flight, commented:

“The damage sustained to the wing last week could have been a real set back for ‘The Ultimate Flight’ record attempt. The repair was a job for experts, and thankfully, we have the best working on this project. Chief Engineer Jon Karkow and Crew Chief Philip Grassa, both from Scaled Composites, worked tirelessly throughout the past several days to make the repair. The record attempt timeline is back on track.”

“I am excited for Thursday’s flight, as it will serve as more than a traditional transition flight. It will be the best chance to test all the equipment in a live situation before making the Go For Launch decision for the record attempt.”

“The Ultimate Flight,” which will attempt to shatter the existing distance record, will see Steve Fossett pilot the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft to set the record for the longest flight of all time. Steve Fossett – aviation’s most prolific record breaker – will attempt to fly over 1200 miles farther than any airplane or balloon has ever flown.

The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft is single pilot with a single Williams jet engine. Scaled used computers aided aerodynamics to design the aircraft. The structure of the plane is entirely made from carbon composite and is ultra light. The aircraft has a ceiling of 51,000 feet but will fly mostly at 45,000ft and travel at speeds in excess of 250knots (285 mph, 440kph).

A dedicated website – www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com – will provide updates and details of the record attempt including an unprecedented level of live communication from the aircraft during the flight itself. The site has been designed and managed by Conchango.

For further information, please contact the Virgin Atlantic Airways US Press Office at 203-750-2570 or visit www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com

January 10, 2006   Posted in: United States SouthEast