Location:Initially Mojave, CA then Spaceport Amercia, NM
Business:Virgin Galactic
Contract Type:Full Time
Closing date:30/04/2011

Virgin Galactic has launched its search for Pilot-Astronauts. This unique opportunity initially involves working as part of the WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo spaceflight system test and development team in Mojave, CA, then taking the experience gained from that program to the spaceline’s commercial operations at its operating base, Spaceport America in New Mexico.


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VG essentials for Pilot-Astronaut successful candidates

• Must be a US citizen – compliant with ITAR (22 CFR §120.15)
• A current FAA commercial (or equivalent) pilot license and FAA medical (you will be required to produce evidence of both at interview)
• Degree level qualification in a relevant technical field
• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school, with at least 2 ½ years post-graduate flight test experience (you will be required to produce evidence at interview)
• A diverse flying background with a minimum of 3,000 hours flying to include considerable experience of: large multi-engine aircraft and high performance fast jet aircraft and low lift-to-drag ratio glide experience (e.g. simulated flameout landings) in complex aircraft
• Operational experience of an aerospace aviation project or business
• Excellent, current knowledge on a diverse range of aerospace matters
• Ability to communicate aviation knowledge and safety related information simply, succinctly and clearly
• Previous responsibility for authorizing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and efficient operation
• Be a proven team player

Candidates who can’t satisfy all of the above need not apply. Preference will be given to those with experience of:
- Spaceflight
- Commercial flight operations
- Flight instruction

 

At least they'll have fewer resumes to sift through than every one else...

I wonder what's competitive....

 

Probably having substantial time in SR-71 or U2. I say that cuts out 95% of the fat when it comes to resumes.

 

Low lift/drag ration in complex aircraft / simulated flameout landing =

Space Shuttle Stick Time OR

Space Shuttle Trainer Stick Time

So they are looking for astronauts or the guys who train them.

 

Well with the Shuttle retiring soon I'm sure they'll have plenty of experienced candidates.

 

Wow; definitely a job for next generation pilots

 

I space out all the time while I am in the cockpit does that qualify as spaceflight?

 

I used to know a guy who had a PhD in physics from Cal Tech and was a one of a few captains of the NASA 747 which ferried the space shuttle around. You know, what NASA did when they screwed up logistics for the Shuttle and had to do a walk-of-shame back to Kennedy Space Center at Mach 0.85. This guy had an insufferable ego and would spend the first ten minutes making sure you knew all his academic and flight credentials. Let someone like that apply.

 

Course Schedule and Costs


so starting pay $37.85 an hour?

 

Yeah, it always sucked when those stupid NASA tools put storms over the landing site and forced them to land at Edwards. Those guys need some lessons in logistics: make the weather CLEAR for a shuttle landing.