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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Job Opening: Astronauts Wanted for Virgin Galactic!

Did somebody say "Astros Try Outs"?
ATTENTION SPACE JOCKEYS: It's totally legit! Brazillionaire Sir Richard Branson wants individuals with the "right stuff" (I'm going to regret that aren't I?) to join his Virgin Galactic spacefleet. The silver-maned one is looking for three space pilots to become VG flight crew for future missions. Awesomely spacey job responsibilities include:
In addition to flight duties with the WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo, Pilot-Astronaut duties will also include flight planning activities, mission control co-ordination and ground-to-air support, record keeping and training obligations.

Flight planning activities will involve route planning and airspace coordination with personnel at Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, the local Federal Aviation Authority Air Traffic Control and Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
Other responsibilities include manning mission control when not aboard a launch craft, training new pilots, blasting dangerous space junk and wooing hot space groupies. (Okay, some of those are really just "perks".)

Now for the important stuff--job requirements:
  • 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

You gotta be a US citizen? I thought he was from the UK? I suppose the spaceport is in US. Whatever, that seems arbitrary, and more importantly it doesn't exclude me. Though, that, and being a "proven team player" are about the only criteria for which I'm personally 100% qualified. I'm certain I could pick up the rest within a few weeks of on-the-job training. I'm a fast learner.

For the rest of you, what are you waiting for? Apply now!! http://careers.virgin.com/search/1921/

P.S. Yes, it's been far too long between actual game and/or comics-related posts. I hope to remedy that over the next few weeks. :)

UPDATE: Here's a helpful flowchart that may help you determine whether you've got what it takes to be an Bransonaut.

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