Briefing: January 2015

The loss of SpaceShipTwo during a test flight in November wont shut down Virgin Galactics space-tourism project, according to CEO Richard Branson. Branson also said he still plans to be aboard the first commercial passenger flight. NTSB staffers said their investigation wont be complete for about a year, but in the first few days after the accident, they found that the aircrafts feather mechanism -- a rotating tail boom intended to slow the aircraft on descent from high altitudes -- was prematurely deployed, and initiated the breakup of the aircraft at about 50,000 feet. Pilot Peter Siebold was injured but survived, and co-pilot Michael Alsbury was killed. A second spaceship is already under construction and is expected to launch in 2015.

Editorial Staff

Monday, December 15, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Virgin Galactic is proceeding with its space tourism project despite the SpaceShipTwo accident, with a new spacecraft expected to launch in 2015 and the cause identified as premature feather mechanism deployment.
New aircraft designs are emerging in general aviation, including Mooney's diesel-powered M10T and M10J models, and significant progress is being made towards certified electric aircraft in both China and the U.S.
General aviation groups continue to voice concerns over the FAA's costly 2020 ADS-B mandate, while the inaugural *Flying* Expo successfully launched in Palm Springs, featuring a "Parade of Planes" and industry discussions.

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Virgin Galactic Recovers From SpaceShipTwo Loss
The loss of SpaceShipTwo during a test flight in November won’t shut down Virgin Galactic’s space-tourism project, according to CEO Richard Branson. Branson also said he still plans to be aboard the first commercial passenger flight. NTSB staffers said their investigation won’t be complete for about a year, but in the first few days after the accident, they found that the aircraft’s feather mechanism — a rotating tail boom intended to slow the aircraft on descent from high altitudes — was prematurely deployed, and initiated the breakup of the aircraft at about 50,000 feet. Pilot Peter Siebold was injured but survived, and co-pilot Michael Alsbury was killed. A second spaceship is already under construction and is expected to launch in 2015.

Mooney Unveils Two New Designs
Mooney International unveiled two all-new general-aviation designs at the China Airshow, in Zhuhai, in November. Both are diesel-powered composite aircraft. The fixed-gear M10T trainer, powered by Continental’s CD-135 diesel, will provide what Mooney calls a seamless step up to the M20 line. The retractable-gear M10J will get the Continental CD-155 diesel. Both models seat two up front, with an optional single rear seat. Mooney said prices will be competitive, and certification and deliveries are planned for 2017. Mooney was bought by Chinese interests last year and resumed limited production in Kerrville, Texas, after about five years of dormancy.