Kelly Latimer Promoted to Virgin Galactic Director of Flight Test

Kelly Latimer has been promoted to Virgin Galactic Director of Flight Test. Ms Latimer joined Virgin Galactic in 2015 after retiring from the US Air Force with the Lieutenant Colonel rank. She is the only female pilot in the aerospace company to this date.

Latimer’s Duties as Virgin Galactic Director of Flight Test

As Virgin Galactic Director of Flight Test, Kelly Latimer will plan, oversee, and post-analyse test flights. This implies close collaboration with the engineers and validating their flight data analysis. Besides, Latimer will be responsible for developing the company’s new spaceships for the Delta class.

Despite her appointment as Virgin Galactic Director of Flight Test, Latimer will remain a pilot for the currently operational Unity ships. Latimer already piloted VMS Eve doing Unity 21 and 22 missions and will continue to pilot for the upcoming test and commercial flights. Ms Latimer is uniquely qualified both as a pilot and a director of test flights. Her 20-year-long experience in the US Air Force and participation in over 90 combat missions attest to that.

Virgin Galactic Comment on New Appointment

Mike Moses, Space Missions Safety President at Virgin Galactic, stated that the company is about to deliver commercial space travel to a new level, and Ms Latimer is the perfect choice for a Virgin Galactic Director of Flight Test. Moses says that Kelly is not only a world-class pilot but also a gifted leader, perfectly positioned for managing high-performing teams.

Latimer herself states that she is honoured to have been appointed as Virgin Galactic Director of Flight Test because her whole life and carrier have been dedicated to piloting and testing aircraft to ensure the tech is safe and reliable.