Impact On Record Flight Not Determined

Aero-News has confirmed Virgin Atlantic Airways is postponing the arrival of the record-breaking GlobalFlyer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, FL due to damage to one of the aircraft's wings.

Representatives with Virgin Atlantic tell Aero-News one of the GlobalFlyer's wing tips struck a fuel tank truck during fueling for a planned test flight Wednesday afternoon. The GlobalFlyer was due to arrive at the spacecenter Friday, in preparation for Steve Fossett's attempt to circumnavigate the world -- and then some -- for "The Ultimate Flight" record attempt.

According to the company, there is "considerable" damage to the wing.

It is not yet known whether this will impact the take-off date for the record attempt, previously estimated to take place from the beginning of February onwards.

As was previously reported by Aero-News, NASA agreed to let Virgin Atlantic Airways use Kennedy's Space Shuttle Landing Facility as a takeoff site for "The Ultimate Flight." The facility use is part of a pilot program to expand runway access for non-NASA activities.

Fossett and the technical team (below) are currently assessing on how long it will take to repair and retest the aircraft, and hope to be able to update everyone further at that point.

"This could be a real set back for 'The Ultimate Flight' record attempt," said Fossett. "Everyone involved in the record attempt is as disappointed as I am that repositioning could not take place as planned. We are currently assessing the damage for how long the repairs will take to see when we can get back on track."

FMI: www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com