Q&A With Virgin Galactic Pilots Dan Alix & Andy Edgell

Embarking on your journey to space requires not only an innovative spaceship design, but also a highly-skilled and dedicated team of pilots who will accompany you. At Virgin Galactic, every member of our pilot team plays a crucial role, working together at the controls of our spaceship, VSS Unity and mothership, VMS Eve. 

Get to know the two newest additions to our pilot crew who will guide you every step of the way on your journey to space.  

Andy Edgell, an experienced pilot who served in the British Royal Air Force flying F-35s and Harriers, will be skillfully piloting our chase aircraft, closely monitoring Eve's climbs to launch altitude and Unity's graceful glide descent to landing. 

Dan Alix, a highly notable pilot with a background in the U.S. Air Force flying F-16s and F-35s, will be providing valuable support from our Mission Control Center, ensuring a successful mission. 

Despite busy schedules, we snagged some precious time to delve into their world and get to know them. 

VG: We think of test pilots as “adrenaline junkies”—go as fast and high as you can—is that why you chose Virgin Galactic, for the ultimate flying rush? 

Andy: I would replace “adrenaline junkie” with another word. I applied to Virgin Galactic because of the challenge. And the challenge is to perform a mission, which has its own interesting physical and mental obstacles, and we need to do it safely, to do it repeatedly, and to provide good customer service. And that’s what makes me happy.  

Dan: Well said! I defer to my spokesperson, Andy. Actually, he hit it on the head. I wouldn't consider myself like an “adrenaline junkie”. I drive pretty slowly. I don't like doing like crazy stuff. I think it's more about having a challenge, thinking it through methodically, thinking about how you're going to meet that challenge by training and preparing for it. I think that’s the draw for me. 

Andy: (Leaning in with a grin) But don’t get me wrong. I want to be at the controls of the vehicle that is flying at Mach 3 to 280,000 feet. That is rewarding! To fly a Burt Rutan designed space vehicle, a rocket ship that folds itself in half, and do it per the profile and safely…that’s the challenge and it’s so rewarding when you accomplish it. 

VG: Dan, as a kid, you were inspired by the space shuttle program. Anybody (wink wink) you really wanted to meet here at Virgin Galactic? 

 Dan: Yes! It’s like younger athletes coming up, idolizing someone like Lebron James and then you get into the NBA and get to play alongside them. Being around CJ Sturkow, Unity pilot and former Shuttle Commander, and Mike Moses, former NASA Shuttle Flight Director, as my co-workers is such a strange and cool experience for me! They were my childhood inspirations, and now I have the privilege of working alongside them. 

VG: Andy, earlier you talked about giving our Future Astronauts good customer service. Last time we looked, F-35s don’t carry customers! Are you both looking forward to the “people connection” part of the job? 

Andy: Completely. I firmly believe we can build strong relationships with our Future Astronauts to the extent that they may even last a lifetime! There’s always been a strong and unique bond between a pilot and customers! And even more I look forward to the bond our crew will build with one another.  

Dan: I agree. There’s a bond you develop with the people you fly with, whether it’s to space or not. Although the higher you go, the more memorable that connection is! All of us, when you get to this level of flying, have been instructors. To be good at that, you have to be open to sharing your experience with others and then guide them. It’s a strong connection. I think I remember just about everybody I’ve ever flown with. Now we get to make new memories, in space!