Here and here.

Commentary later.

While it's not surprising that Scaled is in a good position to win the X-prize, I found it very interesting that Burt was talking about future spaceflights afterwards. It's at the end of the first article I think. He mentions wanting to do a flight around the moon...I know he's famous for airplanes, anyone have any thoughts on the likelihood/future of Burt's space ambitions?

"Rutan can't charge for rides because the aircraft is not FAA certified"

Does the FAA even know what to look for in certifying a spacecraft? I'm guessing not. And they say regulation hasn't slowed down spaceflight.

If the FAA certification is too costly, why not just fly the spacecraft from outside the United States? Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth didn't seem too concerned that the Soyuz wasn't FAA certified.

What do you want to bet that FAA certified or not that the mystery backer gets a couple of free rides anyway.

Yes. No paid flights, but free flights for investors, minimum investment $50 000.

And yes again, that FAA thing only works if the craft can only take off in the USA.

I'd like to suggest that worrying about flying from "somewhere else" is beside the point. Rutan doesn't need the FAA for what he's doing, he's shown a history of ignoring them when he wants to get a plane in the air. His kits are still the best do-it-your-self flyers around. Besides, Mojave is the best place in the world to fly from for this stunt, given that the rocket runs are all going to take place over Edwards.
Which brings up a point. Rand, if you don't mind, how do you contrast Burt Rutan's approach with Dick Rutan and XCORP's approach? Personally, I think we need both if there's ever going to be a real space industry.Barn stormers AND commercial endeavors were absolutely necessary to sell planes to the paying public in the early 20th.