Scaled Composites carried out its seventh drop of SpaceShipOne on December 4th. According to the test report, pre-ignition propulsion system checks seem to be moving forward nicely:

Objectives: The seventh glide flight of SpaceShipOne and new pilot check out. Full functional check of the propulsion system by cold flowing nitrous oxide. Completed airspeed and positive and negative G-envelope expansion.

Results: Launch conditions were 48,400 feet and 115 knots. All propulsion components, displays and functionality performed as designed. The feather was extended after a 4G pull-up to the vertical at 24,500 feet and rudder used to induce sideslip and yaw rates while "going-over-the-top". The vehicle recovered to a stable attitude and descent after only a single oscillation. The landing pattern was flown following established procedures resulting in a satisfactory touchdown.

December 17th is less than a week away, very close to two weeks from when this flight test occured. That is close enough to the intervals between the last three tests one could expect at least a drop test on the Wright Brothers First Flight date. I still think an in-flight engine ignition and a short burn is within the realm of possibility.