Airline Quote by Frank Borman
“There is just no way that I can understand in God's green earth that an airline could undertake with its normal procedures the operation of the Space Shuttle. . . . You don't put parachutes on airliners because the margin of safety is built into the machine. The 727 airplanes we fly are proven vehicles with levels of safety and redundancy built in. The shuttle is a hand-made piece of experimental gear.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Apollo Program Debrief, 1975
Airlines cannot safely handle the Space Shuttle due to design differences and safety margins.
In simple terms: Shuttles need special handling; planes are built for safety.
Key Takeaway
Use appropriate vehicles for each task.
Themes
aerospace
safety
engineering
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
technical
strategic
When to use this quote
- space missions
- airline operations
- flight training
- policy making
Key Concepts
risk management
vehicle design
Questions to Reflect On
- Can technology bridge the safety gap?
- What alternatives exist for shuttle transport?
A Different Perspective
Cost and logistics of retrofitting planes are prohibitive.
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