How about 'Shove it! I'm not prepared to take that level of risk of dying' or is flying shuttles more important than life itself?
Well, that's the point isn't it? The job of research pilots and astronauts has historically been entered into with the full knowldge that there was a higher risk quotient involved than in ordinary commercial flying. Times have changed the level of risk that is considered acceptable. (Xtreme sports and recreational activities aside!) Even F1 racing is being pressured for safety enhancements. (slow 'em down!) It's just a different perception today than it was during the glory days of the cold war. Times change and some of us change with them. "Deathtrap" is a sensational word. Might even increase book sales. He was there, so is free to sell his opinions and reap the financial rewards if the public wants to pay him. I wonder what his contemporaries think of this book.
Westhawk