With all the knowledge and skill acquired in thousands of flights in the last ten years, I would hardly think today of making my first flight on a strange machine in a twenty-seven mile wind, even if I knew that the machine had already been flown and was safe.

Summary

This quote reflects on the caution and experience gained through years of flying. It suggests that even with extensive knowledge and skill, the speaker would hesitate to fly an unfamiliar aircraft under challenging conditions. Despite knowing that the machine had been flown successfully before, the presence of a strong twenty-seven mile wind makes them apprehensive. This quote highlights the importance of considering factors beyond mere safety records, emphasizing the need for prudence and respect for external circumstances.

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