I'm not saying they are incapable, I'm saying it is profoundly bad judgement to try. They are not facing any threat here. Sure, if I have to take a risk to protect something then I will take the calculated risk of say, running a red light. If not, I'll wait for the light to change.
I also think that the families of the shuttle crew, as well as the crew themselves, should be very grateful that you are not the base commander. Mountain out of a mole hill, indeed.