" She said it had been hijacked shortly after takeoff. By this time, the plane had been in the air – again, I’m presuming that it took off on time – for over an hour. "
- Ted Olson

In the given statement, Ted Olson speaks about a situation where an aircraft was taken over by hijackers shortly after it had begun its journey. Olson assumes that the plane took off on schedule and suggests that the takeover occurred well into the flight's duration. The implication here is that nearly an hour of the trip had been completed before any incident took place.

The deeper meaning behind this quote reflects the sudden and unexpected nature of such events, highlighting how quickly circumstances can change in a confined space like an airplane cabin. Olson’s statement underscores the vulnerability passengers face during flights and the unpredictability inherent to air travel. It also raises questions about security measures and their effectiveness in preventing or responding to hijackings efficiently.

Ted Olson is a prominent figure known for his involvement in significant U.S. legal cases and government positions. He was the Solicitor General of the United States under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2004, after which he served as White House Counsel until 2005. His comments often carry weight due to his extensive experience in public service and law.