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I never intended to become a professional pilot. But, as I became more curious about aircraft, and, well, not being John Travolta, I realized that the only way I was ever going to fly a jet is if I got a job.

I always wanted to be a pilot.

Pilots, to a large degree, are like salesmen. They have to be confident to be good at their jobs. They have to practice relentlessly and plan out all the scenarios of the things that could happen when they're out there. Nothing is more important than preparation. They are also mighty competitive, both as individuals and as squadrons.

I've done a lot of pilots. A lot of shows. You're young and you do a job just because you know someone gave you a job.

When you're making a pilot, what you're mostly thinking is, 'Please let this be a real job, please.'

I read, studied, and learned everything I could find about aviation. It was my greatest desire to become a pilot. I could already picture myself in the cockpit of an airliner or in a military fighter plane. I felt deep in my heart this was my thing!

I haven't yet figured out how I was made first captain, because I was not an outstanding student. I was an adequate student.

I always liked the idea of leadership and being a captain.

I was a naval officer and aviator. I tested airplanes and got selected to be an astronaut later on.

A pilot is like the most extensive dress rehearsal you can ever imagine, because the writers are learning about the actors, the actors are learning about the characters.