Mathias Rust Quotes (24 Quotes)

I didn't tell anybody about my plan because I was convinced my family or friends would stop me. I didn't think much about what would happen afterwards.

You have to be young to be able to do things like that. Now I'm more cautious. I'm proud that I was able to do what I did - psychologically it was a great wall to climb - but sometimes I regret it.

I ended up injuring her with a knife I had on me. I can't really remember what happened.

I had thought about landing in the Kremlin, but there wasn't enough space.

I moved away for three years and went to Trinidad where I met my wife, Athena.

Imprisonment hit me so hard - much harder than I had thought.

I was sentenced to four years in a labour camp, but spent my time in the interrogation prison because the KGB couldn't guarantee my safety.

All Orion and Isis members are anonymous - it works better that way. It allows everyone to work together without jealousy or personal issues.

My parents came to visit every two months and brought plenty of books.

I wanted to choose somewhere public, because I was scared of the KGB.

Once this key conflict is eased, it will have a huge impact on the world. It will take time to find a solution. It's similar to the situation between East and the West at the time of my flight.

Currently I have about 25 people involved - scientists, former Nobel Peace Prize winners. Top people capable of finding solutions.

I approached Red Square three times, trying to find somewhere to land, before discovering a wide bridge nearby. I landed there and taxied into Red Square.

I now work for a finance company in Luxembourg with projects in South America and the Caribbean.

I had one companion. He was a teacher from the Ukraine who spoke English so we could communicate a bit. I learnt a few Russian words, but it was hard to concentrate.

After that I couldn't show my face outside. I lost my identity and balance. I was still living with my parents, and they were my only friends. For so many people, this thing with the nurse was confirmation that I must be mad or mentally ill.

I regret what happened. I saw no other possibility to achieve my goal. It was not hooliganism.

My parents were angry, but they were relieved that I was in good condition. They had been afraid the Russians would torture me. They told me not to do it again!

We're currently working on a plan to find peace for the Middle East. I'm going to Israel at the end of October to get in touch with some key people.

The defence and air defence ministers were both replaced and more than 2,000 officers lost their jobs.

I was 19 and very political. I was interested in relations between East and West, particularly the Reykjavik meeting between Gorbachev and Reagan.

I don't have my pilot's licence anymore, but I'm still very political.

My plan was to land in Red Square, but there were too many people and I thought I'd cause casualties.

I got my private pilot's license in autumn 1986.