21 Quotes by Mathias Rust

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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.