Top 19 Quotes by Mathias Rust

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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