"When people have asked if I'd like to go in the Shuttle, I said you don't get to fly it, except for landing, which I'd love to do. I wouldn't go unless I could command it"

Wally Schirra was a pioneering astronaut who flew on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. In this quote, he is revealing his desire to fly the Space Shuttle, however only if he might be in command. This suggests that Schirra was a highly knowledgeable and positive pilot, which he wished to be in control of the Shuttle's flight. He was not interested in simply being a guest, however wished to be the one in charge. This quote also shows Schirra's dedication to safety and his desire to ensure that the Shuttle was flown safely and properly. Schirra's quote is a testimony to his commitment to excellence and his dedication to the area program. It is a tip of the significance of having actually experienced and capable pilots in command of any spacecraft.