"Each test pilot I know considers him, or herself, now that there are women, to be the very best. It's very demeaning to step down the ladder once in a while"

This quote by Wally Schirra speaks to the pride and confidence of test pilots, despite gender. He is suggesting that each test pilot, male or woman, thinks they are the best at what they do. This is a testimony to the dedication and effort of test pilots, and the respect they have for their profession. Schirra also implies that it can be difficult for test pilots to accept that they are not always the very best, which they should sometimes step down the ladder. This is a pointer that even the most talented and experienced test pilots must in some cases accept that they are not the best, which there is constantly space for enhancement. Schirra's quote is a reminder of the value of humbleness and the requirement to accept that we are not constantly the very best.