15 Best Aviation Quotes to Inspire You

Aviation quotes are a fun way to learn how to fly the planes we love and the history of this remarkable field.

Whether they are said by pilots, engineers, or artists and writers, many touch on themes of freedom, exploration, courage, or adventure. 

Here’s a list of 15 great aviation quotes to inspire, motivate, or just remind you just how awesome it is to be in aviation.

These quotes have been attributed to famous aviators, astronauts, and aviation pioneers (plus, there are some bonus quotes at the end by famous writers for fun, too).

Aviation Quotes to Inspire and Motivate You

What makes a good aviation quote?

Does it capture the simple thrill of flying, or does it provide motivation to others to have the courage to experience the same thing?

Perhaps it contains nuggets of wisdom from one generation to the next, or maybe it’s just an off-hand comment that rings true among pilots.

A simple quote can often tell you a lot about the person who said it. Here’s a look at 15 famous aviators through the words they spoke.

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.” — Leonardo da Vinci (maybe)

Leonardo da Vinci (born 1452 in Vinci, Italy) was a polymath whose curiosity spanned art, science, and engineering.

Everyone knows da Vinci for his masterpieces like the “Mona Lisa,” but did you know he also made significant contributions to aviation?

He studied birds and created detailed sketches of potential flying machines, including the ornithopter, which aimed to mimic bird flight.

His designs for a helicopter-like device and various gliders showed his deep understanding of aerodynamics. Even though none of his inventions were built (during his lifetime), da Vinci’s concepts laid the groundwork for future aviators and engineers.

Part of the fun of this quote is debating whether or not da Vinci might have said something so prescient so many years before the first man flew.

Da Vinci certainly “tasted flight,” even if he never took to the air himself.

In the end, this widely attributed da Vinci quote may not have been said by the Italian master, but it still sums up the feelings of most pilots nicely. 

“No one can realize how substantial the air is until he feels its supporting power beneath him. It inspires confidence at once.” — Otto Lilienthal

Otto Lilienthal (born 1848 in Germany) was an aviation pioneer sometimes called the “Father of Flight.”

Along with his brother Gustav, he conducted gliding experiments in the late 19th century. He made over 2,000 flights in 16 different designs and meticulously documented each one.

His work on wing shape and lift principles laid the groundwork for modern aerodynamics.

His most famous glider, the “Gleiter,” demonstrated controlled flight in a heavier-than-air aircraft and influenced future aviators, including the Wright brothers. 

“Do not let yourself be forced into doing anything before you are ready.” — Wilbur Wright

Wilbur Wright (born 1867 in Indiana) and his brother Orville are probably the best-known aviation pioneers.

They conducted research and experiments on powered flight after building on Lilienthal’s work in gliders. 

In 1903, on the sand dunes at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, they achieved their historic first flight with the Wright Flyer.

It marked the dawn of controlled, powered aviation. The Wright’s innovations in aircraft design, including the development of wing warping for lateral control, were groundbreaking.

Their relentless pursuit of flight safety and efficiency helped establish the foundations of modern aviation. 

This quote is great for pilots because it reminds us that hard work and preparation are required before accomplishing great things.

Pilots should not be rushed into the fray, just as the Wright brothers achieved their remarkable flight through carefully planned methodological processes. 

“I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (born 1900 in Lyon, France) was a writer best known for his novella, “The Little Prince.”

But he began his career as an airmail pilot in the 1920s, working for Aéropostale and flying challenging routes in South America and Africa.

His experiences in aviation inspired his writing, which was often filled with themes of adventure and exploration. During World War II, Saint-Exupéry served as a reconnaissance pilot, where he disappeared on a mission in 1944.

His contributions to aviation and literature have left a lasting legacy, blending the art of flight with profound storytelling.

“Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.” — Eddie Rickenbacker

Eddie Rickenbacker (born 1890 in Ohio) was a celebrated American aviator and World War I hero.

Initially a race car driver, he became the top US fighter ace in the war, credited with 26 aerial victories, earning the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

After the war, Rickenbacker founded Eastern Air Lines in 1929, significantly advancing commercial aviation. His advocacy for air power and focus on safety transformed the industry. 

“The air is the only place free from prejudices.” — Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman (born 1892 in Texas) was the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license.

Facing racial and gender discrimination in the US, she traveled to France to obtain her license in 1921.

She became a skilled aviator and performed in airshows, captivating audiences with her daring stunts. Her achievement opened doors for women and people of color in aviation, earning her a spot as one of the most trailblazing female pilots in history.

Beyond flying, Coleman advocated for diversity in aviation and fought against racial segregation. 

“Flying has torn apart the relationship of space and time: it uses our old clock but with new yardsticks.” — Charles Lindbergh

Charles Lindbergh (born 1902 in Detroit, Michigan) was an iconic aviator known for making the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight.

In 1927, he flew the Spirit of St. Louis, a modified Ryan mail plane, from New York to Paris, covering 3,600 miles in 33.5 hours.

This historic flight made him an international figure and revolutionized air travel, showcasing the potential of long-distance, trans-oceanic air travel.

Beyond his flying achievements, Lindbergh advocated for aviation safety and advancements, influencing aircraft design and commercial flight. 

“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” — Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart (born 1897 in Kansas) was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932.

Her daring spirit and numerous aviation records, including her attempts to circumnavigate the globe, made her an icon of courage and determination.

Earhart advocated for women’s rights and encouraged women to pursue careers in aviation, significantly influencing gender roles in the field.

She was instrumental in founding The Ninety-Nines, which promotes women in aviation to this day through various programs and aviation scholarships.

“If we should have to fight, we should be prepared to do so from the neck up instead of from the neck down.” — Jimmy Doolittle 

Jimmy Doolittle (born 1896 in Alameda, California) was a pilot and military leader during World War II.

He earned his pilot’s license in 1917 and became a skilled air racer and innovator, notably developing instrument flying techniques.

Doolittle gained fame for leading the ‘Doolittle Raid’ in 1942. It was the first US air strike on Japan, and it demonstrated the effectiveness of long-range bombing as a war tactic.

His leadership and courage earned him the Medal of Honor. 

“There can be no atom bomb potentially more powerful than the air tourist, charged with curiosity, enthusiasm, and goodwill, who can roam the four corners of the world, meeting in friendship and understanding the people of other nations and races.” — Juan Trippe 

Juan Trippe (born 1899 in Brooklyn) founded Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). After graduating from Harvard, Trippe started his career flying airmail routes and then established Pan Am in 1927.

Under his leadership, the airline expanded international air travel, introducing innovations like the use of flying boats and pioneering transcontinental and transatlantic flights.

Trippe played a crucial role in establishing commercial aviation as a global enterprise, promoting air travel’s safety and convenience.

His contributions significantly shaped modern air travel and made Pan Am a symbol of the Golden Age of aviation.

“In flying, the probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival.”  — Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong (born 1930 in Ohio) was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the moon.

A naval aviator and test pilot, he joined NASA in 1962, where he flew the Gemini 8 mission and commanded Apollo 11. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong made his most famous quote: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

His contributions to aviation and space exploration advanced human understanding of space and inspired generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“I feel we need to remind the world about the Apollo missions and that we can still do impossible things.” — Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin (born 1930 in New Jersey) is an astronaut and engineer known for being the second person to walk on the moon behind Armstrong.

A veteran of the US Air Force, he flew in the Gemini 12 mission. Beyond his lunar accomplishments, he has advocated for space exploration and education, promoting initiatives for Mars colonization and STEM programs.

“If you want to grow old as a pilot, you’ve got to know when to push it, and when to back off.” — Chuck Yeager

Chuck Yeager (born 1923 in West Virginia) was a legendary test pilot and US Air Force officer, best known for being the first person to break the sound barrier.

On October 14, 1947, Yeager piloted the Bell X-1 “Glamorous Glennis” to a speed of Mach 1.06. Some of Yeager’s accomplishments are portrayed in the 1983 film The Right Stuff, where Sam Shepherd played him. It’s one of those great aviation movies you should watch. 

Yeager served in various capacities during his military career, becoming a celebrated figure in aerospace and a symbol of aviation excellence.

He’s also credited with saying, “If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.”

“If you’re faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the crash as possible.” — Bob Hoover

Bob Hoover (born 1922 in Nashville) was a test pilot and air show performer celebrated for his exceptional flying skills and showmanship.

A World War II veteran, he flew combat missions as a fighter pilot before becoming a test pilot.

Hoover was known for his mastery of aerobatics and his ability to perform intricate maneuvers, including doing aerobatics with the engines shut down and putting regular airplanes through loops and barrel rolls. 

“Three Secrets to Success: Be willing to learn new things. Be able to assimilate new information quickly. Be able to get along with and work with other people.” — Sally Ride

Sally Ride (born 1951 in Los Angeles) was a physicist best known for being the first American woman in space.

In 1983, she flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger during the STS-7 mission, conducting scientific experiments and helping deploy satellites. She advocated for science education and inspired countless young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

After leaving NASA, she co-founded Sally Ride Science, which developed educational programs and materials. 

Parting Thoughts: A Few Great Quotes By Non-Aviators

Of course, pilots and astronauts aren’t the only ones who understand the romance and beauty of flight.

Aviation has inspired many great writers and poets to ponder humanity’s place in the world and the technologies it can create. 

Here are four more bonus quotes by poets and writers, with some names you might recognize.  

• “The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be?–it is the same the angels breathe.” — Mark Twain
• “Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.” — George Bernard Shaw
• “The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.” — Walter Alexander Raleigh
• “The knack of flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” – Douglas Adams