Great story, thanks for putting it up.
I’ve known one or two highly accomplished men; deep down, under the layers of armor they’ve built up to be able to deal with responsibility and pressure, they’re still motivated by the things that excited them as children.
I’ve no doubt this is true of the great pilots and astronauts you listed.
I think you are right. You can always tell who the aviation enthusiasts are...when you are in their presence and a plane goes over, even a Piper Cub, they always turn their face to the sky to look...:)
Love it. Just love it!