A helicopter ride at an early age was there as well as friends whose fathers were pilots. But pro flying was really not something my family had any interest in my doing, so it does not have to do with that. Pilots and firefighters may be genetic but as with any profession it is more likely a combination of elements that draws people in. In flying it may be

• personal challenge
• social respectability and sex appeal in uniform
• public exposure, responsibility, public trust, social acceptance and recognition
• good money (in theory)

Also-
• high technology and sophisticated scientific applications
• nature, weather, and the skies
• historical place in popular culture
• the intrigue of going fast, high, and far from home