So you wanted to be a pilot, and not only take off and land, but also travel to other planets...
Your dream is at hand:
Orbiter - A free space flight simulator
The good thing is that you may travel for free.
I talked to the brother of an astronaut.
He said exactly the same. He played his cards and became astronaut.
I have had projects of mine. When I first propose them, they slam the door on my nose. For some strange reason, fate takes me back there, with a higher rank person backing me, so the doors are open after some time. I never asked for it. It just happens.
Who am I? Am I a VIP? No. I am just an average Joe, the guy next door, with an ordinary low rank job, ordinary life. The only difference I have is that even if my parents told me I can't do it because it is impossible, I forgot it was impossible, so I did it.
How did I manage to meet the brother of an astronaut? I do not know. Fate brought me there and we talked like any other human would.