Tom Cruise's pilot ambition

Jan 21, 2009, 9:40 GMT

US actor Tom Cruise. The actor, who is a qualified pilot himself, wants to play Captain Chesley Sullenberger - the man who successfully crash-landed the aircraft on to the New York river, saving all 150 passengers. EPA/ALINA NOVOPASHINA

Tom Cruise wants to star in a film about last week's Hudson River plane crash.

The actor, who is a qualified pilot himself, wants to play Captain Chesley Sullenberger - the man who successfully crash-landed the aircraft on to the New York river, saving all 150 passengers.

The 46-year-old also is considering contacting Sullenberger to express his admiration for his brave feat.

He said: "It's remarkable. To have done such a heroic job its amazing. I know what it's like because we train for emergencies and then for it to happen and have it turn out the way it did, that's how we want them all to end."

However, Tom's representative has played down film speculation, insisting nothing has been discussed.

Tom - who plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in new movie 'Valkyrie', which tells the story of a plot to kill Adolf Hitler - recently revealed he only takes on roles that push his acting ability.

He said: "The colonel was a very different character for me to portray but I've always taken on challenging roles. I am always looking for a good movie and I have always wanted to challenge myself. I just want to keep growing as an artist and I don't think that has ever changed."