I once wanted to be a stuntman. I was constantly on the front pages when I was a base jumper. But if I were a stuntman, my name would only appear right at the end of the closing credits, even though I’d risked my life for others.
I don’t like to rate myself; others can do that.
I can’t bear the thought of my mother having to push me around in a wheelchair. I’d rather die quickly.
Normally, when I skydive, even in winter, I wear very thin gloves. I want to be flexible, with fast reactions.
The only thing you want is to come back alive.
When I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble, you do not think about breaking records anymore, you do not think about gaining scientific data. The only thing you want is to come back alive.
I want to inspire the next generation. I want to be in mission control with someone younger than me wanting to break my record.
If something goes wrong, the only thing that might help you is God.
We want to push mankind’s boundaries out a little further.
It feels great to be on top of the world but the greatest feeling is when your feet are on the ground.
Learn to love what you’ve been taught to fear.
I base jumped off one of the highest buildings in the world.
If I do something, it’s always 90% obvious and 10% unknown.
I always had the dream of flying, and the cheapest way is to become a skydiver.
I always feel the danger because you might always be subject to an unexpected or emergency event.
Aviation – and space travel, in particular – have always been especially captivating.
As a little kid, I climbed a lot of trees because I always loved the bird’s-eye view.
I’m more a competitive person.
I’m now a member of a pretty small club.
I’m retired from the daredevil business.
If the Wright brothers hadn’t put their lives on the line, we would not be flying around the world these days. So we need pioneers.