Dean’s record-breaking flight off the Eiger last month took all his strength to hold his body in wing position. More than any other time in the five years he’s been flying, Dean felt euphoric when the flight was over—not only because he had grazed his dream, but also because the success is inspiration he can share.

Dean admits that sometimes he questions the pursuit of his dream. “This past year, six people I’ve known have died climbing and BASE jumping,” he says. “Just recently, about a week ago, my friend flew into a wall and died. On a personal level it makes me wonder about myself. That’s the real selfish way to look at it…. Life is the most sacred thing there is. I see both sides.”

But Dean views the flight he took in August as proof that he’s on the right path. It was exuberant confirmation of his mantra: “Dispell the doubt that holds us back.”

FreeBASE practice in the Lauterbrunnen, September 2008.