Flying Sideways: The Story of the World's Most Famous Stunt Pilot

by Fred North, Peggy North

In his gripping, surprising, and wildly entertaining new memoir, Fred North tells the incredible true story of how he became the most famous film stunt helicopter pilot in the world. As a young, misunderstood boy, Fred North was never a fan of the rules. Then, on an unremarkable day in 1969, a helicopter touched down in his hometown of Saint-Louis, Senegal, and turned his world upside down. Fifty years later, he's Hollywood's go-to stunt pilot with a world altitude record and over two hundred film credits to his name, including Inception , James Spectre , and Fast X . But a lot of incredible things happened in between. Flying Sideways tells the thrilling but heartfelt story of how a misfit boy with nothing but a dream breaks the rules, beats the odds, and learns to bet on himself. Against a vibrant global backdrop that touches down everywhere from New York City to Mongolia to Madagascar, we follow Fred as he deserts the French Army (in roller skates), talks his way into flight school, becomes chief pilot for the world's greatest rally car and adventures races, gets mixed up with DEA in Miami, dodges death (many times), and―perhaps most improbably―falls in love. Flying Sideways is a nonstop thrill ride, reminding us that the most dangerous thing we can do with life is give up on it.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2023

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Flying Sideways, Fred North opened up about his journey to become a professional stunt pilot. He has done stunt work on X-Men, several Fast and Furious movies, James Bond: Spectre, Mission Impossible, Transformers, and has been credited in over 200 movies. He was chosen to work on Extraction 2. He explained how they worked together to create the masterplan of landing a helicopter on top of a moving train and having it top off back guys right on top of the train. He shared how this led to him flying sideways for the epic scene. He also shared how he met his wife Peggy and how she helps him in his filming stunt career.



In the book, he explained how he told his parents that he wanted to become a pilot and fly a helicopter. At first, he was going to try out for the military. He had to pass an IQ test, psychological evaluation, and pass the assess knowledge. He failed the psychological test and was told he isn’t logical and he wouldn’t ever be able to become a pilot. On the instructor test he passed it with a perfect score but it still wasn’t enough for them to accept them. He did try out for the army proper and the EMHM program and was able to focus on alpine and arctic warfare. He also opened up about his experience in this program and how he talked them into releasing them. He still wasn’t living his dream. He went into extreme details revealing how he became a pilot and his experiences and adventures he faced.


I absolutely loved the cover design and the photos in the book. They all had a comic or superhero feeling to them. This is helped to lure readers all of ages into wanting to check out the book. I really enjoyed reading about all of his crazy adventures. It was interesting reading about how he refused to ever give up on his dream even when people didn’t support him. He bet the incredible odds despite being labeled a misfit who wouldn’t ever fly. I remember watching some of the scenes he was a part in and they were unbelievable action packed. You can tell he is very talented in his work and has cheated death a few times. This story will inspire readers to never give up on their own dreams.

"I received this book free from the publisher, Dexterity for my honest review.”

[Arne Van Ongevalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read 5/5

Whether you are into helicopters or not, it doesn't matter. Fred's life story is amazing. It's thrilling and exciting. At some points I had a a hard time believing this actually all happened to one man.

He's had un unbelievable career but he does not brag about it. It's very well written, has some humor in it and it makes you dream yourself of more. He just goes and gets what he wants. Never doubt yourself. You are the biggest believer in yourself.

Anyway, just read it, it's that simple. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks.

[Peggy Huey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fred North has lived a life many people could be envious of—he has gotten to do the thing he most loves doing, which is flying helicopters. As a stunt pilot for many of the biggest action movies, he has pushed the boundaries of what is possible and come out the other end successfully. To document his achievements, he has written a compelling story of his life and how he got to where he is to encourage others to follow their dreams. #NetGalley

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and unbelievable adventure, it's like an action movie with one big difference... EVERY scene has a helicopter! What more could you ask for?

[Paul Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing read for anyone passionate about film and flying.

[Kati Polodna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this makes me never want to be in a helicopter—but it sure was a fun read.

[Fixie Nice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really exciting reading about an out side the box profession, really enjoyed reading and was hard to put down!