Helicopter Stunts for the Latest James Bond Movie Are Insanely Dangerous

With all due respect for all the other stuntmen sometimes even risking their lives to make this movie that bit more spectacular, the grand prize has got to go to the man flying the helicopter during the opening scenes of the movie.

His name is Chuck Norris Aaron, and when he’s not flying a chopper above a crowded Mexican square with Britain’s best secret agent on board fighting off a villain, he’s a professional helicopter aerobatics pilot for Red Bull. And watching this making-of video leaves no trace of doubt about this man’s crazy abilities.

The last thing you expect to see emerging into a square from a pretty narrow street lined up with old, historic buildings is a helicopter. Sure, Nessie would have been even better, but a small unmarked chopper in military khaki with two people hanging off the side is just as good. Even more so when Mexico City’s Zócalo Square is packed to the brim with people celebrating the Day of the Dead.

Chuck Aaron, the man making sure those buildings didn’t get a close shave from one of the chopper’s blades, was drafted for this movie over the Internet. Somebody involved in making Spectre saw what he can do in a Red Bull clip, pulled Sam Mendes’ sleeve (the man who happens to be Spectre’s director), and pointed towards the screen. A few seconds later, Chuck Aaron was being asked if he’d like to take part in a James Bond movie, and he obviously said yes.

His skills did come in handy, with all sorts of barrel rolls, controlled dives and other stunts you don’t normally want to do in a helicopter being required. But as much as we’d like to sing Chuck’s praises, it’s still those people sitting in the square with a helicopter diving towards them that didn’t duck who deserve the most credit. Watch the footage below and don’t make plans for the weekend as you’ll probably be going to see the movie now, but only if there is any cinema left that still shows it.