An Officer, Not a Gentleman

The Inspirational Journey of a Pioneering Female Fighter Pilot

By: Mandy Hickson

Narrated by: Mandy Hickson

'Mandy, break right...’ Jacko’s urgent scream shatters my bubble of bliss like a balloon exploding. My right hand slams the stick across and we tip over sideways, like a hard right turn on a roller coaster. I tense my stomach muscles to accept the punch in the guts from the g-suit, which clamps my legs tight to force the blood to my brain and stop me from blacking out.

‘Missile launch, five o’clock...’ says the strained voice of my nav into my headset. I am not daydreaming anymore.

Flying a multi-million pound fighter jet in hostile territory is not an everyday career, and it comes with a high degree of pressure and responsibility. It’s a dream job that takes years of ambition, training and commitment, but for Mandy Hickson, it was a dream that became reality. Find out about Mandy’s incredible journey to become one of the UK’s first female, fast-jet pilots and how she overcame many obstacles to develop the skills to succeed in such a demanding career.

©2020 Mandy Hickson (P)2021 W F Howes

Mandy felt like she was in the room. Great spending the time to know her.

I love books that are read by their authors. Aviation has been part of my life and my dreams since I was a small boy. Mandy's story is compelling and offers a unique perspective. She is genuine, a hero, a hard worker, ordinary mom, wife, and a great storyteller, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I loved it and I appreciate you. Way done,

So glad I gave Mandy a Listen

Mandy Hickson gave a real life unvarnished and fun account of military aviation life. No f-bombs were required to reveal truth, pain and inspiration. I am happy for Mandy and those around her.
Tim Miner

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Tis a book about fighter pilots and fighter pilot training with a female bent. There's lots of Brit slang, mostly defined for the rest of us. Author tells her story of life in the RAF...the good and the not so good, the lessons learned and the fun along the way. It's a gripping read,

Amazing Story

I lived that she wrote her story without dwelling on the woman in a man’s world aspect. Of course it comes up, as it is a huge part of her life in the RAF, but she doesn’t whine about it. The book is very well written and exciting to read.

Real rush

Excellent listen, brought back memories of Air Force flying, and fighter jets. As she proves it was never easy for women to be fighter pilots in the 80s and 90s and maybe even into the 2000s. A well written book.