When Mandy Hickson joined the Royal Air Force in 1994, she wasn’t out to make history. But that’s exactly what she did—becoming only the UK’s second woman to fly the Tornado GR4 operationally, flying 50 missions over Iraq, and later becoming a bestselling author and sought-after motivational speaker.
Early Talent, Early Challenges
As an undergraduate, Mandy proved her flying skills early on, winning an aerobatics competition against RAF-sponsored pilots. At 6ft tall and fiercely determined, she didn’t always fit the RAF’s image of femininity. She recalls being told to “be more feminine” and not to drink pints—a minor but telling symbol of the challenges ahead.
“I tried to be one of the lads,” she admits. “Looking back, I swore more, drank more, all to fit in.”
Sometimes, the culture around her went too far. Posters of naked women in the crew room were shrugged off—until Mandy quietly replaced them with male equivalents. By the next day, they were all replaced with scenic landscapes.
Life on the Squadron
Deployed to Kuwait with No II (AC) Squadron, Mandy was often the only woman among 250 personnel. Her efforts to fit in weren’t just social—they were strategic. She brought her boyfriend Craig (now her husband) to squadron events, making it clear she was there to work, not to disrupt.
“Having a boyfriend back home helped. It made everything smoother with the squadron and the wives.”
Despite the occasional awkward moment—like her Vegas nightclub dance-off being witnessed by the ground crew—Mandy won respect the way every pilot does: through skill, determination, and teamwork.
Changing Culture, Staying True
Mandy acknowledges that RAF culture has evolved. “What was once ‘banter’ is no longer acceptable,” she says. “But in some ways, something’s been lost. There’s a middle ground.”
Still, she celebrates the progress. During her time, the shift from the old guard to new recruits was a “breath of fresh air.” And though she was a pioneer, she and the other female pilots never set out to be role models—they were simply doing their jobs, and doing them well.
Beyond the RAF
Now married with two sons, Mandy shares her experiences with audiences worldwide. Her book, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, tells her story with warmth and candour. As a speaker, she inspires leaders, teams, and young people with lessons in resilience, teamwork, and integrity.
“You don’t feel you’re holding the weight of women’s lib. You’re just trying to do your best.”
