From being one of the first women to fly the Tornado GR4 on active combat missions to becoming a bestselling author and motivational speaker, Mandy Hickson has never backed down from a challenge. Her story is one of adrenaline, resilience, and trailblazing leadership.
A Sky-High Ambition
Mandy’s aviation dream began at 13, with her first flight in a Chipmunk as an air cadet. Inspired by her grandfather, a WWII pilot, she joined the RAF against the odds—navigating sexism, scrutiny, and a system not designed with women in mind. By 1999, she had reached a lifelong goal: flying the £35 million Tornado fast jet.
“I was so excited it’s all I could do to stop myself patting it.”
Combat Under Fire
Mandy flew 50 missions over Iraq, often under fire. On one such mission, tracer fire lit up the skies, and another time, a surface-to-air missile narrowly missed her aircraft. She remembers the moment vividly—the missile exploding behind them, the flash and noise like a disco light, only far more terrifying.
Despite the danger, she stayed composed and in control, managing not only to survive but lead. Even in the face of fuel shortages and mid-air refuelling in sandstorms, Mandy's quick thinking and calm demeanour kept her and her team safe.
“You’re always a bit nervous—because they only have to get lucky once.”
Facing Obstacles on the Ground
Her time in the RAF wasn’t without friction. From crude jokes to being told to be “more feminine,” Mandy often faced outdated attitudes. But she stayed focused on her mission, relying on her skills and passion for flying to push through.
Even in training, she encountered resistance. During one inspection, her sergeant dismissed her room as “not good enough.” Later, a flight commander told her she was “too Amazonian.” But Mandy didn’t let it deter her—she kept her eye on the sky.
Life Beyond the RAF
After 17 years of service, Mandy left the RAF in 2011. Today, she lives in Winchester with her husband Craig and sons Jack and Jamie. She continues to fly as a reservist and teaches cadets, passing on her love of aviation.
She’s also built a thriving career as a motivational speaker, captivating audiences with her powerful message: with belief, hard work, and courage, anything is possible.
Her memoir, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, became a bestseller—a testament to her journey from determined teenager to fast-jet pilot and inspirational role model.
