An Officer, Not a Gentleman: The Inspirational Journey of a Pioneering Female Fighter Pilot

by Mandy Hickson

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.

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction, Biography, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Autobiography, Memoir

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2020

Reviews

[Byron Edgington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we have a wee spangly book written by a bang up lass piloting her Tornado roundabout old Blighty, while happier than little miss happy. It's true what the wag said some time ago: We truly are two people separated by a common language. Ms Hickson's fine little book is more than just the dog's nuts, it's a well crafted memoir detailing her perilous rise in aviation to become the first 'fast-jet' pilot in the RAF. It's a gripping read, as Hickson takes us through the various levels of her qualification, and grading, and flight proficiency, and training, all while being under perhaps more scrutiny than her male colleagues. But she comes through without being a numpty, or cocking it up too badly, and does indeed qualify to command the Tornado, Britain's top of the line attack jet, and then she proves her mettle in combat out of Kuwait. I make light of the British-isms, but there were times, admittedly, that this yank had a bit of a melon-twister trying to interpret her lingo. Neeps? Tatties? Faffing? Bulling your boots? Hubbly-Bubbly? Under the cosh? I flew for a living for many years, but I admit to being lost at times, not in the dark over the battle zone when it was nail-biting, squeaky-bum time, but in figuring out what the phrases meant. It was all good fun, and it is a great read. I was a bit mystified that alcohol still seemed to hold its central place in aviation ranks, and that girlie pics still adorned walls of flyboy barracks, but the story is told from a twenty-years ago perspective, so perhaps that's changed. In any case, this book will not disappoint, so chocks away!An Officer, Not a Gentleman: The inspirational journey of a pioneering female fighter pilot

[Liam || Books 'n Beards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! Not amazing but well read by the author and an interesting look at a woman breaking into the machismo and testosterone filled world of fighter pilots.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with her??? Listening to this audiobook felt like she was my best mate and mentor all in one

[Cedric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about the journey of a female fighter pilot in the RAF. A lot of small personal stories make the struggles really palpable.

[Selma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book to read, for several reasons. The first being because one of my closest friends is in the US air force, is also female and has described some similar things Mandy has gone through during her training and career. For example, she’s mentioned her 4-week officer training and how rigorous and demanding that was, and reading Mandy’s account of her own officer training was really enlightening to the full extent of what that must have been like. It’s interesting hearing Mandy’s story, especially because most of it takes place 10-20 years ago, and I’m curious to know what the RAF is like now. Have they accepted more women? Is it still as misogynistic?

Although this book is mainly marketed at being female in a male dominated subsection of society, I’m happy to see Mandy’s own take on it. She doesn’t focus on it too much and just gets on with the job - She doesn’t really see gender even though is sometimes acutely reminded of it. Everyone responds to integrating in different ways, Mandy’s was to ‘try and be one of the lads’ which is completely valid.

I’m curious about her social life and how that’s been affected by being a person in a leadership position– if at all. From what I understand of the military, it’s important for those in leadership to keep an arm’s length distance from certain peers. Not due to elitism but because fundamentally, at the end of the day, the leader still needs to lead others, so they need to respect you. It’s all well and good being friends, but that can’t cloud how they see you in a professional light.
Mandy really breaks these rules, and acknowledges it – even as she recalls how her former peer became a supervisor and she was wrong for addressing him casually; how she started seeing her now husband in secret because they were both part of the RAF at the time.
* What I understand from the military is a really small sample size. Aka my aforementioned BFF (Airforce; US) and my dad (Army; Singapore - during the time the British were still training their colonies). You’d think different countries have different rules but I guess some things are universal.

Another reason this book was interesting is being because I used to LIVE near the RAF Wiltshire base. I remember hearing what sounded like gunshots during the days and planes flying overhead at night and staying awake wondering what they were doing just down the road. Well, I guess I found out.

I’m glad I read this and Mandy shared her story with us, however didn’t find it as enjoyable as I might have, had read it during other periods in my life. Maybe this is just not the right book for my mental headspace right now.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy Hickson spoke to a group of Air Ambulance volunteers a couple of years ago and blew me away. Her personal energy is infectious and inspiring so I bought the book.

I think that if I hadn't met her and seen her in the flesh, I wouldn't have enjoyed this book as much. I needed to have her voice and her spirit in my head when I was reading. The book, sadly, is a bit 'dry'. There's only so much I can take of detailed descriptions of flying.

If you are looking for 'bursting through the glass ceiling' type stuff, she's done it, but she's remarkably understated about it.

[Evie Coghill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, insightful and sometimes very raw. It captures the beauty and addiction of Aviation whilst highlighting some of the sacrifices, darker sides and ongoing issues faced by those in the industry.

Reading this book makes you realise it’s time to get your big girl pants on and keep chasing and achieving the dreams, whilst inspiring others in the process 👏🏼 10/10, what a woman!!

[Srinu Maddula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent read, I was more interested for the aeronautics/military aspect then the point of the book itself. It did its job, definitely not the best book. I’ve read, probably under the lower end of the spectrum of books id read. Good learning experience about the military and flying but overall lacks much of any type of emotion etc.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real insight into the RAF and what is required to qualify as a fast jet fighter pilot. it was inspiring to read, and I loved that Mandy was able to blaze a trail for women and what can be achieved with hard work and commitment.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. From the opening when Mandy is fired upon by a SAM I was hooked and knew I would like this book. "Wellsey" did not disappoint and led me on several journeys: 1) the journey of a combat fighter pilot 2) the journey of a woman navigating the RAF and being a pilot and all the challenges, sexism, and misogyny that goes with this 3) the journey of a woman who reaches the crossroads and decision about career and or even vs family and what to do at this crossroads 4) the development of a leader and 5) the development of an expert who becomes mentor and teacher and someone who finds their passion and calling in life.

This book tells the tale of Mandy Hickson (nae Wells) from her early years and how she became a pilot and all the self-doubt that comes with being a woman in a mostly male dominated world. Mandy details her training and that she, or any other pilot in training, could fail at any time and be asked to leave or one could quit. Very much like many of the US Navy SEAL books I have read the same seemed to apply in the RAF and that is once the service has spent many years and hundreds of thousands of dollars training you they want you to stay and Mandy experienced this with one of her training flights to regain her confidence.

This book also has some very important leadership and team formation elements as a debrief is held after each mission and if a mistake is made one faces the dilemma to keep the mistake to themselves or bring to the attention of the group for all to learn from which could save future lives and it was great to read about this transformation in the RAF student pilots.

This book also includes some incredible hysteria, some military hysteria and some just funny hijinks that I loved and at times I was laughing so hard I was crying.

Mandy concludes the book with the story about student Emily and the best way for me to sum this up is with a Star Wars analogy when Darth Vader says to Obi-Wan, now I am the master and Mandy has come full circle, as a master pilot, through her incredible career and being a trailblazer to be in a position to offer encouragement, mentorship and guidance to the next generation following in her footsteps.

I highly recommend this book it is incredible and one of the best combat and military books I have read.

[Lucy-Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy Hickson was one of the first women to break boundaries and become a fast jet pilot in the RAF. From her early days in Air Cadets, through university Air Squadrons to joining the RAF officer training and ultimately to flying over Iraq as pilot of a Tornado GR4 fighter jet, Mandy shares the highs and lows of her journey.
There were moments that made me want to scream (mostly when she was judged as “a woman” not for her ability), and times that really warmed my heart (such as the evening when her team rallied round to help her grasp the finer points of formation flying).
I particularly liked the “you need to be more feminine” remark from the officer & her response of “With all due respect, Sir, when would you like me to be more feminine? Is it when I’m wearing my flying kit? Or when I’m crawling through mud and hiding in bushes in my combat trousers and jacket? Or is it in the bar when I’m wearing a skirt and drinking half-pints?” “Yes, but you do insist on buying two half-pints”
An Officer, Not a Gentleman is a very easy to read, eye-opening & amusing biography and the writing style is very much as though Mandy is speaking to you, telling her story as obstacle after obstacle were put in her way & she trampled over them, never giving up on her dream. Time after time, she proved that women are just as good as men!
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook – having the author read it makes it so much more personal & it’s not only a great story but also includes some excellent life lessons! I really loved “Emily’s story” – a moment when Mandy was able to inspire a teenager who also had a dream to fly

Disclosure: I received a copy of this audiobook free from the publisher via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.

#BookReview #NetGalley #AudioBook #MandyHickson

[Big Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day teenage Mandy chose to forego her weekly dose of Tom Selleck as Magnum PI on TV and at her mums suggestion enrol with the local Air Cadets changed her life. From Air Cadet to hurtling over the Southern Iraq desert as pilot of a Tornado GR4 fighter jet wasn't an easy path and this book takes the reader through the highs and lows of her journey to get there.

With a prologue that gripped me instantly my intention to just read the first couple of chapters was soon forgotten and before I knew it I was halfway through this compelling book.

Being a female training in such a male dominated environment certainly had its challenges and the author makes light of the times she was singled out for her many failings or misdemeanours, instead focusing on the positives and carrying on, determined to reach her goal. From parade squares, kit inspections and crawling around in damp undergrowth to the dizzy heights of achieving her dreams this was an inspiring read.

I listened to audiobook of this one, narrated by the author and for me that worked. I immediately warmed to her self-deprecating humour and easy tone and I liked the way she spoke warmly of colleagues, friends and support staff, the camaraderie she felt at being part of her team so obviously apparent. There's a lot to admire about someone who having achieved her goals can look back over her journey and with so much to be proud of, accept that she had failings.

I liked the book and I liked the way it was told, respect and credit on both counts to the author.

My thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy for review purposes. I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fascinating and Insirational Memoir.
Well I don't know where to start - such a powerful story of passion to be a fast jet pilot in a male dominated vocation. Mandy is definitely the "right stuff" for the job, and the reader gains fascinating insights into life in the RAF. Despite Mandy's natural ability, amazing talent and incredible motivation, there are low times too and she writes with honesty about the darker days and her vulnerabilities and weaknesses. She is often pulled through by team work and it made me cry when her colleagues supported her to grasp the battle turns. The brutal training in the field and the 'behind enemy lines' training was an absolute eye-opener. The reader can only marvel at Mandy's resilience and motivation.

The memoir also highlights the issue of loss of military personnel during peacetime - an issue which is not often talked about, and in fact a little research on the issue shows that throughout the decades many thousands have been lost during peacetime.

It's heartwarming to read of Mandy's journey as she overcomes various disappointments, culminating in her growing into a role model and motivational speaker - a perfect ending for a truly amazing woman who never gave up - flying was in her blood, and she pursued that passion to the utmost.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I applaud Mandy for getting to the dizzy heights of a Tornado Pilot at a time when equality was maybe just starting to change a bit for the better. My father was in the RAF and was based at Cottesmore when it was trinational tornado training (TTTE). When he retired after full service I wondered as a kid where I possibly would have ended up had he been in for longer. In Lossie!
It’s an easy read. Enjoyable at times but from a personal point a bit annoying also. I’m ex army and for me it just reinforces the divide between the forces when it comes down to the hard life the raf have of having to go to Vegas and partying all the time. Rubbing shoulders with the Saudi royal family one night and just popping over the yacht the next day on a flight. Then say how tough life is sat in “slipper city”. It’s a bit insulting but that’s the choice of profession.
It’s good but it is a bit “tally ho-what what-tea and biscuits-pass the port”
That said I praise Mandy for inspiring those in her position for when the opportunity presents itself to grab it with both hands and not let the doubters beat you. I hope Emily is continuing her path

[Maude Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed this book.

The author has been through a lot and as a woman in a male-dominated field for my day job, I can relate to many of her experiences in trying to code-switch and stay true to myself. I like that she didn't support the whole toxic "cool girl" sort of ideal in her book. She was always true to being a woman in a difficult field but didn't let it get her down! It can be so hard to swim upstream. I liked that her male colleagues supported her and stood up for her and that she acknowledged she often didn't see it at first. This has been my professional experience in life and, sadly, having men point it out (especially superiors) has been more impactful than if I spoke up.

While I am an aviation enthusiast, this is not just for those who love aircraft! I think anyone (especially women) could appreciate her struggle and her persistence. It is inspiring. Women do hard things and they work twice as hard to get where they want to be.

If I had a daughter in the age range for this book, I would have her read it. I think it's a great read for young women.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this rather than read, it's narrated by the author. Tells story of one of the only at the time female fast jet pilots. The issues encountered whilst applying, training and working as a pilot in a world designed and arranged by men. It's an insight into the RAF and how that part of its world works, I never realised so much of what goes on, and the challenges this presents when, for example men can wee in the air but women can't, life is alot about drinking off duty, you can die very easily in fast jet planes, you need to know technical details of not just your plane but the other sides too plus what their weapons can do. Hilarious at times, at others I asked myself, why would you want to do that but told with a detachment to the actual business of war it's about the author, her life and trials and achievements. Very much enjoyed, would appeal to both genders.

[Amanda Jeram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration beyond words

Well if I could give more than 5 stars I would!!!

This book is the most incredible biography of an incredible, forward thinking dedicated and passionate woman
It has to be the first book about the military services that I've really got into and understood.
The way Mandy writes, its as if she's speaking to you and I couldnt get enough.
Ots truly amazing to hear this from a perspective that I can understans.
Very humbling to read what training the RAF have to go through to be the Elite that they are. Really takes an amazing amount of mental toughness.
Thank-you for a motivational, truthful, emotional, humbling learning experience.

[Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having had a couple of motivational speeches from Mandy in the past (my school really liked her), it was great to read about her journey in a lot more detail.
Absolutely fascinating account of what it was like becoming a Tornado pilot, and being quite a groundbreaking one at that. Well written with some incredibly detailed parts that just take you to the time and place, well mixed in with some really hilarious moments.
I don’t like to use the word inspirational, but this book really is great, and if you ever get a chance to heard Mandy speak about her experiences, I’d thoroughly recommend that too. The Emily story is even better when she’s telling it!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read as Mandy Hickson’s self published work is an inspiration to all, but particularly to females, to show success in what has previously been a male dominated career in the RAF- fast jet flying. With the support of a small number of officers, Mandy overcame selection processes with the bias against female success, challenges of dress and personal equipment designed for males and the prejudices of a number who considered this was a male only environment. I was pleased to see that even after leaving the RAF she continues to speak and inspire others to reach for their goals. A book I would highly recommend.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An Officer, Not A Gentleman" is not your ordinary female fast jet pilot story. It's a story about not just the first Royal Air Force female Tornado pilot and her long training unique process to get there, but also about a story of becoming. Although Mandy wasn't flying during OPERATION ALLIED FORCE in 1999 over Kosovo or OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003, Mandy did see action flying over the Iraqi no-fly zones and writes about that. Mandy also gives some good life lessons in the book, especially about the importance of helping others accomplish their dreams.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was something different for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Listened to Mandy whilst I was out running and walking on audio book. My husband was in the RAF for 23 years so some of the jargon wasn't new to me. Loved the bits when she came to RAF Lossiemouth - I can see the landing lights from my house and the old Milltown airfield which is literally across the field. It was a fantastic insight into the male dominated world of the fast jet pilot and kept me interested from start to finish. Glad she realised all her dreams.

[Tk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can’t believe I ever wanted to be a pilot. Normally when I read a memoir/biography about a person who has an interesting job I always want to do said job. Not this time, still a cool job but I was getting anxiety just reading it, probs not helpful that I read part of it whilst on a plane.

Got to watch Mandy give an excellent speech at an event and wanted to read more about her story. Some of the key stories from the speech are ‘repeated’ in this book so tried not to judge it on this. Overall a decent memoir. She’s an excellent speaker, maybe I should have audiobooked it

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty easy read and wasn't tangled up with too many abbreviations and jargon (there is a glossary at the back of you need it). Mandy Hickson comes across as very real and a regular person who just happens to have done some awesome stuff. I found the book engaging and quite funny in places and sobering in others. If you are interested in aviation and military flying, this is a great read.

[Kev S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read and well-balanced resume of the RAF's recruiting, training and utilisation of their fast-jet pilots. Particularly enjoyed reading about the challenges 'Big Bird' faced in overcoming the predominately male-oriented and testosterone-fuelled prejudices that did exist at the time. Moreover, as an ex-serving RAF officer, I totally agree with her candid views on Harrier pilots.

Good luck with your alternative career Mandy and fly safe.

[DAVID PLUMMER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

The author showed how much the military, especially the RAF did not want women in their ranks. Her bosses put so many obstacles in her way hoping she would fall flat on her face. She proved them wrong and became a front line Tornado pilot.The only problem was that they stitched her up again towards the end of her service. The sooner these dinosaurs realise that women can do the same jobs as men and even better than some men the better the RAF will be.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thought of a woman breaking ground in a testosterone filled environment hooked me to this. Amanda Wells, fought hard to become a fast-jet pilot, but then so did her male counterparts. There were a few minor (and only a few) bumps on her journey. For me, this book highlights how difficult the path to fast-jet pilot is and how determined one must be. It does credit to the RAF and the folk she worked alongside of. Well done her. Well done all of them.

[Steve Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best

This was an unputdownable book. I have read many autobiographies, military and civilian, but this was the best. The author gets right down into the darkness of self doubt, of errors and possible consequences but at the end of the day rose above them to become among the very best at her trade.
My sincere thanks for your service and congratulations on your achievements

[Peter Dundee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great storyW

As a long time aviation fan this was a shot in the dark for me. Seemed to be a great book I would like. Much more than that I loved it, it has it all, Mandy is all too human and open in her writing. It is an inspiration to me to read what she went through to get what she wanted. I am sorry it ended, but you are awesome and an inspiration to a whole new generation of capable new female Friends Nancy's. Thank you for your honesty.

[Fran Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. An easy reader, and for me, relatable and emotive. I can tell you some things have not changed! The bedding in No1 mess, 30 odd years later, is still the same, the camaraderie when you need it most and the occasional sexist comment from a higher ranking man are still here in today’s RAF. I cried a few times, smiled a lot and got a really good, no aircrew bollocks insight into Mandy’s cockpit and mind. Would recommend.

[John Stieven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping to learn more about what it was like to be at the beginning of an age when women were permitted to fly combat aircraft. Mandy's story is inspiring to all who encounter adversity to reach their goals -- which really is all of us!

The British flying schools are way ahead of the US with what they expect of their junior officer flying candidates.

Easy reading -- recommend especially if have a teen girl in your household for inspiration