The Flamboyance of Female Pilots with Tornado GR4 Pilot Mandy Hickson

Mandy Hickson, author of "An Officer Not A Gentleman" shares her remarkable journey as a pioneering female pilot in the RAF flying the Tornado GR4. Sam and Mandy discuss the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field, and how pilots deal with high-stress situations. Mandy also shares a gripping story of a memorable night in combat during the Gulf War. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mandy shares a story about her experience with a personality test during military training, where she and her husband were categorised as "play now, work later," while the majority of their peers were the opposite. Mandy recounts her first flight in a Tornado jet, describing the overwhelming power and size of the aircraft compared to the smaller Hawk she had previously flown. In her first combat mission in Iraq, quick thinking and teamwork helped Mandy evade a surface-to-air missile. Retasked to attack a radar station, she faced a fuel crisis and a sandstorm, attempting aerial refueling for the first time. During a debriefing session with police officers, Mandy facilitated a discussion about mistakes, encouraging them to share their experiences. This reframing of language helped create a culture of openness, allowing the officers to discuss their "300 events" (near misses) and fostering a proactive learning environment. BEST MOMENTS "Failure is often seen as a dirty word." “"I realised I had been empowered to lead. I'd made a decision. The decision had sat on my shoulders. I was accountable." "If you ever hear yourself saying, 'I could have told you that would happen,' then why didn't you?" "It's about saying yes to things that will help you grow and gain confidence." EPISODE RESOURCES Mandy Hickson An Officer, Not a Gentleman: The inspirational journey of a pioneering female fighter pilot: https://amzn.eu/d/iuuZkbT SOCIAL LINKS www.Airmacs.com https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs ABOUT THE GUEST Mandy Hickson, a former RAF Tornado pilot, was among the first women in combat roles, completing three tours in Iraq over her 17-year career. Now a motivational speaker and author of An Officer, Not a Gentleman (35,000+ copies sold), she shares insights on leadership, teamwork, and psychological safety, inspiring others to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and foster open communication. ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring. We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight. Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard! ABOUT THE HOST Introducing Sam Macadam, your seasoned host on Airchats with Airmacs. With many years in the aviation industry, Sam is not just an enthusiast but a distinguished air charter specialist, making him a go-to authority in the field. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in air charter set him apart, having achieved several industry firsts through innovative thinking and meticulous planning.