An Officer, Not a Gentleman cover art

An Officer, Not a Gentleman

The Inspirational Journey of a Pioneering Female Fighter Pilot

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An Officer, Not a Gentleman

By: Mandy Hickson
Narrated by: Mandy Hickson
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About this listen

'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 Engineering Military & War Aviation Military Air Force
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I was sceptical about this book initially. As I believed that as a man and as someone that isn't a pilot or even looking to become one, I would not be able to relate to the content in this book.
However I was proven completely wrong. The story was thrilling and the book was excellent to listen too. it had me hooked from the first chapter. I encourage anyone that is having similar thoughts that I had to give this one a listen.
while entertaining it was also educational. I feel as though I have learnt alot from this book. Especially about the hardships endured to become a RAF pilot. Even more so about what it is like to be a woman in the Armed services. It was extremely I opening and will be listening to this book again.
If the author reads this, thank you for writing this

surprisingly good

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What a fantastic book full of humour, overcoming adversity and fulfilling dreams.

I don't normally like authors narrating their own books but Mandy was perfect.

Amazing read for anyone even remotely interested in aviation.

Fantastic, I couldn't put it down

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inspirational and riveting story. a truly remarkable person with a fascinating life experience. I completely recommend this book.

terrific read

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Mandie breaks down the historic barrier that has prevented women aviators from entering airforce careers and dispels the myth that women pilots can’t make the grade.

Dispelling the myth

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Enjoyed the telling of a very personal experience that gave me a much better understanding of what it takes to be your best but also make the most of every opportunity that you get.

Great story

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That’s was a great read
And to have the person that the book Is about narrating it it a lot better

Great book

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Great read, interesting and inspiring . Enjoyed this a lot , narrated well too. Definitely recommend this

Inspired read

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Wow! So impressed with this book.
Tornado GR4 is my favourite aircraft so naturally I leapt at the opportunity to read.
Mandy’s words and narration are superb. I especially liked the anecdote about problem solving with a full bladder!

Through Adversity To The Stars

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I found this very easy to listen too and very well written. I was hooked from the moment Mandy started talking and wasn't able to stop. It was a facinating read about the hurdles she encountered in the RAF to achieve her dream.

Great book and well narrated.

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The author is so genuine and open about her experiences. I love how she’s not afraid to say it all - the good, the bad and the ugly. Highly recommended!

Fantastic audiobook

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