I think some people found
Not everybody.
And I think some people
However, no one I ever worked with
was openly against women pilots.
I think I heard a couple of times,
"I don't really believe in women pilots,
but you're okay, Julie."
Or something like that.
I don't believe in women pilots, but you're ok.
The RAF began recruiting female pilots in 1989. RAF engineering officer Julie Ann Gibson sent in her application on the very first day it became possible and, in 1991, was the first female regular officer to graduate as an RAF pilot. She specialised in flying multi-engine aircraft and became a Captain on Lockheed Hercules aircraft, based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. She delivered personnel and equipment to locations around the world.
| Role Pilot | Rank Flt Lt | Age 25 |
I came out as transgender while serving.
Ayla Holdom
I saw a job advert in Cosmopolitan
Suzanne Flynn
I'm a rebel woman.
Katherine Du Plat-Taylor
He was worried I'd be a 'typical female'.
Wg Cdr Louise Henton
I was stubborn: I had to prove I could do it.
Michelle Partington
I was afraid that someone would have to lay down their life to protect me.
Eleanor Rance
Just get out of Dover
Katherine Du Plat-Taylor
My sexuality has no impact on my role in the RAF.
Kate Brophy
War is dark and terrible. And sometimes funny.
Sara Waymont
Women have proved themselves just as good as our male counterparts.
Joan Ochuodho
