Julie Ann Gibson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julie Ann Gibson
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1963 (age 61–62) |
| Nationality |  United Kingdom |
| Education | City, University of London |
| Known for | First female pilot for the RAF |
| Aviation career | |
| Famous flights | C-130 Hercules, HS 780 Andover |
| Air force |  Royal Air Force |
| Rank |  Flight Lieutenant |
Julie Ann Gibson made history in 1991. She became the very first full-time female pilot for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Before flying, she worked as an officer on the ground. Later, she got chosen to train as a pilot. She flew Hawker Siddeley Andover planes with No. 32 Squadron RAF. After becoming a Flight Lieutenant, she flew bigger Lockheed C-130 Hercules planes.
Contents
Julie Ann Gibson's Journey to Flight
Julie Ann Gibson was born in 1963 into a military family. Her father was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. Because of his job, Julie moved around a lot as a child. She lived in many different places around the world.
Early Life and Education
Julie went to the City, University of London. In 1983, she earned a degree in aeronautical engineering. This means she studied how to design and build aircraft. While at university, she also learned how to fly planes. She joined the university's flying club, called the University Air Squadron.
Joining the Royal Air Force
In 1984, Julie Gibson joined the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. This is where RAF officers get their training. After finishing her officer training, she was sent to RAF Honington in Suffolk. Her first job was to lead a team of 75 engineers.
Later, she commanded 160 men in a unit that worked with McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jets. These jets were used for tactical weapons.
Becoming a Pilot
In 1990, Julie Gibson took her first solo flights. She flew by herself at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Another female pilot, Sally Cox, also took her first solo flights around the same time. Julie successfully applied for pilot training. She then trained in the Advanced Flying Training Wing.
On June 14, 1991, Julie Gibson officially became the first female pilot in the RAF. She graduated from No. 6 Flying Training School RAF at RAF Finningley. She was the second woman to become an RAF aircrew member. Anne-Marie Dawe was the first, qualifying as a navigator in March 1991.
Flying Different Aircraft
After becoming a pilot, Julie was assigned to No. 32 Squadron RAF. She flew Hawker Siddeley Andover planes from RAF Northolt. These planes are used for transport.
Later, she was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. She then started flying larger Lockheed C-130 Hercules planes. She flew these powerful aircraft from RAF Lyneham. The C-130 Hercules is a well-known military transport aircraft.
See also
- Jo Salter - first female combat pilot for the RAF
