Former Lyneham airwoman, Flt Lt Julie
Gibson was the first woman to qualify as a pilot with
the RAF in June 1991 after completing final training
at Finningley Airbase, South Yorkshire. Her graduation
was a milestone in the 73-year history of the service.
Aged 29, became the first female transport captain in
the Royal Air Force when she converted to the left hand
seat of the Hercules C 130 aircraft.
She joined 24 Squadron at RAF Lyneham in May 1998.
Julie had been flying the Hercules for four years. Before
that, she was a co-pilot on Andover
HS748 aircraft at RAF Northolt.
Julie joined the RAF in 1984, originally as an Engineering
officer, after graduating from The City University,
London, with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. A
change of policy allowed her to become the first active
servicewoman to be awarded RAF Wings in June 1991. Julie
grew up in Devon, and in her spare time, she enjoys
riding motorcycles and is now a proud mother to James.
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