The Royal Air Force: A Centenary of Operations Tapa dura - 2018

Michael Napier joined the RAF in 1978 as a university cadet and studied aeronautical engineering at the Imperial College, London. After qualifying as a fast jet pilot in 1985, he was posted to RAF Bruggen in Germany where he spent two tours flying Tornado GR1s. He then enjoyed a short spell as a tactics instructor, flying Hawks at the Tactical Weapons Unit at RAF Chivenor in Devon, before returning to Bruggen--and the Tornado GR1--as a Flight Commander. His military flying career encompassed both the Cold War and operations over Iraq after the Gulf War.

After completing two tours as a headquarters staff officer, he left the RAF in 1997 and joined British Airways. He has over 15,000 hours of flying experience.

Michael has written a number of articles for aviation magazines including Aircraft Illustrated, Flypast, Aeroplane Monthly, and Cross & Cockade. He has also appeared on BBC radio and television and BFBS radio. He is the author of four books: Winged Crusaders: The Exploits of 14 Squadron RFC & RAF 1915-1945, Blue Diamonds: The Exploits of 14 Squadron RAF 1945-2015, Tornado Over the Tigris: Recollections of a Fast Jet Pilot, and Gloster Javelin: an Operational History. He lives in the UK.