MIKE BROOKE joined the RAF in 1962 and became a flying instructor and experimental test pilot. In 1984, after twenty-two years in flying appointments, he was sent to the RAF Advanced Staff College, promoted to wing commander, and took command of flying at RAF Farnborough. Leaving the RAF in 1994, Brooke became a test-flying consultant, retiring in 2004. In 1984, he was awarded the Air Force Cross by HM Queen Elizabeth II and is a fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.