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, flying the DC10 and Boeing 777 as a First Officer. He became a Captain on the Airbus A320 in 2005 and has over 15,000 hours' 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 and Blue Diamonds - The Exploits of 14 Squadron RAF 1945-2015 form a two-volume history of 14 Squadron, Tornado Over the Tigris - Recollections of a Fast Jet Pilot is a memoir of his flying experiences in the RAF and Gloster Javelin: an Operational History tells the story of the Javelin in RAF service. All four books have been published by Pen & Sword Books and all have been very well received by critics. He is currently working on an operational history of the Tornado GR1.