Educated at Auchinleck Academy in Ayrshire, Chris Gibson read Geology and Mineralogy at University of Aberdeen, graduating with Honours in 1984. Chris worked in the oil exploration industry from 1985 until 2024 and his work took him all over the world, with the added bonus of the occasional glimpse of unusual aircraft. In 1978 his interest in aircraft took Chris into the Royal Observer Corps where he represented his group, area and country in aircraft recognition competitions between 1980 and 1991. On the standing down of the ROC in 1991, Chris began researching historical aviation and has written several books on unbuilt projects, particularly guided weapons, air-to-air refuelling and airborne early warning. Chris and his wife Kirsten live in the North East of England.