LEGENDARY rocker Bruce Dickinson joined and British Superbike rider Peter “Hicky” Hickman soared into the skies over North Yorkshire – courtesy of the RAF.

The Iron Maiden front man and Peter – who rides for the RAF Reserves BMW British Superbike team - flew in the back seat of a 100 Squadron Hawk Jet during a routine training sortie from RAF Leeming

As well as performing at some of the biggest stages around the world, the rocker is also a highly experienced airline pilot - and even flew a group of RAF personnel back from Afghanistan in 2008.

“This is the first time I have flown in an RAF fast jet so it’s quite exciting,” he said.

Iron Maiden’s “Trooper” beer sponsored Peter’s superbike during this year’s Isle of Man TT and Bruce described the link as “brilliant.”

He added: “The bike looks great and Peter can obviously ride like a bat out of hell. Iron Maiden and bikes have always had quite a connection.”

Peter, 28, has been riding since the age of 12 and finished seventh in his second Isle of Man TT this year.

"I wanted to be a fighter pilot as a kid growing up at school – and the closest I could get to it was riding a superbike," he said.

"I think bikes and planes go well together. There are a lot of pilots and people in the RAF who love bikes and vice versa. There’s a real connection there.”

Pilot Flight Lieutenant Jim Whitworth said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host Bruce and Peter here at RAF Leeming. They were both very enthusiastic and had a fantastic flight in some great weather. Hopefully this will form a close bond between 100 Sqn and the RAF Reserves Superbike team.”