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Britains Prince William to train as a pilot
LONDON - Britains Prince William is to join the Royal Air Force on Monday for a four-month intensive pilot training course, RAF chiefs said. The 25-year-old, who is second in line to the throne, will take to the skies with an instructor to earn his wings. The shortened course would normally take three or four years.He is temporarily leaving his army role for the attachment, which is aimed at helping to prepare him for his future role as head of the armed forces. His father Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, did likewise in 1971. Army officer William has served for a year as a second lieutenant in the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry, following his graduation from the elite Sandhurst military academy. He is a troop commander in charge of armoured Scimitar vehicles. While in the RAF, he will be known as Flying Officer William Wales -- equivalent to his army rank -- and wear an RAF uniform. We have adapted the course and we have cut out anything superfluous to his specific needs because were not teaching him to be an operational pilot, were teaching him to be a competent pilot, said Squadron Leader Kevin Marsh, who is overseeing the princes attachment. Its going to be pretty tough. We expect him to work five days a week, hell be flying probably twice a day and hell have study to do in the evenings as well. After four months with the RAF, William will serve on attachment to the Royal Navy. The prince is gradually being groomed for his future duties as prince of Wales and as king. He has already represented Queen Elizabeth II on a handful of occasions. Posted by: Steve White 2008-01-05 |
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