Prince William graduated from his Royal Air Force (RAF) training course on Friday and officially joined 22 Squadron, C Flight as a search and rescue co-pilot. The 28-year-old prince, who is second in line to the throne, will co-pilot Sea King Mk 3 helicopters based at RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey, northwest Wales.
On joining the RAF Search and Rescue Force (SAR) he praised the vital emergency work it carries out.
“The course has been challenging, but I have enjoyed it immensely. I absolutely love flying so it will be an honour to serve operationally with the Search and Rescue Force, helping to provide such a vital emergency service,” said Flight Lieutenant Wales, as the prince is known in the RAF.
The prince began his SAR training in January 2009 and graduates along with six fellow students. All completed 70 hours of live flying as well as 50 hours of simulator training to develop the required flying skills and meet the demanding standards expected of Search and Rescue helicopter pilots.
Prince William will now have to work on gaining the experience required to gain promotion to captain, a process that can take up to two years. SAR crews work 24 hour shifts and are expected to complete up to 10 a month. A typical tour of duty for a pilot on the SAR Force lasts from 30 to 36 months.
Despite the intensive nature of his job, the prince will continue with his royal duties as much as possible.
