PRINCE Harry will learn to fly Apache attack helicopters at Wattisham Airfield, it has been announced.
The Prince will spend another eight months improving his flying skills at Middle Wallop in Hampshire before heading to the Suffolk base next year for a further stint of training.
He was presented with his provisional wings by his father, Prince Charles, at a graduating ceremony this morning after successfully completing his Army Pilots Course.
He said: “It is a huge honour to have the chance to train on the Apache, which is an awesome helicopter. There is still a huge mountain for me to climb if I am to pass the Apache training course.
“To be honest, I think it will be one of the biggest challenges in my life so far. I am very determined, though, as I do not want to let down people who have shown faith in my ability to fly this aircraft on operations. It is a seriously daunting prospect but I can’t wait.”
The Apache, the army’s elite attack helicopter, is based with 3 and 4 Regiments Army Air Corps at Wattisham Airfield, near Stowmarket.
A Clarence House spokesman said the decision had been taken by Army Air Corps commanders who judged that the Prince’s skills and flying abilities “best suited the Apache helicopter”.
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