Wattisham:Prince Harry Finishes Training

9th February 2012, 06:00

After 18 months of training in Suffolk, Prince Harry is now a qualified apache pilot.

Captain Wales was last night handed the prize of being best co-pilot gunner on completing 18 months of rigorous training on the  Attack Helicopter.
 
During a dinner to mark the end of the course, Captain Wales and his fellow students were congratulated by Apache Force Commander, Col Neale Moss, who said they were now up to the challenge of operating one of the most sophisticated attack helicopters in the world.
 
The prize of best co-pilot gunner marks out the student whose overall performance during the course is assessed as the best amongst their peer group.

Col Neale Moss, Commander of the Attack Helicopter Force at Wattisham Station, said:
'The Apache course is extremely challenging teaching and testing students in their flying skills, decision making and mental agility on exercise all over the country and abroad. They are assessed continually to ensure that they are up to the challenge of operating one of the most sophisticated attack helicopters in the world.'
 
'This requires composure, dedication and hard work and I congratulate all of the students as they go forward to join an operational squadron and continue to learn more in their aviation careers.'

Captain Wales will be assigned to 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps where he will gain wider experience flying Apaches and taking part in exercises in the United Kingdom.

He could also end up being posted back to the front line in Afghanistan.