Prince Harry qualifies as Apache Aircraft Commander

PRINCE Harry has qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander, to take overall control of the two-man helicopter during missions.

Prince Harry, now a fully qualified Apache helicopter pilot. Picture: Getty

The 28-year-old, who earlier this year completed a tour of Afghanistan as an Apache Co-Pilot Gunner, qualified in his new role this week.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tom de la Rue, said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Captain Wales. I am delighted that his new status as a qualified Apache Aircraft Commander and 
Co-Pilot Gunner places him at the very top of his profession.”

Harry’s new qualification is the culmination of three years of training which has seen him learn how to fly the Apache and use its deadly firepower, and conduct missions in Afghanistan.

An MoD spokesman said the prince had to plan and deliver patrol orders navigating throughout, fly in a controlled airspace and conduct a simulated attack on RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria, and at the same time manage a number of diversions and simulated aircraft emergencies.

Prince Harry will continue with normal duties based at Wattisham Airfield.