Britain's Prince Harry, left, smiles as he receives his helicopter pilot's wings from his father, Prince Charles, at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, England, Friday May 7, 2010. The British Army has confirmed that Harry is to train as an Apache attack helicopter pilot.(AP Photo/Eddie Keogh, pool)
Prince Harry today, May 7, received his provisional helicopter flying wings from Prince Charles, his father and Colonel in Chief of the Army Air Corps. Prince Harry completed his eight-month basic helicopter training last month.
While Prince Harry had reportedly leaned towards becoming a Lynx helicopter pilot, he was told by his commanding officers that he was good enough to train as an Apache pilot instead. Previously, it was reported that the Prince had not felt he had enough ability to fly the Apache and preferred the Lynx, but his commanding officers had a different opinion.
The Prince will go on to train in the specifics on the highly-computerized helicopter. At the ceremony in the Museum of Army Flying, Middle Wallop, Hampshire, Prince Harry stated that it was an honor to have the opportunity to fly the "awesome helicopter" and that the coming challenge may be one of the biggest of his life.
Prince Harry's girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, attended the ceremony in a rare public appearance. Other attendees included the Prince's aunts Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, the late Princess Diana's sister. Chelsy Davy wore a cream chiffon mini dress with matching jacket and heels.
Nine members of the Army Air Corps received their wings and Prince Charles complimented his son on his smart appearance. The event was a double ceremony for Prince Harry: Not only did he gain his provisional wings, he received the Peter Adams Trophy for the best tactical ability during training.
Apache helicopters are designed as attack craft and guard craft for supply flights, and Prince Harry's decision may bring him back to the front line in Afghanistan, from which he was evacuated after an Australian magazine broke a news embargo to reveal his presence there in 2008.
A Ministry of Defence statement said that Prince Harry had accumulated around 220 flying hours and that he learned to fly the Firefly fixed wing aircraft as well as the Squirrel helicopter.
Prince William is also training as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.
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