Things like this have been happening for years; and long may it continue. I've had Wessex, Gazelle, Puma and Squirrel at my home - all in the interests of training, either for me or my students. It's not the norm, but it is far from the scandal the tabloids, and Radio 2 for that matter, would have us believe. It's a shame that these flights in more recent times have been seen as provoking negative press and were consequently much more difficult to get authorised.
I think it's great that Wills has been allowed to do this; hopefully it will set a precedent for everyone else to have a go. God knows, our crews deserve a few perks after all the ***** they're having to fly through daily in Afghanistan and Iraq! To all the serving helicopter crews who read this; keep up the good work; it's been an honour to have worked and trained with many of you.
All the very best
JJ