Prince Harry to become Helicopter Pilot
Red On, Green On
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I passed RN grading at Roborough thirty years ago last month, and was fortunate to go solo before the FHT. Not all who passed got a solo, as it depended on weather, time etc., but it was common.
RN grading is now done by 727 at VL, and they don't go solo, either, so perhaps a keen bean-counter found a way to save 10 minutes flying time/fuel etc for each student who passed, and got his way. The grading aircraft for FAA and AAC are now provided by PFI, so it seems highly likely to me.
RN grading is now done by 727 at VL, and they don't go solo, either, so perhaps a keen bean-counter found a way to save 10 minutes flying time/fuel etc for each student who passed, and got his way. The grading aircraft for FAA and AAC are now provided by PFI, so it seems highly likely to me.
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Chief Bottle Washer
Prince Harry to fly Apache attack helicopters
Prince Harry has chosen to fly Apache attack helicopters - a decision that will almost certainly pave the way for a rapid return to Afghanistan.
By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent
Published: 6:41PM BST 06 May 2010
The prince had originally opted to fly Lynx helicopters, used for surveillance and passenger transport, but Royal sources have said he had a “last minute change of mind” and will fly Apache helicopters instead.
The decision could mean he returns to Helmand Province in the next year, once he passes the tough conversion course onto the military’s most advanced helicopter.
The Army is said to be pleased with his decision as there is still a shortage of pilots to man the 67 strong fleet of Apaches.
But it will raise constitutional questions as the Prince, known as Lt Harry Wales, will almost certainly be involved in close combat.
The Apaches operate in an infantry support role in Helmand in which their 30mm cannon allied with highly accurate targeting systems means that they are regularly used to kill the enemy.
They are also equipped with Hellfire ground attack missiles and rocket pods that can cause devastation to Taliban snipers or vehicles. However, there have been incidents in which Apaches have accidentally killed civilians or been involved in friendly fire incidents.
Prince Harry, who is regarded as a highly accomplished pilot, will complete a conversion to type course at Middle Wallop, Hants, before he becomes a fully qualified Apache pilot.
“He’s able to do it, he’s keen to do it, he’s skilled enough to do it and he will be allowed to do it,” a Royal source said.
Prince Harry last served in Helmand for 10 weeks in 2008 as a forward air controller carrying out the highly skilled job of dropping bombs on the enemy.
However, a return to the front line is likely to lead to complications after he was forced to abandon his last operational tour when an American blogger ignored a media blackout request to reveal that he was in Afghanistan.
Prince Harry will be awarded his provisional wings, known as “brevet”, after he successfully completed the demanding Operational Training Phase.
By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent
Published: 6:41PM BST 06 May 2010
The prince had originally opted to fly Lynx helicopters, used for surveillance and passenger transport, but Royal sources have said he had a “last minute change of mind” and will fly Apache helicopters instead.
The decision could mean he returns to Helmand Province in the next year, once he passes the tough conversion course onto the military’s most advanced helicopter.
The Army is said to be pleased with his decision as there is still a shortage of pilots to man the 67 strong fleet of Apaches.
But it will raise constitutional questions as the Prince, known as Lt Harry Wales, will almost certainly be involved in close combat.
The Apaches operate in an infantry support role in Helmand in which their 30mm cannon allied with highly accurate targeting systems means that they are regularly used to kill the enemy.
They are also equipped with Hellfire ground attack missiles and rocket pods that can cause devastation to Taliban snipers or vehicles. However, there have been incidents in which Apaches have accidentally killed civilians or been involved in friendly fire incidents.
Prince Harry, who is regarded as a highly accomplished pilot, will complete a conversion to type course at Middle Wallop, Hants, before he becomes a fully qualified Apache pilot.
“He’s able to do it, he’s keen to do it, he’s skilled enough to do it and he will be allowed to do it,” a Royal source said.
Prince Harry last served in Helmand for 10 weeks in 2008 as a forward air controller carrying out the highly skilled job of dropping bombs on the enemy.
However, a return to the front line is likely to lead to complications after he was forced to abandon his last operational tour when an American blogger ignored a media blackout request to reveal that he was in Afghanistan.
Prince Harry will be awarded his provisional wings, known as “brevet”, after he successfully completed the demanding Operational Training Phase.
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
There is still a shortage of pilots to man the 67 strong fleet of Apaches.
The same paper;
Three quarters of Army's Apache attack helicopters not serviceable - Telegraph
Below the Glidepath - not correcting
How many UK Apaches have never actually flown?
Why did Harry get to "choose" which to fly? I thought he would have gone where "service needs" dictate, as per most of the rest of us. Or is this common in the AAC world, that you all get to pick what you fly?
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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Could it be anything to do with Harry not wanting to be a co-pilot on the Lynx for the first half of his tour, or wouldn't that have applied to Harry?
Harry probably isn't going to be allowed to make a career in the AAC so the powers that be may want to cram as much as they can into the time available?
We didn't get a choice, half our course finished up on Skeeters!
Harry probably isn't going to be allowed to make a career in the AAC so the powers that be may want to cram as much as they can into the time available?
We didn't get a choice, half our course finished up on Skeeters!
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Everyone gets a choice* and the AAC doesn't have co-pilots. Either a pilot or Commander (a more aggressive version of aircraft Captain). He was an aircraft Captain the first time he went solo, as we all were, so will do his time before getting command regardless of airframe.
If a pilot shows proficiency, willingness, passes the pilots course and is deemed acceptable by the selection process then they will fly the Apache. The Wildcat is far more technically advanced (it’s 40 years newer) and will be equally as complicated - especially when they realise it could be heavy armed!! Would you all question it in the same way?
Well done and good luck, I wouldn't be able to do it I bet.
* The RN, AAC and RAF let you have a 'preference' as well - either way, all 3 decide on requirment and ability, that may be where the lack of choice comes from?
If a pilot shows proficiency, willingness, passes the pilots course and is deemed acceptable by the selection process then they will fly the Apache. The Wildcat is far more technically advanced (it’s 40 years newer) and will be equally as complicated - especially when they realise it could be heavy armed!! Would you all question it in the same way?
Well done and good luck, I wouldn't be able to do it I bet.
* The RN, AAC and RAF let you have a 'preference' as well - either way, all 3 decide on requirment and ability, that may be where the lack of choice comes from?
Yes, the RAF and RN let you have a preference, but the driving factor is always service requirement. In all the streaming and role disposal boards I've been involved with, I can only remember one case where someone's preference was actually taken into account.
I'm just surprised that the story is written as if the Prince was told he had passed, then asked "well, what would you like to fly next?" Anyone else could "choose" Apache and then go where the need is greatest or where their skills fit better.
I'm just surprised that the story is written as if the Prince was told he had passed, then asked "well, what would you like to fly next?" Anyone else could "choose" Apache and then go where the need is greatest or where their skills fit better.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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the AAC doesn't have co-pilots. Either a pilot or Commander (a more aggressive version of aircraft Captain). He was an aircraft Captain the first time he went solo, as we all were, so will do his time before getting command regardless of airframe.
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Originally Posted by Gnd
If a pilot shows proficiency, willingness, passes the pilots course and is deemed acceptable by the selection process then they will fly the Apache. The Wildcat is far more technically advanced (it’s 40 years newer) and will be equally as complicated - especially when they realise it could be heavy armed!! Would you all question it in the same way?
There is a certain group that hate the Royals, and are convinced that no Royal is capable of being proficient & skilled enough to tie their shoelaces, the lack of which skill is hidden by a massive government cover-up and campaign of lies about their physical co-ordination.
These persons are convinced that Harry (& William) are NOT skilled & qualified to fly military aircraft, and that they are getting into (and through) their schools etc via a process of disregarding of flight training & safety standards, which slides them through without the ability to safely operate said aircraft... "they just get away with it because they are Royals, after all" is the automatic response of such persons.
No need to exert yourself pointing out the truth of the matter... the "Harry-haters" refuse to accept the validity of anything that shows the brothers to be anything other than over-privileged incompetents getting a free ride through life.
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I have no doubt they have proved themselves proficient to operate the aircraft.
I have my doubts that they were subject to the same criteria when initially selected.
I have my doubts that they were subject to the same criteria when initially selected.
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Doubt away - the CFI is not one to be pushed about and is at his career goal so would not yield! He got the job because he can and is wanted, not because he (specifically) wanted.
The AH slot is because the Army needs AH guys and he is good enough. End off!
The AH slot is because the Army needs AH guys and he is good enough. End off!
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Didn't William get into the RAF for Pilot training despite the fact that he needs to wear corrective lenses/glasses which would automatically disqualify another potential candidate in the same situation....
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Not true any more, Mr Turtle.
Corrected eyesight has been accepted in the RAF for many years. There was a student on Jet Provosts in the middle 70s who wore glasses (as did several QFIs.) This student came very high in the final graduation order and went on to fly fast jets. He also had a minor skin problem and had a chit from the MO to grow a beard!
Corrected eyesight has been accepted in the RAF for many years. There was a student on Jet Provosts in the middle 70s who wore glasses (as did several QFIs.) This student came very high in the final graduation order and went on to fly fast jets. He also had a minor skin problem and had a chit from the MO to grow a beard!