Brit prince to become a search-and-rescue pilot

[unhappycamper]

Brit prince to become a search-and-rescue pilot
By Jill Lawless - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Sep 15, 2008 13:49:29 EDT

LONDON — Britain’s Prince William plans to become a full-time search-and-rescue pilot in the Royal Air Force, royal officials said Monday.

The prince’s Clarence House office said William would begin an 18-month training program in January.

William, 26, learned to fly earlier this year during a stint with the air force. He also has served for several months with the Royal Navy and is an officer in the British army.

Clarence House said the second in line to the throne would transfer from the army to the air force, where he will hold the rank of flying officer. If he completes his course, he will fly Sea King helicopters with one of the RAF’s six search-and-rescue teams.

“The time I spent with the RAF earlier this year made me realize how much I love flying,” said William, who was criticized for landing an air force helicopter on his girlfriend Kate Middleton’s lawn during his training, and for using another chopper to fly to a bachelor party on the Isle of Wight.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_prince_william_091508/%2e