Prince Harry, the third in line to the British throne, is now a qualified elite Apache helicopter pilot and may return to Afgha-nistan as early as next year.
The 26-year-old Royal, whose official title is Lieutenant Wales of the Army Air Corps, passed a stringent 10-month course to fly the attack helicopter and has been described as a natural flier, the Telegraph reported.
The Apache’s weaponry includes Hellfire missiles and laser-guided canons. Only the most talented trainees are offered the chance to fly the helicopter, which are each worth £35 million. Prince Harry could be eligible to return to the front line for a combat position in Afghanistan from Spring 2012, the report said.
The Prince received his flying wings in May last year, before enlisting in a “conversion to type” course at the Army Air Corps Base in Middle Wallop, Hampshire. He spent the final weeks of his course flying in the French Alps — skills which would prove vital if he returns to Afghanistan where much of the fighting takes place at high altitude.
A spokesman for the young royal said that he was “delighted” to have qualified. Prince Harry has been modest about his abilities as a pilot in the past speaking about the academic challenges posed by qualifying.