UK's Prince Harry qualifies as Apache Commander

[News_Editor]

LONDON, ENGLAND (BNO NEWS) -- Britain's Prince Harry, the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, has qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander after passing with "flying colors" a grueling six-hour flying assessment that took him across the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Defense said on Friday.

Known in the military as Captain Harry Wales, he conducted several months of training before carrying out the flying assessment earlier this week. Third in line to the British throne, Harry serves in 3 Regiment Army Air Corps which is part of 16 Air Assault Brigade's Attack Helicopter Force.

His Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Tom de la Rue, described it as a "tremendous achievement" and said he passed with "flying colors." He pointed out that Harry's new status as a qualified Apache Aircraft Commander and Co-Pilot Gunner places him at the very top of his profession.

Harry conducted months of training to prepare himself for the assessment, which the ministry described as a "grueling" six-hour flying assessment which took him all over the United Kingdom. He flew from Wattisham up the eastern side of England to Newcastle, then across to RAF Spadeadam, then Carlisle, then down the western side of England through Manchester and Liverpool to Birmingham and then back to Wattisham.

During the course of the assessment, Harry was required to plan and deliver a comprehensive set of patrol orders, navigate throughout, fly in controlled airspace and conduct a simulated low level attack onto RAF Spadeadam as well as deal with diversions and simulated aircraft emergencies. In the process he was tested in his ability to perform as an Aircraft Commander across a wide range of tactical and procedural scenarios.

The ministry said this week's qualification was the culmination of Harry's training, which has seen him over the last three years complete the Conversion to Type Course (CTT), which teaches students to fly the aircraft, and the Conversion to Role (CTR) Course during which he was awarded the prize for the best Co-Pilot Gunner. He also deployed to Afghanistan as a co-pilot gunner with 662 Squadron and, after returning to the UK, has furthered his experience by flying missions across the country.

(Copyright 2013 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: [email protected].)

[GentlemanJim]

Excellent, that is no mean feat, the aircraft is a handful to fly and operate and there are no 'free passes' on the course, he has earned it!

[jambco984]

BZ my good man.

[LeCharivari]

Excellent, that is no mean feat, the aircraft is a handful to fly and operate and there are no 'free passes' on the course, he has earned it!

Not sure where you got the idea from that its a handful to fly - its well known as one of the easier attack helis to fly! It does have two pilots, though, unlike a Lynx which is considerably harder to fly and usually only has one.

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

[johna]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

[geriatrickid]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

Are you jealous or what?

There were no allegations raised about cheating in university. Rather the allegation was made by a teacher that was pursuing an unjust dismissal case against Eton before a labour tribunal. Eton is not a university. More specifically;

The coursework submitted by the Prince was reviewed again. The senior examiners reviewing the work had done so without knowing the identity of the candidate. " We reviewed the unit and compared it with other units he had completed for his AS level in 2003 and with the three he submitted for the A2 this year. We looked at previous GCSE work and considered handwriting, spelling and consistent language" the Edxcel spokeswoman said. "In this case it was a journal of emerging ideas written over the year and we looked at the use of different pens, at the links between the words and the sketches, the phraseology and whether the tone was consistent with the work of an 18 year old and concluded that there was no evidence that it had been written by someone else."

You object to a young man doing what young males typically do. I'm sorry that you dislike the man having a liason with some women. Would you rather he was running about Boyztown in Pattaya? The people involved were all consenting adults. harry Wales is a war veteran who probably experienced more stress and hardship in his life than you ever have. Yes, hardship. He didn't get a free pass on anything and has had his privacy breached and every move scrutinized. I doubt you could last under the public scrutiny he has endured in his short life.

You doubt he earned his wings. Are you making that assessment in your capacity as a qualified Apache instructor or as a qualified military pilot? Are you suggesting someone else piloted the helicopter in his place? Does the fact that he mastered a difficult skill distress you so much that you have to spread innuendo and engage in character assassination. The kid has earned his pay. He made some mistakes as a kid, but has learned from those mistakes and has made a contribution to society, a contribution that probably far exceeds the time you have volunteered for any charity.

I am not a monarchist, but the chap has done well considering the circumstances under which he was raised and the environment that he has had to deal with. Being raised in the public eye and being harassed by the public is not an easy life. Taking cheap shots from envious people, apparently is par for the course too.

[geriatrickid]

Excellent, that is no mean feat, the aircraft is a handful to fly and operate and there are no 'free passes' on the course, he has earned it!

Not sure where you got the idea from that its a handful to fly - its well known as one of the easier attack helis to fly! It does have two pilots, though, unlike a Lynx which is considerably harder to fly and usually only has one.

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

Ahh, so you are providing this analysis based upon your experience as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan? Or does your opinion come from your experience as a flight instructor for Apache equipment?

[F430murci]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

Good on him. Living life as a young man and doing what most of have done or would like to have done.

[Scott]

Troll post and reply removed. Please don't feed the troll.

[jambco984]

The Lynx helicopter simulator is harder to fly than the apache, IMHO.

I love the expert brigade.

Why downgrade his achievement by moaning and stating, "I know better".

I doubt he cares what we are saying about him anyway.

[Morden]

I'm no monarchist, especially as regards the dysfunctional British royal family, but I admire Harry for his dedication to the job, his forbearance when he was deliberately put in harm's way in Afghanistan and his determination to be an individual despite the pressures of his alleged royal background. He would give the monarchy a much needed lift if he ever became king but we know that will never happen.

[GentlemanJim]

Excellent, that is no mean feat, the aircraft is a handful to fly and operate and there are no 'free passes' on the course, he has earned it!

Not sure where you got the idea from that its a handful to fly - its well known as one of the easier attack helis to fly! It does have two pilots, though, unlike a Lynx which is considerably harder to fly and usually only has one.

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

Well I didn't find the Lynx difficult to fly at all. What's your opinion based on?

[jamhar]

You know what we Americans think of monarchs

But dude is in his 20's and is now a qualified Apache pilot and gunner.

As well as being third in line for the throne.

The phrase "Says little, Does alot" comes to mind.

At his age, my recollection was "to surf and try to get laid more"....... in that order

(hey I'm from SoCal, what did you expect??)

Not bad Prince Harry, not bad at all

[harryfrompattaya]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

The Poor English people believe this Junk that is important If someone in Thai doen't believe so what?

[jamhar]

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

I'm assuming you were the commander, since only the commander and Harry would know who was actually doing the flying.

And does any of this matter if you're shot down?

[simple1]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

it's a Royal Family tradion to serve in the UK Armed Forces,.some do better than others. But you obviously have not seen the documentary covering his combat assignment to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. Don't forget his brother also was a helicopter pilot. During the Falklands Campaign “the Prince’s bravery as a helicopter pilot aboard HMS Invincible in the Falklands War, acting as a decoy for Argentine Exocet missiles, is beyond question.”

[Mosha]

Excellent, that is no mean feat, the aircraft is a handful to fly and operate and there are no 'free passes' on the course, he has earned it!

Not sure where you got the idea from that its a handful to fly - its well known as one of the easier attack helis to fly! It does have two pilots, though, unlike a Lynx which is considerably harder to fly and usually only has one.

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

Ahh, so you are providing this analysis based upon your experience as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan? Or does your opinion come from your experience as a flight instructor for Apache equipment?

Wiki

[simple1]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

it's a Royal Family tradion to serve in the UK Armed Forces,.some do better than others. But you obviously have not seen the documentary covering his combat assignment to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. Don't forget his brother also was a helicopter pilot. During the Falklands Campaign “the Prince’s bravery as a helicopter pilot aboard HMS Invincible in the Falklands War, acting as a decoy for Argentine Exocet missiles, is beyond question.”

Sorry, just remembered Prince Andrew is the child of the Queen, not Harry's brother

[LeCharivari]

Excellent, that is no mean feat, the aircraft is a handful to fly and operate and there are no 'free passes' on the course, he has earned it!

Not sure where you got the idea from that its a handful to fly - its well known as one of the easier attack helis to fly! It does have two pilots, though, unlike a Lynx which is considerably harder to fly and usually only has one.

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

Ahh, so you are providing this analysis based upon your experience as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan? Or does your opinion come from your experience as a flight instructor for Apache equipment?

No, the Apache is well after my time ... and why would I need to be "a flight instructor for Apache equipment" to know that its easier to fly than a Lynx? You don't need to be Michael Schumacher to know that a Formula 1 car is harder to drive than a Toyota Yaris, as anyone who's driven both (or flown both in the case of the Apache and the Lynx) will also tell you.

[LeCharivari]

Excellent, that is no mean feat, the aircraft is a handful to fly and operate and there are no 'free passes' on the course, he has earned it!

Not sure where you got the idea from that its a handful to fly - its well known as one of the easier attack helis to fly! It does have two pilots, though, unlike a Lynx which is considerably harder to fly and usually only has one.

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

Well I didn't find the Lynx difficult to fly at all. What's your opinion based on?

In that case you'd find the Apache a doddle - its all comparative. Informed opinion from those who have flown both.

[LeCharivari]

The Apache's commander doesn't usually fly the Apache, although he can if necessary - he commands and operates the weapons systems, etc, from the front seat while the primary pilot sits in the back seat.

Very unusually the commander may sit in the back seat to pilot the Apache leaving a weaker pilot in the front "commander's" seat; during his tour in Afghanistan Captain Wales flew only in the front seat with the commander in the back seat doing the flying. Draw your own conclusions.

I'm assuming you were the commander, since only the commander and Harry would know who was actually doing the flying.

And does any of this matter if you're shot down?

Strange assumption ... if the front seat pilot (the commander/gunner) "was actually doing the flying" no-one would be able to operate the weapons systems which would make its ground attack role rather redundant - you physically can't do both at the same time and while there are dual flight controls there's only one set of gunnery/observation controls (in the front), so the rear crewman flies while the front crewman operates the weapons and observation systems and flies only when needed.

Just putting the record straight, given some of the ill-informed rubbish written about the Royals' military service (both for and against). They are what they are, and unwarranted praise is as pointless as unwarranted criticism.

[johna]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

Are you jealous or what?

There were no allegations raised about cheating in university. Rather the allegation was made by a teacher that was pursuing an unjust dismissal case against Eton before a labour tribunal. Eton is not a university. More specifically;

The coursework submitted by the Prince was reviewed again. The senior examiners reviewing the work had done so without knowing the identity of the candidate. " We reviewed the unit and compared it with other units he had completed for his AS level in 2003 and with the three he submitted for the A2 this year. We looked at previous GCSE work and considered handwriting, spelling and consistent language" the Edxcel spokeswoman said. "In this case it was a journal of emerging ideas written over the year and we looked at the use of different pens, at the links between the words and the sketches, the phraseology and whether the tone was consistent with the work of an 18 year old and concluded that there was no evidence that it had been written by someone else."

You object to a young man doing what young males typically do. I'm sorry that you dislike the man having a liason with some women. Would you rather he was running about Boyztown in Pattaya? The people involved were all consenting adults. harry Wales is a war veteran who probably experienced more stress and hardship in his life than you ever have. Yes, hardship. He didn't get a free pass on anything and has had his privacy breached and every move scrutinized. I doubt you could last under the public scrutiny he has endured in his short life.

You doubt he earned his wings. Are you making that assessment in your capacity as a qualified Apache instructor or as a qualified military pilot? Are you suggesting someone else piloted the helicopter in his place? Does the fact that he mastered a difficult skill distress you so much that you have to spread innuendo and engage in character assassination. The kid has earned his pay. He made some mistakes as a kid, but has learned from those mistakes and has made a contribution to society, a contribution that probably far exceeds the time you have volunteered for any charity.

I am not a monarchist, but the chap has done well considering the circumstances under which he was raised and the environment that he has had to deal with. Being raised in the public eye and being harassed by the public is not an easy life. Taking cheap shots from envious people, apparently is par for the course too.

Yes he has done well considering the circumstances and environment he was raised in, it's really tough being born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

[billd766]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

Are you jealous or what?

There were no allegations raised about cheating in university. Rather the allegation was made by a teacher that was pursuing an unjust dismissal case against Eton before a labour tribunal. Eton is not a university. More specifically;

The coursework submitted by the Prince was reviewed again. The senior examiners reviewing the work had done so without knowing the identity of the candidate. " We reviewed the unit and compared it with other units he had completed for his AS level in 2003 and with the three he submitted for the A2 this year. We looked at previous GCSE work and considered handwriting, spelling and consistent language" the Edxcel spokeswoman said. "In this case it was a journal of emerging ideas written over the year and we looked at the use of different pens, at the links between the words and the sketches, the phraseology and whether the tone was consistent with the work of an 18 year old and concluded that there was no evidence that it had been written by someone else."

You object to a young man doing what young males typically do. I'm sorry that you dislike the man having a liason with some women. Would you rather he was running about Boyztown in Pattaya? The people involved were all consenting adults. harry Wales is a war veteran who probably experienced more stress and hardship in his life than you ever have. Yes, hardship. He didn't get a free pass on anything and has had his privacy breached and every move scrutinized. I doubt you could last under the public scrutiny he has endured in his short life.

You doubt he earned his wings. Are you making that assessment in your capacity as a qualified Apache instructor or as a qualified military pilot? Are you suggesting someone else piloted the helicopter in his place? Does the fact that he mastered a difficult skill distress you so much that you have to spread innuendo and engage in character assassination. The kid has earned his pay. He made some mistakes as a kid, but has learned from those mistakes and has made a contribution to society, a contribution that probably far exceeds the time you have volunteered for any charity.

I am not a monarchist, but the chap has done well considering the circumstances under which he was raised and the environment that he has had to deal with. Being raised in the public eye and being harassed by the public is not an easy life. Taking cheap shots from envious people, apparently is par for the course too.

Yes he has done well considering the circumstances and environment he was raised in, it's really tough being born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

Do or can you do his job or are just another barstool warrior in Pattaya?

Those who can, do, those who can't whine.

[iancnx]

This is the same guy who cheated on his Uni exams, spends his free time butt naked in Las Vegas, and we are now expected to believe he has earned his wings, lol

Are you jealous or what?There were no allegations raised about cheating in university. Rather the allegation was made by a teacher that was pursuing an unjust dismissal case against Eton before a labour tribunal. Eton is not a university. More specifically;The coursework submitted by the Prince was reviewed again. The senior examiners reviewing the work had done so without knowing the identity of the candidate. " We reviewed the unit and compared it with other units he had completed for his AS level in 2003 and with the three he submitted for the A2 this year. We looked at previous GCSE work and considered handwriting, spelling and consistent language" the Edxcel spokeswoman said. "In this case it was a journal of emerging ideas written over the year and we looked at the use of different pens, at the links between the words and the sketches, the phraseology and whether the tone was consistent with the work of an 18 year old and concluded that there was no evidence that it had been written by someone else." You object to a young man doing what young males typically do. I'm sorry that you dislike the man having a liason with some women. Would you rather he was running about Boyztown in Pattaya? The people involved were all consenting adults. harry Wales is a war veteran who probably experienced more stress and hardship in his life than you ever have. Yes, hardship. He didn't get a free pass on anything and has had his privacy breached and every move scrutinized. I doubt you could last under the public scrutiny he has endured in his short life. You doubt he earned his wings. Are you making that assessment in your capacity as a qualified Apache instructor or as a qualified military pilot? Are you suggesting someone else piloted the helicopter in his place? Does the fact that he mastered a difficult skill distress you so much that you have to spread innuendo and engage in character assassination. The kid has earned his pay. He made some mistakes as a kid, but has learned from those mistakes and has made a contribution to society, a contribution that probably far exceeds the time you have volunteered for any charity. I am not a monarchist, but the chap has done well considering the circumstances under which he was raised and the environment that he has had to deal with. Being raised in the public eye and being harassed by the public is not an easy life. Taking cheap shots from envious people, apparently is par for the course too.

Yes he has done well considering the circumstances and environment he was raised in, it's really tough being born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

You have no idea how tough and resilient you have to be to become an officer in HM Forces let alone serve as a Forward Air Controller in battle. Additionally he is a qualified Tank Commander with the Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry Regiment. I have followed his career with interest and he has displayed exemplary leadership in service, when he could so easily have called upon a silver spoon! Now he is a qualified pilot of a very sophisticated war fighting machine and holds all the credentials to be the upstanding member of the Royal Family that he is. Hats off to HRH; he is a far better man than me!

[johna]

I am amazed that some of you believe Harry reached the top by hard work. Harry got where he is by birth, not ability, this is not jealousy, just old fashioned scepticism.

[Shaksey]

While he can fly the Apache his role is always as gunner and now also commander when he flies, that has been clearly stated in many sources. Obviously if the other guy flying it was unable then he could fly it if he had to.

As said draw your own conclusions from this.

[folium]

I am amazed that some of you believe Harry reached the top by hard work. Harry got where he is by birth, not ability, this is not jealousy, just old fashioned scepticism.

I am amazed by the sad, chippy, uniformed comments coming from folk who have only experienced combat when trying to slip out of a bar without having paid their tab.

Being an armoured recce troop leader ( that's armoured cars, wheeled or tracked, not tanks, to be really nit-picky),calls for the ability to gain the respect of your troop whilst at the same time drawing on the experience and savvy of your troop sergeant. Flying an Apache is a challenge but not one that needs a silver spoon or any other piece of cutlery. Get over the fact that the guy might be able in his own right. If he really was chuffing useless he would have met the same fate as his Uncle Edward's experience with the RM.

[Morden]

I am amazed that some of you believe Harry reached the top by hard work. Harry got where he is by birth, not ability, this is not jealousy, just old fashioned scepticism.

You are making an assumption there with no facts offered to back it up. Judging by his Uncle Edward's failure in the forces, I'm more inclined to the view that the Royals have to earn their stripes and wings the same as others do.

[Sing_Sling]

Major Snydesworth-Bettlebottom: Sadly, Prince Charles, your son failed his captain's exams

Prince Charles: Off with your head!

Major Macklesworth-Smythe: sadly, Prince, your son failed his captain's exams

Prince Charles: Off with your head!

Major Ponceton-Wibblenorth: Congratulations, Prince Charles, your son passed his captain's exams

Prince Charles: Thank you, Colonel Ponceton-Wibblenorth

Nah, good for him for putting himself in harm's way when he doesn't have to

[billd766]

I am amazed that some of you believe Harry reached the top by hard work. Harry got where he is by birth, not ability, this is not jealousy, just old fashioned scepticism.

To reply in the simplest and correct military form.

You are talking <deleted> and have NO idea of the military world at all.