Britain's Prince Harry Qualifies as a Combat Helicopter Pilot
British Defense Ministry officials said Wednesday Prince Harry, known in the military as Captain Wales, was recognized as the best co-pilot shooter by members of his training group.
Britain's Prince Harry is already qualified to fly an Apache attack helicopter in combat, having completed his training as the best gunman co-pilot in his group.
Prince Harry, number three heir to the British throne, trained for 18 months in Britain and in the desert and mountainous environments of the United States.
The Defense Ministry said Prince Harry would take part in exercises in Britain to gain more experience flying the Apache. Prince Harry had a brief stint in Afghanistan in 2007 and has expressed a desire to return. Defense officials have not confirmed any future deployment plans.
Prince Harry's military career matches that of his brother, Prince William, who served as a search and rescue helicopter pilot in the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic.
