Was Prince Harry a Pilot?
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has had a long-standing passion for flying. As a member of the British royal family, he has had the opportunity to pursue his interest in aviation and has even become a licensed pilot. In this article, we will explore Prince Harry’s experience as a pilot and answer the question: was Prince Harry a pilot?
Early Interest in Flying
Prince Harry’s interest in flying dates back to his childhood. Growing up, he was fascinated by aircraft and would often watch planes take off and land at airports. This early fascination with flying led him to pursue a career in the British Army Air Corps, where he would eventually become a helicopter pilot.
Military Career
In 2006, Prince Harry joined the British Army Air Corps and began his training as a helicopter pilot. He underwent rigorous training, including flight simulations and actual flight hours, to become a qualified pilot. During his military career, Prince Harry flew a range of helicopters, including the Westland Lynx and the AgustaWestland Apache.
Pilot Licenses
Prince Harry holds several pilot licenses, including:
- Private Pilot’s License (PPL): This license allows him to fly single-engine aircraft for recreational purposes.
- Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL): This license enables him to fly for hire and allows him to carry passengers.
- Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR): This rating allows him to fly multi-engine aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Flying Experience
Prince Harry has accumulated a significant amount of flying experience during his military career. He has flown:
- Westland Lynx: A multi-role helicopter used for search and rescue, medical evacuation, and other tasks.
- AgustaWestland Apache: A twin-turbine attack helicopter used for combat and reconnaissance missions.
- Bell 412: A multi-role helicopter used for transport, medical evacuation, and other tasks.
Notable Flights
Prince Harry has been involved in several notable flights during his military career, including:
- Rescue missions: Prince Harry has participated in several rescue missions, including the rescue of two sailors from a sinking ship in 2008.
- Aid delivery: He has flown missions to deliver aid to remote areas, including a trip to Afghanistan in 2012 to deliver medical supplies.
- Royal duties: Prince Harry has flown on official royal duties, including a trip to the 2012 London Olympics.
Post-Military Career
After leaving the military in 2015, Prince Harry continued to pursue his passion for flying. He has:
- Flown privately: Prince Harry has flown privately, including a trip to Africa in 2017 to visit his charity projects.
- Supported charity work: He has used his flying skills to support charity work, including a trip to Lesotho in 2018 to deliver medical supplies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prince Harry is indeed a pilot. He has accumulated a significant amount of flying experience during his military career and has held several pilot licenses. His passion for flying has led him to pursue a career in the British Army Air Corps and has allowed him to make a positive impact through his charity work.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry holds several pilot licenses, including a Private Pilot’s License, Commercial Pilot’s License, and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating.
- He has flown a range of helicopters, including the Westland Lynx, AgustaWestland Apache, and Bell 412.
- Prince Harry has been involved in several notable flights, including rescue missions, aid delivery, and royal duties.
- He has continued to pursue his passion for flying after leaving the military, flying privately and supporting charity work.
Table: Prince Harry’s Flying Experience
Aircraft | Type | Years Flown |
---|---|---|
Westland Lynx | Multi-role helicopter | 2006-2012 |
AgustaWestland Apache | Twin-turbine attack helicopter | 2008-2012 |
Bell 412 | Multi-role helicopter | 2010-2015 |
Private aircraft | Single-engine aircraft | 2015-present |
Bullets: Prince Harry’s Pilot Licenses
• Private Pilot’s License (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL)
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)