Already have an account?
Get back to the

Prince Harry Qualifies as an Apache Aircraft Commander

Prince Harry
Prince Harry passed a six-hour exam, qualifying him to be an Apache Aircraft Commander.

Prince Harry is moving up the ranks! The British royal, 28, qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander within 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, Us Weekly can confirm. His commanding officer, Lt. Col. Tom de la Rue, said, "This is a tremendous achievement for Captain Wales who passed with flying colors. I am delighted that his new status as a qualified Apache Aircraft Commander and Co-Pilot Gunner places him at the very top of his profession."

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry's tour of duty in Afghanistan

During the six-hour assessment, Harry was tested in his ability to perform as an Aircraft Commander across a wide range of tactical and procedural scenarios. The son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana was required to plan and deliver patrol orders, navigate throughout and fly in a controlled airspace while conducting a simulated attack on RAF Spadeadam, in addition to managing a number of diversions and simulated aircraft emergencies.

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry's craziest scandals

Harry will continue with his normal duties as an Apache Pilot based at Wattisham Airfield. He entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May 2005. Earlier this year, Prince William's younger brother returned home from a 20-week deployment in Afghanistan; he served with the 662 Squad Army Air Corps. from September 2012 until January 2013.

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry's hottest moments

"We fire when we have to, take a life to save a life, but essentially we're more of a deterrent than anything else," the royal redhead told the British press in January. "Our job out here is to make sure the guys are safe on the ground. Now if that means shooting at someone who's shooting at them, then we'll do it."

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!