Prince William To Train At RAF Valley In 2009

by Sarah
(Wales)

Prince William will join 203 Squadron at RAF Valley on Anglesey in 2009, during his 3 year training to become an RAF search and rescue pilot.

Flight Lieutenant Wales has already started the first stage of his training programme at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, where he flies the early training Squirrel helicopter.

If this stage goes to plan, Prince William is expected to move to 203 Squadron, the Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) on the island by the middle of this year.

Squadron Leader Pollard at RAF Valley expects William to fit into a close-knit team from the outset.

During his time with 203 Squadron, Ft Lt Wales will initially fly the Griffin helicopter, a larger and faster craft than the Squirrel.

He is then expected to progress to the Sea King before completing his training in early 2011. The Sea King is often seen on search and rescue operations and can carry over 20 passengers.

During his training, William could be involved in serious incidents such as rescue operations in floods, such as in Gloucester, as well as train crashes and rescuing people with broken limbs on the Snowdon mountains.



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