He officially transferred from the British Army into the RAF in the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He will begin training at the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury which will form part of his training to become an RAF Search and Rescue pilot. The role of the DHFS is to train and develop, to the highest possible standards, helicopter pilots and crews for Rotary Wing aircraft of all 3 Services.

Flight Lieutenant Wales will start his helicopter training on 705 Squadron flying the single-engine Squirrel helicopter. He will complete an initial period of training to refresh his previously learned skills followed by a package of instruction which will enable him to meet the entry standards of Sixty (R) Squadron where he will fly the Griffin. The Griffin is the RAF’s twin-engine Advanced Flying Training helicopter. Flight Lieutenant Wales will complete exactly the same syllabus as his fellow course mates on Sixty (R) Squadron. During this time he will also complete some specialist Search and Rescue training on the Search and Rescue Training Unit or SARTU at RAF Valley. After completing training at Shawbury with DHFS, Flight Lieutenant Wales will continue his training to become a Search and Rescue pilot on the Sea King at RAF Valley.

The RAF is very proud of its links with the Royal family and all involved are looking forward to welcoming Flight Lieutenant Wales into the Royal Air Force.

Source: RAF