<p>Prince Harry has qualified as an Apache helicopter commander with "flying colours" after completing three years of training, the UK's Ministry of Defence has announced.<br /><br /></p>.<p>While it does not mark a change in his rank as Captain in the Army Air Corps, the qualification means he can now take overall control of the helicopter on missions.<br /><br />"This is a tremendous achievement for Captain Wales, who passed with flying colours. 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," said his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tom de al Rue.<br /><br />Prince Harry's qualification was the culmination of three years of training.<br /><br />The third in line to Britain's throne passed after undergoing a six-hour assessment earlier this week, including a simulated attack on RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria.<br /><br />The assessment comprehensively tested his ability to perform as an aircraft commander across a wide range of tactical and procedural scenarios.<br /><br />Earlier this year, the 28-year-old had completed a five-month tour of Afghanistan as a co-pilot gunner.<br /><br />During his deployment in Helmand, the Prince – known as Captain Wales in the Army – shared flying duties and took control of the weapons of the two-man Apache.<br /><br />"Since coming back from Afghanistan he has been flying, doing lots missions by day and night, this (qualification) is the culmination of that," an MoD spokesperson said.<br /><br />Harry was awarded a prize for best co-pilot gunner when he first qualified as an Apache pilot in February 2012.<br /><br />A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed that the Prince "will continue with normal duties as an Apache pilot based at Wattisham Airfield".<br /><br />Harry serves in 662 Squadron, part of 3 Regiment Army Air Corpos, which in turn is part of 16 Air Assault Brigade's Attack Helicopter Force.</p>
<p>Prince Harry has qualified as an Apache helicopter commander with "flying colours" after completing three years of training, the UK's Ministry of Defence has announced.<br /><br /></p>.<p>While it does not mark a change in his rank as Captain in the Army Air Corps, the qualification means he can now take overall control of the helicopter on missions.<br /><br />"This is a tremendous achievement for Captain Wales, who passed with flying colours. 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," said his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tom de al Rue.<br /><br />Prince Harry's qualification was the culmination of three years of training.<br /><br />The third in line to Britain's throne passed after undergoing a six-hour assessment earlier this week, including a simulated attack on RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria.<br /><br />The assessment comprehensively tested his ability to perform as an aircraft commander across a wide range of tactical and procedural scenarios.<br /><br />Earlier this year, the 28-year-old had completed a five-month tour of Afghanistan as a co-pilot gunner.<br /><br />During his deployment in Helmand, the Prince – known as Captain Wales in the Army – shared flying duties and took control of the weapons of the two-man Apache.<br /><br />"Since coming back from Afghanistan he has been flying, doing lots missions by day and night, this (qualification) is the culmination of that," an MoD spokesperson said.<br /><br />Harry was awarded a prize for best co-pilot gunner when he first qualified as an Apache pilot in February 2012.<br /><br />A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed that the Prince "will continue with normal duties as an Apache pilot based at Wattisham Airfield".<br /><br />Harry serves in 662 Squadron, part of 3 Regiment Army Air Corpos, which in turn is part of 16 Air Assault Brigade's Attack Helicopter Force.</p>