Prince William to become search and rescue pilot

09/17/2010 by Corinne Heller

Prince William is set to become a search and rescue pilot with the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force after graduating from a training course on Friday.

The 28-year-old is the grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, son of Prince Charles and currently second in line to the British throne.

He will co-pilot a Sea King Mk3 helicopter along with a four-person crew to provide a "life-saving rescue service to both military personnel and civilians in the UK, rescuing people from the sea, on mountains, from flooded regions or other areas on land, day and night and in all weathers," his office said in a statement.

"I am really delighted to have completed the training course with my fellow students," it quoted the prince as saying. "The course has been challenging, but I have enjoyed it immensely. I absolutely love flying, so it will be an honour to serve operationally with the Search and Rescue Force, helping to provide such a vital emergency service."

Prince William began his training in January 2009 and also served on attachment to the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

His 26-year-old brother, Prince Harry, is training to become an Apache attack helicopter pilot. He had previously served in the British military in Afghanistan and flew to New York in June to visit U.S. cadets.