Prince William gets his helicopter wings

LONDON - Britain’s Prince William has graduated as a search and rescue helicopter pilot, a media report Friday said.

The second-in-line to the throne will join 22 Squadron’s C Flight as a fully operational co-pilot on a Sea King Mk3, The Sun reported.

“I am really delighted to have completed the training course with my fellow students,” said William, who will be based at RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales.

“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,” he added.

The 28-year-old prince has spent the last 18 months on a number of flying courses.

He started training on Squirrel helicopters, progressed to Griffins and finally finished at the controls of Sea Kings as he prepared for his new role.

It will still be weeks before he is required to undertake his first 24-hour shift because he needs to familiarise himself with the terrain and common landing sites used by air crews during day and night exercises.

William could find himself flying rescue missions to Northern Ireland as the RAF Valley crew in North Wales routinely responds to calls from Ulster.