Prince William takes to the skies solo
Prince William took his life in his hands yesterday by flying solo in a light aircraft after his RAF instructor decided he was ready to take to the skies without him.
The 25-year-old Prince admitted, after returning safely to land, that he had been “amazed” when Squadron Leader Roger Bousfield jumped out of the seat next to him in the propellor-driven Grob 115E, known as the Tutor, and declared that his solo moment had arrived.
Prince William, who is doing four months’ training with the RAF, had completed a few circuits around the airfield at RAF Cranwell, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, with Squadron Leader Bousfield, 36, by his side. But when he landed the Tutor, his instructor made an unexpected move.
“Roger, my instructor, basically, turned round and said, ‘Right, I’m going to jump out now’. I said, ‘What? Where are you going?’ He said, ‘You are going on your own’, and I said, ‘There’s no way I’m going to do that’. But he said I was ready for it and jumped out,” Prince William recalled.
“The next thing I knew I was taxiing down the runway and I was sitting there saying, ‘Oh my God, this is a bit odd, there’s no one in here’.”
Prince William, who, before joining the RAF, served with the Army as Lieutenant Wales, a troop commander with The Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry, added: “God knows how somebody trusted me with an aircraft and my own life. It was an amazing feeling, I couldn’t believe it.
Once I’d taken off, it was fine. You just remember your checks and do all the things you’ve got to do and fly the circuit. Then I was watching the runway getting closer and thinking, ‘Please, please don’t mess this up.”
Next month he tackles the Tucano, the aircraft that RAF pilots must master before choosing whether to become a jet flyer or a multi-engine aircraft pilot. He will also learn to fly a Squirrel helicopter. (via Times Online)
Rman (back to the Chelsy and Harry thing): the reason...
January 18th, 2008 05:14
Prince william obviously now free as a (i wonder what)
January 18th, 2008 05:56
Only a matter of time before William is flying Kate off to romantic destinations around the world…
January 18th, 2008 06:17
i emember it ‘cad can be’
January 19th, 2008 01:06
Free? Not really. He still got to be pictured up there *lol*
Sky is the only place where he could be alone…
January 25th, 2008 00:30
Interestingly there is no news of flying this week.
Has William fallen foul of RAF drinking rules after his binge last weekend. ?
January 25th, 2008 09:23
I think the RF in combination with the RAF gave the press and papz the “enough” publicity” during his 1st two weeks in the RAF, with an agreement or conditioning so they would not be haunting the base 24/7.
Anyway, I would like to share with all that PW is doing really great at the RAF and he has a natural eye/hand for flying ! Go William Go !
I tried to open the link of a local newspaper The Sleaford Standard, but it take’s a lengthy time to open so I hope Steven can fix it or copy/paste the good news, published on Thursday, 01/23/2008.
http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk
Various
quotes from PW bosses:
The officers in charge of Prince his training described Flying Officer Wales as being talented, extremely hard working and enthusiastic.
1st Group Captain Andy Naismith, officer commanding Number 1 Elementary Flying Training School, said he has been impressed with Prince William since he started his attachment…
“Flying Officer Wales has taken to flying extremely well. He has a lot of natural ability and enthusiasm, which has all helped him to get to the stage he has in such a short time.
….And as well as working full days, Flying Officer Wales has been putting in about two to three hours of study at night to learn all the checks and controls.”
1st Sqn Ldr Roger Bousfield has been equally impressed with Prince William’s flying ability. He said:
“We have managed a lot while he has been here, despite the weather, and a lot of that has been down to him.”
1st Group Captain Nick Seward, Commandant Central Flying School, will oversee Prince William’s four month attachment.
“…He has taken to flying like a duck to water. He is obviously talented and got very good eye to hand co-ordination.”
Liz, I hope Will comes back to us soon, take care of your hubby.