Prince William to become rescue pilot

London, Dec 12 (ANI): Britain's Prince William will become a rescue pilot after completing his advanced helicopter training course this week, a St James's Palace spokesperson confirmed.

The second-in-line to the throne has a self confessed love for flying and the RAF is his best opportunity to serve operationally in the Armed Forces as a posting to Afghanistan is probably too dangerous, reports the Scotsman.

In 2010, he will move to RAF Valley on Anglesey, Wales, where he will be taught to use his new skills to fly Sea King helicopters.

He could then be posted to any of the RAF's mountain rescue centres, including those serving the Scottish Highlands.

The royal will learn to manoeuvre the aircraft with pinpoint accuracy so eventually he will be able to rescue stricken mountaineers or exhausted swimmers even in treacherous conditions.

The 27-year-old prince is following in the footsteps of his father the Prince of Wales who served as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot as did his uncle, the Duke of York, a Sea King helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War. (ANI)