Prince William Slated To Become Rescue Pilot

Prince William announced on Monday that his stint in the Royal Air Force is not ending at the end of the year. He plans to become a full-time search and rescue pilot.

The prince will begin an 18-month training program that will enable him to fly the RAF's Seas King rescue helicopters. Prince William is not allowed to serve on the front lines. Younger brother Prince Harry was in Afghanistan earlier this year serving in Helmand province. After media coverage Harry had to be removed from service out of concern for his safety and that of his comrades. The career choice that Prince William has made may be a concession influenced by safety issues. The Sea King helicopters are primarily used for civilian rescues and not in war operations. Yahoo News reports:

"It has been a real privilege to have spent the past year understanding and experiencing all aspects of the British armed forces," William said in a statement. "I now want to build on the experience and training I have received to serve operationally - especially because, for good reasons, I was not able to deploy to Afghanistan this year."

During William's time with the RAF this spring he learned how to fly. He will continue to increase this skill when his training begins next year. Perhaps the future will have stories of hero Prince William charging in on his metal mount to rescue a damsel in distress.