Apache Helicopter

Prince Harry is currently in training to fly Apache helicopters

The first hurdle of the psychometric tests designed to discover whether a solider has the right memory and coordination to be a military helicopter pilot.

A large number of candidates fail this medical test. This can vary from mild colour blindness, poor eyesight to being a hayfever sufferer. They even test for epilepsy.

With the costs around £37 million each, the British Army does not want to take a risk on any pilot damaging the copters.

Then over 13 trips in a Firefly fixed wing aircraft recruits will be assessed on their flying skills and rate of learning that will determine their future.

"The key thing you need is to learn at the right rate with spare capacity. The taxpayer cannot afford to keep resending the guy up to fly," said a pilot. "Every sortie is assessed you a doing a driving test every day."

Recruits with the top grade go onto train to pilot Apaches.

During the first five months they will not be allowed near a helicopter instead learning their flying skills on fixed wing aircraft. To earn their Army Pilot Wings the soldiers spend a year flying nimble Squirrel helicopters mostly at Middle Wallop in Wilts.

They are constantly being monitored and assessed during every sortie.

It is understood that Prince Harry finished near the top of his course and initially wanted to train to fly Lynx helicopter but was seduced by the allure of the modern and flagship Apache attack helicopters. 

Both copters are currently deployed in Helmand although the Lynx has been reported to have struggled over summer months.

Going for the Apache was a risk. "It is the toughest course," said one pilot. "If you are going to fail anything you will fail Apache."

Thursday February 9^th 2012
The Onlines