Prince's flying career is launched

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince William began his attachment with the Royal Air Force on Monday.

The 25-year-old, second in line to the throne, will train as a helicopter and fighter pilot, his office and the Ministry of Defense said.

William, who is also an officer in the British Army, will be known as Flying Officer Wales during the four-month attachment, a spokeswoman at his office said.

The service is designed to help William, who will one day become head of the British armed forces, learn the structures and capabilities of the RAF. The prince plans to begin an attachment with the Royal Navy later in the year.

A defense ministry spokesman said William will first learn about modern air power and the traditions of the RAF. Then he is to begin flying lessons with several units, including support helicopter, search-and-rescue, air transport, and fighter aircraft.

William will start his lessons in a training aircraft for fighter jet pilots, the defense ministry spokesman said.

The prince will then learn to fly the four-passenger Squirrel helicopter.

"Once he's done all that, if he meets the required standards, then he'll be awarded his RAF wings," the spokesman said.

The tours of duty for William follow a year of service in the Blues and Royals, one of the two regiments that form the Household Cavalry of the British Army. E-mail to a friend

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