1 month ago 19th Nov 14:00
Britain's Prince Harry has had his first helicopter lesson.
The 24-year-old prince began a month-long assessment course in order to fulfil his dream of becoming a fighter pilot yesterday (18.11.08) - but knows he has a tough challenge ahead, with the gruelling 'Grading' procedure having a failure rate of more than 50 per cent.
One insider at the Army Air Corps' base in Middle Wallop, Wiltshire said: "The Grading process is used to weed out those who do not possess the natural qualities needed to become a helicopter pilot.
"Just because Harry is a royal, it no way guarantees he will get through the next month. It may simply be that he does not have the coordination to make the grade."
Speaking before the 70 minute lesson, a source said: Naturally he was very nervous but Harry being Harry, he was raring to go
The intensive course - which Harry was allowed to undertake after passing initial assessments at RAF Cranwell - includes learning to fly a single-engine Slingsby Firefly training plane and notching up 13 hours in the air.
One former student said: "It's all about testing how fast you can learn.
"You have to master in a matter of just weeks what others take months, if not years, to learn."
More about Prince Harry's helicopter lesson on page 2
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