Flying Officer HRH William Wales is set to be fast-tracked through the RAF's six month pilot training course in just four months. He will start today, 7 January 2008.

He will maintain his Army commission with the Household Cavalry and also plans to serve a stint in the Navy, which along with his RAF commission will give him the Services full house that is traditionally expected of a British monarch.

Flying Officer Wales is following in the footsteps of Prince Charles, Prince Philip and Prince Andrew who all qualified as pilots in the Armed Forces.

He will start his reduced four month stint at RAF Cranwell, home of the RAF's Central Flying School in Lincolnshire, in a Grob training plane before moving to Tucanos at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and finally Squirrel helicopters at RAF Shawbury.

During his training, Prince William will be accommodated in similar quarters and follow the same intensive working day as the other students on the course.

Although the 25-year-old Prince will not be deployed on live operations, he will get experience in the Tornado GR4 and the Typhoon during his short tenure with the RAF.

Serving in all three of the armed services is the best way to understand how the military operates and to appreciate the differences between them. It is a vital part of preparations for a future King.

Trainer Squadron Leader Ken Marsh said:

"Prince William hasn't got the time to have a full-time military career. We are teaching him to be a competent pilot for his future roles but he will be flying in some operational airplanes."

Commandant of the RAF's Central Flying School, Group Captain Nick Seward said:

"The attachment is part of the wider programme of events designed to prepare Flying Officer Wales for his future role as head of the Armed Forces. He will start his training on 1 Sqn of 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) at RAF Cranwell learning to fly the RAF's Tutor trainer, which is used to train all RAF pilots. Its side-by-side seating and handling characteristics make it an ideal first training aircraft.

"Having completed the basic flying phase, FO Wales will move to 1 FTS at RAF Linton-on-Ouse where he will learn to fly the Tucano. A faster, more capable aircraft, the Tucano is used as a lead-in for all RAF fast jet pilots. Its handling is similar to that of a fast jet. The Tucano took over the role as fast jet trainer from the Jet Provost, which Prince William's father Prince Charles flew as a student pilot in 1971."

After successful completion of the Tucano course, FO Wales will move to RAF Shawbury and learn to fly the Squirrel helicopter. The Squirrel is used by all three services as their basic rotary trainer. The Prince will complete an intensive course designed to familiarise him with basic helicopter flying.

Because it is not intended that the Prince will fly specific operational aircraft, his course has been shortened to meet his needs, however if successful he will be awarded his RAF wings and a graduation ceremony has been planned for April �?the month when the RAF celebrates its 90th anniversary.

After graduation the Prince will be attached to several front line units including Support Helicopters, Search and Rescue, Air Transport and Fighter to gain further understanding of the use of air power.

Gp Capt Seward said:

"During his time with us FO Wales will be realising a personal ambition to learn how to fly and this will be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Royal Air Force. The RAF is very proud of its links with the Royal Family and all involved are looking forward to and are extremely excited by the project, as is Prince William �?especially as he will be following in the footsteps of Prince Charles who undertook flying training here at RAF Cranwell in 1971."

The aim over the next few months is to make Prince William's flying training and introduction to the RAF as enjoyable as possible. He will be expected to fully integrate at work and socially and will not be given any preferential treatment. On completion he will understand the challenges of modern air power, the role and nature of the RAF and its relevance over the past 90 years and into the future.