Britain’s Prince William is to start work as an air ambulance helicopter pilot in the summer.
The 32-year-old royal has passed a "rigorous" set of air transport exams and now hopes to work "as close to full time as possible" on both day and night shifts in Cambridge and Norwich after completing manual ground school training, which is expected to take a few months.
The Duke of Cambridge had been studying for his exams since September and Kensington Palace have now revealed he passed all 14 required to work as a civilian helicopter pilot.
A spokesman for the palace said: "Shortly before departing for Japan and China, The Duke completed and passed his Air Transport Pilot’s Licence exams, which he required before starting work as an Air Ambulance Pilot."
Subjects covered in the tests included the principles of flight, navigation, flight planning and air law.
The prince is now expected to undergo extra training with Bond Air Services before starting work for the East Anglian Air Ambulance service in the summer once he returns from his current seven-day tour of Japan and China.
The spokesperson added: "After he returns from his tour to Japan and China in March, he will start working for East Anglian Air Ambulance and be formally employed by Bond Air Services.
"He will initially be required to complete another period of mandatory training, involving aircraft training, in-flight skills testing and further written exams."
William – who is expected to spend more time with his wife Duchess Catherine and their son Prince George at their Anmer Hall home due to the location of his job – will donate his salary to charity.
Prince William passes air transport pilot exams
