Prince William will train as air ambulance pilot

Prince William will begin training as an air ambulance helicopter pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) after the birth of his second child.

Andres Egerton Smith MBE, chairman of the EAAA, said: “Having the Duke of Cambridge as one of our pilots is marvelous news as he brings much experience to the charity after his successful career as a search and rescue pilot.”

The EAAA operates two Airbus Helicopters EC135 T2 aircraft and is currently awaiting the arrival of the new EC145 T2 helicopter, the first in the UK.

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This new model will expand not only the range and time in the air of the helicopter, but increase the number of the medical crew that can be on board, which will provide additional lifesaving capability.

A spokesman from Kensington Palace said: “The Duke sees this as a true form of public service, helping people in their most difficult times. He regards his work as the RAF search and rescue force as having been an exceptional privilege and the Duke wanted to make his own contribution to the outstanding work of the air ambulance service.”

Prince William will earn a salary of £40,000 a year but he will donate the entire sum to charity.