His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge is to become a helicopter pilot with East Anglian Air Ambulance.
After completing a mandatory period of training this autumn and winter, The Duke will start work with the Air Ambulance, based at Cambridge and Norwich Airports and flying both day and night shifts, in spring 2015. The Duke will start as a co-pilot but, after a period of training, will be qualified to fly as a helicopter commander.
This job will be the Duke's primary occupation, but his roster will take into account the duties and responsibilities he will continue to undertake on behalf of The Queen, both in the United Kingdom and overseas. The Duke will also continue his work with his patronages and with the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
In common with all other East Anglian Air Ambulance pilots, The Duke will be formally employed by Bond Air Services. He will draw a salary which he will donate in full to charity.
The Duke will begin training for his Air Transport Pilot's Licence (Helicopter) in September, which is estimated to take a minimum of five months to complete. The Duke will continue to undertake engagements on behalf of The Queen and his charitable affiliations during this time.
Training for the ATPL (H) will culminate in 14 examinations and a flight test.
The job will build on The Duke's operational experience in the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force, which His Royal Highness completed in September 2013. During this time he undertook more than 150 search and rescue operations.
