Prince starts 'loop the loop' training

Prince William has started his training with the RAF by learning to do 'loop the loops' in a light aircraft.

The Prince is on a four-month attachment with the RAF as he prepares for his future as head of the Armed Forces.

He has started lessons flying a propellor-driven GROB 115E plane, known as the Tutor, with squadron leader Roger Bousfield as his instructor.

As part of the prince's training, he will be taught how to perform acrobatic stunts in the plane.

Mr Bousfield said: "The first thing is to familiarise Flying Officer Wales with the plane, get him used to the controls and what they can do and very quickly we will go into acrobatics; looping the loop is one of the fun things we'll be doing."

"He will have to get to the stage when he's in control of the plane but not thinking about flying so he can handle things like emergencies."

Mr Bousfield said William will have to quickly learn a range of skills to pass the intensive course.

He said: "Students need to have good hand-eye co-ordination, confidence - if you're a bit shy you probably wouldn't be selected - decision making skills and 'captaincy' - being able to cope with things, react well and react quickly."

The prince has already passed an intensive aptitude exam involving a rigorous six-hour computer-based test.

He has also passed a medical exam even though he is required to wear glasses to meet the minimum standard.

If William passes his initial training on the Tutor he will move to RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire to learn how to fly the faster Tucano T1 plane.

The prince's final training placement will be at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire where he will learn to fly the Squirrel HT 1 helicopter.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.