Who wouldn’t?

Apache author Ed Macy — who won the Military Cross in Afghanistan — explains what attracts Prince Harry to the Army Air Corps and what it’ll take for him to make it as an Apache Pilot.

The news that Prince Harry wants to join the Army Air Corps to be an operational pilot has been released by Clarence House and newspapers have confirmed that he wants to be an Apache Pilot.

Prince Harry is a real life ‘Action Man’ and has proven himself in combat in Afghanistan. Working as a ‘Joint Terminal Air Controller’ he was responsible for controlling the bombs from fast jets and the awe-inspiring firepower of the Apache helicopters onto Taliban positions. Witnessing first-hand the speed, agility and deftness of the Apache helicopters is an experience beyond expectations. The accuracy, loudness and deadliness of the cannon are frightening when used close to troops in contact. “It was that loud we thought you were engaging us” the Paras exclaimed. Having called the Apaches in for rocket attacks on Taliban hiding in the bushes, trees and irrigation ditches, he knows that few escape the hundreds of deadly Flechettes they spit out. And watching the Taliban take refuge in buildings with walls three feet thick, the Prince knew that they had played their last card and he was holding the ace. The Apaches’ Hellfire Missiles are capable of defeating all known armour and on his very words they unleashed the missiles into the buildings, extinguishing all life. The aftermath of an Apache attack reveals the clinical damage they impart on the enemy and the young Prince, having witnessed this, would struggle not to be impressed.

Bravery, good military knowledge and a love of the machines is not enough to pass the stringent grading and flying course. He needs dedication, calmness and an unprecedented amount of co-ordination. If successful he will be given the choice of the Gazelle, Lynx and Apache but the pressure is on. The self-induced pressure he’s about to experience will test him in ways he can’t have experienced before. If he wants to fly the Apache he’s going to need to show extremely high levels of ability, far beyond the average. Not only will he be doing his utmost to survive the course, he will be competing for the chance to convert to the Apache whether he likes it or not. Only the best are successful.

The Apache is the most technologically advanced attack helicopter in the world and by far the hardest to master. Having seen it, studied it and been given the opportunity to fly it, would Harry really want to become an Attack Pilot in the AAC? Who wouldn’t…?!

Ed Macy MC

Attack Pilot and author of APACHE