Prince Harry has reportedly signed up to be a member of a flying club in California. The royal used to fly Apache helicopters while in the military service and he is said to be eager to keep his license up-to-date.
A source told The Sun that Prince Harry also wants to take Meghan Markle and Archie on expeditions so he joined the helicopter club. Pilots need to maintain a number of flying hours every year, otherwise, the license will not be renewed. This rule applies in both the U.S. and the U.K.
The source added that the Duke of Sussex is proud of his flying license because it is a product of hard work. Technically, he doesn't need to renew since he's no longer serving in the military but Harry apparently wants to keep his license current for personal use.
The royal doesn't own a helicopter from which he can improve his flying hours. However, the source said Harry has plenty of friends and "rich benefactors" who can lend their aircraft and who would love the royal connection.
Prince Harry had his helicopter training in 2008 after passing the Army Air Corps grading and Pilot Selection board. He served the 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment of the 16 Air Assault Brigade at the Army Air Corps.
By 2012, the royal qualified to fly an Apache helicopter and moved up to be a commander in 2013. Harry was then assigned to fly a two-man Apache in Afghanistan for five-month tour. The royal experienced fighting the Taliban from above the air.
In 2014, Prince Harry quit his job after reaching the "pinnacle of flying excellence" on the Apache helicopter. After he left the service, the Duke of Sussex then started hatching an Olympic-style event for injured and ill ex-military men, which would be later known as the Invictus Games.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex said that he would have flown back home to London if not for the pandemic. Prince Harry and Meghan have been living in Californiasince March and haven't gone anywhere outside of the state due to the travel restrictions.
The royal, however, vowed that he will be in England in time for the Rugby League World Cup, which will happen in October 2021. Prince Harry said he won't miss this because his homeland will be the host to a major sports event. As it stands, the Rugby League World Cup will still go on as scheduled next year.
Sources said that if travel is better in 2021, Prince Harry might extend his stay in the U.K. Prior to the pandemic, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they planned on dividing their time between the U.K. and the U.S. as they stepped back from their royal duties.
