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Prince William begins job as medflight pilot

The second-in-line to the throne is flying a helicopter for the East Anglian Air Ambulance

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In this image made released by Britain’s Ministry of Defence shows a Friday June 1, 2012 image of Britain’s Prince William in the cockpit of a helicopter at RAF Valley in Anglesey Wales. William has qualified as an operational search and rescue captain, Clarence House in London said Thursday June 7, 2012. William - known as Flight Lieutenant Wales in the military - has previously only co-piloted RAF Sea King helicopters but will now be able to command operations. (AP Photo/ SAC Faye Storer, MOD)

AP Photo/ SAC Faye Storer, MOD

The Associated Press

LONDON — Britain’s Prince William has started his new job — working as air ambulance helicopter pilot.

Kensington Palace says William began work Monday for Bond Air Services, a helicopter operator that serves East Anglian Air Ambulance. He will undertake job training in the next few months — including simulator, aircraft and in-flight skills training — and start piloting missions in the summer.

William, 32, passed his Air Transport Pilot’s License exams in March, completing 14 written exams on subjects such as the principles of flight and navigation.

The second-in-line to the throne will work with medics responding to emergencies ranging from road accidents to heart attacks.

The stint will be William’s main job, although he will also continue to take on royal duties and engagements both in Britain and overseas.