Prince Harry says he could teach helicopter flying in MasterClass on grief

Prince Harry said he could teach “How to fly a helicopter” if he ever recorded another online lesson.

The remark came in a MasterClass video, the subscription learning platform where public figures teach their craft, in which Prince Harry appeared to discuss grief. Asked which other class he would teach, he answered: “How to fly a helicopter.” Hello! Magazine

The interviewer replied: “Okay, gangster.” He laughed.

It was a light moment in a serious interview. But the flying record behind it is long and documented.

Prince Harry started basic rotary-wing flight training, the Army’s entry course for helicopter pilots, in 2009. He passed the course and was awarded his Army Flying Wings, the embroidered badge worn by a qualified Army pilot, in 2010 by his father, then-Prince Charles.

By July 2010 he had been selected to specialise in the Apache attack helicopter, the two-crew British Army aircraft built for reconnaissance and close air support. He formally qualified as a fully trained Apache pilot in 2012 after further conversion and operational training.

He then deployed to Afghanistan on a 20-week combat tour as an Apache co-pilot gunner, the second crew member who operates sensors and weapons systems alongside the pilot. By July 2013 he had qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander, the captain in overall charge of the aircraft and its crew.

What makes this stand out for viewers is the family echo. His elder brother, Prince William, also trained as a military helicopter pilot and qualified as an RAF search-and-rescue pilot, flying operational rescue missions.

Harry did not set out a syllabus. He named only the subject. For fans, this means the joke lands because the qualification is real.