'Nervous' Prince William begins new job as air ambulance pilot

 
Ready for lift-off: The Duke of Cambridge on his first day with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (Picture: PA)
Stefan Rousseau/PA
Robert Jobson13 July 2015

The Duke of Cambridge has spoken of his first day nerves as he began a new job as an air ambulance pilot.

William clocked on at 7am today for his first shift as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), based at Cambridge Airport.

After William and his crew-mates checked over the H145 helicopter he will fly, he told reporters of his excitement at the new role.

He said: “It’s my first day and I’m feeling the nerves.

“We’re starting off on a wet Cambridge day, but I’m really looking forward to getting started.

“It’s been a lot of effort and patience in training but we’re here now and I’m looking forward to doing the job.”

William will work a nine-and-a-half hour shift today as part of a four days on, four off rota.

To allow for royal duties, he will complete about two-thirds of the normal shift pattern but he is expected to work a full rota in the early months of the role to allow him to settle in.

Today he will work alongside pilot Captain Dave Kelly, Dr Gemma Mullen and paramedic Tim Daniels.

His first duties included carrying out safety checks and refuelling the aircraft before taking part in a team briefing.

The crew will be on call to deploy to emergencies, ranging from road traffic collisions to cardiac arrests and sporting injuries, within 25 minutes.

William will also be expected to work late shifts, running from 4.30pm to midnight.

William and the crew were deployed on their first mission at 9.20am. The charity is expected to release more details of this incident later today.

The former RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot is already qualified to captain or pilot a Sea King helicopter.

Prince William, a former RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, is already qualified (Picture: PA)
Stefan Rousseau/PA

Before beginning with the EAAA he took part in a civilian pilot course before undergoing training in flying the specific helicopters used by the service, as well as a dedicated 999-response course.

He will initially work as a co-pilot but will become a full pilot once he has completed enough flying hours.

He took unpaid leave in April following the first phase of his training but has now returned to work following the birth of Princess Charlotte.

William will be paid a salary for the role, all of which will be donated to charity.

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