Royal 'flyness' visits RAF training base

His Royal "Flyness" Prince Charles clambered aboard a Hawk jet today to see how the next generation of flying aces are trained to guard the skies above Britain.

Charles sat in the cockpit of the plane, a Hawk T2 jet trainer aircraft, and was shown the controls by a squadron leader from IV(R) Squadron and Ascent Flight Training, on his visit to RAF Valley on Anglesey.

The single engine jet, normally equipped with Sidewinder missile defence systems, can reach up to 550 knots but remained grounded as the royal visitor was shown how the jet is used as an advanced airborne training facility.

Charles also met some of the servicemen and women and staff stationed at the 1,400-strong airbase on Anglesey.

RAF Valley is where his son and daughter-in-law Kate were based while William served in the forces, and is used as an advanced fast jet training base.

Young pilots train on the Hawk jets before they graduate to pilot Typhoon jets at other bases in the UK and across the globe.

After chatting to pilots, engineers, their families and local children he thanked all at the base for working to train fighter pilots for the RAF and Royal Navy.

Charles, who is RAF Valley's Honorary Air Commodore, said: "For me it is a pleasure having the chance to visit however briefly.

"I do recognise just how much difference you make here to the important training of fast jet pilots and how dependant we are on your working as a team to produce incredibly competent pilots."

The visit to RAF Valley was part of a day-long tour of North Wales for Charles.

Earlier, he visited Moneypenny, a call centre in Wrexham, officially opening the firm's new headquarters, which incorporate a treehouse meeting room, a pub and a sun terrace.