Prince Harry qualifies as Apache chopper commander

Prince Harry has qualified to command an Apache attack helicopter after completing three years of training, Britain's defence ministry announced on Friday.

Harry, who is known as Captain Wales in the British Army, joined the military in May 2005 and rose to the position of Apache helicopter pilot, ABC News reported.

The young royal was named as the best front-seat pilot, or co-pilot gunner, in February 2012, from his class of more than 20 fellow Apache helicopter pilots, by the Defense Ministry.

According to the ministry's release, the 28-year-old's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Tom de la Rue, called the promotion as a "tremendous achievement" and said that the prince "passed with flying colours".

The defence officials stated that Harry had to complete a six-hour assessment during which he was required to plan and deliver patrol orders, navigate throughout, fly in a controlled airspace and conduct a simulated attack on RAF Spadeadam -a Royal Air Force station in Cumbria, England.

He also had to manage a number of diversions and simulated aircraft emergencies.