Queen seeks a high flyer! Her Majesty advertises for a ‘proactive and flexible’ helicopter pilot to ferry her and other family members on engagements
- The Queen, 93, is recruiting a pilot to work alongside staff at Buckingham Palace
- Candidate will need be part of a ‘small team of pilots and ground support’
- Required to provide a ‘high standard’ of helicopter service to the royal family
- Comes after the royal advertised for a Director of Royal Travel in November
The Queen is seeking a ‘high flyer’ for her latest job in the royal household after advertising for a ‘proactive and flexible’ helicopter pilot.
The role, which is based in Odiham near Hampshire, requires providing a ‘high standard’ of helicopter service to ferry members of the royal family around the UK.
The salary package is described as ‘competitive’ and the role includes the planning and safe execution of flights.
It comes months after the royal advertised for a Director of Royal Travel in November to ensure royals use ‘efficient’ and ‘cost effective’ flights.
The Queen, 93, is seeking a ‘high flyer’ for her latest job in the royal household after advertising for a helicopter pilot online
The advert reads: ‘The Queen’s Helicopter Flight (TQHF) consists of a small team of pilots and ground support, providing the highest standard of helicopter service to Members of the Royal Family on official engagements.’
Upon joining the team, the applicant will take on the role of ‘Co-Pilot or Pilot in Command’ and will operate a Sikorsky S76 C++ helicopter.
The advert goes on: ‘In addition to your flying duties you will undertake management tasks and other administrative duties, supporting the Director of Flight Operations.’
Meanwhile applicants must have ‘extensive flying experience’ and be a ‘natural collaborator’ with ‘excellent communication skills and confidence liaising with a wide range of people’.
The royal said she was seeking a ‘flexible’ pilot with ‘extensive flying experience’ to join her small team (pictured, the royal disembarking a helicopter in 2016)
They should also have ‘high levels of attention to detail and time management skills’ as well as being ‘driven to operate consistently to the highest standard.’
A Director of Royal Travel role was advertised in November following the controversy over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex using private jets.
The role organises ‘air travel’ as well managing and scheduling the ‘Royal Train trips’ which have previously cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds.
However, the crucial part of the role is to ‘researching and negotiating value for money contracts and options for travel.’
The royal family regularly use helicopters to transport them to royal appearances across the UK (pictured, Prince William and Kate Middleton during a visit to Blackpool last year)
A source said it was an ‘essential’ part of the role after recent royal accounts revealed that they spent £4.6millon last year on travel alone.
Prince Harry and Meghan faced criticism after it was claimed they flew privately four times in 11 days during the summer.
Harry defended his use of private jets, saying he needed to ensure that his family was safe.