Prince Harry has passed his first big test at RAF Shawbury with flying colours, it was revealed today.

The third in line to the throne was said to be “delighted” after successfully completing his basic helicopter pilot’s course at the Shropshire airbase.

During 40 hours in the air, Harry mastered take off, landing and how to handle various emergencies and has now begun advanced training at the base.

Last February, it emerged the 24-year-old had failed the first part of his theory and needed extra tuition to get through. But he is said to have come on well since.

An RAF Shawbury spokesman said: “He has finished the basic side, he is now on the advanced side from 705 Naval Squadron.

“The helicopter type which he will eventually end up on will not be decided until much later on in his training.”

Harry’s advanced training will cover night flying, instrument flying in bad weather, more emergency drills and more advanced handling techniques. If he passes this stage in October, Harry will then receive a third block of training which, if he completes successfully, will end with him being awarded his wings next March.

At a photocall at the base in June, Harry said he was “massively” confident he could make a return to the front line after he finished training.

And his brother Prince William said he would like to follow his brother into action. The brothers made their comments as they held the photocall to update people on the progress of their training.