The Sultan of Brunei has presented his son with his parachute wings at RAF Brize Norton after he successfully completed his training.

HRH Prince Abdul Mateen has passed Basic Parachuting Course 1317.

He spent the past fortnight with 64 other trainees completing the initial training to begin his parachuting career.

The first phase was four days of intense ground training, which teaches all about the British Low Level Parachute (LLP), how to safely conduct a parachute landing, the drills on board the aircraft, the drills to conduct while under canopy, malfunction recognition and emergency procedures.

This is followed by the practical element and carrying out four descents from 1000ft.

The RAF said not everyone passes the "long, arduous and difficult" course that "requires physical, mental and emotional resilience".

Witney Gazette:

It said it was "honoured" to host the Sultan as reviewing officer.

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As part of the visit, the prince's father HM Hassanal Bolkiah was given a tour of the Parachute Training Squadron hangar where the ground training is carried out.

He was hosted by Air Officer Commanding 2 Gp, Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall, the Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady and Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett.

The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team jumped from a Puma helicopter and performed their signature red, white and blue display for the royal visitor.

Witney Gazette:

Prince Mateen began his military career in the British Army in 2010, rising to the rank of major in 2021.

He and his father attended the Queen's funeral last Monday.

Wing Commander Richard Lewis said: "We were honoured to host HM The Sultan of Brunei as Reviewing Officer for the presentation of British Parachutist Wings to draw a successful conclusion to this engagement."

 

 

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