Prince George's spirits were flying high at royal air show

The royal family took Prince George to new heights this week.

In his first official engagement beyond the ceremonial balcony appearances, Prince George joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they touched down at Gloucestershire's RAF Fairford to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).

RIAT is the world's largest military air show and is held in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, a nonprofit geared toward fostering aviation interest among young people, and providing grants for projects related to the Royal Air Force.

The pint-sized prince, who turns 3 on July 22, got an early birthday present at the show, enjoying backseat views of the Red Arrow Hawk and the Royal Air Force Squirrel helicopters, the same aircraft his father, Prince William, trained with when he was stationed at RAF Shawbury in 2009.

Of course, it wasn't all play. Prince George also met with Air Cadets, who were on-site to commemorate their organization's 75th anniversary.

Ah, the perks of having connections in high places.