One helicopter was based at a hangar at Leeds Bradford Airport, which enabled servicing and maintenance to be carried out overnight, leading to even quicker response times in many parts of the county. Until 2016, the helicopter was located at Nostell Priory near Wakefield, where it had a newly renovated hangar and accommodation for crew, plus offices on site. The aircraft was then replaced by G-YAAC, a new £6 million Airbus H145. The second helicopter was originally based at Sheffield City Airport but moved in March 2012 to RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk. A spokesman for the charity commented: "What we're looking to do is provide the very best coverage for the whole of Yorkshire, for the five million population. The people of Yorkshire are better served with an aircraft at Thirsk and one at LeedsBradford." In 2016, G-YOAA replaced G-CEMS as part of the air ambulance's fleet renewal programme.
Aircraft
The first helicopter was an MBB Bo 105, but in 2005 they started using an MD 902 Explorer. The Explorer was used extensively in an air ambulance capacity throughout the UK, but is gradually being phased out of service for renewal purposes. It has five rotor blades to ensure a smooth flight which can prove particularly beneficial for patients suffering head or spinal injuries. Twin turbine engines give it a cruising speed of, and skid landing gear allows it to cope with all types of terrain. Its compact dimensions allow it to land in confined spaces, yet it has room to carry one stretcher patient. It contains all equipment found on any front-line ambulance plus other special items. They have to land in a great variety of places: in one call, the only land near enough and flat enough to land on was the top of Whernside at. In 2016, the two existing helicopters were replaced by two new Airbus H145s, which are registered as G-YAAC and G-YOAA. The new H145 helicopters cost at total of £12 million and offer lower operational and maintenance costs, as well as having night capability enabling longer hours of operation. They are expected to serve Yorkshire for the next 20 to 25 years.
Cost and financing
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a charity solely maintained by donations as it receives no form of official funding. Medical and paramedic staff, however, are provided by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service. The resident population and visitors to Yorkshire finance the air ambulance by donations, and various fund-raising events. Through the mid-2000s, Mumtaz Group of Bradford decided to give £2,000 a month for the foreseeable future. All donations received are administered by Yorkshire Air Ambulance Donation Office.
Richard Hammond's 2006 dragster crash
In September 2006, the original helicopter was involved in transporting the Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond following his high-speed accident at the former-RAF Elvington airfield near York. Following this operation, a high-profile charity appeal was launched. By 16 October, contributions to the appeal amounted to £185,770, although payment authorisation of one donation of £50,000 was declined.
