From the UK
Sunday Times
A PROPERTY tycoon plans to set up a “millionaires’ squadron” of private helicopter pilots to help cash-strapped fire and rescue teams attend emergencies across the country.
The fleet of wealthy volunteers hopes to save lives by ferrying specialist crews to the scene of road traffic accidents, stranded flood victims and trapped climbers.
The initiative aims to build on an unprecedented deal between Jeremy Paxton, the founder of an estate of luxury holiday homes in the Cotswolds, and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Paxton, 52, has agreed to be on call with his helicopter to fly firefighters to serious incidents. A year-long trial of the public-private collaboration is expected to begin next April.
If it proves successful, Paxton has lined up at least five other pilots to expand coverage to new areas.