My experience dates back to the days when freelance contract air support was bought in from the likes of Veritair back in the 1980's.
One pilot,Julian Verity,in a Jetranger plus a copper with a map alongside covering half of Wales.
Only used when there was a proper requirement and sanctioned from above.
Now the air support as they are called lift for stupid events like the two guys delaying a train by a few minutes
