Most, if not all, air ambulances in the UK are operated by charities, I can assure everyone that their pilots do not work for free.
I am starting my own Non-Profit Organization in a european country. We will base our work on achieving funds to improve the Air Ambulance service in the country and also add helicopters of need be. However, we have no intention on operating the helicopters ourselves, we will have companies bidding on our contract and then pay them to run it while we focus on improvements and fundraising.
Wouldn't that be a better idea for you aswell?
Getting into the helicopter business is complicated. Isn't it easier just to pay an operator who knows the rules and let them operate the helicopter? It would probably be quicker aswell... There are operators out there (with grounded helicopters and crew) looking for any gig at the moment.
Kind regards,
C