Residents across Wakefield and Pontefract were treated to a rare sight when four Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters flew together in formation.

The unusual flight took place during a brief period when the charity’s two new H145 D3 helicopters were in Yorkshire alongside the two aircraft they are replacing.

The new helicopters, G-YORX and G-YAAA, are being introduced to replace the charity’s existing aircraft G-YOAA and G-YAAC, which are being sold to an undisclosed buyer.

Rare four-helicopter formation

The crews took advantage of the short crossover period to fly all four Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters together.

The flight also provided an opportunity for pilots and technical crew members to carry out training and familiarisation with the new aircraft.

Chief pilot Owen McTeggart, who took part in the formation flight, said the arrival of the second new D3 helicopter had been eagerly anticipated.

He said: “We needed to take the new helicopters out for some brief training and familiarisation, so took the opportunity to capture what may be a one-time occurrence of having a cross-over of four YAA helicopters, before G-YOAA and G-YAAC leave for their new home.”

The sight attracted attention from residents across Wakefield, Pontefract, York and surrounding areas, with photographs of the helicopters shared widely online.

New helicopters bring upgraded technology

The H145 D3 helicopters feature a number of technological improvements, including a five-bladed main rotor system.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance said the design is simpler, lighter and easier to maintain, while also reducing vibrations for patients and crew.

The charity operates around the clock throughout the year, transporting trauma patients to major trauma centres and flying at speeds of up to 160mph.

The older aircraft are now being phased out as the charity moves towards its new fleet.

The extraordinary sight of all four helicopters flying over Yorkshire was expected to be a one-off event as the older aircraft prepare to leave the region.