A helicopter pilot who spent four years flying Qatar’s Royal Family to and from their super yacht has joined the Great North Air Ambulance Service’s (GNAAS) critical care team.
Paul Newman joined the charity earlier this year and is currently making the four-hour commute from his home in Buckinghamshire to complete his flying shifts with the organisation.
Mr Newman said: “I am really looking forward to my new role here at GNAAS. I think it’s great being able to help people and give something back.
“The crew has been amazing to work with so far. They really are a fantastic team.”
Before arriving at GNAAS, Mr Newman was the lead pilot employed by Harrods Aviation, working with MY Katara, and was responsible for flying HH Emir of Qatar and his family to and from their 124m long yacht Katara.
Mr Newman said: “My last job really was incredible, and I have been really lucky in the fact that it has taken me all over the world to places like the Caribbean, Europe, America, and Israel.
“I always knew I wanted to be a pilot from a very young age. I remember at school they told me I’d never be clever enough though, so let’s say that made me even more determined.”
The 50-year-old has also flown helicopters for the police and was North Sea Commander for Bristows Helicopters.
Mr Newman said: “I absolutely love flying over the Lake District when I work over in the North West at the charity’s base in Penrith. The views are breathtaking.
“Who we get to work with and the places we get to fly over makes it all worthwhile.”
