Helicopters and North Sea Oil: A Story of Service, Danger and Survival

The book "Helicopter Heroes" is a collection of personal accounts by highly trained helicopter pilots who played a crucial role in the North Sea oil exploration and oil supply industry. They operated in challenging circumstances, often in high levels of danger, and faced technical, engineering, and aeronautical problems. The stories are written to ensure good understanding for lay readers and will appeal to those with flying experience in the forces, commercial flying, and government service. The book covers the broader questions of company policy, regulation, and trade union involvement and is a history of the North Sea oil episode in UK political and economic history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

A collection of compelling personal narratives by highly skilled helicopter pilots, encompassing individuals with distinguished military and commercial flying careers, vividly depicts their crucial role in ensuring the operational success of North Sea oil exploration and supply. These brave individuals operated under the most challenging circumstances, frequently facing high levels of danger and even sacrificing their lives, as exemplified by the tragic Piper Alpha Disaster that garnered national attention. Their unwavering commitment to their mission was instrumental in bridging the gap between essential staff and their workplaces. Beyond routine flying missions, the transportation of personnel and supplies often entailed life-saving rescues. While the narrative may occasionally delve into technical details, it is meticulously crafted to ensure a clear understanding for lay readers, while also captivating those with flying experience in the military, commercial aviation, and government service.

Above all, this series presents a series of graphic personal accounts, as narrated by individuals who have encountered extreme climate, weather, technical, engineering, and aeronautical challenges, often putting their lives at risk. The individuals portrayed in these stories come to life, displaying genuine domestic and social concerns and interests that make them relatable and believable. This book serves as a valuable historical account of the North Sea oil episode in the UK's political and economic history, and its significance extends to international oil politics. It marks a period of significant progress toward domestic oil independence, culminating in around 1984, and continues to hold importance even in the present day. Within the individual stories, all aspects of the operations are covered, encompassing broader questions of company policy, regulation, and trade union involvement.

This comprehensive exploration of the North Sea oil episode provides a deep understanding of the challenges, risks, and triumphs faced by the helicopter pilots who played a pivotal role in this critical period. Their unwavering dedication and bravery have left an indelible mark on the history of oil exploration and supply, and their stories serve as a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399060370