The discovery of oil in the North Sea has resulted in a rapid expansion of helicopter operations in the United Kingdom.

The pilots currently flying to and from oil rigs have either VFR ratings only or hold Certificates of Instrument Flying Competence. With the congestion of traffic in the North Sea area, there is clearly a requirement for increasing safety without further increases to traffic from training flights.

According to Flight (2nd September 1978), legislation is to be introduced to establish an Instrument Rating (Helicopters) with effect from April 1979. Many of the pilots now flying will need further training to achieve this rating.

British Airways Helicopters have installed a simulator for the Sikorsky S61N helicopter at Dyce airport, Aberdeen to facilitate training of pilots to fly the aircraft most commonly used for oil rig work. The simulator will be used for many aspects of training including instrument training.