Using Helicopters to Maintain and Repair Transmission Lines
Utilizing helicopters to install, maintain and repair electrical infrastructure is more common than you might think. This kind of work is typically done by climbing poles or utilizing bucket trucks, but when the lines run along rough terrain or remote areas, helicopters are often a more viable solution.
Tips for Using Helicopters Safely for Transmission Line Work
Obviously, helicopter work is inherently more dangerous than using bucket trucks or climbing poles, so it is critical to understand the potential pitfalls.
First, and this might go without saying, anyone flying a chopper must have the proper training, and must have the appropriate certifications from the FAA and any other required agency. Because this type of work occurs at low altitudes, there is a risk of running into lines or even crashing into the terrain. Therefore, helicopter pilots must have a high level of training and expertise.
Typically, helicopters used for this purpose will be affixed with a work platform on the outside of the vessel (or, depending on the vehicle class, an FAA-approved suspension body harness with a required emergency release could be affixed).
There are specific requirements to make sure platforms are installed and used properly, so whoever is doing the design must be cognizant of them. For example, the platform must be bonded to the chopper’s airframe and must be electrically tested for low resistance and free from corona discharge points.
Additionally, helicopters can be used to string lines and drag poles to their desired location. During line-stringing operations, extra care must be taken to ensure that the propeller does not get tangled up in the lines. Also, the area beneath where the work is taking place must be free from pedestrians and traffic for safety purposes. And if something metal is being pulled, it must be assumed to be energized unless grounded.
And of course, there is always a fall hazard when working in the air. Other risks include electric shock, loss of helicopter control, failure to maintain proper distancing requirements, and failure to use proper PPE.
In the final analysis, using helicopters for transmission line work makes sense in certain geographical areas, but they increase the danger level so following proper safety practices is critical.
