This is what I call an electrician......

[gad5264]

I am not sure this is a job that I want. You be the judge.



http://www.glumbert.com/media/highpower

[crokett]

I'd be more concerned about falling. There is a bigger risk of falling than electrocution. The theory is sound. That metal rod brings the chopper and the metal suit all up to potential.

[LCHIEN]

I am not sure this is a job that I want. You be the judge.



http://www.glumbert.com/media/highpower

I understand the "bonding" with the wire so he's at the potential of the transmission line, But why was he on the line, what exactly was he doing, polishing the insulators so they shine?

[Uncle Cracker]

That may be a great electrician, but it's also one helluva chopper jockey.

[blame]

i'd do it looks like fun

[Martin]

replacing insulators on power lines

On some Power lines the insulators have to be inspected and replaced as needed. several years ago, a helicopter maintenance magazine had a story about the crews who do that work. in one instance the helicopter lost the engine and during the time it was hovering before it started to auto rotate down the man on the skid had to remove the hook which was grounding the helicopter to the line, then the pilot had to move sideways to clear the line from the rotor blades, get the helicopter in auto rotate and land.

[lcm1947]

That's what I call stupid. I just can't believe what some people can do. You couldn't make me do that if my life depended on it. Course I really really really hate heights - big time!!!!!

[mater]

I'll pass on that job.

[scorrpio]

Heights and electricity don't scare me much.
What WOULD make me pass on this job is likely working conditions. I mean, this video was filmed during a nice gentle day. But what of emergency servicing? Like, doing this in 100-degree heat? Or at below zero in a snowstorm? Or in hurricane winds?

[Hellrazor]

You can't get a copter that close to the lines in heavy winds...

[JeffW]

There ain't enough money in the world to get me to do that.

[L. D. Jeffries]

I've seen a couple of TV shows on this subject, Discovery Channel or something like that. WOW, what a job....but imagine what his hourly rate is???? A rather scarey way to make a living.
Not for me, thanks.

[LCHIEN]

Heights and electricity don't scare me much.
What WOULD make me pass on this job is likely working conditions. I mean, this video was filmed during a nice gentle day. But what of emergency servicing? Like, doing this in 100-degree heat? Or at below zero in a snowstorm? Or in hurricane winds?

In a thunder and lightning storm?

[TheRic]

In a thunder and lightning storm?

Probably least of worries. There is probably a ground wire above the main run of wires to act as a lighting rod (don't want it to hit the power lines and blow electrical items out a million homes). You are wearing a metal suit that is attached to the wire and already have 1/2 million - 1 million volts going thru / around you. In theory the lightening bolt would bypass you also. But since theory and reality don't know each other exist, I'm not going to volunteer.

[docrowan]

I'm not keen on heights and I have a healthy respect for electricity, but I could see myself doing that if the money were right. Shoot, I've PAID to jump out of airplanes and slide on zip lines across canyons higher than those power lines.

Hmm, maybe I shouldn't admit that?