Specially trained linemen work alongside helicopter pilots and support teams to perform line work more quickly and efficiently than with other methods. Oftentimes, linemen use helicopters to access infrastructure in remote regions.
Lineman Hunter Bourne shared these video clips and photos with T&D World. He is the September 2021 featured lineman for the magazine’s Lifeline department sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. Here is a sneak peek of Bourne in action during his five years serving as a helicopter lineman.
Bourne was also featured in a video clip produced by FirstEnergy when he was working on a job to upgrade transmission towers with helicopters. Here's what he had to say about working with helicopters.
“The use of helicopters has streamlined the job for line workers," he says. "They are like giant bucket trucks in the sky. The towers are inaccessible by bucket truck and the helicopter helps get us to each structure. It also keeps us from damaging private property or disrupting residents with our bucket trucks and equipment.”
To read more about linemen and helicopters, also check out the "Aerial Linemen" feature in the 2021 Lineman Supplement, which will soon be mailed to our subscribers and will be available at the T&D World and Utility Products booth at the International Lineman's Expo.
