Flight of the Linemen: Helicopter Bare-Hand Insulator Replacement

July 12, 2017
WAPA's use of helicopters to replace dead-end insulators

What would you do when you have to replace insulators and spacer dampers on a line that crosses steep mountains and extends down into orchard-filled valleys? What if there is only limited time to take lines out of service for repair, as the continuous flow of power is expected to remain uninterrupted?

During the past four years, Sierra Nevada’s line crews have been perfecting the solution to these complex questions: performing live-line and de-energized maintenance techniques with a helicopter. WAPA's use of helicopters to replace dead-end insulators makes it innovative in the utility industry. “I am not aware of any other utility in the nation that is using long-line hot-stick bare-hand methods for this type of work,” said Lineman James Hill. “Most utilities I speak with climb the towers and replace them using traditional methods.”

James Hill is featured in some of the following detailed and breathtaking images of the crew's completion of a multi-year project replacing insulators on several dead-end towers.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of T&D World, create an account today!

Related

Duke Energy
Tdworld 13024 Distribution Raleigh 6885 Mid
Tdworld 13024 Distribution Raleigh 6885 Mid
Tdworld 13024 Distribution Raleigh 6885 Mid
Tdworld 13024 Distribution Raleigh 6885 Mid
Tdworld 13024 Distribution Raleigh 6885 Mid
Electric Utility Operations

Duke Energy Expresses Appreciation for Linemen Today

April 18, 2018
April 18 is National Lineman Appreciation Day to celebrate lineworkers and their role in powering the lives of millions of people across the country
Coming Together
Coming Together
Coming Together
Coming Together
Coming Together
Overhead Transmission

Human Cargo: WAPA's Use of Helicopters for Line Work

Dec. 5, 2017
Linemen become "human cargo" and are lifted into the air by helicopters in some of Western Area Power Administration's jobs.