Have you ever wanted a career that combines high voltage electrical repair work with a job hanging from a helicopter into a super life-threatening career? If so, Haverfield Aviation may have a position for you. The company specializes in servicing power lines in some of the most dangerous and harsh regions of the country. It just got better. These locations can only be reached by helicopter. The job requires a skilled lineman who hangs out of the helicopter to help keep the national grid in good working order.
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What is an aerial lineman or helicopter lineman
The work of aerial linemen (or helicopter linemen) includes the installation and maintenance of overhead power lines or grid wiring. Essentially, they are suitable for high power distribution systems. The work specifically involves replacing wires and lines between substations, as well as other components. The use of helicopters increases efficiency. It eliminates the need to access hard-to-reach substations and towers by vehicle. Keep in mind that these areas may be in the backcountry of hilly terrain.
Remote access to these areas also reduces environmental impact. It eliminates the need for roads or broken foliage to gain access to these areas and equipment.
The Skyline Operator's Challenge
As it turns out, keeping the power going is easier said than done. To maintain the grid, overhead line operators wear seat belts. He was then suspended hundreds of feet in the air from the side of a helicopter. To make the whole situation even crazier, an air or helicopter line operator often needs to keep his or her tools within reach at all times. This means they sometimes tether the chainsaw to themselves while hanging from the helicopter.
Helicopter pilots are no walk in the park either. These pilots spend a lot of their working hours in what they call the "Deadman's Curve." This is the altitude and airspeed combination that pilots avoid because it is statistically more likely to result in death. However, Haverfield Aviation trains its pilots to fly in these difficult environments.
Working around high power lines is inherently dangerous under normal conditions. In fact, dozens of powerline workers die each year. Add to that the extenuating circumstances surrounding the use of helicopters and high-flying power tools, and the potential danger is compounded.
"Helicopters are dangerous. Power lines are dangerous. When you put the two together, you're doing double jeopardy… You have to be on your toes at all times, at your best all the time. It doesn't take too much voltage to get you Your heart stops beating… If something bad happens to you, your chances of surviving are slim."
Haverfield Aviation aerial lineman John Brooks in an interview with CNBC
How Much Do Helicopter Linemen Make?
a lot of. For those who have the strength to engage in this line of work, the rewards are considerable. Depending on the area, the average salary for a power line worker is about $78,300. Aerial linemen, on the other hand, can earn much more. Experienced workers can quickly start earning over $100,000 per year.
what are you waiting for?
So for those of you who need the possibility of near-death to spice up your workweek, you might consider becoming an aerial lineman. Let's face it – most of us chumps are either stuck in the office somewhere or out there making a living off our proverbial chewing gum.
With a cautious mind and an appreciation for adrenaline-fueled situations, you can live a good life. You'll just be hanging off the side of the helicopter… next to some wires… 100 feet in the air with the tool in hand.
For more information on becoming an air or helicopter line operator, Haverfield aviation or applying for the most dangerous job in the world, visit the company website.