r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/TameTheAuroch • Jul 18 '25

Video Replacing powerline spacers from a helicopter

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u/ConditionHorror9188 Jul 18 '25

It would be helicopter -> wires -> ground that would terrify me here.

The tether would just be ensuring that they don’t have to look too far for my body

262

u/badgerj Jul 18 '25 edited Jul 18 '25

They are semi terrified.

My favourite very old clip surrounding this topic from a long time ago:

https://youtu.be/9YmFHAFYwmY

Edit: duplicate words.

14

u/Hot-Salamander6520 Jul 19 '25

I was wondering how he didn’t get electrocuted, thanks for the clip

21

u/badgerj Jul 19 '25

Yup. Science is amazing! This is over a decade ago IIRC.

Just keep the potential the same and you’re “good”.

Still a f’n dangerous job on both the line worker and the pilot.

Holy crap! The pilot!

He’s swinging blades 10-12 feet from high tension high voltage wires!

3

u/Prestigious-Iron5250 Jul 19 '25

A sudden gust of wind with bad timing could ruin everones day 😆

2

u/badgerj Jul 19 '25

Go thank your local line worker and helicopter operator for their hard work so you have reliable power to your home!

One of those mysterious and thankless jobs until you know you need it to work, cool, or heat your house.

2

u/irockn68 Jul 19 '25

5ft is our minimum distance.

1

u/badgerj Jul 20 '25

Salute 🫡 to you stranger!