Comments on: World’s Most Dangerous Job? Power Line Tree Trimming Helicopter Pilot

By: Charles Neilsen

Charles Neilsen — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:03:45 +0000

This would be like any other long line job such as logging or construction. Your line and load become your horizontal reference. Ballsy pilot, though. I’d be more afraid of the saw than anything. I’ve seen saws like that used for pruning orchards. I didn’t ask for a job.

By: John

John — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:43:04 +0000

I just saw this done close to my home in King George, Va last weekend. What realy _impressed_ me was that this was done around high voltage lines during a light rain!!! I couldn’t believe my eyes.

By: megikon

megikon — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:36:56 +0000

im a heli pilot,,theres a quick release button on the cylic,and i bet his thumb is always on it.

By: techblog

techblog — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:52:24 +0000

if u want to die…..

By: Kirk

Kirk — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:34:26 +0000

I have seen this done on the powerline that runs through our hunting property in Mississippi. It is the biggest hedge trimmer availbale for sure. The pilots skill is put to the test but safety features are in place I am sure. Quick release on the saw in case of snags. Not knowing the cost per hour for this service but imagine the man hours and equipment needed to do this from the ground. These powelines run straight through some extremely rough terrain including swamps and mountains. I salute the person who came up with this idea, and the men who operate them.

By: Johny

Johny — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 20:46:24 +0000

i wonder how much this pays, and what happens when a big unexpected wind comes up!

By: neo3d

neo3d — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:40:22 +0000

Wow. This is insane. I dont get how he looks down to position the saw blades
and keeps the aircraft level at the same time. Thats absolutely mind blowing.
If any of you are heli pilots or have flown one on a computer sim… you’d understand
how hard it is to keep one of those level for long periods of time.
Major respect to that guy.

By: aKirA

aKirA — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:14:07 +0000

hmm…i really don’t see the logics in that method. I mean, if the chainsaw get’s snagged…then good bye helicopter. Also…can’t be too accurate dangling on a wire. hehehe They could prolly put that chainsaw on a Fire engine type truck with ladder.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 21:23:30 +0000

There is a worst job. When repairing live power lines, engineers are dangled from a basket under a helicopter.

By: Braden

Braden — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 01:49:59 +0000

That’s SOOO insane! Never, ever would I even consider that job. No way!