Having done line construction work for a number of years, and seen the introduction of a number of safety organizations and more modern aircraft, not much has really changed in the Powerline construction world
We still use the same methods of moving the linemen. just added some HEC regs
Class A HEC Lineman on Skid or Platform
Class B HEC Lineman underslung
Class D Hoist Ops with Cat A Twin
As a pilot is the risk factor more or less being in a twin or a single in the HV curve. Simple if I have a true CAT A Twin.
Is the risk more or less in that twin trying to get into the tight spaces required to perform line maintenance. Most certainly has an increased risk factor with the larger aircraft.
Unless it’s 345KV plus probably not going to happen so we will used Class B HEC or Class D Hoist.
From a Lineman's perspective, Is it riskier to sit 100 foot tethered below a Bell 429 or EC145 etc for 8 hours a day while the pilot struggles with vertical reference mid span work or be on the skid or platform of a 500 for 8 hours a day which has easier references for the pilot. the risk is higher for the aircraft next to the wires however mid span vertical reference can be a serious workout for pilot and linemen. These all carry there own inherent risks.
As far as pulling in new line which is Class C loads the aircraft of choice is still the 500 due to side pull capability. The more modern astar has a side pull kit but again it’s too much aircraft in a tight area. Could you make this safer by using a Cat A twin and a headache ball. Yes. Downside with the headache ball and long line is being so far above the dollys or blocks that you may struggle getting the rope where it needs to go or damage the insulators with the headache ball.At this point in time you would probably be removed from the project.
Have accidents occurred with the 500 pulling in ropes. Plenty such as ropes hitting main and tail rotor blades, fuel starvation from the pulling angle, hitting towers with the aircraft, mid span needles snapping and recoiling back at the aircraft etc.
We can all agree, no individual or company wants to be involved in a accident or incident. Just like anything else in life the safest way would just be not to fly. Park all the machines and stay home. But we are aviation professionals in our different industry’s and have chosen those paths. We can all weigh the pros and cons of what we do and nobody is forced. At least here in the US if you don’t like what you do there are plenty of other flying jobs that will satisfy your personal risk assessment
I believe over the next 10-15 years the utility industry will continue to evolve alongside everything the drones will do. Most power company’s have gone full circle and are now again buying there own medium twins for line patrols leaving only construction and maintenance to contractors. Introduction of the black hawks is pushing the Hueys out and seeing a lot more chinooks popping up also taking over the heavy loads with the Cranes.
At some point in time underslung Human External Cargo will require a CAT A twin. Will any of this have positive safety results? At least on the risk assessment paper on the safety guys desk it’ll look good..