I read an interesting article in Smithsonian Air and Space a few months ago about helo pilots who flew power line repair jobs.
They hover next to the power line and "ground" the helo to the power line being worked on (making it electrically neutral), and maneuver a repair technician (on a platform between the skids) next to the power line (or tower) that needs repair. Then they have to hold a hover right next to the power line until the repair is completed.
BTW, the repair technician has to wear special clothing because of the intensity of the electric field he is working in. And yes, the cost justification for this type of work is that you don't have to shut down the power grid while the work is being performed.
Does anyone here do this kind of flying? It has absolutely no appeal for me.
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Safe flying to you...
[This message has been edited by Flight Safety (edited 31 May 2001).]