Electricity line Observer
 

Hi all,

Does anyone know the experience requirements to become an Observer on the electricity line inspection helicopters? I see both Western Power Distribution and National Grid do this work, do any other companies? I haven't been able to find any specific requirements so if anyone can shed some light that would be appreciated.

Cheers

An immunity from airsickness would be a start!
When I was flying powerlines (pole lines - not national Grid) the Observers were all experineced powerline engineers employed by the electricity board concerned. A goodly number flew just one day...even I used to get a bit queasy at times.

Was that sickness from having to use and look at a computer? I thought most of the flying was steady at low level?

WPD have their own crewmen who are not line engineers. Best to get in touch directly.

WPD are advertising or have recently. Job description should be there somewhere.

A lot of Powerline observers are ex linesmen.
They will have had a number of years of experience either building lines or performing maintenance tasks on them.
Some haven’t been linesmen and I don’t know how they get on to this type of work.

The utility company will typically have requirements. I work with Pacific Gas & Electric in California. All linemen riding on helicopters complete an 8 hour CRM course specifically designed for the operation, and have to complete the course and testing annually. They are all experienced linemen or troublemen.