Something fun for helicopters in MSFS

[regis9 4,004]

If you’re looking for something real world to do that will give you a chance to hone your helicopter skills, might I suggest power line inspections.

Check out this video from a lineman who had the chance to go up in a Bell 206L to do some line inspections (it’s otherwise a fascinating channel if you’ve ever wondered how all the stuff you see on utility poles works).

With the various helicopters now available for the sim, plus the power line freeware addon (https://flightsim.to/file/26186/powerlines-and-solar-farms).

It’s a mixture of steady low altitude flying mixed with the need to climb over populated areas then back down to the Powerlines.

I’m going to give it a try this afternoon.

In case anyone is wondering, the first airfield shown in the video is CCY3 Sussex (i think), the airport he eventually departs from is certainly CYSJ Saint John.

Have fun and don’t fry your helicopter! 😀

 

[eslader 1,779]

If you want to see something really crazy, look up the vids of the people who *fix* live powerlines from helicopters. Whatever those guys are getting paid, it ain't enough!

 

[regis9 4,004]

I’ve seen those!  Amazing that you can touch a high voltage line in the air like that without it killing you!

[Kaboki 437]

37 minutes ago, regis9 said:

I’ve seen those!  Amazing that you can touch a high voltage line in the air like that without it killing you!

Pretty sure they cut power on the lines before doing any maintenance. 

[vgbaron 3,505]

4 minutes ago, Kaboki said:

Pretty sure they cut power on the lines before doing any maintenance. 

Not generally unless they have to physically drop the line. As he stated in the video, the chopper and the people in it are not grounded so essentially they become one with the system and can easily handle the 345,000 volts. Were they to somehow be grounded however - instant crisps!

[Kaboki 437]

Ah, ok, had no idea. When I worked as an electrician we never worked on something that wasn't disconnected.. 

[Espana Pete 357]

5 minutes ago, Kaboki said:

Ah, ok, had no idea. When I worked as an electrician we never worked on something that wasn't disconnected.. 

In that case, never apply to be an electrician in Spain, they do it all of time. its frightening to watch.

[Kaboki 437]

7 minutes ago, Espana Pete said:

In that case, never apply to be an electrician in Spain, they do it all of time. its frightening to watch.

Everytime im been to Spain and Portugal for vacation I get scared of just looking at the cables hanging around everywhere that looks like a 3 year old set up:p. Luckily in those countries electricity isnt used for heating so the load on the system is much less than in my country Norway. 

Sometimes though we did work with power on, but it was to save time and was way out of protocol. Have got bit a few times. 

Edited January 7, 2023 by Kaboki