See A Helicopter With A Strange Pole Hanging Underneath? Here’s What It Is

August 8, 2019

Have you seen a helicopter with a long rod or pole hanging from it? Several readers contacted us asking about it, and here’s what we found.

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, which generates and supplies power to Escambia River Electric Cooperative, is is conducting right-of-way clearance on transmission power lines in the North Escambia area over the next couple of weeks.

They are using a Hughes 369D helicopter with a suspended aerial power saw to accomplish this task. The saw has ten, 24-inch blades that swing back and forth trimming trees and other foliage in close proximity of the high voltage lines. Periodic right-of-way service is necessary to keep power lines clear of tree brush so they will not cause harm to people or a disruption in electrical service.

Photos courtesy EREC for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

12 Responses to “See A Helicopter With A Strange Pole Hanging Underneath? Here’s What It Is”

  1. Shay on August 11th, 2019 1:57 pm

    Wow!!! Mind blown.

  2. Operation-Z on August 10th, 2019 12:49 pm

    Good job

  3. Amy on August 8th, 2019 1:45 pm

    That’s the first thing I thought of too the James Bond Movie! Yes. That has to be a top notch pilot with nerves of steel. The slightest wind I would think causes a few skipped heartbeats. Prayers for all who do such great jobs. Be safe. Will start looking for them now!

  4. 007 on August 8th, 2019 1:40 pm

    Heli-chopper

  5. Carlos E McGugin on August 8th, 2019 11:36 am

    The James Bond Movie “The World Is Not Enough” had one of these in it.

  6. telymanbws on August 8th, 2019 11:15 am

    If you want to see how the US Navy does this sort of stuff Google or Bing “helicopter minesweeping” I spent 10 years in this community and I’m a Plankowner of Helmineron Fifteen (HM-15)

  7. Leslie on August 8th, 2019 9:40 am

    I was one of those questioning. We saw it yesterday close to our home .
    Thank you for answering inquiring minds.

  8. Dee on August 8th, 2019 9:19 am

    Well I obviously picked the wrong job on career day! I bet that is a awesome way to make a living and also gets paid handsomely

  9. retired on August 8th, 2019 8:36 am

    wonder if they do hedges?

    HAHAHA

  10. Preston Hardy on August 8th, 2019 8:27 am

    That rig requires an experienced pilot and a steady hand. It is a treat to see it in action.

  11. MsBonnie on August 8th, 2019 7:45 am

    That is awesome !!! Would love to see it in action. Thank you NorthEscambia for keeping us informed.

  12. Me on August 8th, 2019 4:08 am

    So cool to see!
    Thanks for letting us know!
    Thanks for ALL of the info you put on here!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News