Gliding just above the tree tops, a three-person helicopter crew inspects high-voltage power lines for overgrown vegetation, broken equipment and anything else that could disrupt service to customers. At Duke Energy, these crews fly more than 32,000 miles across seven states twice a year. It’s a hazardous job that requires extensive training and sustained, intense focus to notice little things like broken insulators while traveling 20 mph to 90 mph.
When they do notice a problem, the helicopter safely lowers and hovers near the pole while the crew makes a note for maintenance. On April 3, Duke Energy Chief Helicopter Pilot Roger Johnson took over the company’s Instagram account to show followers what it’s like to fly the lines. Here’s a recap of the day.