Longline / Liveline Specialised Work
Communication Equipment
Our ground staff have continued air to ground communication. We have designed our own voice activated vox-units allowing us to be hands-free for liveline work. © Helicopters Otago Ltd.
The Helicopter
When completing live line work we use a BK117. This machine is a twin engine machine and is set to Trans Power standards. Both the pilot and crew are experienced in longline/ liveline work. In addition safety lines are used which are tested and inspected daily.
Heli Karting
To date we have replaced over 30,000 spacers in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. We have worked on both simplex and duplex lines and on lines with and without interphases.
The Heli Karts have been uniquely designed for liveline work. They are regularly used for spacer replacement on duplex conductors and are designed for ease of handling.
The karts, Crew and helicopter are all fitted with good radio communications to ensure the utmost safety of all involved.
Implosive Joints
During these operations, the linemen are lowered in a specially
designed cage that is placed over the conductor and attached
to either end of the joint to be replaced. The faulty joint is then
cut out and the new implosive joint inserted.
The linesmen are then lifted clear of the conductor to a safe
distance before the implosive joint is detonated. Following
detonation the linemen are again placed over the conductor to
remove equipment and inspect the new joint.
Joint Testing
We have extensive experience in liveline joint testing. To date we have tested thousands of joints. These operations are undertaken using the “dope on a rope” method.
Underslung Wire Stringing
Our wire stringing machine is adjustable allowing it to lift many different drum sizes. It is fully controlled from the helicopter by a mechanical braking system which allows us to apply tension to the wire as required. It has a quick drum reloading system which can lift up to 1.2 tons.
Side Mounted Wire Stringing - Earth Wire
We have a side mounted hook on our helicopter which is capable of pulling from a ground-based drum. This hook is operated with both an electrical and manual release. We have demonstrated our ability to effortlessly pull up to 15 kilometres in one run.
Counterweight Wire Stringing
This method is used when stringing conductors. This method provides good clearance for the helicopter from other hazards eg other conductors, towers etc. Counterweight stringing allows for us to place the conductor in running blocks without the need for any human interaction.