Ep 47. High Risk: Helicopter Linemen

High Risk: Helicopter Linemen is the 47th episode of the 12th season of the popular television series, Modern Marvels. This episode explores the lives of helicopter linemen and their unique profession of working on high voltage power lines.

The episode begins with a brief history of the development of electricity and the placement of power lines across the United States. With the expansion of electricity and the need for these power lines to be maintained, the development of helicopter linemen became a necessity. The job is not for the faint of heart as it requires a great deal of skill, precision, and a willingness to put oneself in danger for the sake of the job.

The episode follows the daily lives of helicopter linemen who work for utility companies across the United States. These linemen carry out various tasks such as installing new power lines, repairing power lines, and doing routine maintenance checks. These tasks may require the linemen to be suspended in the air at great heights while working on live wires. The episode highlights the precautions that these linemen take to ensure their safety while on the job.

The risks of the job are constant and the episode illustrates the dangers involved in such a profession. The linemen work in all sorts of weather conditions and must be prepared for sudden changes in weather. The job also demands excellent communication skills as the linemen must be in constant contact with one another to ensure that everyone is safe. The episode showcases the expertise of these linemen and the intense training that they undergo before being deployed to work on power lines.

One of the main highlights of the episode is the use of helicopters to perform the work. With the help of a trained pilot, the helicopter linemen can be flown precisely to where they need to work. The helicopters are equipped with necessary tools such as special buckets that hold the linemen and their equipment for repair work. The episode also highlights the risks associated with working from helicopters, such as sudden movements, vibrations, and limited field of vision.

The episode explores the dangers involved in the job such as the risk of electrocution, falls, and collisions. The consequences of mistakes are severe, and the episode delves into the safety measures that are taken by the linemen to keep themselves safe while working. The episode also explores the psychological aspect of the job and the psychological traits that a lineman must have to be successful in the profession.

The episode follows two linemen as they carry out their work on the power lines. They work on a variety of maintenance tasks such as cutting branches and clearing debris from the power lines. The episode highlights the importance of role specialization, as the linemen specialize in their specific tasks and are careful not to interfere with their colleagues' work.

Overall, High Risk: Helicopter Linemen is an insightful and compelling episode about a profession that demands intense physical and mental strength to carry out. The episode delves into the various skills and techniques required to carry out the work involved in helicopter linemen's job and showcases the risks involved in such a profession. The episode is a must-watch for those interested in learning more about the modern marvels of modern-day life.