Company uses helicopter in repair of power lines

A helicopter was used Thursday to repair power lines throughout Clark County.

“Oh, I loved it,” said Denise Forrest of Clark County, who has been living near hard-to-reach power lines for 15 years. She has seen her share of workers hanging from the skids of helicopters.

“I kept thinking, ‘Oh, is he gonna fall? He’s gonna fall!’ “

Haverfield Aviation, based in Gettysburg, Pa., does the work for First Energy, repairing lines damaged by lightning strikes, storms, wear and tear, and even people who fire guns at the lines.

Thursday, the crew flew to 15 sites through the county, making repairs while dressed in special clothing that can conduct electricity. Crews work year-round, working 21 consecutive days at a time before taking a break.