Have you ever wondered how power lines get fixed in remote locations not easily accessible by a vehicle?

Dominion Virginia Power has a team of pilots, whose sole purpose is to fly around by helicopter with infrared cameras mounted underneath, making in-depth inspections of the high-voltage transmission system that spans over 6,200 miles.

The inspections ensure the system is performing safely, and helps the power company spot marginal wear and storm damage before they become much bigger problems – like something that would knock out power for hundreds of thousands of Northern Virginia residents.

And according to Dominion, whenever you see a low-flying helicopter near power lines, it’s them doing aerial maintenance.

Using a combination of safety tethers and a platform which extends out from under the helicopter, a specialist actually makes repairs to power lines as he hovers next to them, while suspended high above the ground.

You can check it out in the video below:

http://youtu.be/mz88MJLMSkI