AIR2 (Timonium, Maryland, U.S.) completed a helicopter-assisted crossarm changeout on an energized 345-kV wooden H-frame transmission line structure on Kansas City Power and Light's (KCP&L; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.) Hawthorn-Sibley line.

AIR2 has trained its crews in traditional hot stick methods, and has the additional advantage of being able to transport and position its crews, equipment and new and old components with its highly stable and maneuverable MD 500 helicopters. This capability improves powerline access and the efficiency of the work, and virtually eliminates right-of-way damage and remediation costs. KCP&L recognized these issues and worked closely with Hughes Brothers Inc. (Seward, Nebraska, U.S.) to design a replacement steel arm that could be installed on its structures.

AIR2 teamed with Power Line Training Consultants (Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.), specialists in live-line training and project management, to perfect the process and procedures used to conduct the work in the safest possible manner.
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