# Helicopter Chainsaws (DD-366)

> Aerial saws are rigs of about ten circular saw blades on a long vertical boom hanging below a helicopter. Pilots fly them along power line corridors and roads to trim branches, especially in remote or rugged terrain where ground crews struggle. The Reel calls them chainsaws, but the blades are circular saws. The footage shows a helicopter trimming a tree line.

- Department: Tech
- First published: 2024-11-11
- Last updated: 2024-11-11
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/helicopter-chainsaws/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-366-F01**: Circular blades on a vertical boom. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Rig))_
- **DD-366-F02**: Hung beneath a helicopter. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Helicopter))_

## Write-up

A helicopter can trim trees with a row of spinning saw blades. Utilities use it to clear lines in rough terrain.

1. **Rig**: Circular blades on a vertical boom.
2. **Helicopter**: Hung beneath a helicopter.
3. **Use**: Power line clearing.
4. **Terrain**: Remote areas.
5. **Blades**: Usually about ten.

## Related case files

- [Rotor Hydraulics (DD-543)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/rotor-hydraulics/): I linked more helicopters

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel calls them chainsaws; aerial saws use circular saw blades.

## Video: Helicopter Chainsaws: A Helicopter Can Trim Trees With a Row of Spinning Saw Blades

- Duration: 25.9 s · Published: 2024-11-11
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DCPXJsjJZd9.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know, helicopters equipped with long vertical chainsaws are used for trimming and clearing trees near power lines, roads, and other infrastructure? These chainsaws consist of multiple spinning blades attached to a long pole, suspended below the helicopter. As the helicopter flies along the target area, the blades cut through branches and foliage, allowing for efficient trimming of hard-to-reach trees. This method is particularly useful in rough terrain or remote locations, where ground crews would struggle with access. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What type of blades?**  
A: Spinning discs. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Rig) · Wikipedia: Aerial saw)_

**Q: What carries the rig?**  
A: Suspended. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Helicopter) · Wikipedia: Aerial saw)_

**Q: What is cleared?**  
A: Utilities. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Use) · Wikipedia: Aerial saw)_

**Q: Why use it?**  
A: Access. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Terrain) · Wikipedia: Aerial saw)_

**Q: How is the boom oriented?**  
A: Hanging. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Blades) · Wikipedia: Aerial saw)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Aerial saw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_saw)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Helicopter Chainsaws." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-366, last updated Nov 11, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/helicopter-chainsaws/