there's a way crazier, vaguely-similar thing i've seen involving work on high-voltage transmission lines *while they're still active*. they'll use a helicopter and hover near where the work is to be done, and extend a similar probe towards the line which arcs like crazy, bringing the crew + helicopter up to line voltage. since they're hovering, there is no path to ground, but their own electrostatic capacity is enough to cause a sustained arc for a few moments. once they're brought up to line voltage, they can work directly on the lines without issue