Reminds me of the planks for tree felling on huge trees from back in the day. They would take planks and pound the end into the cutout in the tree then climb up them. When they had to use hand saws to cut down the redwoods.

That heli ride looks freaking badass! I really would love to long line. I've had friends in search and rescue in Yosemite and they said that is one of the best things, the ride up the side of Elcap or Half Dome while on the long line.

Speaking of Elcap, you have the potential to be a badass aid climber. The press on the pole to reach out the line is like top stepping in aiders to place a piece as high as possible. Lots of the movements would be very familiar.