Helicopter Patrols to Check Electrical Transmission Lines

Area residents may see some low flying helicopters over the next month as the electricity transmission company ITC conducts inspections of high-voltage transmission structures, lines and equipment throughout the state.

The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC’s Michigan operating entities, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC. Inspections will take place in Bay Arenac, Gladwin, Clare and Midland counties between September 9 and 12, from September 13 to 17 in Isabella and Midland counties, and again from September 23 through 30 in Bay, Genesee, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw and Tuscola counties.

Crews check for damaged or worn equipment and vegetation hazards. The inspection flights are often conducted at low altitudes to allow accurate visual inspection of equipment like monopoles, steel towers, wood poles, conductors (wires), insulators and other equipment for lightning damage, wear or other potential problems.

According to the company, this is normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines.