YORK COUNTY, Pa. — If you see a helicopter hovering overhead in York County this week, there is a reason why to the unusual flight pattern!
According to Met-Ed, a contractor called Chesapeake Bay Helicopters is operating a black and blue Hughes MD 500 helicopter with a tail number of N716CB to perform a comprehensive visual inspection on two power lines in York County, including one in the York City area.
The lines, which serve Met-Ed’s service area, are owned by Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT), a transmission subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., which is also Met-Ed’s parent company.
These inspections are typically conducted twice a year to help to quickly spot and assess damage to the transmission system not readily visible from the ground, an official from Met-Ed explained.
During these inspections, the helicopter flies along transmission lines at 25 to 30 mph, giving an onboard inspector a bird’s-eye view of each steel or wooden transmission structure and the wire strung between them.
When a potential issue is spotted, the helicopter may circle back and hover as long as necessary for the inspector to take high-resolution photos of hardware or wire that may need to be repaired or replaced. Inspectors are on the lookout for items such as broken crossarms, damaged insulators, bent lattice steel, damaged wood poles and damaged wire. Harsh winter storms, exposure to weather and age can cause such conditions.
Here is a video from the pilot's view during one of the flights:
Met-Ed says they prioritize and address issues to prevent to potential power outages, particularly with hot summer weather on the way and the upcoming thunderstorm season.
It's unclear when the inspections will end in York County, but Met-Ed says the helicopters will only fly when weather conditions are favorable.