*Helicopter Patrol Advisory from JCP&L*
Please be advised that on approximately April 14th (weather permitting), Chesapeake Bay Helicopters (CBH) will be performing a comprehensive visual inspection patrol on the T5020 (Smithburg-Deans) 500kV line and will be performing Routine Patrols on all 230kV and 115kV transmission lines. CBH will be patrolling JCP&L territory full-time until the inspections are completed. Inspections will take approximately two weeks. The helicopter used for these patrols will be a Black and Silver Bell 206 with tail registration number N785CB (see photo).
A Comprehensive Visual Inspection is a slow, structure by structure, span by span inspection in which the crew is getting a detailed look at the structure, conductor, and all associated hardware. The helicopter will be seen moving very slowly along the lines and at times may be seen hovering during the inspection getting a closer look at the transmission line, structure(s), and hardware.
A routine patrol/inspection is a general, overall look at the transmission line and associated hardware. The helicopter will be traveling at speeds of 25-30mph and may at times hover over top of structures and/or spans of conductor to get a better look at any problems/issues found during patrols.
It should be noted that the contractor has been authorized to patrol the transmission circuits in their entirety (i.e. "breaker-to-breaker"), so patrols on certain lines may therefore extend into the neighboring regions. The flight crew provides information on their daily location to both Transmission Lines Maintenance and the FCC, and the pilot will be in communication with any local airports when in their airspace.
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