Jackson, MI (WKHM) — Jackson County residents, as well as residents throughout the state of Michigan, may begin to see low-flying helicopters inspecting ITC’s transmission equipment beginning next Wednesday (example pictured above via ITC).
ITC, the company that operates the area’s high-voltage power lines, will be conducting aerial patrols of the high-voltage transmission structures, lines and equipment in Michigan.
The aerial inspections will cover nearly all of the Lower Peninsula, with the area of the state including Jackson County scheduled to receive the inspections beginning on May 27 and lasting through May 30.
Inspections are also scheduled to take place in Hillsdale, Calhoun, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, Lenawee, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties within the same timeframe.
ITC’s inspections will be taking place throughout the state through June 30.
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 (METC).
Crews will check for damaged or worn equipment and vegetation hazards. ITC says the inspection flights are often conducted at low altitudes to allow accurate visual inspection of equipment for lightning damage, wear or other potential problems.
This is described by the company as normal procedure, stating that there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines during an inspection.
These patrols are a North American Electrical Reliability Corporation (NERC) requirement for ITC’s vegetation management program, support proactive maintenance objectives, and are in line with the company’s model for operational performance.
For more information about the ITC’s upcoming aerial patrols, as well as a visual example of what one looks like, visit their website or click here.
