Helicopter crews patrol ATC transmission lines
PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Helicopter crews began patrolling American Transmission Co. electric transmission lines last week to look for damage, right-of-way encroachments and vegetation issues.
ATC contracted the services of Chemair Helicopters of Jefferson, Wis. Crews began patrolling the transmission system, which covers portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois, in Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopters late March and are expected to continue through late April, weather permitting.
ATC conducts helicopter patrols two or three times a year to detect potential problems that can be corrected to avoid unplanned power outages. Aerial inspections allow crews to reach secluded or difficult-to-reach lines and identify potential problems such as damaged lines or insulators, or tree limbs that could fall, damage equipment and cause power outages. Many of ATC’s 9,440 miles of transmission lines are located in relatively remote areas of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it is difficult and time consuming for crews to reach these areas by vehicle or on foot.
Crews will inspect the lines by flying approximately 10 feet above the wires, and they will avoid flying over livestock where possible. Schedule may vary due to weather.
Note to editors: A map showing the locations ATC’s transmission facilities is available at www.atcllc.com.
