Recent helicopter activity over northern shore area just for routine inspections, utility says
The helicopter that is being used for routine aerial inspection of JCP&L transmission lines. (Image: Haverfield)
The recent helicopter activity over the northern shore area is due to routine aerial inspections of JCP&L transmission lines, according to a release from the utility.
Haverfield, an aerial power line inspection and maintenance services provider, began flying over the area on Thursday, Sept. 11, the release said.
The inspections typically require about 12 to 15 days but depend on weather conditions and other scheduling needs, according to the release.
The Hughes MD500 helicopter — black with red letter and a tail number of “N353AH” — flies slowly (20-30 mph) along the transmissions lines, could extend into areas outside of a transmission line in order to inspect a circuit in its entirety, and may hover at any time for a closer inspection, the release said.
The activity sparked numerous inquiries — some expressing fear — to JSHN, a Jersey Shore news outlet, on Tuesday after a helicopter was seen hovering near Exit 109 of the Garden State Parkway.
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