Have You Seen the Low-Flying Helicopters?

You may may have noticed helicopters flying low in the area this week. And several people have been asking what's that's all about.

At least one reader saw one flying low over Pingree Park last week and snapped a photo.

Don't worry, it's not a manhunt or a prep for martial law. It's just National Grid inspecting its transmission lines.

The company's maintenance division started its first visual inspection program by air for New England on Monday, utilizing blue and yellow Bell Jet-Ranger helicopters from JBI Helicopters out of New Hampshire.

"In addition to damaged lines, towers or trees, the flights are conducted to identify signs of waste disposal or unauthorized construction on the rights of way. These could alter the amount of clearance between the ground and the power lines and might lead to human contact with the lines that could result in severe injuries or vegetation interference that could lead to power outages. Of additional concern are signs of erosion, which may cause the transmission structures to become unstable," the company wrote in a statement.

The inspection flights will be conducted over 15-20 working days, but National Grid may require additional days, depending on the weather.