If You See A Black Helicopter Over Millburn, Here's Why

MILLBURN, NJ — JCP&L plans to use helicopters to check its power lines this month, the utility said. The helicopters will perform "routine patrols" for two weeks to check for problems with the lines.

The helicopter used will be a black Hughes MD500 with tail registration number N748CB, owned by Cheseapeake Bay Helicopters.

The helicopters may be seen throughout the JCP&L Region.

"These patrols are anticipated to take approximately two weeks to complete, but as always, work is strongly weather dependent and completion could be impeded by any post-storm or outage-related patrols that may occur," said the township of Millburn.

The helicopter that is being used can be viewed here.

"A routine visual patrol is a general inspection of the structures, conductors, and all associated hardware on the transmission line(s)," said a release. "The helicopter may also be seen hovering and/or circling to get a closer look at any problems that may be found during these patrols."

The flight crew provides information on their daily location to both Transmission Lines Maintenance, FE East/NJ Transmission Operations, and also any local airports when in their airspace.

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