JCP&L Takes to the Air

Area residents may notice a low-flying, grey helicopter this week around town hovering near the power lines.

Don't panic.

This helicopter is a part of Jersey Central Power and Light's annual supervisory vegetation management aerial patrol. These aerial inspections of overhead transmission power lines in northern and central New Jersey began Wednesday and concluding Oct. 4, weather permitting.

Through these patrols, JCP&L inspects transmission lines for vegetation growing on or near the power lines. These inspections happen on an annual basis.

Aerial patrols consist of Transmission Forestry Supervision personnel that accompany the pilot in order to identify effectiveness of prior year's herbicide application and identification of any conditions warranting further inspection from the ground, according to a release from JCP&L.

The pilot will be in communication with any local airports when in their airspace., according to the release. The helicopter will be flying at a speed of up to 40 m.p.h. above or alongside the lines, and may circle around for a closer inspection.