Please be advised that in approximately one week, Chesapeake Bay Helicopters will be mobilizing to the region and will be performing Routine patrols on all Illuminating Company transmission lines. Patrols are anticipated to take two to three weeks to complete but as always, inclement weather or any non-routine/post-storm patrols could prolong completion.
The helicopter to be used for these patrols is a black and silver, Hughes MD500 with tail registration number N774CB
A routine patrol is a general, overall look at the conductors, hardware, and structures of the transmission line(s). The helicopter will be flying at speeds of 25-30 knots (25-35mph) where the onboard observer will be looking for any outstanding conditions on the lines and also may be seen hovering to get a closer look at any conditions that may be found.
It should be noted that the contractor has been authorized to patrol the transmission circuits in their entirety (i.e. “breaker-to-breaker”), so patrols on certain lines may therefore extend into the neighboring regions. The flight crew provides information on their daily location to both Transmission Lines Maintenance and the FCC, and the pilot will be in communication with any local airports when in their airspace.