MORRISTOWN — Foresters from Jersey Central Power & Light Company will take to the sky to conduct helicopter inspections of power lines in the Morris County area as part of the company’s annual vegetation management program.
The patrols should only take a few days, weather permitting. Local officials have been notified that the inspections will take place. The inspections will take place until August 3, weather permitting.
Helicopters are a cost-effective and efficient way to conduct inspections that help keep JCP&L’s electric system durable and reliable. Residents may see a small helicopter flying at low altitude or hovering over power lines and towers while company foresters examine trees and other vegetation in the right-of-way and trees outside the corridor that could potentially cause damage to the electric system.
The helicopter will be flying at a speed of about 35-40 mph above or alongside the lines, and may circle around for a closer inspection. The helicopter is a Hughes MD 500, black in color with a red stripe, tail # N8330P.
When a potential tree issue is identified, additional ground-level inspections are scheduled and remedial actions are completed.
JCP&L also performs annual aerial inspections of transmission towers, substations and other electrical equipment.
