JCP&L Helicopter Patrols

Please be advised that on 2/1 or 2/2 weather permitting, Chesapeake Bay Helicopters (CBH) will be moving to the area to begin performing UV/IR patrols on all JCP&L 115kV lines. CBH will be patrolling the area fulltime until the UV/IR patrols are completed. Patrols are estimated to take 3-5 days to complete and as always, time of completion is weather dependent. The following helicopter will be used for the UV/IR patrols: N774CB – Black, Hughes MD500.

A UV/IR patrol is similar to a routine patrol in terms of speed (25-35mph) but special equipment mounted on the bottom of the aircraft is used to get a detailed look at the conductor, insulators, shield wire, and their associated hardware through the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. Again, the helicopter may be seen hovering at certain locations trying to get a closer look at any conditions that may be found during the patrol(s).

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. Please advise local Safety Forces and other public entities or sensitive customers as needed.