Helicopter Patrols Scheduled For Millburn

MILLBURN, NJ - Some residents may have noticed low flying helicopters flying over the Millburn area over the last few days, as JCP&L scans their equipment. The patrols were expected to begin this weekend and are estimated to last up to five days.

To conduct these inspections, officials said Chesapeake Bay Helicopters will be moving to the area to begin performing Ultra-Violet/Infrared patrols on all JCP&L 115kV lines. Chesapeake Bay Helicopters will be patrolling the area full-time until the UV/IR patrols are completed.

According to JCP&L an Ultra-Violet/Infrared patrol is similar to a routine patrol in terms of speed, 25-35 mph, 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. 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).

The helicopter used for the UV/IR patrols will be a black Hughes MD500 tail number N774CB, and the utility noted the time of completion will be weather dependent.

(Photo courtesy of JCP&L)

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