More helicopter flights over transmission lines planned

Chelan PUD customers will see a helicopter flying along PUD transmission lines for several days later this month, similar to the work that was done last spring. This round of flights will cover lines in the upper Wenatchee Valley between Cashmere and Lake Wenatchee, followed by the Chelan Valley from Lake Chelan Dam to Manson. 

Crew on the flights will take pictures and gather high-tech survey information to help PUD engineers maintain reliable electric service in the county.

Jim Caldwell, senior transmission system engineer, said the information gathered during the flights is used for detailed computer models of the PUD’s transmission system that are vital tools for making sure the high-voltage lines continue to provide reliable service for PUD customer-owners.

Caldwell said it will take about two weeks to complete the flights over both areas. The helicopter will fly twice along the transmission lines. A high-level flight to take wide-angle aerial photos will be done first, followed by low-level flight at less than 500 feet above the line, to gather the survey data using LiDAR technology (Light Detection and Ranging sensors).

The flights were expected to start last week, depending on the contractor’s availability. The flights will be done during business hours.

Chelan PUD is alerting residents near the lines about the flights, as well as city officials and law enforcement.