Aerial inspection of power lines begins

Indiana Michigan Power will conduct aerial inspections of its high-voltage lines from a helicopter beginning today.

The inspections will occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and help maintain the reliability of the electric transmission system, company officials said.

The flights are scheduled to inspect transmission lines in I&M’s Indiana service territory, which includes Southwest Michigan, and will be conducted in the Southwest Michigan region over the course of the next two weeks.

I&M’s contractor will conduct the inspections from a red and white helicopter. The aircraft will fly 50 to 100 feet above the lines, covering about 350 miles each day.

During inspections, the helicopter may circle a single structure or area several times to check the condition of electrical equipment.