JCP&L Routine & UV/IR Patrols 2/25/21
In approximately one week, weather
permitting, Chesapeake Bay Helicopters (CBH) will be mobilizing to the JCPL
region and will begin performing routine patrols on all JCPL 115kV bulk
transmission lines. The helicopter to be used for these patrols will be a blue,
Bell Jet Ranger with tail registration number N719CB – photo attached.
These patrols are estimated to take two days to complete, but any inclement
weather or storm/outage-related patrols on other lines may prolong completion.
During the
week of March 8th, weather permitting, CBH will be mobilizing a
different helicopter to the JCPL region and will begin performing UV/IR patrols
on all JCPL 500kV and 230kV bulk transmission lines. The helicopter to be used
for these patrols will be a black and silver, Hughes MD500 with tail
registration number N774CB – photo attached. These patrols are estimated
to take one to one and a half weeks to complete, but again, any inclement
weather or storm/outage-related patrols on other lines may prolong completion.
A routine
patrol is flown at speeds of 25-35 mph and is a general, overall look at the
transmission line where the onboard inspector is looking for any outstanding
damage on the transmission line conductors, hardware, and structures. The
helicopter may also be seen hovering to get a closer look at any conditions
that may be found.
A UV/IR
patrol is like a routine patrol in terms of patrol speed (25-35 mph) but
utilizes an infrared and corona camera that’s mounted on the bottom of the
helicopter. The onboard thermographer uses these cameras to view the
transmission line conductor and hardware through the infrared and ultraviolet
spectrums to identify any sources of corona activity or overheated components.
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 FE East Transmission Operations, 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.
