Low-flying helicopters to patrol TECO transmission lines
TAMPA (FOX 13) - If a low-flying helicopter buzzes your house in the coming weeks, don't worry. It's just Tampa Electric Company workers checking transmission lines from the air.
TECO said the operation is part of its ongoing inspection process, but might require a little mid-air hovering in the skies above Tampa.
Work will begin at 8 a.m. Monday and continue for four weeks during daylight hours. Work also may occur on weekends. Crews will survey 1,300-miles of TECO's high-voltage transmission lines. The inspections will be over urban and rural areas, with some in view of roads and neighborhoods. Local law enforcement officials will be notified of the inspections.
TECO said the helicopter will fly between 30 and 300 feet above the lines and poles while workers check equipment using infrared technology and cameras. The inspections should be finished in mid-September.
Haverfield Aviation, of Gettysburg, Pa., and Hot/Shot Infrared Inspections Inc., of Golden, Colo., will conduct the inspections.