Hovering Helicopter Will Inspect Power Lines In Chester Area

CHESTER, NJ — If you notice a blue helicopter hovering in the Chester or Mendham area over the next week, it will be authorized by JCP&L, according to local officials.

The energy provider will be sending inspectors to perform routine visual surveys on all transmission lines in the area, beginning on or around Wednesday, June 12.

Chester Police notified residents that the inspections will take about a week to complete, barring any weather-related complications. Residents in nearby communities may also notice the aircraft, officials said, as crews are permitted to patrol transmission circuits in their entirety and may fly into nearby regions.

The helicopter may hover or circle over an area to get a closer look at any problems, officials added.

Officials said these routine visual patrols check on the structures, conductors, and hardware on transmission lines, with the onboard inspector looking for any outstanding issues or problems that could impact service.

The exact model being used is a Blue Bell 206 Jet Ranger with tail registration number N719CB; you can see an exact photo and read more info here.