AEP to use helicopter to patrol lines

AEP information

LIMA — AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power will conduct aerial patrols of its high-voltage lines in northwest Ohio beginning next week as part of its ongoing program to maintain and improve the reliability of the electric transmission system.

The patrols will begin Thursday, March 22,and continue until Thursday, April 5. Patrols will take place in the Van Wert, Findlay, Fremont, Lima, Tiffin, Bucyrus, and Upper Sandusky areas in northwestern Ohio.

The aerial contractor will be utilizing a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter, ID No. N54DE, with burgundy and white color scheme with silver stripes. During patrols, the helicopter will fly at a speed of approximately 40 to 45 mph, hovering at each structure location. The helicopter may need to circle a single structure/area several times to check the condition of electrical equipment. An entire line is patrolled in one flight so the helicopter may follow a line continuously from one area into another. The helicopter will fly Monday through Saturday, excluding Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the inspections are completed. Weather delays could alter the flight schedule by a day or two in each area.

Customers with questions or concerns about the aerial patrols should contact AEP Ohio at 800.672.2231.

AEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers of major AEP subsidiaries Ohio Power Company in Ohio and Wheeling Power Company in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power. News and information about AEP Ohio can be found at aepohio.com.