Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Area residents might notice some low-flying helicopters next week.

ITC Transmission Company is conducting aerial patrols of the high-voltage transmission structures and lines across Michigan starting next Tuesday, lasting through June 30th, weather permitting.

The fly-overs will be across portions of the WHMI listening area all next week.

The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC’s Michigan operating entities, ITC Transmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC).

Fly-overs involve inspections of all transmission structures and equipment including monopoles, steel towers, wood poles, conductors (wires), insulators, and other equipment.

Crews check for damaged or worn equipment and vegetation hazards. The inspection flights are often conducted at low altitudes to allow accurate visual inspection of equipment for lightning damage, wear or other potential problems.

Officials stress that is normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines.


The aerial inspections will cover nearly all of the Lower Peninsula, including all or part of the following counties (date ranges are approximate):

-May 27-30: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne.

-June 2-11: Bay, Genesee, Gratiot, Huron, Ingham, Isabella, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Montcalm, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair and Tuscola.

-June 12-17: Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Monroe, Ottawa, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, Van Buren and Washtenaw.

-June 18-21: Allegan, Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Ottawa.

-June 24-30: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Midland, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford.

The patrols are a requirement for ITC’s vegetation management program, support proactive maintenance objectives, and are in line with the company’s model for operational excellence.

Photo: ITC Facebook