Western Power Distribution, the company that looks after the electricity distribution for the region has been using helicopters to carry out safety inspections on its electricity pylons in Birmingham.
The helicopters will be used to spot potential hazards on the high voltage overhead network and to highlight areas where future work may be needed.
Robin Tutcher, Chief Pilot at Western Power Distribution, said: “Using a helicopter for patrols is the safest, fastest and most effective way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.
“Taking this bird’s eye view enables us to check large areas quickly. We’re able to spot potential hazards early so that our engineers can plan investment and maintenance work more effectively, and do any necessary work before it causes problems for our customers.”
The helicopter patrols will also be on the look-out for trees growing into overhead lines, which can cause problems in stormy weather.
Feature Image Credit: Kev Slade