Press release from PG&E:

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will be patrolling by helicopter to check on trees and vegetation growing near power lines in Humboldt County tomorrow, March 3.

Residents are advised that the helicopter will fly low – about 200 to 300 feet – along distribution power lines. The flights will occur over the North Coast communities of Mad River, Dinsmore, Ruth, Blocksburg, Fort Seward, Alderpoint, Zenia, Kettenpom, Feather Falls, Forbestown, Robinson Mills and Oroville. 

PG&E is using Redding Air Service Inc., a contract helicopter service to fly foresters along power lines to identify trees and vegetation in need of pruning and removal. Weakened trees and branches can fall into power lines, leading to outages and even wild land fires. The flights are part of an annual patrol PG&E performs in remote areas. Foresters patrol most power lines on foot, but rugged areas require helicopter patrols.

All flights will occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m, the aircraft color is red and white.