From Pacific Gas and Electric:

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is conducting low-level helicopter patrols to inspect and perform maintenance on transmission and distribution electric lines in Humboldt County this week.  Work will be completed by the end of the week. 

The contracted helicopters fly at approximately 400 feet, depending on the area and if livestock are present. PG&E patrols remote power lines, which are often located in rural areas, by helicopter as part of its continuing effort to ensure safety and reliability of its electric system.

Week of November 7:

• Two contracted helicopters will fly this week in and out of Garberville along transmission lines.  A blue and red Huey will fly steel and wooden poles - that could be as long as 75 feet – and a blue and white helicopter will fly crew members and other materials in and out of Garberville as well.

Wednesday, November 9:

•  A contracted helicopter will fly along electric distribution lines in the Willow Creek area - from Hoopa to Russ Ranch to Del Loma and between.

Thursday, November 10:

• A contracted helicopter will fly along electric distribution lines in the Garberville area – from Petrolia to Bridgeville to Low Gap to Miranda and between.

Weather permitting; PG&E will patrol by air from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

PG&E regularly patrols and inspects its lines to ensure safety and reliability, and to identify equipment in need of repair. This allows PG&E to proactively schedule repairs that might otherwise result in power outages. In rough country, remote areas or areas where there are fewer trees, the most efficient and sometimes only way to accomplish this is by helicopter.