A Bell 407. This photo does not depict either of the helicopters PG&E are using. By Md Shaifuzzaman, Wikimedia Commons.


The helicopters doing laps next to Highway 101 this last week aren’t CIA black-ops, foreign agents, or a bored billionaire flexing their aerial domination on cowering commuters. The Outpost has officially confirmed that they are, as many online have proposed, helicopters doing work for PG&E.

The helicopters, two Bell 407s owned by PJ Helicopters in Red Bluff, have been patrolling a transmission line and replacing insulating materials, as well as assisting with pole replacements. 

According to spokesperson Megan McFarland, PG&E uses helicopters to limit impact on wildlife and wetlands. 

Today is the last day PG&E is using the helicopters.