Over the next few weeks NSTAR will be conducting inspections of our lines. Two types of inspections are being performed: Comprehensive Visual Inspections, and Aerial Infrared. Both are aerial inspections by helicopter.

Comprehensive Visual Inspections:  These inspections are starting this afternoon (Monday, March 26). Comprehensive Visual Inspections are the annual detailed overhead transmission line inspections.  These detailed inspections will require the flight crew to closely hover or circle around structures for a few minutes. This attracts attention, and sometimes phone calls.   Haverfield Aviation is contracted to do the work.  They fly a Hughes MD500, with a white body and dark blue tail, marking ID is N369D.  Work is conducted seven days per week, weather permitting, during daylight hours, with the exception of Easter Sunday, when no work will be done.

Aerial Infrared Inspections:   Spring infrared patrols are scheduled to begin the week of April 2. These patrols will be done by helicopter from Aerial, with Hot Shots performing the inspections and an NSTAR observer on board.  We will be using a white jet ranger helicopter with blue stripe, registration is 37WA.