AEP Ohio helicopter to check transmission lines

3/16/2012

LIMA, Ohio — AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, will conduct aerial patrols of its high-voltage lines in northwest Ohio beginning next week as part of its program to maintain and improve reliability of its electric transmission system.

Patrols will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Thursday and continuing until April 5, taking place in the Van Wert, Findlay, Fremont, Lima, Tiffin, Bucyrus, Upper Sandusky areas and in other parts of northwestern Ohio. The aerial contractor will use a burgundy and white Bell Jet Ranger helicopter with silver stripes and an identification number of N54DE.

AEP said that during patrols, the helicopter will fly at about 40 to 45 mph, hovering at each structure location, and possibly circling single structures or areas several times to check electrical equipment.