Powerline Inspection UK
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Powerline Inspection UK
This was low and slow over my sister's house in rural Lincolnshire this afternoon. No pylons for miles, only single strand "telephone" pole lines. Do they inspect them from the air?
Those helicopters check the power lines in a portion of the country in the supply network (so not the really big ones). The distribution network (the backbone network) is done by the other national grid helicopters (twin squirrel and bell 429). So they may have been checking some lines that are smaller than you'd normally expect.
Can't say for certain about that specific locality but there are certainly utility companies in the UK that use helicopters to patrol the smaller 11KV and 33KV wooden pole lines as a matter of routine.
They are more vulnerable to certain types of problems than the 235KV pylon lines - Vegetation encroachment, weather damage, construction encroachment, vehicle damage, vandalism etc.
They are more vulnerable to certain types of problems than the 235KV pylon lines - Vegetation encroachment, weather damage, construction encroachment, vehicle damage, vandalism etc.
Have been retired for almost as long as I did that job(!) but yes - the National Grid Distribution Helicopter Unit is responsible for the majority of the checking of the HV network (33kV to 132kV) in the areas covered by that company. That's a large amount of network in UK terms - from Isles of Scilly to N Lincs, and from Pembrokeshire to Dorset. They also find themselves tasked to support other distribution companies that don't have their own helis or contracts. Am well out of currency (see what I did there?) but I believe the frequency of routine inspections varies from a 4-year cycle for the lowest voltages to annual for the highest. The unit recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, and with the new people and the new kit they have on board I'd say they are as good a helicloppiter outfit as you'll find anywhere. 
Oh, and cheers Handy!
Oh, and cheers Handy!
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There may not have been pylons but there will be 11 kv lines - I'm not sure if that is one of their current machines, but the Southern half of UK was in the remit of WPD (Western Power Distribution).
Phil (ex-CP)
Phil (ex-CP)
Can't believe I forgot the 11kV - biggest part of the job. I blame old age and failing faculties 
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They may be scouting out a new pylon route 
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I remember going up there to help in the high winds. Very nostalgic going up the old Fort William route and remembering where the smooth bits were.
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