Many local residents could see low flying helicopters around the Butler County area over the next few days.
Manager of the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport Ike Kelly told our newsroom that the company Haverfield Helicopters is contracted out to local utilities to look at high voltage power lines that go through the area. They will be inspecting various power lines and gas leaks.
“They do periodic inspections of the infrastructure,” Kelly said. “They can check the gas lines right away and detect gas leaks from the air.”
Some repairs can even be made while the helicopter is hovering in the air. Residents with property near any sort of gas line or high voltage lines can expect to see the black or blue helicopters.
The length of the project will depend on weather conditions like precipitation or wind. According to Kelly, the lines are being inspected to ensure the safety and security of residents.
Crews will try to avoid dwellings and livestock but sometimes that is not possible. Anyone with concerns about a helicopter or any sort of aircraft can call the airport office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.