Electric company using helicopter for aerial inspections

In late April, Michiana residents will be seeing and hearing helicopters as Indiana Michigan Power completes aerial inspections of high-voltage lines. Transmission lines will be inspected April 21-28 from South Bend to Benton Harbor. I&M will use a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter with a burgundy/white color scheme and silver stripes. The helicopter will fly between 50 and 100 feet above lines at speeds of 40 to 45 mph. Aerial inspections will take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. During inspections, helicopters may need to circle a single structure or area several times. Other areas being inspected include Fort Wayne, March 29-April 6; Muncie, April 7-14; and western Ohio, April 15-20. I&M customers with questions about the inspections can call (800) 311-4634 (Indiana) or (800) 311-6424 (Michigan).