Low-Flying Helicopters Overhead? No Worries, Just TECO

Greater Brandon and Hillsborough County residents need not worry about low-flying helicopters they are likely to see over the next 30 days hovering around Tampa Electric transmission poles and towers. According to TECO officials, it's all part of the company's ongoing inspection of transmission equipment.

Work is set to begin 8 a.m. today, Monday, Jan. 28, and continue for about 30 days during daylight hours. Crews reportedly will survey about 5,200 transmission structures, representing approximately 23 percent of the transmission system.

Haverfield Aviation, out of Gettysburg, Pa., will conduct the inspections.

______________

TECO Inspection Schedule

• Plans are to start the project in the Gibsonton, Sun City and Ruskin areas.

• In coming days, the surveys will reach New Tampa and south, west and east Tampa, as well as Apollo Beach, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Mulberry and Winter Haven.

______________

TECO Inspection Notes

• A low-flying helicopter will hover for a short time about 150 to 300 feet above the ground near each structure being inspected.

• The inspections are expected to be completed by Feb. 27, weather permitting.

• The inspections are taking place along TECO's urban and rural rights-of-way.

• Some inspections will take place within view of area roads and neighborhoods.

• The inspections are part of the company's routine transmission maintenance and occur on a six-year cycle.