TECO To Use Helicopters To Inspect Transmission Lines

By TBO | Tbo.com
Published: October 27, 2008

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TAMPA --

Tampa Electric Co. will begin an aerial inspection of its transmission system Tuesday, using low-flying helicopters to conduct the assessment.

Rick Morera, a TECO spokesman, said the helicopters will be flying below 100 feet most of the time and will momentarily hover next to each transmission pole or tower during the inspection.

If workers discover a problem, Morera said, the helicopter may have to hover for as long as 10 minutes as workers make minor repairs.

There are about 3,800 TECO transmission poles and structures in Tampa, Temple Terrace, Brandon, southern Hillsborough County and Polk County. The inspection will take place through December.

Morera said the inspections are part of an ongoing maintenance program designed to identify possible deficiencies with the poles and structures.