Tasmanian electricity distributor Aurora Energy has begun using a helicopter to carry out routine maintenance inspections of poles and wires in Queenstown, Launceston and parts of the Tamar Valley.
Aurora Energy asset manager Shaun O’Loughlin said the helicopter inspections will assist technicians identify pole-top defects that can affect reliability of power supply.
“It is extremely difficult for on-ground crews to spot defects in pole-top assets, so the use of a helicopter to conduct these inspections reduces the time and expense involved in manually checking these assets,” Mr O’Loughlin said.
“Local residents may see the helicopter moving relatively quickly and at low levels whilst it is inspecting lines. In some instances, it may need to hover over the lines to allow for more detailed assessments.”
HAWCS aerial surveying services has been employed to conduct the inspection, will also be used to measure vegetation clearance distances in difficult-to-reach terrain.
