Connecticut residents may see helicopters in the skies this week as Eversource steps up aerial inspections of the state's high-voltage transmission network following recent storm-related outages.
The company confirmed it began routine flights Thursday and, weather permitting, will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Wednesday, July 22, concentrating on central and western parts of the state. Officials say the patrols are intended to identify potential risks to reliability and support storm-preparedness work.
What the flights will look for
Eversource spokesperson Jamie Ratliff told FOX61 the overhead inspections let crews "proactively identify, assess and address any issues that may threaten electric reliability for our customers." From the air, patrols focus on transmission lines and nearby vegetation that could interfere with equipment during high winds.
"Our routine helicopter patrols allow us to efficiently and effectively get an overhead look at our transmission system to proactively identify, assess and address any issues that may threaten electric reliability for our customers," Ratliff said.
The company framed the operation as part of a broader, year-round vegetation management and storm-readiness program but noted the summer operation has a specific role as hurricane and storm season arrives.
Where and when you may see the aircraft
Two helicopters will conduct the patrols. One is blue and white with tail identification #N411DD; the other is blue and silver with tail ID #N1431W. Towns listed for inspections include Avon, Bloomfield, Bristol, Canton, Farmington, Granby and Hartford, among others across central and western Connecticut.
| Aircraft | Tail ID | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter A | #N411DD | Blue and white |
| Helicopter B | #N1431W | Blue and silver |
Flights are scheduled during daylight hours to give crews the best visibility for inspection tasks. Officials said the operation began after recent wind-driven storms left thousands without power in parts of the state.
What residents should know
- Flights operate daily, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., through July 22, weather permitting.
- Crew focus: high-voltage transmission lines and vegetation near rights of way.
- Helicopters are identifiable by tail numbers #N411DD and #N1431W.
Local officials and utility crews will continue to respond on the ground to any damage discovered. Residents concerned about storm preparedness can review Eversource guidance on outage reporting and safety, and keep local emergency contacts and supplies ready as the region moves deeper into the summer storm and hurricane season.
— Olivia Ferraro, Connecticut Correspondent
