Helicopters Transport SCE Technicians to Local Transmission Towers

All that helicopter traffic you’ve been hearing lately?  It’s not only mountain rescue. Since July 11, Southern California Edison has been using choppers to deliver their technicians to inspect and maintain local transmission towers inaccessible by road.

According to Graham Breakwell of the U.S. Forest Service, the helicopters fly the workers to an area near Chaney Trail, then hover for approximately three minutes. A 75-foot rope conveys the crew to the designated tower. They are similarly collected, though in reverse, at the end of the shift.

The tower inspection and maintenance project requires three or four flights a day, and is taking place in the Millard Canyon area. Flights and work will continue until July 31st.  

(Thanks to Lori Paul for passing along the information.)