Why will a low-flying, black helicopter be hovering over parts of central Pa.?

Don’t be alarmed if you see a low-flying, black helicopter hovering in the area over the next few weeks.

Met-Ed will be using one to conduct routine spring inspections of its transmission lines, according to spokesman Doug Colafella.

A black Hughes MD500 helicopter with tail registration N363CC will patrol the entire Met-Ed territory over the next couple of months, including parts of York, Adams and Lebanon counties, he said.

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Weather permitting, the inspection work is supposed to begin in York County this week. However, as of Tuesday, the work had not yet begun.

“The intent of the work is to inspect transmission line equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation of our electric system,” Colafella said. “It’s a routine operation we do.”

The helicopter will fly about 25 to 30 mph above power lines and may at times hover over structures to get a better look, he said.

“Using a helicopter allows us to cover a lot of ground very quickly,” he said.

The flight crew will be in communication with local airports to ensure safety when in their airspace.

Also of interest, check out photos of recent storm damage across the state: