Low-flying helicopter returning to Greater Victoria for annual gas line inspections

Starting next week, residents of Greater Victoria may notice a low-flying helicopter sweeping over the capital region.

Between April 26 and June 15, FortisBC will be conducting its annual inspection of its high-pressure transmission natural gas lines in the Capital Regional District.

This work includes flying a helicopter at low altitudes so a LiDAR scanner can inspect the pipes from above.

The aerial surveys will be conducted by helicopter contractor Talon Helicopters, which has been permitted by Transport Canada to fly at low levels for the inspection. Previously, the gas lines had to be inspected by crews on foot.

“Conducting the inspections by helicopter covers more area in less time, is more cost-effective and safer for our field crews,” said FortisBC in a notice last week.

The aerial surveys are planned for most of the province, starting in the Lower Mainland and ending in Fort Nelson, in northeast tip of B.C.

A map of where the helicopter is expected to fly over Greater Victoria can be found below:

The time that helicopters are passing over any given community is expected to be minimal, according to FortisBC.

More information on the helicopter inspections can be found by calling FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710 on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or by emailing gas.customerservice@fortisbc.com.

SEE ALSO:

• Passengers, pilots safe but ‘shaken up’ after lightning strikes Victoria-bound helicopter
• Helicopter circling over Greater Victoria performing gas line scans for FortisBC

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