OPPD conducting helicopter surveys of transmission lines
April 1, 2022
Omaha Public Power District will be conducting aerial surveys of various transmission lines and equipment, starting this morning. These surveys are expected to take between two and three days to complete.
During this time, the public may notice a helicopter hovering in the proximity of power lines within the Omaha metropolitan area and south toward Nebraska City.
OPPD completes this specific type of survey annually to examine transmission line clearances. It’s conducted to meet regulatory requirements, as well as to provide modeling for the utility’s planning purposes. The helicopter collects Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) information that OPPD can use when designing power lines in the future.
The precise schedule and flight is subject to weather conditions. Local airfields and aviation agencies are notified of precise flight paths and timelines.