PG & E helicopter patrols to inspect gas lines in Humboldt

Starting Today, October 7, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will conduct routine low-level helicopter patrols to inspect natural gas transmission lines in Humboldt County, as part of our semi-annual leak survey and maintenance program. A helicopter will fly over pipelines from Arcata to Fortuna and West into Six Rivers National Forest.

PG&E patrols remote gas lines by helicopter as part of its continuing effort to ensure the safety and reliability of its natural gas system. By combining the use of LIDAR-based equipment and state-of-the-art leak detection technology with a streamlined repair process, finding and fixing leaks, if any are detected, are faster than ever before.

A spotter in the helicopter also uses a GPS-enabled tablet with mapping data to navigate the pipelines and document excavation and construction activity, or other observations that warrant follow-up.  If issues or obstructions are identified, it is possible helicopters may need to fly at a lower altitude for additional inspections.  Ground crews may also be sent to construction areas to verify operating conditions or anything that may limit safe access to the pipelines.

Weather permitting, flights will occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PG&E will fly in a contracted helicopter, likely a Bell 206B3 Long Ranger that is blue and white, like the attached photos.

Pilots may fly as low as 300 to 500 feet when conducting inspections. Flights will be coming and going along Highway 101 from Murray Field through Tuesday.