Powerline inspections

Frequently asked questions

• Why are helicopters used to inspect powerlines?

  Helicopter inspections provide us with a birds-eye view of our distribution and transmission networks and help us to identify any faults or defects we might not see from the ground.

  They also form part of our annual maintenance program, where we inspect our powerlines and other assets in high bushfire risk areas.

  Risks we look for include:

  • vegetation close to powerlines
  • bird nests
  • low hanging powerlines
  • damaged equipment.

  Using a helicopter reduces the impact to private properties as there’s no need to drive through paddocks, farms or crops.

• How do you advise customers when and where you are flying?

  To ensure the community is aware of any upcoming helicopter line inspections, we place advertisements on our social and digital media channels. 
  
  We also notify customers on our advice register within two business days before flying near their property. You can apply to go on the advice register by calling 1300 137 008 or send us an enquiry. We will require your property details and your request will then be assessed by our project team.

• Can you tell me exactly when you'll be flying over my property?

  We endeavour to be as accurate as we possibly can with our flight schedule, however, due to changes in weather conditions or other unforseen circumstances, we may need to modify flight paths or in some cases, cancel inspections.

  Keep an eye on our website for changes to the inspection schedule.

• Are there other ways I can be notified about helicopter inspections in my area?
  We're investigating other ways to communicate our helicopter line inspection schedule, including via SMS. In the meantime, we'll keep our website up to date with the latest information.

• Why do you need to fly at low levels?
  Helicopter line inspections aim to give us a closer look at the equipment on our poles that we can't see from the ground. It's an important way of identifying defects and minimising the risk of unexpected power outages and bushfires.

• Why do you need to survey eagle nests?
  It’s important that we understand the potential effects of our transmission assets on the environment. One way we do this is to complete eagle nest surveys in locations that are near existing and proposed assets. We then incorporate this information into our broader project planning to ensure we’re appropriately balancing potential environmental, social and economic considerations. Find out more about our proposed North West Transmission Developments.

• Do you have any suggestions for managing livestock that may get startled by helicopters?

  We aim to carry out helicopter inspections as quickly as we can to minimise livestock and community disturbances.

  Wherever possible, if livestock is visible to the pilot they will move away from the property and look for an alternate approach that will not disturb the livestock.

  We notify customers on our advice register within two business days before flying near their property. To apply to go on the advice register, call 1300 137 008 or send us an enquiry. We will require your property details and your request will then be assessed by our project team.

• Have you considered using drones to inspect powerlines?
  As technology improves over time and flying regulations change, we're open to considering drone use in the future.  Any future powerline inspection programs will be assessed and awarded to the program that can safely, technically and economically meet our data collection needs.

• Are you allowed to fly over my property?
  There are regulations that cover how and where an aircraft can lawfully fly.  These regulations are governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and include special considerations for powerline inspection works.  To find out more, visit the CASA website.

• How can I find out more information?
  To make an enquiry regarding helicopter line inspections, call us on 1300 137 008 or send us an enquiry.