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network
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network helicopter patrols
To help keep the electricity supply in rural and semi-rural areas safe and reliable, ENERGEX uses specialised helicopter pilots to thoroughly check the overhead powerlines and poles.
Flying helicopters fitted with high-resolution digital cameras and GPS equipment, our pilots are able to efficiently and safely inspect more than 13,000km of overhead network – that’s equal to a return trip from Brisbane to China.
Helicopter patrols greatly reduce the time taken to inspect an area, being twice as fast as vehicle patrols on overhead powerlines that follow roads, and 20 times quicker on powerlines in mountainous terrain or on private property.
The bird’s eye view allows us to identify, monitor and repair any wear and tear or potential risks to supply, such as overgrown vegetation or deterioration on the topside of poles.
The pre-emptive repairs will not only assist in avoiding power interruptions, most importantly it will ensure your electricity supply is delivered safely.
our pilots
Having held many contracts with various electricity companies, our helicopter pilots (from HAWCS Helicopters) specialise in patrolling electricity networks and have thorough knowledge of this specific industry.
They are committed to their job and although say it’s definitely an exciting job, it is one that is very intense.
“You’re heavily concentrating when you’re patrolling, but at the end of the line and on the way back to re-fuel you can enjoy the views. It’s definitely a nice way to get out of the office,” a HAWCS spokesman says.
the helicopters
The GPS (Global Positioning System) technology fitted to the helicopters link each photo captured to an identified ENERGEX piece of equipment, such as a pole or powerline, and its coordinates.
This technology also allows us to track flight path, height and speed the pilots flew.
flying techniques
Helicopters truly are amazing flying machines. How they fly is what makes them such versatile aircrafts. They require a completely different method of control than aeroplanes and are much harder to master. The pilot controls the helicopter with four controls. It is the inter-relationship between these controls which makes the helicopter more difficult to control than an aeroplane.
The pilots use their extensive training and experience to fly at altitudes which will enable the observer to detect overgrown vegetation and obvious structural defects caused by the weather or other outside conditions.
These types of potential risks are usually detected from a distance of 100 metres. Helicopters do not fly within this limitation unless there is no danger of frightening or intimidating residents and livestock, and no likelihood of privacy invasions.
To follow the powerlines, the pilot may need to turn widely. This is why some flight paths may cross over a property even though there are no powerlines or poles on that property.
The advanced technology fitted to the helicopters means the pilots are able to fly at a speed between 40km/hour and 80km/hour.
livestock
We are very aware that low flying helicopters can present a risk to stock and farm animals
That is why our specialised pilots remain alert for livestock and, where possible, change course to avoid unsettling animals.