Helicopters set to fly at reduced heights in the near future.
Amprion Helicopter Inspections Begin Over Lower Rhine
Amprion, a major German transmission system operator, has initiated a series of helicopter inspections over the Lower Rhine region to ensure the safety and reliability of high-voltage power lines. These inspections, which started in April 2025, will continue until at least September 14.
Approximately 3,100 towers and 1,150 circuit kilometers will be examined in total. Helicopters will fly low and slow along power line corridors, visually inspecting towers, conductors, and insulators, and taking photos for documentation using onboard cameras. Any serious defects identified during these flights will be reported and rectified immediately.
The flights will be noticeable in Wesel starting from August 21, when special control flights are scheduled. The aim of these flights is to detect any possible damage to the lines at an early stage. Weather conditions must be suitable for a safe flight and good recordings. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, no specific schedule can be announced in advance.
Helicopter pilots face challenges due to low altitudes and close proximity to towers and lines. Safety measures during flights include coordination with air traffic control, use of experienced pilots, and adherence to strict flight protocols to avoid risks to pilots and the public.
The aerial inspection complements the regular ground inspections, during which the power lines are walked and towers climbed. Service provider employees will be on site to create high-resolution photographic documentation of the power lines. Amprion will evaluate this documentation from August 21 to identify any defects.
Lines will be inspected in areas such as Dinslaken, Voerde, Wesel, Rheinberg, Moers, and Krefeld. For those interested in updates on these inspections, there is a free WhatsApp channel available: Wesel WhatsApp. Additionally, signing up for the Wesel-Newsletter provides daily updates on news, services, and features in the city.
It is important to note that specific information regarding the schedule, purpose, inspection methods, impact, safety measures, or reasons for flights since April 2025 could not be found in the current search results. For detailed, up-to-date information, you would need to consult direct Amprion sources, local news releases, or regulatory announcements.
Once defects are identified, they will be repaired by technicians later. The inspections are part of an ongoing effort by Amprion to maintain the safety and reliability of its overhead lines in various parts of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), including the Lower Rhine.
Amprion's helicopter inspections, while focusing primarily on the safety and reliability of high-voltage power lines in the industry of aerospace, also involve an aspect of technology with the use of onboard cameras and sophisticated flight protocols. The finance sector may even be involved as these inspections could incur significant costs for Amprion.
These aerial inspections, after revealing any defects, will be followed by repair operations, demonstrating Amprion's commitment to maintaining the technology and infrastructure of the aerospace industry in the region, as well as preserving the safety and reliability of their power lines within the wider finance and economic sectors.
