Monmouth helicopter mystery solved
The mystery of the helicopters hovering over Monmouth County has been solved.
The black helicopters belong to Haverfield Aviation, according to Newsworks, a company hired by Jersey Central Power and Light to inspect transmission lines around the state. The process requires the helicopters to fly slowly over transmission lines and possibly the area around it.
Some residents posted their concerns on the Jersey Shore Hurricane News Facebook page about helicopters hovering over the area of exit 109 on the Garden State Parkway in Middletown on Tuesday night and the fact that when police were called they had no idea what the choppers were doing.
JCP&L announced on their Facebook page on September 5 that they would be doing the inspections around the state between September 8 and September 12, explaining that "patrols are conducted twice each year to help identify areas where maintenance to the transmission system could be needed."
JCP&L spokesperson Ron Morano told the Daily Record that the inspections would take place in Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union and Warren counties. The Asbury Park Press reported that Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington and Middlesex county residents could also expect to see inspections although Middletown was not mentioned specifically on their list.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Recent helicopter activity over northern shore area just for routine inspections, utility says / Newsworks
- JCP&L to inspect power lines via helicopter / Daily Record
- JCP&L plans aerial inspections in Ocean, Monmouth / Asbury Park Press