Lynne Lynch filmed a helicopter flying close to Juniper West homes on Nov. 8, 2021, around 10:30 a.m.
Image Credit: TWITTER/Lynne Lynch
November 16, 2021 - 5:45 AM
A helicopter hovering near homes in a Kamloops neighbourhood this week was inspecting power lines.
In a statement, a Transport Canada spokesperson said the flight was an inspection which is allowed under aviation regulations.
Under Canadian legislation, helicopters must stay 500 feet above structures, but there are exemptions, and contractors inspecting B.C. Hydro power lines falls under those exemptions.
On Nov. 8, Lynne Lynch spotted a helicopter hovering near homes in Juniper Ridge while she walked in a nearby park.
READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Too close for comfort: Helicopter hovers near homes in Kamloops
Although helicopters were common in the area during the recent wildfire season, it was surprising to see one so close to a house at this time of year.
Lynch needed answers.
The helicopter appears to be owned by Finnair, a Naramata-based company under contract with B.C. Hydro to inspect power lines from the air.
Company president Wayne Finn said his company is "in the thick of fall patrols" in the Kamloops area right now.
The Juniper area has a major power line corridor, he said, so it is common for his pilots to fly in that area while they do their inspections.
READ MORE: Jeep convoy to raise awareness about Kamloops woman's disappearance
"We always try to avoid houses and wildlife," Finn said, adding that flying near horses can be worrisome, especially if they are carrying a rider.
He also indicated that while some people enjoy watching their helicopters fly by, others can be annoyed by the noise. That's one reason they avoid houses when they can.
The Eurocopter EC135 seen in the video is a twin engine helicopter, required to contract for B.C. Hydro, Finn said. The twin engine design allows the aircraft to hover in place should one engine fail.
READ MORE: Disruption of Kelowna Remembrance Day event could be criminal
— This story was originally published at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13, 2021.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2021