Helicopter Inspections Begin Across Montana This Spring

helicopter flying low

Helicopter Crews Will Be Flying Low for Power Line Inspections

Montana is about to get a lot noisier. If you hear a helicopter flying low and slow, don’t panic. No, they’re not chasing fugitives. No, this isn’t a secret government operation. It’s just NorthWestern Energy making sure your power stays on.

From March 3 to April 18, NorthWestern Energy will send helicopters across the state. Their job? Check power lines for damage. Their method? Flying low, flying slow, and making just enough noise to wake up half the county.

Helicopter Teams Will Inspect Power Lines for Potential Issues

NorthWestern Energy uses helicopters for a reason. It’s faster than driving for miles along the power lines. It’s cheaper than waiting for something to break. And it helps spot problems before they cause outages.

Each helicopter carries an operations supervisor and a vegetation management coordinator. Their job? Scan every inch of power lines, look for weak spots, and flag them for repair. If you see a helicopter hovering near your land, they’re not spying on your property. They’re just making sure your lights stay on.

Helicopter Flyovers Will Happen in These Montana Areas

NorthWestern Energy didn’t give an exact flight path. But they did release a rough schedule for when you can expect them:

Helena area – March 3-7
Billings area – March 10-21 and March 31-April 11
Missoula area – March 17-April 2
Lewistown area – March 24-28
Bozeman area – March 31-April 11
Great Falls area – April 7-25
Butte area – April 7-18

So, if you’re enjoying your morning coffee and hear that thump-thump-thump overhead, don’t worry. It’s not a UFO. It’s just NorthWestern Energy doing their job.

Helicopter Flyovers Will Annoy Some, But It’s Necessary

Not everyone loves helicopters buzzing overhead. If you like sleeping in, tough luck. So If your dog hates loud noises, prepare for barking. If you’re out hunting, consider some earplugs.

But before you start yelling at the sky, remember why this is happening. These inspections help prevent power outages. They keep the grid in good shape. They reduce the risk of wildfires. So yes, it’s loud and annoying, but it’s also necessary.

Helicopter Flyovers Will Keep Montana’s Power Grid Strong

At the end of the day, this is good for everyone. NorthWestern Energy is doing its job. The helicopters will come and go. The lights will stay on. And Montana will keep running the way it always does.

t.fellner