50 years of flying!

Local electricity company Western Power Distribution's (WPD) helicopter unit celebrated 50 years flying at 50 feet recently.

The unit, based at Lulsgate has four, twin engine Eurocopter EC135’s used for routine and emergency visual line patrols, flying just above the power lines across the whole of the WPD network area which includes the South West, the Midlands and South Wales. In addition, WPD provide cover for three other Distribution Network Operators in the southern half of the UK.

Trained Observers sitting alongside the Pilots, check for damage caused by storms, vandals or general deterioration. Some of this damage would not be visible from the ground and the helicopters can cover up to 160 km of line in a five-hour flying day compared to two men and a Land Rover which could take 10 days.

Eric Proctor, Chief Pilot explains: “Celebrating 50 years is a significant milestone for us and for the aviation industry too. It was great to bring back some of the crew who have worked at the unit during this time including Sox Hosegood who came up with the idea back in 1960, of using helicopters for low level flying inspections.”

Sox, who was Chief Pilot at the time added: “I could never have imagined an idea I had all those years ago would result in the multi-million pound business that exists today.

Back in 1963 when the Unit was first formed to provide a three year cost and utilisation study as a direct alternative to walking the line; we used an Agusta Bell 47J with a top speed of 100 miles per hour and a range of 270 miles. A little different to the fleet the Pilots have today.”