Community Corner

Be on the Lookout for Low Flying Helicopters in the Cranberry Area

The Penn Power copters will be used to remove dead trees and trim back branches.

If you see a helicopter hanging over a hedge in the Cranberry area, don’t be alarmed. It could just be trimming back branches.

Between now and the end of the year, Penn Power will be inspecting and maintaining transmission lines in the area, according to a statement from Cranberry Township.

Part of that will include removing dead and dying trees as well as trimming back branches that encroach on the company’s rights-of-way.

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Penn Power’s utility rights of way are extensive in Cranberry, according to the township. The lines traverse residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, as well as farms and undeveloped land.

Some of the work will be conducted from the ground. 

Find out what's happening in Cranberrywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, much of the side trimming will be conducted using a specially equipped helicopter, outfitted with multiple 24-inch rotary blades suspended on a boom below it.

According to a notification issued by the company on Sept. 13, the aerial saws can be used in places inaccessible to vehicles, which helps protect private property. 

Have you seen any of the Penn Power helicopters yet? Tell us in the comment section below. 


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