Residents in the Southern Interior will soon hear helicopters in the area beginning next week.

Starting on Monday, May 19, Talon Helicopters, on behalf of FortisBC, will be conducting aerial inspections of natural gas lines in the region until June 23, as part of FortisBC's annual natural gas line inspection program. The low-level helicopter flights are also currently in the North Okanagan until June 14.

Talon Helicopters has received full approval from Transport Canada to conduct the low-flying aerial surveys during daylight hours that will be conducted across B.C. municipalities. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology wil inspect FortisBC's high-pressure transmission lines.

All inspections are done in the air as there will be no activity on the ground related to the flights.

Flight schedules may vary depending on wildfires and weather conditions.

"Talon Helicopters is permitted by Transport Canada to fly at low levels allowing them to inspect lines that previously had to be done by foot," FortisBC stated. "This covers more area in less time, is more cost-effective and safer for field crews."

Talon Helicopters sent notifications to all municipalities and regional districts along the flight paths as part of the permit process.

For more information, contact FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710 or visit fortisbc.com.