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.

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.

"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.

— This story was originally published at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13, 2021.

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