Michigan Residents Warned About Low-Flying Helicopters Overhead

If you notice a helicopter flying low over your neighborhood this fall, no need to panic. And seriously, no need to flood your local Facebook group with wild theories about what it might be.

Odds are, it is not a crime scene or some top-secret government mission. What you are seeing is actually something routine that happens every year across Michigan.

Low-Flying Helicopters in Michigan Explained

Starting Monday, September 8, ITC (International Transmission Company) crews will be in the air checking transmission lines and towers all over the state. According to MLive, these patrols happen twice a year in the spring and fall. Inspectors fly low so they can spot storm damage, worn equipment, or trees creeping too close to the lines. It may look a little out of the ordinary, but it's all about keeping the power grid safe and reliable.

 Michigan’s Fall Helicopter Patrol Schedule

September 8–11 — Northern Michigan
Think Alpena, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Roscommon, and the surrounding counties

September 12–17 — Mid Michigan
Genesee, Saginaw, Ingham, Kent, and a bunch more in the middle of the state

September 18–23 — Southwest Michigan
Allegan, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Van Buren, and nearby spots

September 24–29 — Thumb and Metro Detroit
Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Tuscola, Wayne, and others in that stretch

September 30–October 3 — Southern Michigan
Jackson, Monroe, Washtenaw, Lenawee, and surrounding counties

The schedule could shift a bit if the weather turns rough, but that is the plan. ITC, based in Novi, operates about 9,100 miles of transmission lines across most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.