Why a bright yellow helicopter has been spotted flying low over Bristol

A bright yellow helicopter was seen flying low in the skies above Bristol and Keynsham earlier this morning.

The Airbus Helicopter H135 had ‘Electricity’ written on its side, which offered a clue it belonged to utility firm Western Power Distribution (WPD).

The electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West and Wales owns and operates a fleet of five choppers from its Helicopter Unit headquarters at Bristol Airport.

Graham Jones, from the firm’s helicopter fleet at Bristol Airport, told BristolWorld that the helicopter had followed the route of the main 33 kv electricity line on pylons between Radstock and Bedminster to check for any issues.

Mr Jones explained: “There was a short interruption of the main line and given the importance of the line it was a high priority so a helicopter went up to check for any issues.

He added: “The helicopter returned an hour later with nothing found.”

The helicopter went up from Bristol Airport shortly after 9am, and followed the line to and from Radstock. It runs through Bedminster and Keynsham, Mr Jones said.

WDP uses helicopters primarily within the electricity distribution industry for the maintenance and repair of networks and also during emergency and fault conditions.

Mr Jones said: “It isn’t a frequent occurrence to send a helicopter up, but when something happens with a 33 kv it is a high priority to get it checked.”