North Okanagan residents may hear the humming of helicopter rotor systems overhead, but it's not a cause for concern. 

Starting Wednesday, May 14, low-level helicopter flights will be taking place throughout the region as part of FortisBC's annual natural gas line inspection program. 

Talon Helicopters will be conducting the aerial surveys during daylight hours until June 14, using advanced LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to inspect FortisBC's high-pressure natural gas transmission lines. According to the City of Armstrong, this technology is used to detect any issues to ensure the system operates safely, and to plan maintenance work accordingly. 

The helicopter flyovers are expected to have minimal flight time over each area and there will be no ground-level work. 

The inspection schedule may shift depending on the weather or wildfire conditions. 

Inspections will take place throughout the North Okanagan, including Armstrong, Enderby, Deep Creek, Vernon, Coldstream, Lavington, Spallumcheen and Lumby. 

For more information, contact FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710 or visit . Or, contact Talon Helicopters at 604-214-3585.