In a concerning incident, a helicopter was observed flying erratically over a school in southwest Fresno, California. The unusual behavior of the aircraft prompted attention from both authorities and onlookers.

Unusual Flying Behavior Raises Alarm

Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter making erratic maneuvers over the school grounds on Friday morning. A school resource officer, alerted by a concerned citizen, observed the aircraft flying between 600-700 feet altitude, executing quick whipping turns and even flying sideways at times. Such actions were deemed abnormal, especially over populated areas.

Video Footage Captures Bizarre Maneuvers

The NEWS.ORG 26 SkyCam managed to capture video footage of the helicopter’s strange flight patterns. The aircraft, identified as a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter, is registered to Premier Rotors LLC in Saint Martinville.

Flight Path Tracked by FlightAware

FlightAware, a platform that tracks aircraft flight patterns, revealed that the helicopter took off from Fresno Airport at approximately 8:37 a.m. It then proceeded to fly over several areas in Fresno, drawing attention due to its erratic behavior.

PG&E Helicopter Checking Gas Lines

Responding to inquiries, PG&E confirmed that the helicopter was under contract for checking gas lines. While the purpose of the flight was legitimate, the manner in which it was conducted raised concerns among residents and authorities alike.

Safe Landing and Departure

Following its flight over Fresno, the helicopter safely landed around 11:00 a.m. in a private section of Fresno Yosemite International Airport. After refueling, it took off once again, concluding the unusual incident.

Conclusion: Heightened Vigilance and Safety Measures

The incident involving the erratic helicopter flight highlights the importance of maintaining safety protocols, especially when operating aircraft over populated areas. While the helicopter’s purpose was legitimate, its unusual maneuvers understandably caused alarm. Authorities and relevant agencies must continue to ensure that such flights are conducted safely and responsibly to avoid unnecessary concerns among the public.

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