Helicopters in formation over Copper

At approximately 3:45 pm 6-16-14 a formation of four helicopters flew over Copperopolis.
At this point the mission is not known.
If you have an idea/ comment please email to coppergazette@gmail.com.

Update:
Many replies identified these helicopters as Blackhawks.

While the mission is still not known the possibility exists that they could have been on a training mission to the Marine Mountain Warfare Training (MMWTC) center in Bridgeport.

Thank you to all who replied with your information.

Helicopter over Little John

4-22-14 8:14 am
Helicopter over Little John Rd this am, registered to a corporation out of Fresno.
Awaiting response from various agencies regarding its purpose.

8:16 am - confirmation it is NOT involved with any operation by the Calaveras County Sheriff Dept.
8:19 am - confirmation it is NOT involved with any medical call from Copper Fire.

Busy skies in Copper today

The skies were busy today in Copper as helicopters were the aviation travel of choice.

To the untrained eye, mine, this looks to be a Boeing CH-47 Chinook, an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary roles are troop movement, artillery placement and battlefield resupply.

Low Chopper over Copper

Low chopper over Copper this morning 1-22-14 9:21 am.
The tail number is not listed with Flight Aware, a live flight tracking service.
Unknown if this is private, medical, PG&E or....we are still looking into it.
Listed as a 1967 BELL UH-1H Airlift out of Fairbanks Alaska.
Copper Fire confirms it was not a medivac from town.
Sheriff Dept confirms no operation in the area today. (updated 2:56 pm 1-22-14)

Low flying helicopter in Copper

Affiliation unknown at this time.

Currently the Gazette has received confirmation that the helicopter is not emergency services and not Sheriff Dept. Awaiting response from PG&E and Correctional Facility.

Update: 2:10 pm
PG&E confirms it is part of their 'maintenance' program throughout Calaveras and Amador Counties.

" As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the electric reliability in the foothill region, PG&E began utilizing a helicopter equipped with infrared technology to identify potential "hotspots" with air patrols in Calaveras County for the next three weeks, weather permitting.

The specialized helicopter has a large ball on the front of it, which is an infrared camera designed to take thermagraphic readings of overhead electrical facilities to help PG&E more accurately identify and pinpoint locations that need additional attention or repair before an interruption of service or power outage occurs. We appreciate our customers' patience and understanding as we utilize this state-of-the-art technology to safely and reliably improve the electric service in the foothill region."