TVA Helicopter Usage

TVA's helicopter fleet consists of seven helicopters that TVA owns and self-insures. Based on our review of FlightWatch1 data and discussions with the Manager of Helicopter Services, TVA's helicopters are used for a variety of missions, including:Inspecting TVA's 17,000 circuit miles of transmission lines in a seven-state region.Aerial photography, laser mapping, and river and environmental surveys. Construction support. Clean air testing. Right-of-way inspections. Transportation of TVA executives. Economic development activities, such as aerial tours of industrial megasites. The aircraft can also be deployed for certain emergency contingencies such as floods, tornadoes, and ice storms.The objective of our review was to assess (1) the procedures and control activities used to ensure the TVA helicopter fleet is used for valid business purposes and (2) the operational use of the fleet. Our review included policies, procedures, and laws/regulations applicable to TVA helicopters and covered the period of October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005.We determined that it appears that the TVA Helicopter Fleet was used for valid business purposes. However, there were no documented guidelines identifying proper uses of the helicopter fleet and approval levels needed to obtain flight services. Additionally, there has been no cost benefit study of helicopter fleet usage to ensure it is being used effectively. Management agreed with our findings and has taken or plans to take appropriate corrective actions.