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The Cornell Daily Sun
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025

Helicopter Makes Aerial Survey of Campus

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Students scanning the skies Monday night were able to spot a helicopter flying above campus for about an hour as part of a scheduled analysis of the University’s underground steam pipes. According to University officials, the helicopter was operated by Mid-Atlantic Infrared Services, an independent testing company that surveys high-pressure pipe systems to find possible leaks or areas of structural deterioration. During its flight, the helicopter made a digital scan of Cornell’s 25-mile pipe system using a camera capable of detecting any infrared radiation coming from underground steam leaks. The survey required accommodating weather conditions and leafless trees, which gave project managers only a one week window of opportunity to conduct the test. Original Author: Dennis Liu


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