What a job! "Stand on top of a very tall antenna on an extremely tall building and wiggle it around so we can get the bolts in." Glad there are people with the guts to do that because I sure couldn't.

@thabosoweto3094

Ай бұрын

You can!!!!😂😂

This is the most exciting video I’ve seen in a long time. The fearlessness of all those guys is unbelievable - especially the man who climbs to the top and jiggles the mast. I just can’t imagine…

@olbricky6824

Жыл бұрын

Definitely won't ever see any gen z's doing anything like that

@rodneycaupp5962

Жыл бұрын

I'm not even finished watching this and I gotta Agree ... five star video * * * * *

@rodneycaupp5962

Жыл бұрын

@@olbricky6824 LOL at the notion of those Gen Z's bagging groceries.

@CreeseDF

10 ай бұрын

@@olbricky6824 who's going to install tv antennas after the millennials retire?

@jamaalfridge

10 ай бұрын

@@CreeseDF Drones.

Those guys definitely have Balls of Steel!! I Absolutely Salute Them!!🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

@kandaman304

8 ай бұрын

Tell me about it...incredible!!!

@ajay_constantine

Күн бұрын

Balls of titanium I reckon

21:11 The guy on top is rocking the entire antenna structure! AMAZING!

@fractuss

Жыл бұрын

The jiggle test.

@kevinpennings8823

Жыл бұрын

Trying to line up the bolt holes in connection

@hussainkassim7794

Жыл бұрын

Brave man

I worked high rise construction for many years. Highest I ever worked was 55 storeys. Once you get over the initial fear of hanging off a high rise, it actually becomes exhilarating, and even addictive. I never even came remotely close to slipping or other mishap in all those years, but now, decades later, I sometimes have bad dreams about falling. BTW......Height of the building is of no consequence. I knew 4 people killed in construction falls. Every one of them in falls from less than 5 storeys.

@abdulazizsaleh9567

Жыл бұрын

You are a brave Man....thank you for sharing this with us 😊👍🏻 Greetings from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦🌴

@m.loughlin1915

Жыл бұрын

@@abdulazizsaleh9567 Thank you, Sir.

@aredub1847

Жыл бұрын

i think the greater fear is how long you will get to think about it on your way down.

@m.loughlin1915

Жыл бұрын

@@aredub1847 That would suck!

@poiu477

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I just did OSHA 30, the overwhelming majority of fatal accidents are falls and the majority of them are from way lower heights than people would think. 1-3 stories, off of ladders, residential roofers, that kind of thing.

12:16 Nope. That's truly insane. Those guys on the antenna are incredible.

@williamboyle8918

Жыл бұрын

Bahaha, right when I couldn't take it anymore.

@kandaman304

8 ай бұрын

They truly are!!

No way I could do that job. I'm terrified of heights. Just watching this almost gave me vertigo LOL.

It really takes guts to do that job, outstanding

@FabFunty

2 жыл бұрын

Especially for the guy at 4:50

@giggiddy

2 жыл бұрын

Anybody have any idea what an entire operation like that would cost? Antenna, helicopter, everything??

@phils1427

2 жыл бұрын

@@giggiddy Hundreds of dollars. Possibly a thousand.

@j.peters3053

2 жыл бұрын

I hope the money is good 👍

@ThisIS_Insane

Жыл бұрын

Well, you DO need to like heights!

That's the job of big people, the courage of those men up there has to be brave, and the guy in the helicopter has to be a real pilot, congratulations to everyone.

Respect; for everyone involved in this project!

Truly impressed! Professional, skills, teamwork, cool and comfortable, nerves of steel!! And no bathroom breaks!

I personally installed the N+1 combiner on the 100th floor, that made it possible to transmit the NTSC and Digital TV signals simutaneously. The DTV was at low power around 20 KW, while the NTSC was at 60KW (?). The FCC required a 5 year conversion window, for all stations to go full on DTV. This must be the final DTV antenna. They have the ability to use both antennas each in half power mode, or either antenna in total power mode as backup. The elevator to get up there takes only like 30 seconds to go 100 stories. Its like a carnival ride. We went on top of the building one night to take in the view, and I was able to look over the edge of the building down at the street. Freaky. No one can be on the roof when they are transmitting, or else you will be fried my the strength of the UHF signal. When they have to shut down like this, the station manager told me that they potentially could loose $100,000 a minute. and that was in 1999 ish.

@StringerNews1

Жыл бұрын

What were the stations on those antennas? IIRC, WLS-TV had its awesome Jampro spiral antenna for NTSC in one of the spots prior to the digital transition, with WTTW on top.

@VictoryAviation

Жыл бұрын

So if someone would fry if they’re up around the antennas when they’re functioning, how are aircraft able to fly in close proximity without terrible effects? And obviously I’m not talking about the Erickson Sky Crane used in this video. I mean regular aircraft flying close by from day to day. In a helicopter you can legally fly right next to those antennas.

@StringerNews1

Жыл бұрын

@@VictoryAviation I don't know where you get your information, but it is _not_ legal to play chicken with tall buildings in an aircraft! Especially after 9-11.

@VictoryAviation

Жыл бұрын

@@StringerNews1 I’m a commercial fixed wing pilot and will have my commercial helicopter license in a couple months. 14 CFR 91.119 says 500’ minimum altitude over congested areas and 500’ from any structure, person, vessel, etc. However it also says, “If the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface - may be operated at any altitude provided any person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA.” 500’ is pretty close, especially when you’re talking about an antenna that can broadcast with the power it has. This doesn’t take into account making approaches to heliports, which could absolutely take you within less than 500’ distance of other structures. So nobody is talking about playing chicken with buildings. I’m talking about normal operations in a large city environment like Chicago.

@StringerNews1

Жыл бұрын

@@VictoryAviation oh, you're a commercial pilot. What video ga...er _airline_ do you fly for? Get real, kid. I know that's a lie. If you had only read 14 CFR 91.119, you would have seen that for over congested areas, the altitude is 1,000 feet, and horizontal separation is 2,000 feet! And because of a thing called the inverse square law, 2000' is plenty to reduce power to safe levels. There's more to it than that, and a real commercial pilot would know about restricted airspace and controlled airspace. Any real pilot knows not to go joyriding through urban canyons for a variety of reasons, all of which have to do with aircraft safety. Video gamers know none of these things.

After 23 years as a Union Ironworker, that was nicely done!

@thomasbrunn3988

Жыл бұрын

you guys got balls of steel that was scary up there spinning around

@myfavoritemartian1

Жыл бұрын

@@thomasbrunn3988 It is actually peaceful. The Helo pilot is flying his ass off though.

@jaminova_1969

Жыл бұрын

When the Helicopter released the cable and that antenna was swaying with those guys still working on it I screamed!

@Guillotines_For_Globalists

Жыл бұрын

@@thomasbrunn3988 The camera was spinning in those shots, not the guys. No one is riding the antenna as it's being transported.

I’m not typically afraid of heights but this is insane. These guys are something else altogether. From a human standpoint i don’t understand how some people can mind over matter tasks like these it’s truly fascinating to me. Chicago born and raised resident here. I was happy to see the title refer the building as Sears. The Willis Tower is just strange to hear even now after knowing it as the Sears Tower my entire youth.

@oddsman01

Жыл бұрын

My hands and feet are sweaty and tingling just watching the damn video.

@concertvip6221

Жыл бұрын

I felt the exact same way😆

@briancleveland6115

Жыл бұрын

RIP Chicago 🙏

@michaelprosperity3420

Жыл бұрын

If your from Chicago it will always be Sears Tower, Comiski Park, Lake Shore Drive and the exit off the highway will remain Congress not Ida B.

@Jfizz66

9 ай бұрын

youre exactly correct.. @@michaelprosperity3420

The balls of steel in this video is amazing! Props to this whole crew!!!

Hats off to the pilot. That IGE hovering was cool. Very smooth. Many hours to achieve that control. I say this as a former Army Aviator.

@apagla3518

Жыл бұрын

োুুুুুুুু

@mysterytrain3

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. If he’s off just a little bit, he can harm or kill several guys. The heavy set guy on the ground seems to be the boss. The grim look on his face tells the whole story about the pressure he’s under.

@VictoryAviation

Жыл бұрын

I was more impressed with his OGE work at the top with surely decent wind to deal with. Not to mention the mechanical turbulence from the buildings.

@davidclaudy4822

Жыл бұрын

@@VictoryAviation This is one of those conversations, where if you know what we are talking about, YOU KNOW! You know what I mean? I realize this is major inside talk, but I do miss my flying days in the Army.

@VictoryAviation

Жыл бұрын

@@davidclaudy4822 Unfortunately I have a unique medical condition that’s allowed me to serve for 23 years, but not as a pilot in the military. However the FAA has lovely alternative color vision tests that I found out about a couple years ago and I’ve been off to the races since on the civ side. I am very envious that I didn’t get to fly on the mil side.

Who ever does this type of work climbing towers got to have balls of steel. Bravo

4:53 that guy has balls of lead

@alexandernelson647

2 жыл бұрын

No. The guys at 15:42 do

@revibox

2 жыл бұрын

@@alexandernelson647 Right. I just can't believe they don't fall down from that antenna because of the weight of their massive balls.

@elchunky1697

2 жыл бұрын

@@revibox bruh i dont think that’s what he meant

I flew in that same helicopter a year later with the same crew of pilots. They talked about this same lift. That’s an expression to never forget. That’s for sharing.

@snakebitmcgee6532

Жыл бұрын

I think your lieing David.

@doubledd10able

Жыл бұрын

@@snakebitmcgee6532 hah that’s funny. I can try to figure out how to add a picture to this thread. I worked with them way before smart phones and KZread came out. 🤷‍♂️

Salute to these guys. Nothing but cajones made of brass and ice-cold water running through those veins.

How many of your stomachs dropped several times while watching this video. Even while typing this I still feel a little woozy

@bobbyg433

Жыл бұрын

Omg mine

@davidtimms9615

Жыл бұрын

I'd rather be one of the guys on the ground. Can you imagine being on the side of that mast some 1600 feet up with that chopper overhead producing all that wind? Nerves of steel.

@ironmartysharpe8293

Жыл бұрын

For those individuals who can handle those heights , More power to them

@capricehunt-mcintee5296

8 ай бұрын

Omg my feet will not stop tingling. My stomach is a mess.

@benburra6655

8 күн бұрын

Weak in the knees & actually dizzy… The inside guys bad enough…but the brass balls OUTSIDE of the antenna…if my life depended upon it…NO WAY POSSIBLE!

My legs turn to spaghetti about 25 feet off the ground. These guys are amazing, and we owe them respect for all the incredible things they build.

@isaacparadis7951

4 ай бұрын

I hope you're joking. That was clearly a boat.

@vintagemotorcyclerepair4052

4 ай бұрын

@@isaacparadis7951 Official KZread fact checker debunks airplane theory. News at 11.

Wow....great job by all, especially the helicopter pilot (s)....maneuvering in such tight quarters

@aredub1847

Жыл бұрын

yeah i bet he was glad when that lift was done. plus the winds you get in the tower canyons.

The difficulty IN THE WINDY CITY is off the charts! That pilot is incredible! @ 10:35, look at the pants of the guy standing on that platform! The wind is RIPPING!

The base of those antennas are anchored down to the 106th floor and those guys you see going in the antenna thats the 108th floor which are the mechanical floors from 106 to 108 floor 109 which is the roof and the penthouse for the glass clean machine that sits in the penthouse is floor 110

@2kevinthecool

Жыл бұрын

Wow! So the antenae start on like floor 103??

@2kevinthecool

Жыл бұрын

@@generalkickass6385 so then, the antennas' bases begin on the bottom of the 104th floor right then?

@generalkickass6385

9 ай бұрын

@@2kevinthecool the actual base of the antennas are anchored on floor 106

Guys are great. Had the pleasure to sub work for Chicago Tower-leasing some years ago. Run by Stan Stann......may he rest in piece.

Even with fall restraint harnesses that's still a 10 on the pucker scale!

What these fearless folks do is amazing. Plus the coordination of the Sikorsky sky crane pilot and the crew is impeccable. Some people would have a heart attack just watching this.

@BADALICE

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah that's me.

@scootersonlyrepair6773

2 жыл бұрын

Then they deserve to die #naturalselection

@williamreeves5895

9 ай бұрын

YEAH I ALMOST DID.

In my wildest dreams I couldn't imagine doing what those guys on that antenna were doing.

Hope these guys get a years pay for this job. Hats off to the pilot, the sway has to be incredible.

I admire these guys they must have Nerves of STEEL good job

That's Nucking Futts! It makes me sad to think the Twin Towers in NY are gone, but someday I will visit Chicago just to see the Sears Tower.Hard to imagine Sears is gone, after all they invented home delivery along with JC Penny!

@jay0726

2 жыл бұрын

❤️

@dan-fr9dn

2 жыл бұрын

Penny"s still here.

It’s good to know there are jobs available for crazy people. There’s about a 0% chance I’d climb on the base level of that antenna, much less the section on top installed a few minutes earlier.

Holy f'kin christ. Even shakes it to make sure.

@blueblade455

2 жыл бұрын

Even after he's done shaking it, the same guys go back to tighten the lower bolts again to make sure nothing didn't loosen up and everything is properly secured.

There is a small window in which to do this. The weather has to be right, which means as little wind as possible which is rare in Chicago. As little traffic as possible, so on a Sunday when very few people and cars are around. It can't be too hot either, thermal drafts will cause problems. Plus, using helicopters aint cheap you wanna get those boys off the clock as soon as possible. You have to do things quickly and efficiently, but this is the kind of work that cannot be rushed, it'll be done when it's done.

@michaelcanney7218

2 жыл бұрын

Tks bob for the insight

@mikemarley2389

Жыл бұрын

The windy city.

@dray7276

Жыл бұрын

@@mikemarley2389 Its not actually windy. Well, i should say its no more windy than any other city is. The name was from a Cincinatti enquirer in 1876 that depicted a tornado that blew through the city while also poking at the local speakers that were "full of wind". Something along those lines. Possibly ChatGPT that ....

Balls of steel to those guys hanging off that antenna like that! There isn't any amount of money you could pay me to do that. My respect

That height and standing on top of it at the end wobbling - scarry just to watch.

@dickb2128

Жыл бұрын

Makes me weak in the knees. Talk about brass balls ! these guys are supermen.

This time era feels so much better! Vs todays . just by only watching this video only!

@Mrd9960

Жыл бұрын

Lol it was only 1 year ago, I think, atleast that's when this video was uploaded.

N6979R been flying since 1968! amazing piece of machinery! even more amazing are the crazy mofo's up on top of the antenna!

@whuffer5103

2 жыл бұрын

I just looked at the flight aware to see if it was still in service too. Still flying as of 06-08-2022

@kirkkirkland7244

2 жыл бұрын

When you got something that works don't fix it,!!!

@detroitbob58

2 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing this helicopter in the 70's when it came once a year to Flat Rock Michigan to install equipment on the roof of Ford Michigan Casting Center. This was Fords largest iron foundry at the time. Building was too big for a giant crane to reach the center of the building. So we had to hire Evergreen once a year to install equipment on the roof. It was usually a Sunday, nobody was allowed to work in the building, in case the pilots had to drop your load to save the chopper. If I remember it was something like $20,000 to show up and $1,000 per lift. If the millwrights rigged it wrong, and the chopper picked it up, and set it back down, CHA CHING! A thousand dollar mistake by the mill wrights. Didn't happen very often, our M/W's and Tinsmiths were very good at rigging! Talked to the pilots, and most of them were Vietnam Vets at that time. Nice guys and VERY SKILLED AT FLYING HUNKS OF STEEL THRU THE AIR FOR US!!

@troo_story

2 жыл бұрын

@@whuffer5103 or 06/08/2022 in the rest of the world

@jyanke3546

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, Correently owned By Helicopter Transport Services and Is based in OR, USA

Hats Off to all 4..And 3 cheers specially for one who climbed on the top and really shaken it 👍👍

What a Scary work 🤯😳 the 4 guys up there definitely are Brave enough to do this job... wow.....I was so excited watching this ....

Those guys working up there have some serious balls.

Dude F THAT! One sway and that thing would take you and your two buddies with it. And the thought of standing on the tip reaching UP to grab the load! 😱 talk about losing your balance! Hats off to these men!

Craziest video on KZread! You guys that work on this stuff, hats off to you. Balls of steel!

Amazing how these guys have the guts to work on top of tower !

So cool so his job a top is the wobble around so that it releases the tension on the nuts and bolts below so that the workers are able to fully tighten them

@dustintravis8791

2 жыл бұрын

Ah, and here I thought the guy was just a bit more nuts than the other guys and was just messing around. Your explanation makes sense though!

@aredub1847

Жыл бұрын

he must be the new guy. yeah go up there johnny.

Beautiful building.

Good to see that men like those with the guts to build this greatest country are still amongst us!

From MN, but lived in west IL growing up, and now back in MN for 40 years. Well into adulthood, never appreciated the form of Sears - as I do now. Tremendous building.

Very interesting but I have CHILLS watching !

Rare footage! Witnessing the addition to the West Antenna Tower on the Sears Building in Chicago from June 4th, 2000, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's architectural history. It's amazing to see the progress and changes over the years.

I admire these guys! I could not do this type of job! You are incredible workers, do this job in the highest! My greetings and respect! (city Barbacena, state Minas Gerais, Country Brazil)

GOD BLESS THOSE WORKERS

My biggest fear with helicopter lifts is the static discharge. Talk about your heart pumping the first time you touch the load, even after it's properly discharged I always have that doubt.

Those are some brave souls doing this job.

The guy standing on the outside of the antenna on that tiny 2 ft platform with no railings on it is living a nightmare I have had a few different times. Everytime I have had this dream I wake up and I always remember the dream which I find strange because I can't remember any of my other dreams.

@Mrd9960

Жыл бұрын

Lol you have a dream of being on top of that? Damn, I would have a nightmare of falling to my death😳😳😳

Wild stuff all around. Fantastic work.

Another great job performed by professionals. We're fortunate to have people that are willing and ready to do they're best at what ever they do. Let's Go People 💯💯💯💯💯

These man right here…these man…speechless.

WOW! Very Interesting To Watch. Not A Job For Me Though! Crazy To Watch!

Damn that's one kick ass helicopter!!! It's just pure power!!!

@ThisIS_Insane

Жыл бұрын

One word: SKYCRANE!

@jamesrodda6803

Жыл бұрын

That's 4800 shaft horsepower.....

@aredub1847

Жыл бұрын

@@jamesrodda6803 thats what she said.

They made it looks easy and flawless well oiled machine all the way around going on right there and the video footage from so many different angles gave such a great perspective 👏 BRAVO

That was mind blowing and really uncomfortable yet exciting to watch at the same time. Phew!

1:03 damn, that camera tracking and stabilization :o

Met a guy one that did this type of work, he said the most dangerous part is landing the components together. Nothing is scarier than the moment you come in contact with it until the copter is released and clear

That is by far the craziest shit I ever dreamed of seeing. Those men have nads bigger than the biggest buffalo ever seen in life. I really hope the radio works.

Those are some brave men I take my head off to them. They deserve every dollar they get in quadruple more.

I grew up in Chi-town suburbs. The Prudential Building at 44 floors (observation deck) was tops. By HS, the John Hancock Bldg at 104 floors was tops. The elevator ride and view were awesome. Sears Tower at 110 floors was pretty cool too. Their observation deck had a metal screened outdoor porch for a cheap thrill. But these guys make it seem like I jumped a curb. Great skill.

@larryfreeman7979

Жыл бұрын

that building has an observation floor made of glass that you can walk onto and look straight down. I always thought I was ok with heights, but I could not walk out onto that glass floor. My son finally convinced me to crawl out there, I was terrified, but I did it,

Sometimes...how can you NOT admire humanity (and, those men up there..)

*Those guys are better than Spiderman.🙏*

I never remember 2000 looking this old.

Mad skills all around is about all I can say! What a way to spend a Sunday! I hope they went to church early to pray for safety! I grew up in Chicago and remember when the Prudential Building (40 stories) was the tallest building. My buddies and I used to cut school to go ride the world's fastest elevators!

This reminds of the scene from The Blues Brothers movie when the red Pinto station wagon was falling past the Sears building...lol

I had to hang onto the sides of my desk watching those VERY! brave men

A visual work of art and Incredible human know-how

Great to see a flying ship there at 13:39. So sad we’ve lost the technology now.

@digitalradiohacker

Жыл бұрын

The loss of this tech came from offshore imports of lunar wane shafts. If it wasn't for the above, and the copying of such advances, the competition would have had a hard time effectively preventing side fumbling.

Respect for those guys and the pilot. Trying to steady myself now ...

@giggiddy

2 жыл бұрын

I noticed that the pilot wasn't a 25 year old bed wetter who always got a trophy. He had some gray hair. The best!!! And I'm sure he gets paid according ly. Cheers

Just found this video. These fellas on top have nerves of steel!

These iron workers are breed of there own , just another day for them, but the pilot to me is the most important key to this, this is how it's made to look easy when you have a complete top notch crew

I am not afraid of extreme heights... I'm afraid of extreme stopping when I hit the ground.

That was more intense than camping 😨

Awesome work

You men were animals. Awesome 👍👍

Bless them. Everyone has a calling, this just happens not to be mine. Chills just watching.

Incredible crew and pilot for sure but I think I’m even more impressed by the crew and pilot that did the vVIDEO work for this. This is Excellent multi cam coverage, cut by a fabulous editor into a n AMAZING PRODUCTION.

@mimusic1853

Жыл бұрын

All that fabulous work to not have any kind of narrating? Shameful

That is an incredible stable helicopter/super pilot. But also this looks like the most dangerous job to be up there on the tower when your life is in de hands of the wind-gods..

Yaaas.... He'll be SWANGIN... Just a SWANGIN..... Swangin' up around 1800 feet- that far above the street- He'll be a SWANGIN!! :)

i'd work on that tower if i could wear my parachute. you'd have time to think before you hit the ground at that altitude. great pilot.

@aredub1847

Жыл бұрын

ill wear my hoverbelt i have from the future to go up there. with the back up teleporter with inertia cancelation. also i can fly.

Heck, you can see the Sears Tower from Lombard and Addison. Probably even farther. I wish Sears didn't go belly up. I was up in that tower when I was a youngster. I thought "What a fall !", as I'm thinking that now.

@uploadJ

2 жыл бұрын

You can see the Sears tower across Lake Michigan - near St Joseph - on a clear day ... just the antenna tops IIRC ...

@uploadJ

2 жыл бұрын

AND you can hear the 146.88 MHz 2 meter CARA repeater too.

great job guys... wow

Talk about living on the edge. The guy on the very top shaking the tower so they can get the bolts in. Crazy !

Actual height is not relative to the fear factor. 2,000 ft is just the same as 200 ft . If you fall you are just as dead. So if you are good at this you have to be confident in your team and your gear. Fear of falling never enters your mind.

@SkyChaserCom

2 жыл бұрын

It's just an office. A really really high one :)

@troo_story

2 жыл бұрын

Fear of hitting the ground is where the fear lies.

@aredub1847

Жыл бұрын

with 2000ft, you have more time to think on the way down.

Yow! 21:07 He's 👷‍♂️'wiggling' it to get it in place.

Total badasses. I got nervous just watching!

*Excellent videos*

I was just sure he was going to the tip top and stand. Well almost stand. Makes my heart pound.

Fantastic!!!! - I'm just shitting bricks watching it!!!!

There are some things that men do that you just can't believe what you're seeing.....I get dizzy standing on a sweet wrapper....no office 'shinies' here...just plain fearlessness, courage and determination. After a day doing this, how do these sky warriors relax?!

Amazing video!! Wow

One or two good guys step up on crews like this and really get the job done

@phillipkalaveras1725

2 жыл бұрын

If anyone stepped up, down, or sideways from there specifics it would lead to chaos and someone could get killed.