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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Tell me you know very little about aviation without telling me you know very little about aviation. 1) A good sized part of commercial aviation has nothing to do with the airlines. In case you didn’t actually watch the video, the helicopter used was not doing so under part 121 operations (that’s scheduled flights, i.e. airlines) 2) You clearly weren’t paying attention to the fact I said helicopters multiple times. Minimum operating altitudes and distances are not the same between fixed wing and rotary aircraft. 3) Yes there’s controlled airspace all over in Chicago. I’m very familiar with it since I’ve flown around and in it plenty in the last couple years. You realize that helicopter fly inside the class b and c airspace all the time in Chicago. It literally happens every day. 4) Since you think you know about airspace, please define areas around downtown Chicago that are restricted. There’s really only one answer. I’ll wait. You’re very clearly making a lot of comments that demonstrate you know just enough about aviation to make yourself sound ignorant to any person with marginal aviation knowledge, let alone someone that’s passed 5 check rides so far and counting.
@StringerNews1 LOL! There was no mistake. The fact you think you caught some kind of mistake is the reason you perfectly embody the Dunning-Kruger effect. Good riddance. Still waiting on you to describe your restricted airspace in Chicago btw.
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
Let's not forget about the electricians who get to go up also and get everything connected. These crews are a breed all their own, much respect to all. Mark IBEW 176
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 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 UA-cam came out. 🤷♂️
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.
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.
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.
@@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 ....
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 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.
@@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.
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
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.
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 💯💯💯💯💯
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!
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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
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.
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,
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
Radio stations East mast 482 m: WLIT FM 93.9 MHz main, 4.0 kW, AMFM WCHI FM 95.5 backup, 3.1 kW, AMFM 480 m: WBMX FM 104.3 main, 4.1 kW, CBS Radio 476 m: WTMX FM 101.9 main, 4.2 kW, Hubbard 474 m: WBBM FM 96.3 main, 4.2 kW, CBS Radio 472 m: WKSC FM 103.5 main, 4.3 kW, AMFM WGCI FM 107.5 main, 3.7 kW, AMFM 470 m: WFMT FM 98.7, 6.0 kW 468 m: WLS FM 94.7 main, 4.4 kW West mast 460 & 451 m: WFMT FM 98.7 backups 443 m: WBBM-FM 96.3 backup WBMX 104.3 backup W264BF (simulcast of WHLP) 100.7 MHz, 2 W, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa table of allotments: **WLIT, WLS, WBBM, WTMX, WBMX, WCFS NOAA Weather Radio station KWO39 transmits off the tower at 162.550 MHz. Programmed by the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Chicago, it is equipped with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), which sets off a siren on specially-programmed weather radios to alert of an impending hazard. Television stations East mast 515 m: WLS-TV 7 analog, 55 kW, ABC Owned Television Stations (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) WLS-TV 7 permanent digital, 4.75 kW 510 m: WCPX-TV 43 digital, 200 kW, Ion Media Networks WCPX-TV 38 analog, 3630 kW, Ion Media Networks (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) WJYS TV 36 digital, 145 kW, Oxford Media Group WCIU-TV 27 digital, 15.1 kW, Weigel Broadcasting 509 m: WXFT-TV 59 temporary digital, 200 kW, Univision Communications WXFT-TV 50 permanent digital, 230 kW, Univision Communications 498 m: WTTW TV 11 analog, 60.3 kW, Window To the World Communications (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) WBBM-TV 12 digital, 8 kW, CBS Television Stations 480 m: WFLD TV 31 digital backup, 475 kW, Fox Television Stations WPWR-TV 51 digital backup, 508 kW, Fox Television Stations 478 m: WGN-TV 19 digital backup, 310/229 kW, Tribune Broadcasting 474 m: WTTW TV 47 digital backup, 150 kW, Window To the World Communications WLS-TV 52 digital backup, 220 kW, ABC Owned Television Stations unknown: WESV-LD 40 digital, 37.2 kW, Trinity Christian Center of Santa Ana West mast 523 m: WPWR-TV 51 digital, 1000 kW, Fox Television Stations 514 m, WLS-TV 52 temporary digital, 153.6 kW, ABC Owned Television Stations 508 m, WMAQ-TV 29 digital, 350 kW, NBC Owned Television Stations 494 m: WMAQ-TV 5 analog, 20 kW (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) WPWR-TV 50 analog, 5000 kW (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) WXFT-TV 60 analog, 5000 kW, (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) 475 m: WFLD TV 31 digital, 690/1000 kW, Fox Television Stations 473 m: WCIU-TV 26 analog, 5000 kW (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) 472 m: WCIU-TV 27 digital, 590 kW, Weigel Broadcasting WSNS-TV 44 analog 5000 kW, NBC Owned Television Stations (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.) WSNS-TV 45 digital 467/665 kW, NBC Owned Television Stations 465 m: WTTW TV 47 digital, 300 kW, Window To the World Communications 455 m: WJYS TV 36 digital, 50 kW, Oxford Media Group 453 m: WGN-TV 19 digital, 645 kW, Tribune Broadcasting unknown: WWME-CD 39 digital, 4.4 kW, Weigel Broadcasting WEDE-CD 34 digital, 50 kW, First United WMEU-CA 48 analog STA, 150 kW, Weigel Broadcasting WMEU-LD 32 digital, 15 kW
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.
Man I been watching this stuff all night now I’m going to have nightmares mares ,these men who do this job are brave I’m a tough man but this scares me to death cheers you guys be safe and God bless you ,,,You all go home to your Families safe ❤️❤️🙏🙏👍👍😃🦘🇦🇺✝️
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.
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.
I wish they would allow people to go on the roof, for observation, instead of the 103rd floor, it's still really great, don't get me wrong, but I feel it would be an even greater experience.
For anyone who wonders what this is like ? It's the closest thing you'll ever get to seeing God. I did work on the Prudential building in Boston, MA back in the late 90's. A few things hinge on successful production, the main one being weather conditions. The other, having absolutely no fear.
Makes perfect sense. Does it take someone with special disposition not to have fear, especially of heights or is it learned from training and experience? Thank you.
@@windk100 I was a union Steel worker for many years. I had a lot of experience erecting skyscrapers. The job is dangerous but your never thinking of the dangers when doing it. It does cross your mind every now and then, especially when there is a close call but you need to remove all fear from your mind. Fear can be a weakness. One that can lead you to have an accident more than if you just went along with your daily routine. Oddly enough, I'm not free from fear, I fear other things in this world. Simple things like not being able to help my children when they are sick. So I'm not immune to fear in no way.
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
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..
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?!
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.
I typically climb 350 feet towers regularly for maintenance and that alone is already very tall when at the top. I cannot even IMAGINE being over 1,000 feet in the air like that
If we do the math. First , how many floors has the Willis tower ( sears) including mechanical floors? Answer 110. the NWTC (NY) 2022 Answer 94. They just made taller antennas Second. Plus Antennas Chicago has the tallest building on the America. Do your research. This was a perfect job! Those guys didn't those things hanging between their pants like ornaments.
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.
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.
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…
Definitely won't ever see any gen z's doing anything like that
I'm not even finished watching this and I gotta Agree ... five star video * * * * *
@@olbricky6824 LOL at the notion of those Gen Z's bagging groceries.
@@olbricky6824 who's going to install tv antennas after the millennials retire?
@@CreeseDF Drones.
Those guys definitely have Balls of Steel!! I Absolutely Salute Them!!🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Tell me about it...incredible!!!
Balls of titanium I reckon
Bloody nuts!!!
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.
You are a brave Man....thank you for sharing this with us 😊👍🏻
Greetings from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦🌴
@@abdulazizsaleh9567 Thank you, Sir.
i think the greater fear is how long you will get to think about it on your way down.
@@aredub1847 That would suck!
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.
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.
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 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 Tell me you know very little about aviation without telling me you know very little about aviation.
1) A good sized part of commercial aviation has nothing to do with the airlines. In case you didn’t actually watch the video, the helicopter used was not doing so under part 121 operations (that’s scheduled flights, i.e. airlines)
2) You clearly weren’t paying attention to the fact I said helicopters multiple times. Minimum operating altitudes and distances are not the same between fixed wing and rotary aircraft.
3) Yes there’s controlled airspace all over in Chicago. I’m very familiar with it since I’ve flown around and in it plenty in the last couple years. You realize that helicopter fly inside the class b and c airspace all the time in Chicago. It literally happens every day.
4) Since you think you know about airspace, please define areas around downtown Chicago that are restricted. There’s really only one answer. I’ll wait.
You’re very clearly making a lot of comments that demonstrate you know just enough about aviation to make yourself sound ignorant to any person with marginal aviation knowledge, let alone someone that’s passed 5 check rides so far and counting.
@StringerNews1 LOL! There was no mistake. The fact you think you caught some kind of mistake is the reason you perfectly embody the Dunning-Kruger effect. Good riddance.
Still waiting on you to describe your restricted airspace in Chicago btw.
@StringerNews1 You’re not beyond help yet. Go look up what the Dunning-Kruger affect is before you keep embarrassing yourself. Good luck in life.
Truly impressed!
Professional, skills,
teamwork, cool and comfortable, nerves of steel!!
And no bathroom breaks!
The balls of steel in this video is amazing! Props to this whole crew!!!
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
Wow! So the antenae start on like floor 103??
@@generalkickass6385 so then, the antennas' bases begin on the bottom of the 104th floor right then?
@@2kevinthecool the actual base of the antennas are anchored on floor 106
Let's not forget about the electricians who get to go up also and get everything connected. These crews are a breed all their own, much respect to all.
Mark IBEW 176
21:11 The guy on top is rocking the entire antenna structure! AMAZING!
The jiggle test.
Trying to line up the bolt holes in connection
Brave man
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.
I think your lieing David.
@@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 UA-cam came out. 🤷♂️
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!
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.
My hands and feet are sweaty and tingling just watching the damn video.
I felt the exact same way😆
RIP Chicago 🙏
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.
youre exactly correct.. @@michaelprosperity3420
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.
Tks bob for the insight
The windy city.
@@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 ....
After 23 years as a Union Ironworker, that was nicely done!
you guys got balls of steel that was scary up there spinning around
@@thomasbrunn3988 It is actually peaceful. The Helo pilot is flying his ass off though.
When the Helicopter released the cable and that antenna was swaying with those guys still working on it I screamed!
@@thomasbrunn3988 The camera was spinning in those shots, not the guys. No one is riding the antenna as it's being transported.
12:16 Nope. That's truly insane. Those guys on the antenna are incredible.
Bahaha, right when I couldn't take it anymore.
They truly are!!
Who ever does this type of work climbing towers got to have balls of steel. Bravo
Salute to these guys. Nothing but cajones made of brass and ice-cold water running through those veins.
Craziest video on UA-cam! You guys that work on this stuff, hats off to you. Balls of steel!
Who’s going to change that “ONE” light bulb?
What a Scary work 🤯😳 the 4 guys up there definitely are Brave enough to do this job... wow.....I was so excited watching this ....
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.
োুুুুুুুু
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.
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.
@@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.
@@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.
I'm getting queasy watching the workers at that height
No way I could do that job. I'm terrified of heights. Just watching this almost gave me vertigo LOL.
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
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!
he must be the new guy. yeah go up there johnny.
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.
Hope these guys get a years pay for this job. Hats off to the pilot, the sway has to be incredible.
It really takes guts to do that job, outstanding
Especially for the guy at 4:50
Anybody have any idea what an entire operation like that would cost? Antenna, helicopter, everything??
@@giggiddy Hundreds of dollars. Possibly a thousand.
I hope the money is good 👍
Well, you DO need to like heights!
Good to see that men like those with the guts to build this greatest country are still amongst us!
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 💯💯💯💯💯
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!
❤️
Penny"s still here.
This time era feels so much better! Vs todays . just by only watching this video only!
Lol it was only 1 year ago, I think, atleast that's when this video was uploaded.
Wow....great job by all, especially the helicopter pilot (s)....maneuvering in such tight quarters
yeah i bet he was glad when that lift was done. plus the winds you get in the tower canyons.
Hats Off to all 4..And 3 cheers specially for one who climbed on the top and really shaken it 👍👍
Amazing how these guys have the guts to work on top of tower !
Even with fall restraint harnesses that's still a 10 on the pucker scale!
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
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.
It's just an office. A really really high one :)
Fear of hitting the ground is where the fear lies.
with 2000ft, you have more time to think on the way down.
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)
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.
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.
Makes me weak in the knees. Talk about brass balls ! these guys are supermen.
Those guys working up there have some serious balls.
Talk about living on the edge. The guy on the very top shaking the tower so they can get the bolts in. Crazy !
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.
N6979R been flying since 1968! amazing piece of machinery! even more amazing are the crazy mofo's up on top of the antenna!
I just looked at the flight aware to see if it was still in service too. Still flying as of 06-08-2022
When you got something that works don't fix it,!!!
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!!
@@whuffer5103 or 06/08/2022 in the rest of the world
Yes, Correently owned By Helicopter Transport Services and Is based in OR, USA
Holy f'kin christ. Even shakes it to make sure.
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.
Respect for those guys and the pilot. Trying to steady myself now ...
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
In my wildest dreams I couldn't imagine doing what those guys on that antenna were doing.
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.
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,
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.
Yeah that's me.
Then they deserve to die #naturalselection
YEAH I ALMOST DID.
4:53 that guy has balls of lead
No. The guys at 15:42 do
@@alexandernelson647 Right. I just can't believe they don't fall down from that antenna because of the weight of their massive balls.
@@revibox bruh i dont think that’s what he meant
Those are some brave souls doing this job.
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!
I admire these guys they must have Nerves of STEEL good 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.
Lol you have a dream of being on top of that? Damn, I would have a nightmare of falling to my death😳😳😳
Beautiful building.
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.
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!
Wild stuff all around. Fantastic work.
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
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.
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.
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!
Radio stations
East mast
482 m:
WLIT FM 93.9 MHz main, 4.0 kW, AMFM
WCHI FM 95.5 backup, 3.1 kW, AMFM
480 m: WBMX FM 104.3 main, 4.1 kW, CBS Radio
476 m: WTMX FM 101.9 main, 4.2 kW, Hubbard
474 m: WBBM FM 96.3 main, 4.2 kW, CBS Radio
472 m:
WKSC FM 103.5 main, 4.3 kW, AMFM
WGCI FM 107.5 main, 3.7 kW, AMFM
470 m: WFMT FM 98.7, 6.0 kW
468 m: WLS FM 94.7 main, 4.4 kW
West mast
460 & 451 m:
WFMT FM 98.7 backups
443 m:
WBBM-FM 96.3 backup
WBMX 104.3 backup
W264BF (simulcast of WHLP) 100.7 MHz, 2 W, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa
table of allotments: **WLIT, WLS, WBBM, WTMX, WBMX, WCFS
NOAA Weather Radio station KWO39 transmits off the tower at 162.550 MHz. Programmed by the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Chicago, it is equipped with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), which sets off a siren on specially-programmed weather radios to alert of an impending hazard.
Television stations
East mast
515 m:
WLS-TV 7 analog, 55 kW, ABC Owned Television Stations (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
WLS-TV 7 permanent digital, 4.75 kW
510 m:
WCPX-TV 43 digital, 200 kW, Ion Media Networks
WCPX-TV 38 analog, 3630 kW, Ion Media Networks (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
WJYS TV 36 digital, 145 kW, Oxford Media Group
WCIU-TV 27 digital, 15.1 kW, Weigel Broadcasting
509 m:
WXFT-TV 59 temporary digital, 200 kW, Univision Communications
WXFT-TV 50 permanent digital, 230 kW, Univision Communications
498 m:
WTTW TV 11 analog, 60.3 kW, Window To the World Communications (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
WBBM-TV 12 digital, 8 kW, CBS Television Stations
480 m:
WFLD TV 31 digital backup, 475 kW, Fox Television Stations
WPWR-TV 51 digital backup, 508 kW, Fox Television Stations
478 m: WGN-TV 19 digital backup, 310/229 kW, Tribune Broadcasting
474 m:
WTTW TV 47 digital backup, 150 kW, Window To the World Communications
WLS-TV 52 digital backup, 220 kW, ABC Owned Television Stations
unknown: WESV-LD 40 digital, 37.2 kW, Trinity Christian Center of Santa Ana
West mast
523 m: WPWR-TV 51 digital, 1000 kW, Fox Television Stations
514 m, WLS-TV 52 temporary digital, 153.6 kW, ABC Owned Television Stations
508 m, WMAQ-TV 29 digital, 350 kW, NBC Owned Television Stations
494 m:
WMAQ-TV 5 analog, 20 kW (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
WPWR-TV 50 analog, 5000 kW (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
WXFT-TV 60 analog, 5000 kW, (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
475 m: WFLD TV 31 digital, 690/1000 kW, Fox Television Stations
473 m: WCIU-TV 26 analog, 5000 kW (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
472 m:
WCIU-TV 27 digital, 590 kW, Weigel Broadcasting
WSNS-TV 44 analog 5000 kW, NBC Owned Television Stations (Analog Broadcast discontinued as of June 12, 2009. Now broadcasting only in digital.)
WSNS-TV 45 digital 467/665 kW, NBC Owned Television Stations
465 m: WTTW TV 47 digital, 300 kW, Window To the World Communications
455 m: WJYS TV 36 digital, 50 kW, Oxford Media Group
453 m: WGN-TV 19 digital, 645 kW, Tribune Broadcasting
unknown:
WWME-CD 39 digital, 4.4 kW, Weigel Broadcasting
WEDE-CD 34 digital, 50 kW, First United
WMEU-CA 48 analog STA, 150 kW, Weigel Broadcasting
WMEU-LD 32 digital, 15 kW
I am not afraid of extreme heights... I'm afraid of extreme stopping when I hit the ground.
How many of your stomachs dropped several times while watching this video. Even while typing this I still feel a little woozy
Omg mine
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.
For those individuals who can handle those heights , More power to them
Omg my feet will not stop tingling. My stomach is a mess.
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!
Man I been watching this stuff all night now I’m going to have nightmares mares ,these men who do this job are brave I’m a tough man but this scares me to death cheers you guys be safe and God bless you ,,,You all go home to your Families safe ❤️❤️🙏🙏👍👍😃🦘🇦🇺✝️
Great to see a flying ship there at 13:39. So sad we’ve lost the technology now.
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.
**Gets all the way to the top** ...
"Oh fuck I forgot to punch in for the day.."
Just found this video. These fellas on top have nerves of steel!
The balls of steel in this video is amazing! Props to this whole crew!
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.
You can see the Sears tower across Lake Michigan - near St Joseph - on a clear day ... just the antenna tops IIRC ...
AND you can hear the 146.88 MHz 2 meter CARA repeater too.
I wish they would allow people to go on the roof, for observation, instead of the 103rd floor, it's still really great, don't get me wrong, but I feel it would be an even greater experience.
Those are some brave men I take my head off to them. They deserve every dollar they get in quadruple more.
For anyone who wonders what this is like ? It's the closest thing you'll ever get to seeing God. I did work on the Prudential building in Boston, MA back in the late 90's. A few things hinge on successful production, the main one being weather conditions. The other, having absolutely no fear.
How about you keep religion out of this you muppet. Take ya bible bashing elsewhere you stooge
You can probably actually see God if you're good enough like the prophet Moses!
Do you mean the God, Odin, the one true God?
Makes perfect sense. Does it take someone with special disposition not to have fear, especially of heights or is it learned from training and experience? Thank you.
@@windk100 I was a union Steel worker for many years. I had a lot of experience erecting skyscrapers. The job is dangerous but your never thinking of the dangers when doing it. It does cross your mind every now and then, especially when there is a close call but you need to remove all fear from your mind. Fear can be a weakness. One that can lead you to have an accident more than if you just went along with your daily routine. Oddly enough, I'm not free from fear, I fear other things in this world. Simple things like not being able to help my children when they are sick. So I'm not immune to fear in no way.
Damn that's one kick ass helicopter!!! It's just pure power!!!
One word: SKYCRANE!
That's 4800 shaft horsepower.....
@@jamesrodda6803 thats what she said.
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 would’ve guessed this video was recorded 1989-1990 ish. It looks older than 2000.
A visual work of art and Incredible human know-how
1:03 damn, that camera tracking and stabilization :o
One or two good guys step up on crews like this and really get the job done
If anyone stepped up, down, or sideways from there specifics it would lead to chaos and someone could get killed.
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..
Desde El salvador.mi respeto para el piloto y los obreros q realizan está operación titánica.
Bless them. Everyone has a calling, this just happens not to be mine. Chills just watching.
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?!
Very interesting but I have CHILLS watching !
Who is braver, the guys who go up to the top of the tower, or the guy who is climbing on the helicopter with the blades turning? Can't decide.
That was mind blowing and really uncomfortable yet exciting to watch at the same time. Phew!
21:06 Climb to the top and make it wobble so we can tighten the nuts.
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.
All that fabulous work to not have any kind of narrating? Shameful
Sometimes...how can you NOT admire humanity (and, those men up there..)
These man right here…these man…speechless.
Yow! 21:07 He's 👷♂️'wiggling' it to get it in place.
I typically climb 350 feet towers regularly for maintenance and that alone is already very tall when at the top. I cannot even IMAGINE being over 1,000 feet in the air like that
This reminds of the scene from The Blues Brothers movie when the red Pinto station wagon was falling past the Sears building...lol
If we do the math.
First ,
how many floors has the Willis tower ( sears) including mechanical floors?
Answer 110.
the NWTC (NY) 2022
Answer 94.
They just made taller antennas
Second.
Plus Antennas
Chicago has the tallest building on the America.
Do your research.
This was a perfect job!
Those guys didn't those things hanging between their pants like ornaments.
Great day to have Signature Room reservations.
Thank you for not calling it the "w" word it will always be sears tower.
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.