Retired helicopter pilot here. Done my share of external load work, but nothing like this. So much precision, and such prolonged concentration. Tired me out just watching. Serious skill and talent. Gotta admire the guys on the tower, too. It takes a lot of mental discipline to overcome the native fear of heights and still do the job. Hats off to all.
Never did tower stuff, but quite a few drill moves in my day. And like you said, precision work is exhausting for a pilot(especially with an inexperienced ground crew) however, it’s by far the most rewarding type of helicopter work. Best lift job I’ve seen by a pilot was some dude in a 206L with a 100ft long line move an ATV out the side of a Twin Otter inches away from the wing flaps, with little to no help on the ground. He walked that quad out like a newborn puppy, using an old clapped out Longdog 😂
the hight is not the issue. The mental problem is "what could go wrong with a partly fixed segment" or simply the segment dangling the tower due to a problem in the helicopters engine. it may cause the complete tower to collapse.
I had the Kahunas in my younger days, but I got too comfortable and cocky. I was changing an aircraft warning light at a 160' and I lost my footing. My lifeline saved my butt. Once I pulled myself back up I had hugged that pole with dear life for about 45 mins before I could start my decent back down. I had lost that edge forever. Hats off to you guys and I hope they are paying you well.
So tell everyone what happens when you fall, and your line attached to your harness grabs you and stops the fall. (ie your junk) Because I fell from about 20 feet, And it wasn't something I'd ever want to experience ever again. Thankfully there was a lead man there that had taken the "After Fall" training and what to do till they can get your feet back on the ground or back on a solid surface. Because hanging there can be just as deadly and you can actually lose your legs due to lose of blood flow.
Lol... not laughing at ya, laughing at how you put it. Dude you done way better than I would of. If that were me, I'd of passed out until I was found hanging by the lifeline by someone. Seriously though, I could never even try something like this, I'd never make it past 100 feet then begged to get back down. Heights scare the piss out of me for some reason I can't even explain.
and it bout happened too….. its a constant hazard… and it happens more than it ought to… I’ve seen some gnarly accidents that literally made me dry heave just seeing it…. ive seen digits and limbs operating perfectly and in an instant gone forever… careers done…. I nearly got a dose on many occasions but non as close as handling a precast slab concrete wall 7 inches thick, 10ft wide, and 80 ft tall as we guided it into place and just got my hand out in the nick of time as it nudged into the existing piece we had just set…. I turned to look to see if anyone saw it and the guy on the radio guiding the rig and the piece in was shaking his head as he was keyed up on the mic steady talking to the crane op… he knew as did I that it was a ucnt’s hair from being a very bad day. Situational awareness with occupations like these are nothing short of hyper focused to paint a pic…. Everywhere you step, turn, bend over, raise up, is a potential life ending mistake.
As an old helicopter pilot, I can tell you that this is no easy job. Whether placing towers or inserting troops or working in the medical field as an EMS Pilot, there is no easy way to say it. It takes nerves to do this job. My hat is off to these guys and especially the ones on the tower. They were perfectly calm and trusted the Pilot completely. Good job Gentleman!
Respect for these guys. I worked for a tower company. Started as ground man getting everything together to be roped up. I learned how to tie all kinds of different knots and hitches. Once I was in training for climbing the tower they say 60 ft is the point of no return. If you can get the 60 you can go to a thousand I just couldn't get up to 60 . And it's not just climbing you have to carry a hundred pounds of tools and ropes everything else with you. Through wind freezing rain ice all kinds of craziness.
I used to encapsulate and pressure wash/ sandblast and paint water towers, inside and out. I know your pain but at the time I was a bit younger and had tons of energy. Climbing up 150ft with safety rope, 3/8 steel cable, and hardware really is a strenuous activity. Every tower, I was the first man up and the last man down when the job was completed. I would never just drop the safety line and steel cable as the necessity of keeping equipment in safe and operable condition from job to job was necessary. So yeah, both climbing up and climbing down with safety gear and all necessary hardware is a pain but one I enjoyed and I'm quite thankful for the experience. Thank you for even attempting such a task, you're also respected.
I've climbed and done tower work up to about 400 feet. Anything after 70 feet just gives you more time to contemplate your mistake while falling...so don't make that mistake. Actually I kind of enjoyed it, but what a workout! Climb on Monday, go to the shop and don't move on Tuesday. Wednesday you start to feel human again.
60 is an interesting point, I think perception is that below that point, falling is probably survivable but painful and over that you're going to die, so screw it.
Hovering is the HARDEST thing to do in a helicopter ,let alone out of ground effect and with that heavy sling load. To be able to set that tower pieced down with such precision so quickly was amazing. Guy could have lost a hand or fingers pulling that cable through. Well done guys.
Wow, props! I am safety coordinator for a construction company in WA and I am impressed with how you guys were doing this. Obviously it's a high risk job and you all take safety very seriously. At that height every tool has a tool lanyard like your spud bar and helmets have chin straps like they should!! Very impressive! Keep up the good work.
I did this for many years in Southeast Alaska at high public safety communication sites. My main Commtrain Osha certified climber was Todd Harding out of Wrangell, AK. He had no fear. While watching this my heart rate jumped up and palms got sweaty. The pilot was superb and could really hold a steady hover. One thing you can't see is the blast freezing rotor wash. A lot of prep on the ground as far as balancing the bridles, tag lines, " what if's thought out. Great video. Todd passed unexpectedly last year and I dedicate this video to him and all the memories. When he was nervous he'd be talking my ear off and I'd had to tell him to shut up so I could concentrate. When he'd do something goofy I'd tell him to knock it off and if got hurt his Mother would kill me...
@@Midwesthelicopter This job could be done with only one guy on the tower. If you ask me how, I'll explain it to you. You guys missed something fairly obvious.
@@yekutielbenheshel354 i don't know about laws in the US in regards to this. But from what I know it shouldn't be allowed to just send a single guy up there for construction work (different from maintenance). If the worker becomes unconscious for some reason or suffers any injury he will not be able to get down by himself but requires two additional people to help with the rescue.
As a former USAF helo mechanic, the most impressive thing for me is you're use of the old H-34 (Sikorsky designation S-58) Choctaw helicopter. I presume that is the more "modern" version with the turboshaft engine (versus the original reciprocating piston engine). Those pigs have been around since the 50s when they were first used by the Navy and Marine Corps. For its time it was a great utilitarian chopper. Great piece of American aviation history. Really cool.
im currently finishing up my helicopter pilot stuff, as a newbie i cant imagine the skill and technique required for the precision that pilot has, especially with PEOPLE LITERALLY INCHES from where he is long lining the tower pieces to, super crazy stuff
hell I'm a certified SUAS pilot, which is NOTHING in the world of aviation specialists.. but I've had to do a lot of interesting clientele work lately that involved "some" precision. this in itself is freaking nuts to me. Anyone masterful at their job makes it look so unbelievably effortless.
@@babyfarksmgeezaks1037 it depends on what your flying+ how experienced you are, this type of job well into 50$-90$ an hour, it takes maybe 5+ years to get there maybe longer unless you are working your ass off.
Man... you guys are the best! I don't know how much you make... but it ain't enough! The rest of us couldn't do our thing without You gentleman doing your thing! Thank you and continue to be safe!
Wow, that's a job for young legs! As a former phone tech, the highest pole I ever climbed was 30 feet! When I finished that job, my legs were like rubber!
I've done tower work up to about 400 feet. These guys know what they're doing and are working safely. Well done. And I'm SO glad I never had to put my tower rescue climber certification to the test!
The precision of this is just crazy……some bad ass skills by the helicopter operator. I’m sure there’s communication going on between the helicopter operator, possible a radio watchmen, and the three on the tower as well…..team effort on point
Yes, we do have our own company signalman on the tower who goes through tower climbing certification. He provides all the height and orientation details. Team effort all the way.
I painted high voltage tower's around 50 year's ago. We painted tower's while energized, always. I never seen a guy get hurt. The most scared that I ever got, even if only briefly, was when I stepped out on the middle arm, and a bolt was missing on one end of the angle. Thanks, John
These guys look so calm like they're working on the ground. Just another day at the office. The helicopter pilot has some impressive skills. There is no way in hell I could do that job. I would be afraid of falling off a perfectly good tower. Never have been crazy about heights. It's the sudden stop that gets you!!!!!!
At 5:19 hand was pushing cable when maybe hand should have pulled on cable and hand gets "close" to getting squished. I was nervous and it wasn't my hand. His heart probably never skipped a beat. Did this tower have guy wires? It did not look like it. Thanks.
Human ingenuity is amazing. Things seems so difficult until someone smarter figures it all out snd makes it simple…like politicians do but the opposite
@@bpc4209 I would have to think that crew is trained to be able to preform first aid and then evacuate an injured teammate if need be? Not a job for the careless.
I saw this happen in real life from the ground. So freaking awesome. Had my binoculars and I could see the dudes up there with hammers knocking it into position. These guys made it look easy.
I agree with the comment... these people should be paid more than the over paid sports players! Totally exciting and much respect for them! God bless all of you and your families
Absolutely insane skill, courage and testicle size! Amazing communication between you guys and the the skill and precision of that pilot is incredible! Also, Lets appreciate the ground crew for their flawless rigging and joint communication. Top marks from me!
My son is Avionics Electrical technician with the Coast Guard he maintains the 5 helicopters they have in the hanger in San Francisco and also is part of the flight crew. I always like watching helicopters in action.
It takes a lot of skill and experience for a pilot to be able to look down vertically to precisely position the tower segment and within inches of height for the riggers to spike it into final position.
it is a team effort. We are only as good as our customer is. We also have one of our signalmen on the tower to provide a line of communication between the workers and the pilot as well as another signalman on the ground. Thanks for watching.
I do sling-load ops piloting AS350B3’s and long-line with B2 variant ASTARS. It is tiring work at times, especially when humans are near the line, as it requires much focused attention. But climbing the towers is well,,,, a “NO THANK YOU” job. Much respect for those guys on towers, because I’d never do it.
I have a terrible fear the thought of being up on a tower. That with a helicopter trying to place a piece of steel over you, I'm done! Great job to all.
Amazing precision by the helicopter pilot. I believe the pilot has a quick-release mechanism that he would activate if anything happens that would jeopardize the copter itself. They would drop the load to save the copter. Also, the guys on the tower have some balls. Thanks for posting.
@@ibeauf I believe the pilot will always risk themselves over the workers. So they will get the helicopter away from the crews before having to drop anything. I’m confident the pilot already has a preplanned area to get the load over to drop it in an emergency.
I've stacked loads of towers (no helicopter stack yet), all gin pole and a couple done by crane (self-support). I love stacking tower more than anything, been on a steel crew for 4 years and wouldn't have it any other way.
So here I am in January 2024 and I got here because Tom Scott is now on sabbatical and no longer creating his own videos (to be fair, he's been doing so for 10 years now, so he's earned the rest). His email to us today told us about this video. For someone like me who has a problem more than 3 steps up a ladder, well, clearly I was out the day the gave out balls of steel. Between the pilot with an eagle eye for precision and the tower crew just hanging out, y'all clearly have done this a time or two. Props to y'all.
You guys are brave and in great shape ! Professionals not for me im scared of heights like that i hate climbing a latter to the roof ! I’ve been in trees hunting and was nervous ! So hats off for being able do that
....BIG COMPLIMENT to all Crew members !!! Great job... sooo nice flown and top crew at the ,,Top,, ... kinde regards from Switzerland !! (former AS332- Pilot)
that’s probably over $4k per hour in labor shown there. these guys kill it & deserve every drop, IMO. I have a pro stuntman buddy that does tower inspect/maintenance, has a tree service and leaps from bridges & airplanes for fun. yet, he called me in to supervise him changing his infant daughter’s diaper on his 1st solo dad experience (his wife had only been gone for 30 mins) since I was already a father to two. they’re a different breed & we need them like they need us. it sure as hell takes all kinds
I was in the AF early 80s. Free climbed 220-320. Saftied in when you got to the work location. Definitely have respect for these climbers. Takes a different kind to do this work.
I get the heebee jeebees just watching this. Just a question though, does static from the rotors cause a problem? I notice that you use hemp rope as the initial catch then drop metal cable down the initial line up hole. Does this remove the static issue?
We use a synthetic line nowadays. The line does not transmit static too well unless wet. The rope is just to assist the top hands in positioning the tower section initially.
I'm surprised to see one of those still flying and working. When the Royal Navy had them as shipborne helicopters, they were colloquially known as 'The Paraffin Parrot'. (The turbine versions - like this one - previous versions had radial reciprocating engines.)
So smooth first attempt impressive. Once it touched it that was it. I guess the cable was long enough you guys didn't get to much rotor wash blowing you off the tower.
Jesus. I hope they pay you guys well. I have a fear of heights and a fear of flying, so this video triggers me, lol. I work with computers, on the ground, at a desk.
@Stella Hoenheim whatever job he has, somebody has to do it. Whether that’s being a thousand feet in the air repairing towers or taking your customer service calls because something is wrong with your bill this month. Working at computers doesn’t mean your fat. Like smart ass comments, don’t make you a genius.
Each man on that tower is probably making the same on this day as I make in a week. And yet over the air TV is free & I have to pay for cable, and then pay additional for the premium channels, and then those channels have ads. Anyway, enough about how much cable sucks. These dudes are badass & deserve every cent they earn.
![Felix Baumgartner Space Jump World Record 2012 Full HD 1080p [FULL]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vvbN-cWe0A0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Felix Baumgartner Space Jump World Record 2012 Full HD 1080p [FULL]](/img/tr.png)
I’m just in absolute awe of the helicopter pilots skills
The weather seemed very calm too.
Team effort. We have our own radioman on the tower to communicate to the helicopter and tower crew.
Practic in GTA 5
My knees are shaky just watching! 😎✌️
@@Midwesthelicopter Pilot went for education, these men haging on are low iq men. Massive respect for pilot
The way the helicopter pilot lays that tower down with pinpoint accuracy is amazing. Those workers have balls of steel too
Team effort
Took the words right out of my mouth.......Balls of steel............
More like Titanium.
Having been a helicopter pilot in the military for the better part of 30 years, these guys are VERY skilled, amazing work.
By chance do yunno what kind of helicopter that is?
@@civmike You know, that is a really good question. I have no idea. Now I am searching to see if I can't find it.
@@civmike Found it, it's a Sikorksy S-58T
@@3073Sean awesome, thank you.
@@lillyspops I appreciate it.
Retired helicopter pilot here. Done my share of external load work, but nothing like this. So much precision, and such prolonged concentration. Tired me out just watching. Serious skill and talent. Gotta admire the guys on the tower, too. It takes a lot of mental discipline to overcome the native fear of heights and still do the job. Hats off to all.
Never did tower stuff, but quite a few drill moves in my day. And like you said, precision work is exhausting for a pilot(especially with an inexperienced ground crew) however, it’s by far the most rewarding type of helicopter work. Best lift job I’ve seen by a pilot was some dude in a 206L with a 100ft long line move an ATV out the side of a Twin Otter inches away from the wing flaps, with little to no help on the ground. He walked that quad out like a newborn puppy, using an old clapped out Longdog 😂
When ppl say they were helicopter pilots i assume they are savvy because they survived their whole career without getting killed. Looks Dangerous!!!
the hight is not the issue. The mental problem is "what could go wrong with a partly fixed segment" or simply the segment dangling the tower due to a problem in the helicopters engine. it may cause the complete tower to collapse.
In my experience it’s a fear of falling, not a fear of hights
I assume they have an engineer working the rig and guiding him like for sea rescue because he can't see below, but I might be wrong.
I’m just impressed an engineer was able to design a tower strong enough to support the weight of their balls.
Right!!!
support the weight of their balls? yuh got me laughin' Good one.
😂 surprised you could keep your phone dry to make this post, with all that slob drooling off your tongue 👅 😅
I could never do that job. Mad respect to all of you.
Why are you mad?
@@grumpyg9350 ok boomer
@@grumpyg9350 I think the term "mad respect" is English for "true respect and admiration for".
I'd be dropping all the nuts..
It's not bad, pays the bill..In time you get used to it...
These are the guys that should making more then a guy shooting a basketball or hitting a baseball...
Absolutely right.
100% fact right there brother
Add teachers into the mix.
@@adamr149 but exclude the liberal CRT teachers
@@adamr149 sounds like you must have had the same experience with teachers that I have. Mostly liberal college professors.
I had the Kahunas in my younger days, but I got too comfortable and cocky. I was changing an aircraft warning light at a 160' and I lost my footing. My lifeline saved my butt. Once I pulled myself back up I had hugged that pole with dear life for about 45 mins before I could start my decent back down. I had lost that edge forever. Hats off to you guys and I hope they are paying you well.
So tell everyone what happens when you fall, and your line attached to your harness grabs you and stops the fall. (ie your junk) Because I fell from about 20 feet, And it wasn't something I'd ever want to experience ever again. Thankfully there was a lead man there that had taken the "After Fall" training and what to do till they can get your feet back on the ground or back on a solid surface. Because hanging there can be just as deadly and you can actually lose your legs due to lose of blood flow.
@@Pyle81 Sounds like a badly designed harness.
@@aluisiousope just pretty much every single harness when you drop 20 feet and then finally lose slack
Lol... not laughing at ya, laughing at how you put it. Dude you done way better than I would of. If that were me, I'd of passed out until I was found hanging by the lifeline by someone. Seriously though, I could never even try something like this, I'd never make it past 100 feet then begged to get back down. Heights scare the piss out of me for some reason I can't even explain.
@@aluisious Every single harness cuts blood flow. You're literally hanging with your entire body weight, pinching where the harness sits.
Expected a rush from the height, but the threat of getting fingers smashed was equally terrifying.
and it bout happened too….. its a constant hazard… and it happens more than it ought to… I’ve seen some gnarly accidents that literally made me dry heave just seeing it…. ive seen digits and limbs operating perfectly and in an instant gone forever… careers done…. I nearly got a dose on many occasions but non as close as handling a precast slab concrete wall 7 inches thick, 10ft wide, and 80 ft tall as we guided it into place and just got my hand out in the nick of time as it nudged into the existing piece we had just set…. I turned to look to see if anyone saw it and the guy on the radio guiding the rig and the piece in was shaking his head as he was keyed up on the mic steady talking to the crane op… he knew as did I that it was a ucnt’s hair from being a very bad day. Situational awareness with occupations like these are nothing short of hyper focused to paint a pic…. Everywhere you step, turn, bend over, raise up, is a potential life ending mistake.
As an old helicopter pilot, I can tell you that this is no easy job. Whether placing towers or inserting troops or working in the medical field as an EMS Pilot, there is no easy way to say it. It takes nerves to do this job. My hat is off to these guys and especially the ones on the tower. They were perfectly calm and trusted the Pilot completely. Good job Gentleman!
Respect for these guys. I worked for a tower company. Started as ground man getting everything together to be roped up. I learned how to tie all kinds of different knots and hitches. Once I was in training for climbing the tower they say 60 ft is the point of no return. If you can get the 60 you can go to a thousand I just couldn't get up to 60 . And it's not just climbing you have to carry a hundred pounds of tools and ropes everything else with you. Through wind freezing rain ice all kinds of craziness.
I used to encapsulate and pressure wash/ sandblast and paint water towers, inside and out. I know your pain but at the time I was a bit younger and had tons of energy. Climbing up 150ft with safety rope, 3/8 steel cable, and hardware really is a strenuous activity. Every tower, I was the first man up and the last man down when the job was completed. I would never just drop the safety line and steel cable as the necessity of keeping equipment in safe and operable condition from job to job was necessary. So yeah, both climbing up and climbing down with safety gear and all necessary hardware is a pain but one I enjoyed and I'm quite thankful for the experience. Thank you for even attempting such a task, you're also respected.
I've climbed and done tower work up to about 400 feet. Anything after 70 feet just gives you more time to contemplate your mistake while falling...so don't make that mistake. Actually I kind of enjoyed it, but what a workout! Climb on Monday, go to the shop and don't move on Tuesday. Wednesday you start to feel human again.
60 is an interesting point, I think perception is that below that point, falling is probably survivable but painful and over that you're going to die, so screw it.
At the end of the day youre just climbing a latter and attaching/taking apart things. Its all in how big your balls are. unless you too fat
did this guys hav like big salary or normal
Hovering is the HARDEST thing to do in a helicopter ,let alone out of ground effect and with that heavy sling load. To be able to set that tower pieced down with such precision so quickly was amazing. Guy could have lost a hand or fingers pulling that cable through. Well done guys.
Helicopter guy must always have the feeling of needing to sneeze but not being able to
These guys have the biggest balls in the entire galaxy! Kudos to these outstanding human beings.
Wow, props! I am safety coordinator for a construction company in WA and I am impressed with how you guys were doing this. Obviously it's a high risk job and you all take safety very seriously. At that height every tool has a tool lanyard like your spud bar and helmets have chin straps like they should!! Very impressive! Keep up the good work.
Years of experience, but we are always learning and improving our techniques
For these guys it doesn't look like a high risk job. They are pros.
I did this for many years in Southeast Alaska at high public safety communication sites. My main Commtrain Osha certified climber was Todd Harding out of Wrangell, AK. He had no fear. While watching this my heart rate jumped up and palms got sweaty. The pilot was superb and could really hold a steady hover. One thing you can't see is the blast freezing rotor wash. A lot of prep on the ground as far as balancing the bridles, tag lines, " what if's thought out. Great video. Todd passed unexpectedly last year and I dedicate this video to him and all the memories. When he was nervous he'd be talking my ear off and I'd had to tell him to shut up so I could concentrate. When he'd do something goofy I'd tell him to knock it off and if got hurt his Mother would kill me...
My condolences friend.. may Todd Rest In Peace for he has made his final climb up to the pearly gates 🫡🙏
@@zacha8934 or he went to hell, no one really knows.
@@awemowe2830 Since heaven and hell are a bizarre fairytale, he didn't go to either. He simply doesn't exist anymore...
@@awemowe2830 @Awemowe @Billy Mack, Texas Detective You know, there's a time and a place chief, and this ain't it.
Me too, I did it in the Midwest. Brought back the smell and feeling of being up there in the cold air.
Using the cable to pull the tower into alignment is brilliant.
We have developed multiple custom tools for these types of jobs. Always learning and improving however. Thanks for watching.
@@Midwesthelicopter This job could be done with only one guy on the tower. If you ask me how, I'll explain it to you. You guys missed something fairly obvious.
@@yekutielbenheshel354 I see that it’s been a month and no one gives a shit.
@@yekutielbenheshel354 i don't know about laws in the US in regards to this. But from what I know it shouldn't be allowed to just send a single guy up there for construction work (different from maintenance). If the worker becomes unconscious for some reason or suffers any injury he will not be able to get down by himself but requires two additional people to help with the rescue.
@@yekutielbenheshel354 Sigh . . . another TH-cam genius.
These men deserve every dollar they get, and then some!
The pucker factor at 5:17 was very real. Such an unassuming moment yet the chance of losing his hand was so present.
As a former USAF helo mechanic, the most impressive thing for me is you're use of the old H-34 (Sikorsky designation S-58) Choctaw helicopter. I presume that is the more "modern" version with the turboshaft engine (versus the original reciprocating piston engine). Those pigs have been around since the 50s when they were first used by the Navy and Marine Corps.
For its time it was a great utilitarian chopper. Great piece of American aviation history. Really cool.
They are the Turbine conversion. We have been operating them for years. Great aircraft, ideal for this work.
I climb standard utility poles for a living, 45-75ft high is plenty for me, ya'll boys have fun.
That’s 40-70 feet higher than me you have fun too.
I climb into bed...that's high enough for me.
A fall from that height will kill you just the same.
I smoke weed, that’s high enough for me
@@Alex-lc1bv I 100% know it will, it's just that my hindbrain isn't getting the message.
Great job fellas...Thank you for what you do for society. You are pulling your weight, and some in this world!
im currently finishing up my helicopter pilot stuff, as a newbie i cant imagine the skill and technique required for the precision that pilot has, especially with PEOPLE LITERALLY INCHES from where he is long lining the tower pieces to, super crazy stuff
Yea I was going to say, props to that helicopter pilot that must take a crazy amount of skill.
hell I'm a certified SUAS pilot, which is NOTHING in the world of aviation specialists.. but I've had to do a lot of interesting clientele work lately that involved "some" precision. this in itself is freaking nuts to me. Anyone masterful at their job makes it look so unbelievably effortless.
Any idea on how much money a pilot would make doing this type stuff
@@babyfarksmgeezaks1037 it depends on what your flying+ how experienced you are, this type of job well into 50$-90$ an hour, it takes maybe 5+ years to get there maybe longer unless you are working your ass off.
Man... you guys are the best! I don't know how much you make... but it ain't enough! The rest of us couldn't do our thing without You gentleman doing your thing! Thank you and continue to be safe!
That helicopter pilot is amazing. Being that precise for so long… incredible machine and pilot
Wow, that's a job for young legs!
As a former phone tech, the highest pole I ever climbed was 30 feet! When I finished that job, my legs were like rubber!
We climbed that every day for a long time in the middle of the winter 400ft at least it was prevailing wage lol
These guys don’t climb. They are lifted from one tower to the next. It’s easy work you just have to get used to the hight.
I'm a fixed wing pilot and a crane operator, much respect for all involved here!
That pilot has some serious skills
Team effort! thanks for watching.
Everyone involved does. Amazed
the amount of trust you have to have for that helicopter pilot. just unreal
This world be one hell of a job! Really great work from that whole team.
My palms is sweating and my head is spinning and my knees are weak from watching this.
And I am sitting on a Lazy Boy.
Utmost respect for these guys.
Excellent choice sir, excellent choice
MAN,,,, THAT TAKES SOME BIG ONES. WHAT A JOB.
I am not a pilot-what skill! The guys doing the rigging-amazing! We take that stuff for granted-well done guys!
Stunning professionalism.
That is an efficient operation right there. Cables through the bolt holes is brilliant at that height.
I've done tower work up to about 400 feet. These guys know what they're doing and are working safely. Well done. And I'm SO glad I never had to put my tower rescue climber certification to the test!
we have developed multiple emergency plans for jobs like these. Team effort is the only way to success. Thanks for watching.
That is a damn fine pilot. Kudos.
@@My_Fair_Lady Because I'm a pretty good one myself. Happy flying!
For real! Smooth AF!!!!
Top1% for both pilots and erectors I’m guessing. I wonder where one could find statistics for who applies for these jobs? race ,sex nationality etc ?
@@My_Fair_Lady Yes, so I claim. You have a good day.
The precision of this is just crazy……some bad ass skills by the helicopter operator.
I’m sure there’s communication going on between the helicopter operator, possible a radio watchmen, and the three on the tower as well…..team effort on point
Yes, we do have our own company signalman on the tower who goes through tower climbing certification. He provides all the height and orientation details. Team effort all the way.
Respect!!! From a tower climber in Alaska doing the Heli work as well.
I painted high voltage tower's around 50 year's ago. We painted tower's while energized, always. I never seen a guy get hurt. The most scared that I ever got, even if only briefly, was when I stepped out on the middle arm, and a bolt was missing on one end of the angle. Thanks, John
These guys look so calm like they're working on the ground. Just another day at the office. The helicopter pilot has some impressive skills. There is no way in hell I could do that job. I would be afraid of falling off a perfectly good tower. Never have been crazy about heights. It's the sudden stop that gets you!!!!!!
Always wondered how they did this without crushing their hands or self really, the cables are a simple neat idea
At 5:19 hand was pushing cable when maybe hand should have pulled on cable and hand gets "close" to getting squished. I was nervous and it wasn't my hand. His heart probably never skipped a beat.
Did this tower have guy wires? It did not look like it. Thanks.
@@andyeverett1957 That's a self support tower, so there are no guy wires. His heart probably did skip a beat. That stuff is scary
Human ingenuity is amazing. Things seems so difficult until someone smarter figures it all out snd makes it simple…like politicians do but the opposite
@@andyeverett1957 Imagine crushing your hand up there and not being able to climb down...
@@bpc4209 I would have to think that crew is trained to be able to preform first aid and then evacuate an injured teammate if need be? Not a job for the careless.
I saw this happen in real life from the ground. So freaking awesome. Had my binoculars and I could see the dudes up there with hammers knocking it into position. These guys made it look easy.
I agree with the comment... these people should be paid more than the over paid sports players! Totally exciting and much respect for them!
God bless all of you and your families
The level of trust between pilot and crew on the tower is incredible!! one mistake by either party is potentially fatal.
Its taken years of practice and fine tuning for us to be able to work so well with these crews. Team effort.
Absolutely insane skill, courage and testicle size! Amazing communication between you guys and the the skill and precision of that pilot is incredible!
Also, Lets appreciate the ground crew for their flawless rigging and joint communication.
Top marks from me!
That looks very dangerous! But i guess that's how it's got to be done... respect!
Absolutely amazing skills by all involved and serious cahones for the guys on the tower. Wow.
My son is Avionics Electrical technician with the Coast Guard he maintains the 5 helicopters they have in the hanger in San Francisco and also is part of the flight crew. I always like watching helicopters in action.
Badass pilot . Balls of steel from those workers . Blue collar 💪
The structure of that tower is incredible to hold the balls those men are carrying.
It takes a lot of skill and experience for a pilot to be able to look down vertically to precisely position the tower segment and within inches of height for the riggers to spike it into final position.
Yeah I don't think there's enough focus paid to the pilot in this vid
2 man crew. Spotter.
it is a team effort. We are only as good as our customer is. We also have one of our signalmen on the tower to provide a line of communication between the workers and the pilot as well as another signalman on the ground. Thanks for watching.
I think I would’ve wanted the helicopter to release a little sooner. Good job getting your hand out of there. Great work guys stay safe.
Whatever these guys are earning, they deserve more! Absolute balls of steel!
That copter seemed to be fucken glued to the sky, unbelievable
I do sling-load ops piloting AS350B3’s and long-line with B2 variant ASTARS. It is tiring work at times, especially when humans are near the line, as it requires much focused attention. But climbing the towers is well,,,, a “NO THANK YOU” job. Much respect for those guys on towers, because I’d never do it.
Can you imagine working up there all day, and then having to climb down? Those guys are tough.
Never looked down on a helicopter before thanks for the footage !!
As a radio comm engineer... wow, just great work. Not all locations can bring in a crane to stack the tower sections. Good job!
Very well done. Such piloting, and craftsmanship is rare.
I have a terrible fear the thought of being up on a tower. That with a helicopter trying to place a piece of steel over you, I'm done! Great job to all.
It amazes me how precise the helicopter rpilot is at making movements
Amazing precision by the helicopter pilot. I believe the pilot has a quick-release mechanism that he would activate if anything happens that would jeopardize the copter itself. They would drop the load to save the copter. Also, the guys on the tower have some balls. Thanks for posting.
Save the copter, drop the giant structure on those guys
@@ibeauf I believe the pilot will always risk themselves over the workers. So they will get the helicopter away from the crews before having to drop anything. I’m confident the pilot already has a preplanned area to get the load over to drop it in an emergency.
@@ibeauf Nitwit...
We have emergency procedures briefed and discussed along with an outlined route plan for each and every lift. Thanks for watching.
@@Midwesthelicopter Pickle the load!!
Thats a damn good pilot and crew
wow that is incredible skill on those guys on the tower, and the pilot who did incredible.. zero drifting or rotation that is impressive
The "fall" won't kill you, it's just that sudden "stop" at the end.
Hey, that's my line.
would be nice to have a parachute just in case
The ground will.
I've stacked loads of towers (no helicopter stack yet), all gin pole and a couple done by crane (self-support). I love stacking tower more than anything, been on a steel crew for 4 years and wouldn't have it any other way.
Excellent video - I buy second hand shoes so that I am closer to the ground, so nothing but respect to all involved.
So here I am in January 2024 and I got here because Tom Scott is now on sabbatical and no longer creating his own videos (to be fair, he's been doing so for 10 years now, so he's earned the rest). His email to us today told us about this video. For someone like me who has a problem more than 3 steps up a ladder, well, clearly I was out the day the gave out balls of steel. Between the pilot with an eagle eye for precision and the tower crew just hanging out, y'all clearly have done this a time or two. Props to y'all.
The way the Chopper pilot delivers the new section & then holds station is bad ass, & of course the crew are F##king awesome 💪🇺🇸
Gotta love some S58 capability! Keep your head on a swivel!
sent here by tom scott
Wow, so cool. A lot different than we did back in the early 70's with a gin pole and winch setup. Thanks for sharing.
You guys are brave and in great shape ! Professionals not for me im scared of heights like that i hate climbing a latter to the roof ! I’ve been in trees hunting and was nervous ! So hats off for being able do that
Thank you, Please share
Done many helicopter picks with Midwest for hvac roof top units. Great company to do business with
Thank you!
I darn near broke out in a sweat just watching this from my easy chair. Well done!
ikr
LOL🤣You cracked me up!!
....BIG COMPLIMENT to all Crew members !!! Great job... sooo nice flown and top crew at the ,,Top,, ... kinde regards from Switzerland !! (former AS332- Pilot)
That is some precision flying. Respect 👍
that’s probably over $4k per hour in labor shown there. these guys kill it & deserve every drop, IMO.
I have a pro stuntman buddy that does tower inspect/maintenance, has a tree service and leaps from bridges & airplanes for fun. yet, he called me in to supervise him changing his infant daughter’s diaper on his 1st solo dad experience (his wife had only been gone for 30 mins) since I was already a father to two.
they’re a different breed & we need them like they need us. it sure as hell takes all kinds
I was in the AF early 80s. Free climbed 220-320. Saftied in when you got to the work location. Definitely have respect for these climbers. Takes a different kind to do this work.
I get the heebee jeebees just watching this. Just a question though, does static from the rotors cause a problem? I notice that you use hemp rope as the initial catch then drop metal cable down the initial line up hole. Does this remove the static issue?
We use a synthetic line nowadays. The line does not transmit static too well unless wet. The rope is just to assist the top hands in positioning the tower section initially.
Looks fun. Having a crew you're comfortable with would definitely be a necessity.
Mad respect for you gentlemen. I couldn't do that if my life depended on it.
These adrenalin junkies are so good at what they do.. How do pay them enough respect..and yes pilot made sure of a successful mission..awesome.
The scariest part is after the tower is secured but the helicopter is still attached. I felt relief when it disconnected.
Must be hard climbing around up there with such huge balls😅😅
Terra firma is for me.
The more ferma, the less Terra 😁👍
I respect their courage and I can't stop watching...yet just in this video I feel I have aged a year
LOL🤣ME too girl!!
I'm surprised to see one of those still flying and working. When the Royal Navy had them as shipborne helicopters, they were colloquially known as 'The Paraffin Parrot'. (The turbine versions - like this one - previous versions had radial reciprocating engines.)
That's what I was thinking, it's gotta be 40+ years old.
Very interesting, thanks ,great presentation
We used Midwest for sprint cabinet removals in downtown Chicago several times. Absolutely professional nothing less.
@mattcampbell we appreciate it. We only are as good as our customers are. Hope we can work together again. please share!
something has broken on this video, it's only half there now. the preview doesn't match up.
We contacted TH-cam. Issue on their end. Video is fixed. Try watching again! Thank you.
That shit is scary AF. You couldn’t pay me enough to do that job.
I couldn't finish watching it. 2 Steps on a step ladder is too much for me lol
So smooth first attempt impressive. Once it touched it that was it. I guess the cable was long enough you guys didn't get to much rotor wash blowing you off the tower.
This guys are having the time of their life! Looks like a fun job!
Jesus. I hope they pay you guys well. I have a fear of heights and a fear of flying, so this video triggers me, lol. I work with computers, on the ground, at a desk.
That makes two of us.
@Stella Hoenheim whatever job he has, somebody has to do it. Whether that’s being a thousand feet in the air repairing towers or taking your customer service calls because something is wrong with your bill this month. Working at computers doesn’t mean your fat. Like smart ass comments, don’t make you a genius.
I actually do sitting, ladder work with cables, picking up and delivering tech.
@Stella Hoenheim so only veterans have fears
Each man on that tower is probably making the same on this day as I make in a week. And yet over the air TV is free & I have to pay for cable, and then pay additional for the premium channels, and then those channels have ads. Anyway, enough about how much cable sucks. These dudes are badass & deserve every cent they earn.
they make in 1 day what you make in 1 year.At least the light bulb changers do.
@@leevahal900 Not so.... I've changed the bulbs in the aircraft warning lights on towers
That's a cell phone tower. The new section has mounts for new antennas
Quit your Bitchin and pay your cable bill let’s go Brandon
FAKE!
What ever those guys are being paid is not enough
You gentlemen have balls of steel to do what you do. That pilot has amazing skills as well.
I'm scared of heights and sitting in my lounge watching this freaked me out , specially when the cam man kept on looking towards the ground