Doug4.7 wrote: I don't see the problem. Once you get above 100 ft. or so, the fall will kill you. So 100 ft., 1000 ft., it doesn't matter.
At least at 100 feet the sudden stop at the end comes quickly. 1700 feet and you're going to get think about it for a while.
2004 National Tropi-Cal T-350, Class A, Triple slide, 330 HP Cat DP. 2006 Dodge Dakota 4x4 or
2002 Harley FLSTF Fat Boy on a Trailer or
2004 Polaris Quad on the Trailer
That tower isn't far from my house. I've actually been near the top of it, but it was in a cessna and I was circling it. There are two identical towers next to each other and then a shorter older tower near those. As far as I know no airplane has ever hit those towers or wires and that kind of surprises me because there is a lot of small aircraft traffic in that area. They are in the Sacramento River Delta real close to the Saramento River and lots of planes fly around that area, but so far nobody has hit them. They are pretty well marked. I've been to the base looking up at the towers too and I get dizzy even doing that. I'm not sure I could even do the elevator ride up and I'm not normally scared of heights.
Doug4.7 wrote: I don't see the problem. Once you get above 100 ft. or so, the fall will kill you. So 100 ft., 1000 ft., it doesn't matter.
At least at 100 feet the sudden stop at the end comes quickly. 1700 feet and you're going to get think about it for a while.
Yea, you can do tricks and such on the way down. Since there is not much you can do to change the situation, why worry. Might as well have fun on the way down.
Besides, most of these guys are tied off most of the time. For me, the only problem would be the climb up (not in that good shape).
I fly in research aircraft where we were be flying between the cloud deck above and the ocean below (less than 200 m below). I can see fish jumping. To my left is the island where we took off and the runway is at 270 m. So we are flying over the ocean at a LOWER altitude than the cliffs to my side. If we hit a downdraft (or the cliff), we are in the drink with little chance for a rescue. At least in the tower climber's situation, he is in control of his own destiny. I have to trust my pilot, even when the airplane is shouting, "PULL UP! PULL UP!".
I'd rather be on that tower knowing I am in charge of my destiny.
Doug4.7 wrote: I don't see the problem. Once you get above 100 ft. or so, the fall will kill you. So 100 ft., 1000 ft., it doesn't matter.
At least at 100 feet the sudden stop at the end comes quickly. 1700 feet and you're going to get think about it for a while.
Yea, you can do tricks and such on the way down. Since there is not much you can do to change the situation, why worry. Might as well have fun on the way down.
Besides, most of these guys are tied off most of the time. For me, the only problem would be the climb up (not in that good shape).
I fly in research aircraft where we were be flying between the cloud deck above and the ocean below (less than 200 m below). I can see fish jumping. To my left is the island where we took off and the runway is at 270 m. So we are flying over the ocean at a LOWER altitude than the cliffs to my side. If we hit a downdraft (or the cliff), we are in the drink with little chance for a rescue. At least in the tower climber's situation, he is in control of his own destiny. I have to trust my pilot, even when the airplane is shouting, "PULL UP! PULL UP!".
I'd rather be on that tower knowing I am in charge of my destiny.
Actually if you watched the video you would see the guy only ties himself off when he rests. He climbs the outside of the transmitter with nothing holding him on but the strength in his hands.
As for low level flying, ain't the same thing. I've done lots and lots of low level flying both as the pilot and even more time as a crew member on an Air Force airplane with somebody else doing the flying. It just isn't the same thing. I can look down while sitting in the airplane all day and be just fine. But I can't stand at the edge of a cliff and look down all that easy. I can lay down and crawl to the edge and look over fairly easily. No way would you find me climbing that 1700 foot tower like that guy did.
msmith1199 wrote: As for low level flying, ain't the same thing....No way would you find me climbing that 1700 foot tower like that guy did.
For me, it's the "control thing". Going up that tower, I am in control (unless there is a big wind, which there often is at that height above ground). Note that I climbed SHORT towers (less than 1000 ft, and NO safety harness) in my college days to collect data (I had instruments at the top). Looking back on it, I should have had some sort of tie-off, but I guess back then, grad students were expendable. Flying in the back of an aircraft that low bothers me because I am not in control. If I were the pilot, I would have no issues. Our pilot is the same way. He has no issues flying between the wave peaks, but if someone else is flying, he gets worried. When I talked to him about this, he jokingly told me that the next time we do that low level flying, he will let me control the plane.
Tallest tower I have ever climbed (And yes I am Acrophobic) was a 100' Free Standing tower..
So, how could an acrophob climb a tower like that.. Let's just say I had great faith in my climbing harness.
Normally I like stay within 12 feet of the ground, or closer. (roof of motor home is as high as I get) But if I have to climb. Well today I can't due to other reasons (Or rather I'd have to do it very slowly) but I use good safety gear.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
When I was in the Army I was somewhat squimish about sitting in the door of a Huey at altitude.
Once I told myself or adjusted my outlook, I wasn't going to fall it didn't bother me at all. Sood on the skid with a monkey strap and a free 60.
Once back home I noticed hunting, in the mtns I got squimish whenever I was near a bluff. It was like a magnet wanted to pull me down.
Don't know how to get over that.
I have worked with people that do this at tower sites. Nothing near this height but plenty high for me to respect what they do. Most are young travel alot pretty funny at times and I guess they dont think any more about what they do than me connecting the electrical up sometines hot and they cant feel good about what I do. It takes all kinds I guess. Anyway travel safe Larry
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