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Crews Remove Antenna From Top Of Sears Tower In Gutsy Helicopter Operation

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jul 9, 2012 7:20PM

Crews removed a 30-year-old ABC7 analog antenna from the top of the Willis Sears Tower on Sunday. Using a helicopter and a hook, crews loosened the 4,000-pound antenna from the top of the building, then it was lifted and slowly lowered into a truck on the ground. It took six months to a year to plan the delicate and dangerous operation.

ABC7 says many of the workers were present when the antenna was placed there, 1,700 feet from the ground. Watch ABC7 video of the procedure below. In the coming weeks, a reverse operation will take place as ABC replaces the antenna with a stronger one.