Tower Kings Detail Hot Air Balloon Removal at Longview Radio Tower

A Unique Challenge in the Sky

In the small town of Longview, Texas, a hot air balloon became entangled with a radio tower, presenting a unique and challenging situation for local workers. The incident required specialized expertise to resolve, leading to the involvement of a company based in Fort Worth. Their task was to safely lower the balloon's gondola and reel in the canopy, ensuring no further damage occurred.

Marshall Salsman and his nephew Adrian Salsman, both experienced professionals with Tower King, were tasked with handling this unusual job. With their extensive background in working at great heights, they approached the challenge with confidence and skill. The process began with setting up the necessary equipment, including a rope and a winch system, which would be crucial for the operation.

The Setup and Initial Steps

Adrian described the first step as climbing up with a rope and pulling the cable up. Once the winch and the pan were rigged, they were ready to proceed. The "pan" refers to a metal basket that serves as a work platform, suspended by a cable. This setup was completed the day before the actual operation began.

On the day of the operation, the team’s first objective was to bring the basket down. Adrian took the opportunity to shoot video from over 900 feet above the ground, capturing the entire process. He explained that once they reached the site, their main goal was to cut the balloon loose and secure it so it wouldn’t drift away. After securing the balloon, they rigged the basket and sent it back down, which went smoothly.

Experience and Adaptability

Marshall, who has spent thirty years working in the air, emphasized that every job is different. “Every tower is different from the last one. Every site is different than the last one,” he said. For him, dealing with tasks that are vastly different from previous ones is a normal part of the job.

This particular job marked Marshall’s first experience with a balloon entanglement. He described the process of gathering up the balloon envelope as awkward and somewhat difficult. As the wind blew, it made the task uncomfortable. However, he found a video on how balloons are packed up, which proved helpful during the operation.

Overcoming Obstacles

The balloon was hung up on some antenna mounts and a guy wire, which added to the complexity of the task. Despite these challenges, Marshall managed to get the canopy reeled in within about 14 minutes. “Another day at the office. You know if the office is in or above the clouds,” he joked, highlighting the unique nature of his work.

The team started the operation at 9:30 A.M. and had the balloon on the ground by 1 P.M. After completing the main task, they returned to the tower to inspect it for any potential damage, ensuring everything was safe and secure.

Conclusion

This incident showcases the importance of skilled professionals who can handle unexpected situations. Marshall and Adrian's expertise and adaptability allowed them to successfully resolve the issue, demonstrating the value of experience and preparation in high-risk environments. Their work not only helped in retrieving the balloon but also ensured the safety of the surrounding infrastructure.