[TowerTalk] Sad news N5IA SK in tower fall

[Matthew Kaufman]

Problem comes when you are climbing someone else's tower. After you fall to your death, you don't get to participate in the liability insurance fight that ensues.

My understanding is that this wasn't his own tower, and the tower site owner should be very unhappy with his decision... If a commercial site, definitely a violation of their policies... Which is exactly how hams get kicked off of commercial tower sites, and new hams get turned down when they ask.

Matthew Kaufman

(Sent from my iPhone)

> On Jun 14, 2016, at 8:13 AM, Ed Sawyer <sawyered at earthlink.net> wrote:
> 
> Very sad to hear.  I didn't know Milt but those that did sure describe a
> great person.
> 
> 
> 
> A 70+ year old free climber that has been doing it for decades and as solid
> a person as Milt is described, had fully processed and come to peace with
> what balance of safety, speed, and convenience he was deciding, in my
> opinion.
> 
> 
> 
> At 54, and having climbed for almost 40 years (first as a 16 year old free
> climber with the old leather lineman's belts), I know that balance well.  I
> personally free climb to the first set of guys (usually 25 - 35 feet
> depending on the tower) unless the weather is VERY cold (fear of stiff
> hands) and then "clip in" as I go after that.  But I don't use dual clips.
> Just am not climbing while unclipped above that height.  I am always clipped
> in as I stop and work, at any height.  Is it the utmost in safety?  No, but
> it does prevent me from moving while unclipped at dangerous heights.  If I
> were to lose a grip while climbing, I am belted in.  
> 
> 
> 
> We all know these choices.  If this tragic accident causes you to change
> your mind, great.  It needed to be changed.  If you are truly at peace with
> what you are doing and why, then it shouldn't matter.
> 
> 
> 
> I can think of A LOT worse ways to go than falling to my death, doing what I
> loved, at 70+.  
> 
> 
> 
> Rest in peace Milt.
> 
> 
> 
> 73
> 
> 
> 
> Ed  N1UR
> 
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