Garner, N.C. — WRAL News has been getting calls and emails from people wondering just what the heck is flying around the station's tower near Garner.
They may have seen the Erickson Air Crane hovering high in the air, as nearly 20 men work to replace five antennas on the tower.
Ed Montgomery has been flying for more than 40 years, doing everything from fighting forest fires, to working on power lines, to fighting for our country.
But this assignment, Montgomery said, "It's probably the most intense flying I've ever done."
His work will eventually make your TV viewing a little bit better.
"This type of work with the antenna is the most intense. You go with the flow. You plan, re-plan and plan some more," Montgomery said.
According to WRAL's Director of Engineering Pete Sockett, "We have to replace every antenna on top of the tower."
All five antennas were changed out because the government made changes to the signal spectrum. It's why you may have had to re-scan your TV back in September. It's the largest antenna project Sockett has ever overseen.
Sockett added, "The project has been amazing to watch. There are 18 guys out here from two different companies."
"We're all working as a team, and it's going really well," said Kevin Barber, owner of Tower King.
The five antennas were removed from the tower Monday. Weather kept the aircraft grounded Tuesday, and flights to install new antennas began Wednesday morning.
WRAL has been operating at a lower power with a back-up antenna since the re-scan.
In just a few weeks, this work will lead to improved signal quality for those who watch us over the air. "This will get us back up to full power, and to our full height, and bring back viewers that we've missed for a little bit, for WRAL and WRAZ," said Sockett.
0 comments