Kevin Schmidt, a seasoned tower climber from South Dakota, has earned a reputation for his daring ascent of the KDLT tower. Every six months, he undertakes the challenging climb of the 1,999-foot digital tower to replace the light bulb at its peak.
Though the task may seem mundane, it is critical to aviation safety. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that these lights remain operational to warn approaching aircraft, especially during low visibility conditions or at night. “The lights are more than just a fixture on the tower,” Kevin explains. “They’re essential for ensuring that planes can navigate safely, even when conditions aren’t ideal.”
Tower climbing is a specialized and high-risk profession, so climbers are compensated accordingly. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a tower climber in South Dakota is $69,389. Given Kevin’s extensive experience, it’s likely he earns at or above this figure. “I’ve been doing this for years, and while the job is dangerous, it’s rewarding knowing that what we do can save lives,” Kevin shares.
To capture his incredible climb from a different perspective, Kevin decided to use a drone to film the ascent and bulb replacement. However, flying a drone near the tower without proper authorization violates airspace restrictions. The airspace around such structures is often restricted for safety reasons. Aviation expert Dr. Emily Parker notes, “Airspace restrictions around towers exist to prevent accidents involving drones and low-flying aircraft. Violating these rules can lead to severe consequences.”
Ignoring this regulation, Kevin launched his drone, capturing stunning aerial footage of his climb. The drone buzzed around him, providing a unique view from dizzying heights. While the footage was impressive, Kevin’s actions had legal ramifications. Flying the drone without permission put him at risk of fines and potential legal action. “I wanted to share my work in a way that hadn’t been done before,” Kevin admits, “but I understand now that there are rules in place for a reason.”
