Not that too many of us would care to follow in his footsteps, mind you.

For each working day Dave climbs a 120-foot crane at the site of the proposed $30 million Bank of Bermuda complex.

The giant crane off Bermudiana Road completely dominates the skyline.

Its huge mechanical arms -- spanning out to 150 feet -- can be seen daily hoisting steel girders, with the help of pulleys.

At the nerve centre is 52-year-old Dave, seated at the top in a little cockpit, which can withstand winds up to 180 mph.

"I admit it was a little nervy going up at first, but you have to try to relax.'' he said.

"The cab in which I sit occasionally rocks a bit, but it's quite comfortable and I feel perfectly safe.'' Dave, of Shelly Bay, has been in the construction business around 30 years.

But he has never operated such a crane before -- in fact it's probably the first of its type in Bermuda.

Workers from the United States were called in to set up the D & J Construction crane, which can lift weights up to 8,400lb.

"I am used to operating on the ground, so it was a little strange operating it from so high up,'' said Dave.

He soon got the hang of it, however, and is held in high esteem by family, friends, and colleagues.

His biggest fan is probably his 75-year-old dad, James (Buster) Busby, who gave him his first job.

Shortly after speaking to The Royal Gazette , Dave started out on his five-minute ascent.

Once at the top, a mere speck in the sky, he waved his arms and posed for pictures for dad.

Of course, what goes up, must come down, the old saying decrees. And Dave is no exception.

He may spend most of his days on a high, but he always comes down to earth.

AIMING HIGH -- Dave Busby pictured against the giant crane from which he daily gains a bird's-eye view of Hamilton.