Is banner towing regulated by the FAA?

Yes. Federal Aviation Regulation 91.311 states that anyone wanting to tow a banner must first get a waiver (permission) from the FAA. The waiver issued by the FAA has special provisions that the pilot must follow, in addition to all other operating and flight rules in Part 91 of the FARs. The special provisions on the waiver are specific to banner towing and the area the operation will be conducted in.

How much does it cost to get started?

Initial investment in banner equipment will depend on your scope of operation. The minimum equipment requirements, which would include the tow hitch, launching equipment and enough letters to assemble one banner, might cost $1,200. If the operation will require multiple banners assembled at once, or the use of several aircraft, the cost of the equipment could range over $6,000. We will be glad to help tailor the equipment requirements to your specific needs.

How do you launch the banner?

The most commonly used launch method is called the "aerial pickup." A grapple hook trails behind the aircraft as it approaches the banner laid out on the ground. One end of the towline is attached to the front of the banner, and the other end is suspended between two pickup poles. The towplane makes a full power climb as it passes over the pickup poles, catching the loop on the front of the towline with the grapple hook. The banner will "peel off" the ground when all of the slack in the towline is taken out.  When the tow has been completed, the sign is flown over the drop area. A release handle mounted in the cockpit allows the pilot to release all
equipment trailing the aircraft.

How fast do you pull banners?

Banners should be pulled as slow as possible, allowing for adequate engine cooling and positive control. Speeds of 55mph to 65mph (48 knots to 56 knots) are common. Faster airspeeds increase the drag of the banner and wear of the nylon material. The "best" tow speed varies from one aircraft to another.

What is the largest billboard I can tow?

The towing capability of the aircraft will be the major determining factor in the size billboard that can be flown. Construction techniques and materials used will also be important factors in the maximum size. Billboards ranging from 1,000 square feet to 2,000 square feet (93m2 to 186m2) are within the capability of many towplanes. The largest billboard we have manufactured to date was 7,000 square feet (650m2).