Duksrule

FIrst off I know absolutely nothing about banner towing so keep that in mind.

What keeps the banner upright? It seems like it would spin or lay flat.


Ok for part two wich will sound odd for someone that doesn't even know how a banner stays upright but what about starting a banner tow company? Obviously you need a commercial license and some training on towing but what else?

-What if any extra certification do you need? Anything like a 135 cert or something?
-Can you use a conventional aircraft? I already own a 172 SP but it seems that most of the banners I see are towed by a taildragger
-I know that sometimes (like a nascar race) there is a TFR over the event but I can think of a lot of places that may be good.
-any other info you guys may have.....


I am thinking that it wouldn't be a full time gig but might be a way to bring in a few extra bucks now and then.

wireman

The banner leading and trailing rod have a weight at the bottom of them. There is also a small drag chute on the trailing rod for stability. The pickups are fun the rest is boring. Though, I was always amazed at how many weekend warriors would try to fly between me and the banner-it was as though they thought I was doing it with no "strings" attached.

CrimsonEclipse

Some companies use a combination of washers or other weights on the bottom of the lead pole. In addition, there is sometimes a flap about the size of a post card to keep it flying around 45 degrees from vertical to make it more visible (lower angle for the big billboards)

You need a commercial license, and a waiver, depending on the district. The aircraft also is operated in the "restricted" category.

As for mods, you should consider an extra oil cooler (external) because of high power settings with slow airspeed. A C-172SP will work but it is NOT ideal. I towed with a C-175 and it was... interesting.

Modding your 172 might decrease your resale value.

Custom Piper Cubs are ideal, I've also seen Maules, seen and used Citabrias, seen C-150 (with 150HP engines), C-182, Pawnees (which can double as glider towers).

You also have to take into account the price of signs and materials and release modifications.

It is also dangerous. I know 2 people who died and several others that crashed.

Do local tours instead. A LOT less hassle.

Left Handed

You will find it difficult to make any money with sporting events. I know pros and college, not sure about high school. The law now says within 1 hour before to 1 hr after, no flight within 5miles (IIRC) and no lower than 3000 ft. You can hit the crowd before and after the game, but advertisers a mostly aware of the new rules, and they know they won't get as much bang for the buck, so they will pay less. If you wanted to go to the coast and fly banners up and down the shoreline, that would be better, but I don't know if that market is saturated or not. Other than that, we used to do birthday parties and social events for individuals, but by itself it wasn't enough to pay the rent. Tough way to make a profit, but I know a guy who did it on weekends just to pay for his plane.