banner-towing ops

[John2375]

OK I'm interesting in doing some banner-towing.. a member of this board I know is about to start doing so in the Miami area;
I'm aware of the scam-operation in Daytona and want to avoid that of course.
I live around the Sarasota area..there's a place, Aerial Air Force, in St. Petersburg. About a year ago I checked w/them and unfortunately their training aircraft had been involved in an accident and was damagaed; they said check back in a few months.. I got involved w/my other job and couldn't find time, but last week, almost a year exactly later, went back to see about flyign w/them.. they said their training plane was still un-fixed and check back in a couple months.. I don't want to put my career on hold waiting for them to fix it.. but would like to use this sort of job as a stepping stone.

Does anyone know of any banner-tow ops. out of maybe the Ft. Myers area? I can't really relocate just now because of family; at least not for a part-time stepping stone type of job - but i'd be willing to drive down there to get some time. Yes I did a search and found nothing; thought maybe somebody knew of some contacts though.
Thanks,
John

 

[RedGuy]

Kinda sounds like maybe they're just not intrested in you. Why would their "training" A/C still be broken over a year later? Why couldn't they train you in one of their other A/C? Unless they're using old AG planes most A/C have 2 seats, ie 150's, 172's, Super Cubs. Perhaps you should look into another avenue if you can't move, maybe instructing, it's not really as bad as some people make it out to be. You may even enjoy it, I did.

 

[John2375]

I know it seems strange, but actually i saw the aircraft in question and certainly needs some repairs.. they said they have 1 fulltime guy who flies for them in their other aircraft.
I have considered instructing and haven' truled it out 100%; it's just that I'd rather gain some experience and feel more confident in my abilities before starting to teach others.
Is there a website that might help? I looked on AOPA.org and around the Naples area in the airport guide it mentions banner-towing ops. in the comments section, but the company isn't listed as it's not an FBO I guess.

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

Yellow Pages
under Aerial Advertising

CE

(or drive to Hollywood Fl.(HWO))

 

[John2375]

Hey, thanks, tried that and got a company I might call.

I'm also looking for a place I saw advertised once, out of Hilton Head, SC, I believe, that gets you about 700+ hours a season. Anyone know what I'm talking about?
John
PS - yes I tried a search, and didn't find it!

 

[RedGuy]

I thought you couldn't move? I know you almost always see banner A/C flying up and down the shores of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, so there's plenty out there if you want to move. I looked into it a few years back, but most want you to pay a couple thousand for your training then you work for peanuts all summer.

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

Just avoid the ones flying out of BLM in NJ.
Or just kill yourself now and save time and $.

I don't know much about the one(s) in SC, but also avoid the Daytona
scammers. There are a couple out of Panama City Beach, Fl.

I can't remember if the HWO company still requires a training fee
(most wave the fee if they are desperate)

Any tailwheel time you have or can get will likely help.

Other info:

1. Have a Camel Back type back pack on your seat for water and snacks.
2. Bring a wide mouth gatoraid bottle for potty breaks
3. Keep a good attitude and ALWAYS be diligent.

good luck

CE

 

[John2375]

Thanks,
Well I don't want to move at the moment but would consider it down the road if it were worth it.
Yeah I know the place in Daytona is to be avoided.. the one in SC you have to pay for training costs but they seemed reputable and honest; just can't find their ad anymore or remember their name right now!
Thanks for the insight though!