CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION  This publication provides information on safety recommendations and available procedures to  assist individuals in banner towing operations.  TERMINOLOGY.  For the purpose of this publication, the following terminology is applied:  Aerial Pickup Towline.  The line connecting the grapple hook to the banner. The line is made of  non-stretching material; extended length 250 feet (76 meters) is provided with an endless loop at  the forward end and snap at the aft end for connecting to the mast assembly bridle ring.  Banner.  An advertising medium supported by a temporary framework attached externally to an  aircraft and towed behind that aircraft.  Grapple Hook and Cable Assembly.  The device used to engage the towline when making an  aerial pickup launch; consists of a ring on the forward end (which connects to the tow-hitch)  connected by a line to a multiprong bar on the aft end, provided with a safety link at the  forward end.  Mast Assembly or Lead Pole.  A rigid pole that connects to the front of the banner and is  equipped with bridle lines that join at a collector ring to which the towline couples. The mast  stabilizes the banner and controls roll attitude. Only nonconductive materials are to be used.  Rudder Guard or Vee Bar.  A device attached to the aft fuselage to guide the grapple line away  from the tailwheel or control surface horns.  Safety Link.  A weak link contained in the towing apparatus as recommended by the  current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-2, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and  Practices – Aircraft Alterations. The link is strong enough for towing, but breaking strength is  low enough to protect the airplane and pilot in the event of an accidental overload.  Spring Keeper.  A short length of spring attached to the bottom of the horizontal stabilizer or  empennage.  Swim Line.  A designated distance from the shoreline, which has an outer limit within which  people would normally swim. This distance is usually set at 180 feet from shore.  Takeoff Launch Towline.  Similar to an aerial pickup towline, but used for takeoff launch.  The ring on the forward end of the towline couples to the tow hitch, followed by a stiffened  section of the line that avoids fouling of the tailwheel. Made of non-stretching materials, this  type of towline is normally 350 feet (107 meters) long.  Tow Hitch.  The tow release mechanism and its mounting fixture that is normally attached to the  tail of the airplane, which serves as a point of attachment for all trailing equipment and has a  remote control release from the cockpit. This term usually includes the cockpit control.  UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED  Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using  1-1 (and 1-2) 