PREFACE  UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED  Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using  i (and ii)  This publication is presented as an information guide for banner towing operations, to promote  safe operations through careful preparation and planning. For preparation and planning,  administrative concerns are also addressed.  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigations of aerial advertising/banner towing  accidents have revealed that the majority of the accidents are associated with one or more of the  following circumstances: the banner pickup maneuver, entangled or snarled banner towlines, or  loss of engine power. An analysis of banner tow accidents has revealed the following  information:  The FAA would like to thank everyone who participated in the development of this publication,  especially the support provided by Aerial Sign Company, Inc., of Hollywood, FL.  This publication is available to the public on the FAA website at  https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/ and on the  Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) under “Publications”  at http://fsims.faa.gov/.  • Lifeguard stations along riverbanks or beaches are generally not equipped to respond to  offshore aviation accidents. Lifeguards are normally not trained to deal with the  hazardous material (hazmat) issues of released fuel and oil and may not be familiar with  the aircraft exits and seat belt assemblies. It is recommended that an FAA-approved  personal flotation device be carried in the aircraft when banner tow flying along beaches,  rivers, or lakes.  • Of the accidents caused by engine failure resulting in an off-airport landing, the accidents  could have easily occurred off shore. In one ditching accident, the pilot was saved by the  timely appearance of a person on a personal watercraft. This person prevented the  incapacitated pilot from drowning. The pilot did not have any flotation device. Pilots of  banner tow aircraft operated over water should have the capability to save themselves in  the first critical minutes of a ditching accident. FAA-approved flotation devices should be  readily available.  • Of the accidents resulting in ditching in rivers, lakes, or the ocean, the aircraft may have  been capable of landing on shore. Sometimes the decision is made to ditch to protect the  public on congested beaches or riverbanks. 