CHAPTER 2. EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION SAFETY ISSUES  GRAPPLE HOOK DEPLOYMENT.  A crucial event during banner towing operations is the  deployment of the grapple hook. The grapple hook should be released in such a manner that  neither it, nor the grapple line, snarls in aircraft control surfaces or landing gear (to include the  tailwheel) in conventional gear configurations. The hook line must be observed to have clearance  before every low approach. If the grapple line becomes snarled on the tailwheel or a control  surface, a reduction in the capability of the pilot to control the airplane may occur. In a  worst-case scenario, movement of the rudder or elevator control surface may be limited or  even jammed. Further, the pilot may not be able to release the grapple line because of the  entanglement. The best cure is prevention.  PREVENTION OF GRAPPLE LINE ENTANGLEMENT.  Depending upon aircraft  configuration, several devices can be used to help avoid entanglement.  The tow hitch end of the grapple line can be stiffened to prevent it from looping around the  tailwheel or the empennage as the line is deployed. Stiffening of the line may be accomplished  by working a 2-foot length of stiff plastic garden hose over the line. The hose is then carefully  heat-formed over the knots at the ring. See Figure 2-1, Examples of a Plastic Garden Hose  Installation.  Devices, such as spring keepers, can be used to hold the grapple line away from the tailwheel or  the tail control surfaces until the grapple line is released. The spring keeper is attached to the  bottom of the horizontal stabilizer or the empennage bracing wire into which the grapple line is  connected.  The configuration of some aircraft may not permit the use of keepers to hold the grapple line  away from the airframe. As an alternate method, the use of a rudder guard or Vee bar (if a  multiple rope system is used) may be helpful. This device is attached to the aft fuselage and  serves to guide the grapple line away from the tailwheel or control surface horns during  deployment. See Figure 2-2, Examples of a Vee Bar.  The pilot should avoid uncoordinated or abrupt maneuvers during grapple line deployment.  Trained ground support personnel should be available during banner pickup operations, and be  briefed to observe the aircraft and inform the pilot if the line appears to be trailing abnormally.  Picking up a banner with a loosely snarled line will only tighten it and complicate the problem.  BANNER PICKUP.  The banner pickup is the most critical portion of a banner towing  operation. A typical flight begins by taking off with the grapple hook assembly stowed.  Upon reaching a safe altitude, the pilot will deploy the grapple hook and allow it to trail aft of  the aircraft. See Figure 2-3, Examples of a Typical Tow Rope Configuration, Stowed for  Deployment.  A shallow approach is conducted perpendicular to the pickup masts in an effort to snag the  towline loop with the grapple hook. As the masts are reached, the airplane is rotated into a steep  climb to ensure the banner will be peeled off the ground instead of jerked off at an acute angle,  depending upon aircraft performance capabilities. As the banner is peeled off the ground,  2-1  UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED  Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 