Banner Towing Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of aviation, the focus on banner towing pilots has never been more significant.

The industry propels forward, and with each advancement, the demand for skilled pilots who can maneuver, navigate, and ensure our airborne advertising efforts soars.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a banner towing pilot?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the unique aspects of banner towing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable banner towing pilot job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Banner Towing Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Banner Towing Pilots are primarily responsible for flying aircrafts that pull advertising banners.

They play a significant role in aerial advertising campaigns and must be well-versed in aviation safety and flight operations.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Perform pre-flight checks of aircrafts, ensuring that the engine, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly
• Operate aircrafts that tow large banners, adhering to flight plans and schedules
• Execute pick-up maneuver to capture the banner at the beginning of each flight
• Communicate with air traffic control personnel during takeoff, flight, and landing
• Regularly inspect and perform maintenance tasks on the towing equipment and the banners themselves
• Maintain compliance with all regulations and standards related to aviation and banner towing
• Work closely with clients to understand their advertising needs and ensure the visibility of the banners
• Prepare flight reports including problems encountered during the flight and the overall performance of the aircraft

 

Banner Towing Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Banner Towing Pilot to join our aerial advertising team.

The successful candidate will fly our aircraft to display advertising banners or messages in the sky.

Banner Towing Pilot responsibilities include conducting pre-flight checks, towing banners according to flight plans, and ensuring all safety procedures are adhered to.

Our ideal candidates are proficient in various types of aircraft, have strong navigational skills, and are committed to providing exceptional aerial advertising services for our clients.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft safety
• Pick up, tow and release banners according to flight plans
• Follow all FAA regulations and safety standards
• Maintain regular communication with air traffic control
• Perform necessary aircraft maintenance and repairs
• Ensure all equipment, including the banner and towing equipment, is in good working order
• Record and report all flight information
• Maintain a clean and organized aircraft

 

Qualifications

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is required
• Previous experience as a banner towing pilot or in a similar role
• Extensive knowledge of FAA regulations and safety procedures
• Strong navigational and flight planning skills
• Ability to perform minor aircraft maintenance and repairs
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Physical fitness and ability to withstand long hours of flying

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Banner Towing Pilot
• Work Environment: Mostly outdoors and in the sky. Candidates should be comfortable with various weather conditions and able to fly for long periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Pilot or Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Banner Towing Pilot Do?

Banner Towing Pilots are specialized aviators who fly small aircraft to display advertising banners.

They work for aviation advertising companies and occasionally freelance for individual clients.

They are responsible for the safe and effective towing of aerial banners, typically advertising for businesses or special events.

This involves attaching the banner to the aircraft, taking off, displaying the banner at a specific altitude and location, and then landing safely to detach the banner.

A significant part of their job involves understanding and interpreting meteorological data to ensure safe and visible flights.

They must understand the local weather conditions, wind speed and direction, visibility, and other factors that could impact the flight and banner display.

Banner Towing Pilots also maintain close communication with ground crews and air traffic control throughout their flights.

They need to have a deep understanding of aviation laws and regulations and adhere to them strictly.

Maintenance of the aircraft is another important aspect of their job.

This includes pre-flight and post-flight checks, and coordinating with maintenance staff to ensure the aircraft is in optimal condition for safe operation.

Their role also involves planning and coordinating the flight schedules with clients to ensure the banners are flown as per the advertising schedules.

This could involve flights during events, over crowded areas, or at specific times of the day.

 

Banner Towing Pilot Qualifications and Skills

A competent Banner Towing Pilot needs to possess both technical and soft skills, some of which include:

• Commercial pilot license as a mandatory requirement for the role, along with a valid medical certificate.
• Extensive experience in aviation, with a specific focus on banner towing operations.
• Strong understanding of navigation, meteorology, and flight planning to ensure successful missions.
• Exceptional manual dexterity to operate the aircraft controls effectively during banner pick-up and drop-off operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with ground crew and air traffic control using radio communication systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to manage and adapt to unexpected situations, such as changing weather conditions, mechanical issues, or air traffic delays.
• Attention to detail to ensure safety measures and flight regulations are always followed.
• Physical stamina to endure long hours of flying.

 

Banner Towing Pilot Experience Requirements

Starting a career as a Banner Towing Pilot requires a significant amount of flight experience, typically gained through attending flight school or through military training.

Aspiring pilots must first obtain a private pilot’s license, which requires at least 40 hours of flight experience, including 20 hours of flight with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight.

In addition to the private pilot’s license, banner towing pilots are usually required to have a commercial pilot’s license.

This involves a minimum of 250 hours of flight time and passing written and practical tests.

Specific experience in banner towing is highly desirable but not always required.

Some companies may offer on-the-job training for this specific skill.

It’s also beneficial for pilots to have experience in tailwheel aircraft, as many banner towing planes are tailwheel.

To further increase job prospects, banner towing pilots can gain additional certifications such as the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification.

This allows them to teach others to fly and adds a level of credibility to their skills.

Pilots with more than 5 years of experience in banner towing may be considered for managerial roles or supervisory positions, which may include responsibilities such as overseeing training programs or managing a team of pilots.

 

Banner Towing Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Banner Towing Pilots typically start by obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL) which requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight.

Further to the PPL, pilots are required to earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accredited flight school.

This requires at least 250 hours of flight time, including 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 hours in airplanes, and 100 hours as the pilot in command.

To specifically tow banners, pilots need to have at least a third-class medical certificate and need to have logged a minimum of 100 hours of flight time as pilot in command.

Special training is also necessary for banner towing, and it can typically be obtained from banner towing companies.

This training includes techniques for safely picking up and releasing banners, and understanding the altered flight characteristics when towing a banner.

While not necessary, many pilots pursue a degree in aviation or a related field to improve their knowledge and skills.

It is worth noting that a degree or further qualifications may provide an advantage when pursuing higher-level aviation careers or positions.

Continual skills development and regular flight practice are crucial for maintaining safety and proficiency in this role.

 

Banner Towing Pilot Salary Expectations

A Banner Towing Pilot can expect to earn an average salary of $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, location, the size and reputation of the employing company, and the pilot’s level of certification.

 

Banner Towing Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Banner Towing Pilot need?

Banner Towing Pilots should have excellent aviation skills, including precision flying, understanding and interpreting weather conditions, and handling emergencies.

They should also have the ability to efficiently operate and maintain aircraft.

Good communication skills and the ability to work within a team is also crucial as they often need to coordinate with ground crews.

 

Do Banner Towing Pilots need a license or certification?

Yes, Banner Towing Pilots require a private pilot license at the minimum.

Some companies may require additional licenses or certifications such as a commercial pilot license or a banner tow endorsement.

It is also necessary to have sufficient logged flying hours, usually around 200-500 hours.

 

What should you look for in a Banner Towing Pilot resume?

Firstly, ensure that they have the necessary licenses and certifications to legally fly an aircraft.

Their flying hours should also be checked.

The resume should indicate their aviation skills and any experiences related to banner towing.

Any additional skills such as mechanical abilities or experience in customer service could be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Banner Towing Pilot?

A good Banner Towing Pilot is someone who is meticulous, ensuring that safety regulations and procedures are strictly followed.

They must be able to work under pressure, make swift decisions and handle unexpected situations.

They should also be physically fit as the job can be demanding.

 

Is it difficult to hire Banner Towing Pilots?

The difficulty in hiring Banner Towing Pilots often depends on the location and demand for the role.

In areas where aerial advertising is more popular, finding a qualified pilot might be more challenging.

Also, because this job requires specific skills and experiences, finding a qualified candidate can take longer than usual.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits can help in attracting suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And so we’ve unraveled the enigma.

Today, we’ve granted you a sneak peek into the life of a banner towing pilot.

You know what?

It’s not just about steering the plane.

It’s about painting the skies with your messages, one flight at a time.

With our top-notch banner towing pilot job description template and hands-on examples, you’re geared up to take flight.

But why just hover?

Soar higher with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating spot-on listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every flight you make tells a story.

Let’s paint those stories in the sky. Together.

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