Helicopter banner: Difference between revisions
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* [http://www.hobsbanners.com/content/view/2/8/.htm HOBS Helicopter Banners] |
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* [http://www.aerial-media.com/options/options2.html Aerial Media Services, Inc. Heli-Banners] |
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Revision as of 17:59, 20 July 2007
Helicopter Banners (Helicopter banners) is a form of aerial advertising, developed over 10 years ago. The Helicopter banners technology is owned and operated throughout the world by HOBS Banners (Helicopter Overcity Banner system) based in Sloane Square, London.
Banner design
Helicopter banners are made from highly durable light weight polyester. These are manufactured from designs taken from vector graphics however standard jpeg images may also be used. A Helicopter banner can range in size from 5,000 sq ft up to 45,000 sq ft.
The Banner Towing System
The HOBS helicopter banner towing system was developed by HOBS in Australia during the late 90’s. The system features a “long line” (a rope similar to that used for rock climbing) attached to the helicopter with a deadweight attached to the other. The long line itself is approximately 80meters in length but including the span of the deadweight the total length of the HOBS Banner system is approximately 81.5m when towing a 15,000sq ft advertisment. The total length can increase up to 92m to accommodate the largest banners in use today. The Helicopter banner itself is positioned approximately 46m (150FT) below the helicopter and can weight between 60-170 kgs depending on the banner’s size. The system features a deadweight (approx 100kgs) which is composed of silica based sand to act as a stability control during flight. Helicopter banners can operate in windspeeds of up to 28kts (constant).
The HOBS Banner system was designed with safety in-mind and includes an integrated parachute design which allows the banner to fall gently to the ground upon release from the air unit.
Should the banner need to be jettisoned the following procedure occurs:
1. The system efficiently disperses the deadweight
2. Following detachment of the system from the aircraft, the mechanism operates to “recoil” the banner into a small area, compressing the Helibanner down for greater stability without the deadweight.
3. A small parachute is deployed to safely transport both the long line (towing ropes) and compressed Helicopter banner to the ground.
The whole process is instantaneous and has back-up safety features similar to a parachute pack used for parachute jumping.
The types of helicopters used include the AS350, AS355, Bo105, Bell 206 Jetranger, Bell 206 Longranger, Bell 406 and the R44. To fly Helicopter Banners system pilots need to have long line experience. The amount required varies with aviation authority.
Aviation Approvals
The most stringent aviation authorities in the world (Australia – Civil Aviation & Safety Authority, UK – Civil Aviation Authority and USA – Federal Aviation Administration) have all approved the HOBS Banner system for flying over built-up areas. In all jurisdictions around the world, the key issue for aviation authorities is the ability to safely jettison (release) the “deadweight” used to stabilize the banner system during flight. Due to the design and safety features, the HOBS system has received aviation licence approvals for over-land flying in a number of jurisdictions. Currently HOBS banner system is the only helicopter banner towing system licensed for flight over built-up areas.
Flying approvals for HOBS Helicopter Banners have be acquired for populated areas including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Portugal, India, Hong Kong, USA, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Brazil and parts of the middle East. Currently the technology is limited to daylight flying.
Helicopter Banners flown to date
Helicopter banners have been seen at many large sporting events including the FIFA World Cup in Germany, Tour de France and the London Marathon. They can fly for up to 3 hours at a time and are visible from 10 miles. Measuring 45,000 sq ft, the Ikea advert flown by HOBS banners in Australia in 2001 is the largest banner ever flown. A helicopter banner commissioned by 20th Century Fox (Broadcasting company) for “Die Hard 4” was flown over London for the premier at Leicester Square on 20th June 2007. The 35,000 sq ft, "Die Hard" banner was the largest flown outside of Australia.