Examine tow lines and grapple hooks for wear and tear. Make sure the grapple hook and line assembly are limited to a length that will not allow the hook to strike the cockpit area of the airplane. The tow line should be no longer than 350 feet, according to the FAA.
Connect the grapple hook to the tow line, then connect the tow line to the tow hitch on the tail of the airplane.
Connect the banner's masthead to the grapple hook. Snap the hook to the bridle ring on the mast assembly. Examine the tow line carefully; verify a secure connection to both the banner and the tow hitch on the tail of the plane.
Sit in the cockpit and prepare for flight. Increase speed and prepare for banner pickup, which involves lifting the banner off the ground during takeoff. Avoid flying too low and too slow, as this may result in the grapple hook bouncing off the ground.
Land on a hard-surface runway, as the masthead may dig into soft turf or a dirt runway. If the masthead digs into the turf like an anchor, it will stretch and possibly break the tow line.
