TFaudree_ERAU
Mashin' dem buttons
I know most of you have read the articles in AOPA Pilot magazine about the people that take a stand against local government action through the help of the AOPA. The company that I work for may have a reason to go to the AOPA for assistance, but I'm wondering if it is something that they can or want to help us with.
Since my last post regarding the hardships I've been having at my job, I talked with my boss about ways to increase my amount of flying and in turn the company's revenue. I was finally able to convince him that advertising sightseeing flights in a C206 for the normal charter rate was not the way to attract business. I instead pointed him in the direction of acquiring a "multi-purpose" C172, which can be operated for a MUCH more reasonable rate. I use the word "multi-purpose" because I see multiple niches in which to use the airplane. Tourist season is fast approaching, and this area would be very conducive to aerial tours. Other possibilities are aerial photography, traffic watch, flight instruction and banner towing.
All of those are possible pretty much right off the bat, but banner towing is another story. Aside from the aircraft modifications, training and insurance, the town ordnances of Hilton Head prohibit banner towing operations. Under the "Land Management Ordnance" section of local code, there is a section titled "Signs and Lighting". There are some 15 to 20 items that are listed as being prohibited when it comes to signs, most of which have to do with offensive or detractive signs. Any of you that have ever been to Hilton Head know that it is nearly impossible to know what shops and restaurants are just off the main highway because of the sign height and size restrictions. This is where I see aerial advertising being of great use to local businesses.
Local bureaucracy aside, can a town REALLY prohibit activities that take place above the surface of its real-estate? I've heard rumots that the locals started complaining about the banner towing operations that were taking place here, and in turn, the county called the FAA to complain. In reply, the FAA basically said "I'm sorry, you have no jurisdiction over the airspace above or around the island." Shortly thereafter, the ordnance was put in place.
My question is this; does the town of Hilton Head have the legal right to prohibit banner towing, and should we ask the AOPA to investigate the legality of, and hopefully remove, that ordnance?
Since my last post regarding the hardships I've been having at my job, I talked with my boss about ways to increase my amount of flying and in turn the company's revenue. I was finally able to convince him that advertising sightseeing flights in a C206 for the normal charter rate was not the way to attract business. I instead pointed him in the direction of acquiring a "multi-purpose" C172, which can be operated for a MUCH more reasonable rate. I use the word "multi-purpose" because I see multiple niches in which to use the airplane. Tourist season is fast approaching, and this area would be very conducive to aerial tours. Other possibilities are aerial photography, traffic watch, flight instruction and banner towing.
All of those are possible pretty much right off the bat, but banner towing is another story. Aside from the aircraft modifications, training and insurance, the town ordnances of Hilton Head prohibit banner towing operations. Under the "Land Management Ordnance" section of local code, there is a section titled "Signs and Lighting". There are some 15 to 20 items that are listed as being prohibited when it comes to signs, most of which have to do with offensive or detractive signs. Any of you that have ever been to Hilton Head know that it is nearly impossible to know what shops and restaurants are just off the main highway because of the sign height and size restrictions. This is where I see aerial advertising being of great use to local businesses.
Local bureaucracy aside, can a town REALLY prohibit activities that take place above the surface of its real-estate? I've heard rumots that the locals started complaining about the banner towing operations that were taking place here, and in turn, the county called the FAA to complain. In reply, the FAA basically said "I'm sorry, you have no jurisdiction over the airspace above or around the island." Shortly thereafter, the ordnance was put in place.
My question is this; does the town of Hilton Head have the legal right to prohibit banner towing, and should we ask the AOPA to investigate the legality of, and hopefully remove, that ordnance?
