Anybody know anything about making drag chutes??

[Bartman]

The rain and wind here has made it hard for me to be out testing different banners with the big Cub but yesterday morning I finally got to pull the 10'x2' banner and it was twisting and flopping around no matter how slowly I flew the plane. I've read that a drag chute off the back corner of the banner will make it tow better but I'm in a time crunch to get one made. I can use blue tarp material but thought I'd see if we have any parachuters or drag racers that could point out some of the more important elements of the design to make it last longer.

Would appreciate any input.

Thanks!
Bart

 

[Wacobipe]

A guy in our club flies a banner regularly. The front pole that the banner attaches to needs to be weighted at the bottom so

Take the pole by itself and balance it so that the center of gravity is about 25% of total length from the heavy end. This will be the bottom of the pole. Then you connect the tow wires to top and bottom of the pole then into a Y to the main tow line. This tow line pulls 25-30% of the distance from the top of the pole (the Y connection isn't centered...it pulls closer to the top).

I hope that is clear...I'll PM you my contact number in case it isn't so you can just call.

 

[Bartman]

I've got all of that going on the front end, just need a drag chute off the back to keep the banner straight, not flapping, not twisting, etc but thanks

 

[dhal22]

What about toy parachutes?

 

[Bartman]

I've got a design in my head using blue tarp material and lots of gorilla tape for reinforcements. I'll try it tomorrow night when I'm back home and bring lots of spare material to make more at Triple Tree.

 

[js-rc]

I've always wanted to tow a banner but I don't know where to start !! I have two 50 cc planes & a 150cc plane. What would work best ? Also what are those poles made of, maybe PVC pipe ? Would a local sign shop be able to make the banner or rather what is it made of & how long can it be ?
If anyone has some pictures please post them if possible !!
Thanks a lot !!
John

 

[Bartman]

Hey John,

It's frickin' fun! I promise I'll post a whole thread dedicated to banner towing once I get back from Joe Nall. There's a lot of info out there about this and that's what has got me this far. If I can help to get you started I'd be happy to do it but it'll have to be in a couple of weeks.

Thanks!
Bart

 

[js-rc]

Hey John,

It's frickin' fun! I promise I'll post a whole thread dedicated to banner towing once I get back from Joe Nall. There's a lot of info out there about this and that's what has got me this far. If I can help to get you started I'd be happy to do it but it'll have to be in a couple of weeks.

Thanks!
Bart

Thanks Bart & really looking forward to the info !!