Skywriting planes trail messages across the sky. Usually, these planes are light planes whose exhaust is modified with special oil, allowing skywriting to stay suspended in air. Any plane that's maneuverable enough to form letters can be used for skywriting. Of course, the pilot operating the plane must be adept enough to form letters accurately; today's planes are equipped with GPS, making it easier for pilots form letters and even pictures.

Many companies hesitate to seek skywriting planes information, assuming that this form of advertising is too expensive. This is not usually the case, however, especially since most companies sell packages that include groups of aerial designs. The effectiveness of this form of advertising has been proven, so your investment will likely pay off. In fact, skywriting has been used since the 1930s, often with tremendous success. If you wish to find skywriting planes, consider:

1. Hiring skywriting services that get your marketing message in the air in cursive script.

2. Choosing skytyping to stand apart from the competition.

3. Teaming with a skywriting planes provider to operate your own skywriting division.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire traditional skywriting planes to see profits soar

The average skywriting planes directory or phone listing will usually offer traditional skywriting services. Traditional skywriting generally consists of a single plane that crafts your marketing message in the sky using smoke. In most cases, this is the most familiar and the most affordable form of skywriting.

I recommend: Aviad offers skywriting in 3,000 foot tall letters that are visible within over 700 square miles. National Sky Ads offers skywriting services with visibility for up to 10 miles.

Opt for unconventional skywriting services to get more attention

If you want your message to appear in a location where skywriting is common (over a beach during spring break, for example) you may want to employ a method that makes your message stand out. One option is to hire a skytyping service. Skytyping involves one plane that creates your message so it unfolds like dot matrix printing along the sky.

I recommend: The Skytypers offer skytyping services nationwide. Skytypers Sky Billboards is run by Andy Stinis, one of the men credited with inventing skytyping.

Pair up with a company offering partnerships to have skywriting planes at your disposal

If your company is expanding rapidly and you want to have skywriting planes at your disposal, a joint venture or partnership allows you to create a new marketing branch for your business. It can be surprisingly affordable to enter into such a relationship, and it can actually be the more affordable solution if your company plans on using this form of advertising regularly over an extended period.

I recommend: AdvertisingAerial.com helps you set up skywriting planes that your company can use for skywriting or to start a skywriting business. Fly Signs offers joint ventures that allow you to set up your own aerial advertising department or branch.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While skywriting works year-round, September and October tend to be the months with the best weather for skywriting in most regions of the United States. This is because these months tend to have crisp, clear days on which sky-written messages tend to last longest. If possible, get on skywriting planes' list of clients for these months.