From the use of small airplanes that tow advertising banners over America’s beaches to the giant blimps that are almost a city-block long, General Aviation (GA) helps advertisers promote their products.

One of the most well-known blimps is the Goodyear blimp that flies high over major sporting events to advertise their brand while serving as a camera platform for TV crews. In the United States, it’s common to see the Fuji blimp, while in Japan, it’s common to see the Kodak blimp. Many blimps are all white underneath. So, these general-purpose advertising blimps or airships are draped with temporary covers that carry a particular design for an individual advertiser. Also, advertisers use hot air balloons that are shaped like a particular product they want to promote such as a battery, soda bottle, or athletic shoe.

Skywriting was once more common than it is today, but it’s still used to help promote products and services over America’s shoreline and beaches. It’s also used for the occasional marriage proposal.

Some specialty airplanes, helicopters, and blimps are fitted with light boards that display moving messages at night.