The Airplane Had Pulled Banners Referring To Tiger Woods

The FAA grounded an airplane which had towed a banner near the Augusta National golf course during an early round of The Masters tournament last week. One banner read "Tiger: Did you mean Bootyism?" Another said "Sex addict? Sure, me too." Four other messages were waiting to be displayed.

FAA officials said the grounding was over a repair issue.

The FAA ordered the grounding after meeting with the pilot. Multiple media sources indicate that the Cessna belongs to Air America Aerial Ads, which is based in Toledo, Ohio. What ever the issue was, it apparently wasn't too serious, because the airplane was allowed to return to Ohio to make repairs.

FAA spokesperson Kathleen Bergen told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that, while banner towing has never been restricted over The Masters, it had apparently never been done before.

While not being specific about the mechanical issue with the plane, the FAA said it posed a danger to a plane flying "over crowds." The plane was allowed to return to Toledo on a ferry permit.

While there was no TFR for the golf tournament, pilots had been asked by the FAA to voluntarily stay at least two miles from the golf course during Masters play. Bergen said she did not know if the pilot for the banner company had seen the advisory. It was also not known who actually paid for the banners to be flown.

Tiger finished tied for 4th, five strokes behind winner Phil Mickelson.

FMI: www.majorschampionships.com