In 1980, Dave Benson took up skydiving as a personal interest. His talents and interest in skydiving soon progressed to a level where he was regularly involved in displays at local sporting events and the like. Dave soon recognized the need to create more than just a simple 'aerial show' for sponsors and he came up with the concept of carrying flags bearing the sponsor's logo during the display. This was the beginning of Extreme Air Ads.
From early flags measuring 1 x 1.5 metres to his world record AGIP oils flag measuring a staggering 1210 square metres he continued to build the impact of the displays for his clients.
Rodney Benson has carried on the family tradition with Rod Benson Skydive Australia which has performed Skydiving Displays and Helicopter towed banner displays throughout Australia and world wide.
Professional Exhibition Rating Pro Stamp D-25481
International Parachutist's Certificate "A" 3891
International Parachutist's Certificate "B" 3043
International Parachutist's Certificate "C" 3049
International Parachutist's Certificate "D" 2272
Australian Parachutist's Certificate "E" 1898
Australian Parachutist's Display License B 351
Where It Happens
We build the flags and banners at our own manufacturing base in Bundaberg, Queensland. We ship anywhere in the world.
Standards
Our standards are exacting; these flags don't hang on a pole. Our flags are required to meet the challenge of continuous stresses of flight under skydiver or helicopter. We have passed the rigors of Civil Aviation Authority Approval to manufacture and fly these flags. Our methods are proven excellent and suitable for the operating environment.
Materials
If our flags are not perfect our lives could be at risk, so we ensure that every step in the construction process is as good as we can make it. We use special materials including Kevlar, F111 (developed by NASA for the space program), and a number of other 'new age' fabrics. These materials are lightweight, durable, wear and tear resistant, and are extremely strong.
The Building Process
The techniques employed at each stage for building the flag or banner are varied and numerous. We use screen printing, sign writing, and even sewing the image into the flag with new material. Ultimately, the process flow of each flag we build depends largely on the artwork to be displayed. Once we are given an order and artwork we do the following:
1. Plan the building technique.
2. Purchase the appropriate construction materials.
3. Build the base flag, which may vary in size from 10 square metres to 2500 square metres.
4. The image is then processed onto the base flag.
5. Appropriate containers are manufactured where necessary to protect the flag during storage and transportation.
6. Test jumps or tows are conducted with the flag or banner prior to the first display.
Lead Time
The time it takes to make a huge flag or banner varies from two to six weeks starting from the receipt of the artwork and Purchase Order. This large range of of time is dependent on the nature of the job, the urgency, the manufacturing technique, and many other factors.
Flag construction and display jump packages available
Inclusive of all requirements to deliver packages, including insurance, freight, planning and approvals.