Category Archives: aircraft insurance

SUN ‘n FUN Planning 2015 annual event

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Scott Smith

Presented by Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the 41^st Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo will be held April 21-26, 2015 in Lakeland, Florida.  An anticipated crowd of 200,000 people during the event will include more than 500 credentialed media, 500 exhibitors and guests from 80 different countries. 

An International Jet Team, U.S. Military Jet Team and Warbirds will keep attendees entertained and educated.  CEO & President John R. “Lites” Leenhouts is directing staff and volunteers to design this event as one that offers exciting ‘finds’ on the grounds and in the air that have been suggested by the aviation community.  Themes used each day will combine Florida Day, World Aerobatics, Education, International Hospitality, Warbirds, Formations, Aviation Potpourri, Military, Florida Resident Day and more.  “Dinner with Legends” (a fund-raising event for year-round education programs and scholarships), will feature big names from the sporting community who are also pilots.  Lectures, workshops, continuing education credits for teachers, international food vendors, youth activities, and rides on aircraft like the Ford Tri-Motor round out the week for all attendees.

In 2015, there will be a mid-week twilight illuminated aviation airshow as well as a Saturday spectacular include fireworks.  The 40^th anniversary for Air America will be celebrated in the Veterans Plaza.   Celebrating “A Brighter Future through Aviation”, there will be an unveiling of a new “Piedmont Education Experience” as the only fully-functional aircraft classroom on a high school campus in the world.  The Boeing 727 will also have a Bernie Little Memorial community meeting space.

For further information about how to become involved at SUN ‘n FUN as a volunteer, sponsor, partner, exhibitor, vendor or advertiser, visit www.sun-n-fun.org or call 863-644-2431.

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Aviation education experiences are offered year-round for students of all ages on the SUN ‘n FUN Convention Campus.  Proceeds from any event at SUN ‘n FUN, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, are returned to STEM-based education programs and activities.  Take time to visit Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum with your family.  

Medicals needed?

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Scott Smith

Most companies require a current medical if you are to be insured.  Does that mean you don’t have insurance if you don’t have a medical?  No!  If you are not using the aircraft in a way that needs a medical, why would you need to have a medical?

If you are unable to maintain a medical, but you still own an aircraft it could still be insured.  If you are not flying the aircraft and you have coverage while “not-in-flight” and the aircraft is damaged by a big storm, you should still be covered.

Many of the aviation insurance companies follow the guidelines of the FAA.  I even tried to find an FAR that said you had to have a medical (or a pilot’s license for that matter) to taxi or own an aircraft.  I was unable to locate anything specific to that.  (Just think, if that was the case, many of the corporate owners or the owners that hire a pilot, would not be able to have any coverage). 

For an example, say you are the aircraft owner and you don’t have a medical and you are taxiing your aircraft around the airport.  A good owner keeps the engine, tires and brakes limbered up.  And let’s assume that you have full coverage for ground and flight.  Now, what if you happen to have a minor mishap during that time, such as you hit a taxi light or drop in a hole and damage the prop, you should have coverage.  Should have coverage and the insurance company not wanting to pay are two different things.  Most aircraft insurance policies have a section that states that the operator of the aircraft has to meet the requirements of the policy.  The requirements usually include a medical.  But a medical is not required to taxi or start the aircraft only to fly the aircraft.  If you were not on the runway, not flying or haven’t been flying, should they pay?  I think so.  And will they pay?  Probably.  If the company has provided the correct coverage for the aircraft and the aircraft is not in a situation requiring a medical, they should be responsible! 

If you were out flying and the aircraft had an accident, you’d void the policy without a medical.  So just because you are on the ground doesn’t mean you don’t have to meet the policy requirements.  The earlier example is a situation, where you were not in flight and not intending to fly. 

Of course, this is a “gray” area.  If the pilot is taxiing to the pumps for fuel to make a flight, he doesn’t have to have a medical, but going down the runway he does…I just thought of something else.  Many people think they can get around this by having a friend in the aircraft that does have a medical.  Problem is if they are not qualified, listed or meeting the open pilot warranty they are not covered in the aircraft.  If the other pilot is not an instructor they can’t be “giving dual”.  Additionally, that “friend” will be the one at risk of being the pilot in command in the event of an accident or claim.  Very few people I know want to have an accident (and possibly a violation) on their pilots record for a friend who just happened not to have a medical!  Usually the friendship ends up being very short.

Airport insurance requirements

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Scott Smith

This is just a quick comment about airports being added to your policy as an additional insured. 

There are few states that require a person to buy aviation insurance.  But the local community can require coverage. 

Not surprisingly there is an increase in the airport requirements that are being asked for.  These requirements use to be just to have the airport listed as an additional insured.   The local community was worried about being protected if someone thought you were liable for something. The airport wants a little extra protection from your policy.  But lately the requests have been expanded to include request for additional named insured, higher limits and even requirements for hull coverage.

Plus now there are management companies that want to be protected too. So not only do you have the city or county but the FBO and property managers. Each time you get asked to add another person to your policy you are basically diluting your coverage. Now you are protecting all those additional insured. No, it’s not the best thing, but its also the way the business works.  You can’t get by without it.

Anyway, these requirements have made the insurance companies start rethinking their premiums.  Each time they add or change the policy they incur some cost.  Some companies add a premium for an additional insured that is not a municipality or governmental agency.  For example, naming the FBO will probably cost you.

And if more and more requests are made for additional insureds, it would not be a surprise to see the rates increase to cover these cost. 

And if they ask for a Waiver of Subrogation… well that’s another story.