Category Archives: aircraft insurance

Using the FAA B4UFLY drone app

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B4Uflyscreen

Using the FAA B4UFLY drone app.

First off, if you are not using the FAA B4UFLY drone app (https://www.faa.gov/uas/b4ufly/) on your smart phone or tablet, go download it. I understand that the app is not definitive answer to where you can fly, but it is a nice way to get a quick reference.

A friend of ours asked if we could take aerial video of a small gathering of people she is organizing. Since we do not have our 333 Exemption yet (should be soon…), we can’t do anything for hire but thought it would be a great way to get more experience.

In our case I entered the address of the field our friend wanted the video taken and let the system pick out the location and overlaid the nearest airports.  In this case we were outside the five-mile radius for a commercial airport but inside the five miles for a small private field, although, that small field doesn’t exist anymore. So the data might be a bit behind, but at least it reminded us where we should be concerned.

FYI, I looked at a couple other airports that I knew were gone and they were still on the map, so it is important to know your area. Don’t rely just on this application.

The next step was to get permission from the facility owner and potentially the city.  I called the city and they informed me that they are relatively unprepared for drone activity, but they have attended a few conventions and training programs where drones have been discussed. At this time the city has a few model aircraft rules in place which will cover the operation of drones for the time being.  Those rules do not allow models on public city land or parks.

But since we were flying on private ground we would need to talk to the owners. Will let you know how the whole thing goes, weather permitting.

Take a look at the screen short for the B4UFLY app. The purple pin is where the address put us compared the two airports. Kind of cool

SUN ‘n FUN Planning 2015 annual event

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Presented by Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the 41st 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 40th 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?

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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.