Category Archives: aircraft insurance

Finding a Hangar is getting more difficult.

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The cost to hangar your aircraft hit a new weird high today!

We heard from a customer today about the difficulty in getting a hangar in the their local area.  After looking around, the owner found it cheaper to hangar the plane in a neighboring state, besides there were waiting lists to get a hangar in the local area.
Who would have thought it is cheaper to hop an airline to fly to where the customer can rent hangar space and do some leisure flying for the weekend than it was to tie the aircraft out on the customer’s local field.

What to buy, a Cessna 150 or 172?

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What to buy, a Cessna 150 or 172?

150 or 172 150 or 172

Interesting question I was asked.  Should I buy a Cessna 150 or 172?   A four place aircraft would be nice, but what about the extra cost?  Is it worth it?  And the question isn’t just about Cessna aircraft.  It can also be about the Piper Tomahawk (or even the Cherokee 140) and the Cherokee 180 and a number of other aircraft.  Actually, it can be about any number of aircraft. Do you want a two seat or a four seat.

Both aircraft are very similar when it comes to maintenance costs and fixed costs.  Just because the 150 are smaller aircraft doesn’t mean they are substantially cheaper to own.  If you think about the difference between these two aircraft…there aren’t many, except for size.  The four place aircraft will have a bigger airframe and engine.  But the basic components (and construction) are about the same.  The same is true with the maintenance.

The initial purchase price can be lower for a 150, but many of the older 172’s are in the same price range.  When you buy lower priced four-place aircraft, you are buying an older age, which could increase the maintenance costs.

The biggest difference will probably be in the fuel burn and the insurance cost.  The fuel burn is about double in a four-place compared to a two-place aircraft.  The insurance premium increases because of the extra liability with the two additional seats and the increase in hull value.

But really, do you really need the extra room and higher useful load?  Don’t get your wants and needs confused.  A Cessna 150 will do almost every thing a Cessna 172 will, but on less fuel and at a slower speed. I flew a Cessna 152 from Iowa to New Orleans. It was along trip, fun and kind of cramped, but it still did the job. I also know a couple that took their Cessna 150 and flew from Iowa to Mexico. They toured the country of Mexico for a couple of weeks. Never had any problems getting in or out of airports or worried about the fuel they could obtain.

And think about how many people fly with you on a regular basis.  If its just you and your dog, the 150 will be all you need.

The final decision will depend on you personal situation, but don’t give up on a good two seat aircraft if that’s all you need.

What is non-owned or renters insurance?

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What is non-owned or renters insurance?

Non-owned or as it is more commonly called, renters insurance, is a liability policy that can provide bodily injury, property damage and aircraft hull protection for a pilot that is flying an aircraft they do not own.

non-owned

“Do not own” is a key phrase. You do not have to own an aircraft to be found liable for damage or injuries. It is important to note that this is liability coverage; in addition, it is not only for rental aircraft. A borrowed, rented or even a flying club aircraft can put the
pilot in a position of potential liability.

Very simply put, liability means the coverage is used if the named insured is found liable for damage or injury to a third party. For example, if a person is flying an aircraft that has an engine failure or some other mechanical problem that is not the pilot’s fault and
damages occur, non-owned insurance would not necessarily pay the claim.

Many people feel they do not need to buy insurance on their aircraft and they can let their friends fly their aircraft if the friends have non-owned insurance and they are protected. Not true. If the pilot is not found liable, there is no coverage. When a renter signs the rental agreement, they are agreeing to pay the owner for the damages. Usually that consists of the paying the owners deductible. However, the Fixed Base Operator, flight school or the owner of the aircraft actually gives up their right to subrogation when they accept the claim. Once the claim is paid, the insurance company can go after the pilot or third party that was liable. That is the subrogation clause.

Non-owned comes in two basic parts. Bodily injury and property damage (BIPD) liability and hull damage liability.

So how much should you buy? Like any insurance product, check with an estate and financial adviser (or lawyer) to figure out what level you need to buy. However, be careful, non-owned is very reasonable protection, but it can cost a lot of money per year. Buying non-owned insurance often costs as much as an aircraft owner pays for owned insurance.

You have to buy BIPD as a minimum. Most buyers that have any level of assets (a home, car, etc) usually opt for at least a million dollars, usually with a $100,000 sub limit. This coverage is quite reasonably priced.

The high cost comes in the hull protection. One option is to buy enough to cover the total loss of the aircraft that you are flying. Another option is to buy enough to cover at least half the value. The reasoning is that there will probably be some salvage value.

If you have more questions, feel free to contact us.

Or if you need a quote, click here.