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Category Archives: AOPA

Aviation insurance rates on the rise!

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Scott Smith

Aviation insurance rates on the rise!

Aviation insurance rates are on the rise. For years the aviation insurance market has been pretty slow in increasing the premiums.

But if you have followed my posts and articles, you will know that in the past year rates have been going up and it doesn’t look like it will stop anytime soon.

There are lots of reasons why the increases could be happening: from airline crashes, general aviation crashes, bad weather, to the financial markets. Whatever the reason for the increases. Here are a few things you can do to manage your insurance premium:

  1. Make sure your broker has your most updated and accurate pilot hours.  Keep flying and putting on hours. It’s an excuse to fly.
  2. If you have hull coverage, re-evaluate the insured value of your aircraft. Are you insuring it for enough or too much?
  3. Get that advanced rating. While an instrument might not save you a huge percentage, it might open the market for more options.
  4. Keep it simple. Some of the best insurance rates are on fixed tri-gear aircraft. Thinking of moving up to a retractable gear or tail wheel aircraft, be prepared that the insurance rates are going to be higher.
  5. If you are an older pilot don’t let your insurance expire (lapse). Age is also a barrier to getting insurance coverage.

And as a final thought, please note, Insurance Agents/Brokers don’t have any control over the rates of the insurance companies.  There’s the old saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger”, and that applies here.

 

Posted in aircraft, aircraft accident, aircraft insurance, aircraft sales, airplanes, airports, AOPA, Aviation, aviation insurance, certified aircraft, Cessna, FAA, flying, general aviation, government, kitplanes | Tags: aircraft, Aircraft insurance, airplanes, AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT, aviation, aviation insurance, drone insurance, EAA, kitplanes |

Can I commute with an airplane?

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Scott Smith

Commute with a plane?

Q. Can I commute with an airplane?  I have always wanted to get my private pilot’s license. I was offered a new job, but it is two hours away from my house. I was thinking of getting a license so I can fly instead of drive.  Am I being unrealistic? I know I would need to have a backup plan for driving for when the weather is unfavorable and a place to stay near my new job. But the idea sounds like more fun then setting in traffic.

A. It can actually be a great idea, although it might not save you as much time as you think. I have a few customers that do exactly what you are talking about and they really like the arrangement. Problem is, it often takes more time to get the plane out, fly and put it away than it would to drive the distance.

Also, to  make it a success you will probably need to get instrument rating.  There will be some days that there is just enough weather to keep you on the ground when you could still be flying.

But really, even if it takes longer, I cannot think of a better commute!

commute

Posted in affordable flying, aircraft, aircraft insurance, aircraft training, Airventure, AOPA, aviation market, buying an aircraft, Cirrus aircraft, EAA | Tags: aircraft, Aircraft insurance, Airventure, aviation, aviation insurance, Cessna, EAA, FAA, Zenith aircraft |

‘YEAR OF THE TANKER’ AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018 BRINGS BIG IRON TO FLIGHTLINE

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Scott Smith

‘YEAR OF THE TANKER’ AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018 BRINGS BIG IRON TO FLIGHTLINE

YEAR OF THE TANKER’ Air Force Reserve Command 70th anniversary bolsters Oshkosh presence

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 20, 2018) — The Air Force Reserve is celebrating its 70th anniversary at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018, bringing its impressive fleet of military refueling aircraft as part of AirVenture’s “Year of the Tanker.” The 66th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Air Force Reserve Command, which encompasses nearly 70,000 Citizen Airmen, will bring operational aircraft to Oshkosh in 2018 and participate in a unique display showcasing the past, present,and future of tanker aircraft.

“We are honored that the Air Force Reserve will mark its 70th anniversary at Oshkosh, as it is a perfect place to showcase the Reserve’s aircraft and Citizen Airmen,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Its presence will make the ‘Year of the Tanker’ possible, but it will feature other aircraft and programs during the week.”

Air Force Reserve Command aircraft will participate in the daily air shows at AirVenture 2018, and be displayed on Boeing Plaza throughout the week. Reserve Citizen Airmen will also participate in WomenVenture, creating opportunities for all to meet and connect in an event designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of women in aviation. In addition, there will be special forums and programs highlighting the Reserve’s mission around the world in support of military and humanitarian operations.

“The 70th anniversary of the Air Force Reserve is a superb time to tell the story of our Citizen Airmen who provide a tremendous amount of operational experience to the Air Force mission and for aviation fans, there’s no better place to demonstrate that than at Oshkosh,” said Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. “Innovation is in our DNA, and it comes from the diverse experience our Reserve Citizen Airmen bring to the mission from various communities across the nation.”

Announcements of specific aircraft and programming during EAA AirVenture 2018 will be made as they are finalized.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.EAA.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org. Immediate news is available at www.Twitter.com/EAA.

YEAR OF THE TANKER’

Posted in airports, airshow, Airventure, AMA, AOPA, aviation theme, EAA, Uncategorized | Tags: aircraft, airports, airshows, Airventure, aviation, aviation insurance, EAA, experimental aircraft |
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