Category Archives: Aviation

Hamilton Takeoff Watch.

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Need a new watch? This is a cool option. Wear it on your wrist, stick it on your dash or panel…pretty versatile!

I was at 2014 AirVenture and got an invite to a Hamilton Watch press function. Hamilton has put a big emphasis in aviation by supporting airshow pilots, aviation movies and even training high altitude rescue helicopter pilots.  I was able to meet a few of the companies leaders and I am impressed.  Glad to see them involved in aviation. 

The Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition writes the next chapter of Hamilton’s long history of aviation

Hamilton is taking its close cooperation with Air Zermatt, the Swiss mountain rescue service, to new heights with the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition. This pilot watch, which simultaneously acts as a wrist-, cockpit- and table watch, has been created to meet the needs of the rescue team. This dynamic watch is detachable and can be placed in the dashboard of a helicopter or airplane cockpit, as indicated in the presentation box which makes aviation references with a reconstructed dashboard and texts such as “No Step” and “Pull to Open”. Synchronized with the Hamilton brand’s strong aviation heritage, dating back to 1919, the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition combines high-tech modernity with inspiration from the Hamilton elapsed time clock produced during World War II and then considered the most complicated aircraft clock. For the 1,999 wearers in possession of one of the numbered pieces, this watch is the perfect portable cockpit with a constant presence on the style radar screen.

For further information:

What happens when you make an engine change?

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So you’re thinking of making a change.  Many modifications are available for your aircraft, but one of the most expensive (and some claim “most valuable”) is a new larger engine!
Before you run out and borrow the money for that fantastic conversion, check with your aviation insurance agent and see what will happen to your insurance rates.  Typically, they will probably say “I don’t know!”   Engine conversions have not always been a regular thing.  Conversions were always popular with homebuilders, but not with certified aircraft.  Today, more and more people are adding a different sized engine to their aircraft, hoping to increase the performance.
The first and most important question to consider is “is there an STC or will my aircraft be listed as an experimental.  If you are putting an engine in your aircraft that has not been certified or has not went through the FAA supplemental type certification (STC) process you’re asking for an increase in premiums, sometimes substantial.  In my experience, the premiums have increased anywhere from 10 to 25 percent. 
Examples?  There have been a number of companies that have put automotive engines into certified aircraft.  V-8 Chevy engines in a Skymaster, Subaru engines in 150’s and even the Camair engine in a Piper Arrow.  None of these conversions used certified aircraft engines and had their airworthiness certificates modified.  They were reclassified in the experimental category. 

In other cases where the aircraft was using certified aircraft engine and the aircraft was listed in the experimental category, the rate again increased between 10 – 25%.
But what happens if you decide to put a new, bigger engine in your aircraft by way of the STC program?  Numerous companies have engine conversions available that provide increased horsepower without making the aircraft an experimental.  I contacted a few underwriters, in those cases, most said that the premiums would probably not change significantly if at all.  The key here is “as long as it was an FAA approved STC conversion”.
If there were changes, what would they change?  The open pilot warranty might be more restrictive. The deductibles might be higher.  And definitely the value would be different!  But other than that…not much would change.  Of course all of this hinges on the insurance company and underwriter. 
What will you need to do, insurance wise, if you make the conversion?  Whether you convert to a bigger engine or just install a new engine, you need to re-evaluate the aircraft value on your policy.  Most companies will increase the value of your aircraft IF they can prove the higher value based on the aircraft value guides.
So what does this all mean?   Simply, if you decide to change the engine in your aircraft, whether it is the same or different horsepower, the insurance rates should not change if the conversion is done using an FAA approved STC.  The value of the aircraft will change, which in turn will increase the premium you pay.  Besides that, go for it!  The performance should be worth it. 

Airport insurance requirements

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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.