Jon Harden was introduced to general aviation at a young age when a family friend took him for a flight in a Piper Cub. He was immediately hooked. Shortly after completing college he became a pilot and began to work in the aviation industry; later completing his commercial, instrument, and flight instructor ratings. After 17 years at aircraft insurance direct writer, Avemco, Harden formed an aviation insurance brokerage, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR). As if running one of the top aircraft insurance companies in the nation wasn’t enough, he recently added a new achievement to the list: helicopter pilot!
“To remain a proficient pilot, you should always keep learning,” Harden explained. “Getting my rotor add-on was the perfect way to do that!”
Harden has looked at several models of helicopter to purchase including the Safari Helicopter, a Robinson R22 like he learned in, an R44, a Bell, or an Enstrom. He has even looked into purchasing a gyrocopter, specifically the MTO Sport.
“I could stay on the phone for hours with my clients talking about their helicopters and gyros,” he laughed. “It’s time to get my own!
Harden’s private helicopter add on rating required a minimum of 20 hours dual instruction, 10 hours solo, a written exam, and a practical test. Since he was already a pilot with aviation experience, his focus was mostly geared towards the fundamentals of helicopter flight as well as how helicopter differ from airplane operations. When he pursues the purchase of a gyrocopter, he’ll require some additional transition training for his gyro endorsement.
Purchasing insurance will be the easiest task when Harden brings home a new aircraft, for he’s been in the aircraft insurance business for over 38 years! When Harden formed AIR, he made sure he worked with all the major aviation insurance markets. By shopping each of these markets, he obtains the best rate and the broadest coverage for the aircraft at hand. Countless helicopter owners and renters continue to trust Harden and his team for their helicopter insurance every year.
Harden is not the only pilot at AIR. In fact, he only hires pilots! Therefore, every agent you talk to at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) has the insurance and aviation industry knowledge to fully protect your aircraft risk. To get started on your helicopter insurance quote, call 301-682-6200 or complete a aviation insurance quote request online today!
